Sit not in your darkened room
alone and brooding
feeling forsaken by the Fates
the sounds of the living rising from the streets.
Mourn not uselessly your luck
that’s failing now;
your plans, your hopes
all gone awry.
Instead prepare and brace yourself
with courage, to say goodbye to them
and her;
for she has left you and is no longer here.
Weep not too long, nor pine,
nor waste away, nor degrade yourself
with empty hopes and dreams
for that which is lost, is lost.
Instead listen closely with your heart
to the joyous music of those still young, still happy
and prepare to say goodbye to her
with grace.
for the procession of the living goes on;
the exquisite music of the city
rising in your ears will carry you the courage
to bid “farewell”.
And shake not your fist at Heaven, asking “why?”
as if you are the lone forsaken;
after all, did not the Gods abandon
even mighty Antony?
.
————————————————
This is brilliant, Frank. Young and old do not know “How to Breakup” with any grace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
p.s. – a newspaper should be publishing you as a columnist. I feel blessed to read you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lara – thanks for the kind words. This came out of me perhaps eight years ago, a few years after my wife passed. But yes, it also is about breaking up. Things happen and life goes on. You either carry on or take to the bottle or worse. This poem appeared here before a couple of years ago. Funny, but I don’t think I can write as well anymore. At least not often. Regards.
LikeLike
I read it as a personal lament for the loss of your wife. Either way, it must resonate with anyone who reads it. Powerful as always, and a joy to read.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person