Papa's Eyes Poem by David McLansky

I am a walking living ghost
Unknown to friends and party host;
Invisible to all who see
As if I had some mark on me.

I stimulate their fear of death;
They hesitate and hold their breath;
No longer do they call my name,
As if for death I was to blame.

They do not look me in the eye;
Their social kindness is a lie;
I signal their mortality
And test their fake morality.

They call me now an old recluse,
I who've lost my social use;
They party on with Christmas cheer,
Singing loud to mask their fear.

As I decline and die alone
There is a stillness on the phone;
My letter box devoid of mail
Except to note what's new on sale.

My many kindness' spent for naught;
I gave away what should be bought;
My wealth I should have held for ransom,
Now that I'm no longer handsome.

I do not mind to sit alone;
For all my sins I have atoned;
I have no need of earthly things;
I gave her back my wedding ring.

Now pure in knowledge at the last;
Sure and certain life has passed;
Love and wisdom all have failed;
Death and darkness will prevail