After the Parade of Life
I had a life But did not live it
It's over now.
The parade of life
Is at an end
So far away
From where it begins
****
I made sure to be
Whatever was needed
All around me.
To make certain
People always kindly see me
****
But my body lieing here
In state for last visit
I listen to them all
And wonder who is it?
****
Of whom do they speak?
I can see
I knew everyone
But in listening to them
They didn't know me.
****
I'm scattered across the room
In numerous faces
I touched their lives
In all the right places
****
They loved me
But they never knew ME
****
They only knew the part
I gave them
Carefully curated
From the me within.
****
I was all things
To all people
But what were
They for me?
****
Just the person
To call
When the part of me
I gave them was needed
That's all.
****
I was a fixer
Of all things broken
I did all the right things
The right words spoken.
And of all the lives I might have helped
I never helped me
Here I lie still broken.
****
I never tended me.
I never had that second or third child.
I never had that vacation abroad
Never took that photography class
Didn't learn a second language
Didn't eat the foods I yearned for
Didn't share my secrets, hopes or desires
Didn't let my dreamer dream
****
And here I lie with my life over
No one knows the me inside
The part left deep down to hide
Because there was no one to curate those parts to
Not even to myself.
****
Now those parts weep in darkness
In this husk that will turn to dust
My soul to spread back out to
The ether.
****
I had a life, tis true
But I realize only now
Not one drop of it
was ever lived for me.....
It was only lived for all of you
****
And already as you mingle here
You're mending the hole
In your lives my dieing makes
To slot in the next person
from whom you can take.
****
Yes, I had a life
But I never lived it
All I did was always give it
To accomplish all of your wants, hopes and dreams
While my own were abandoned and neglected, left to die with me
****
Now I am gone
And your lives move on.
****
About the Creator
Pam Reeder
Stifled wordsmith re-embracing my creativity. I like to write stories that tap into raw human emotions.
Author of "Bristow Spirits on Route 66", magazine articles, four books under a pen name, technical writing, stories for my grandkids.
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Comments (7)
Wow, this was just so deep on so many levels! Definitely evokes emotions. Love this poem so much!
This one definitely taps into raw human emotion, Pam! It makes me want to take steps to make sure no one I know and love or share friendship with would have cause to feel they were only someone to call when help is needed. A good reminder to show love and give to everyone in our lives. Well-written poem.
This poem is certainly sad, but I also find it to be inspirational. If we are not dead yet there is still time to do at least some of things we’ve always wanted to do. The time to action is before it is too late.
Reflective!!!
Thought provoking and heartfelt. Very well done.
I am sending hugs and support for you on this Pam,, giving so much and sometimes getting so little in return , Wonderful words though.
So heartfelt :) Thank you for sharing