The Old Man In The Corner Poem by Dean Bottomley

The Old Man In The Corner



How well I remember as I’m slumped in my chair:
Be’reft of movement, bereft of hair.
My bodily odors might foul the air
I’m sorry, you see I’m not offered care.
My existence seems pointless as day after day
Droplet by droplet my life seeps way.
But deep in this husk, all that you see,
Is a heart full of love and feet that ran free.

Once, as a boy, I ran through the fields
Fighting a dragon non-stop till it yields.
Storming a castle, sailing the sea;
But always back home, in time for my tea.
I had such freedom, I had such dreams.
A true loving home, but with limited means.
It was not as you’ve seen it, just black and white:
But millions of colours, all vivid and bright.

Forgot in the corner as you laugh with your mates;
Boast of your conquests, proud of your dates.
I too had my moments, I too broke some hearts.
You’r not the sole target for all Cupid’s darts.
I loved, and I lost, I partied till dawn.
My neighbour, disgusted, peered through curtains drawn.
I worked and I played, life without care
Till I finally found the life I would share.

We partied, we played, we worked, and we fed.
We also had sex, and not only in bed.
We loved our life’s changes as father and mother.
We too made mistakes, but we had one another.
Our children grew; and they found their own wings.
Followed their own paths to what their life brings.
We had our plans for the dusk of our years;
But dreams can dissolve in a flood of wept tears.

So I was left lonely in the autumn of life
When the Lord decided he needed my wife.
I went on alone, but I was no longer whole:
Every day longer, an ache in my soul.
Now as I slip to once more join my wife
Do not ignore me, I too had a life.
I played, and I loved, I nurtured, ran free,
And one day remember, you will be me!

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
Ay school we had to write a poem that was not in our knowledge or comfort zone. I helped at an Old People’s Home for a couple of weeks for Work Experience and wrote this from what I had noticed there.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Susan Lacovara 23 February 2014

The story you have told within this poem was very much alive, and struck a chord, bittersweet. You do indeed have a talent, and through the spilling of your soul, will open eyes and hearts, as well. Nicely done...it drew me in quickly. I invite you to read my writings, an I will continue exploring yours. Keep on going! ! ! PEACE

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Paul Reed 23 February 2014

Wonderful writing, philosophic, humorous and poignant. Great poetry Dean.

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