Invisible

A death no human should suffer...alone

It was circumstance not a choice
to be alone without a voice,
without a friend or love or kin
a prisoner now her house within,
where greetings mouthed through grimy glass
went unheard by those who passed,
and frail waved hands not ever seen
beyond the yellowed doily screen,
that kept the never prying eyes
from lonely sadness as it died...

Author's Note

Tis not a perfect rhyming scheme, this is more about the content and how ignorant to the plight of the aged we as a society are.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

That was kinda rough to read emotionally. The inevitability of our time is, well, it invokes feelings of despair to say the least. This is good work. tight writing, high emotion. Well done.

[Lorry]

It seems that the closer we all get to the end, the more we are forgotten, perhaps conveniently for some so as not to see what will be their future too.
And the awful thing about it is that during lockdown, it was the older ones who kept the kids entertained, with tales online of how things were for them at a young age and how life has changed so much, teaching them simple things like making new from old and taking care of the place we live by not littering and their classes became so popular that some of those crumblies even took part when the kids suggested litter picks and recycling.
Thankfully the young uns loved it and still take classes from the old ones, who only got together out of necessity for a community in lockdown, feeling more alone than ever.
A very poignant and sad write, wonderfully told.

[Gee]

Oops, a very tardy thank you Lorry.
Hope all is well in the freezing North...next storm on the way :)

[emmajoygreen]

Like many others, 'have heard this terrible plight too many times. Respect for the elderly and infirm is THE sin within humanity. The elderly are proud tottering history: a past of humble service and ethics - not the penny for a pound attitude of today's walk on the other side of the street and keep walking! Your words stand out, Gee: they are more than the romantic frilly words that claim dozens of reviews, yours are a tragic truth tis how it is around every corner. Thank you for that great heart of yours.

[Gee]

A very late thank you ma'am...apologies

[emmajoygreen]

Absolutely no need for your gracious apologies, Gee. Hope you and your ladies have a weather kind and happy weekend.

[Starbaby]

Oh, how this speaks to me! I work with the aged, and the sadness and neglect that I see on a daily basis is heart wrenching. So many people are alone, living existences that should not have to be suffered. We treat stray dogs better than we treat the aging population in many ways. The things I see on a daily basis make me sad, sick, angry, and every emotion in between. By far, the greatest suffering of the elderly is the emotional neglect, the horrendous loneliness that is their existence.

[Gee]

Thank you kindly m'dear, your visit is much appreciated

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

It reminds me of the dying aged in nursing homes and hospitals locked down due to the stupid lock down laws and relatives had to be outside never to hold the hands of their dying family
Fantastic write here

[Gee]

A near neighbour who is entering his final days the reason this written even though he lives with his two sons, his wife of 60+ years passed a few years back.
Thank you Julie, hope you are well

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Yes I’m well enough getting old lol
Hope you well

[Ken Simm.]

So sad and layered. I can't say I like it because it is more beautiful melancholy education of a life no one should live. And it is sadly beautiful.

[Gee]

Hi Ken, belated thanks.
Hope you are well

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful interesting poem. Good work 👍

[Gee]

Thank you sir, will return the favour later.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

shades of Simon and Garfunkel's "Most peculiar Man"---

The way the aged are discarded is so egregious...

After they had given during their lives, they don't deserve that kind of ending.
j.

[Gee]

Hi Jacob, hope you are well.
Far to many elderly are left to their own devices, ignored to death!
Thanks for dropping in, much appreciated

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully conveyed Gee and I didn’t notice the rhyme at all because I was transfixed on the meaning. Painfully true, that some depart this world in utter loneliness. So sad to know a loving hand or final kiss isn’t there to comfort some. Brought a tear to this eye you did on a lovely sunny morning, but a very cold one. Hope you and yours are well.

Chris

[Gee]

A late thank you Christine. Nail on your wig as the next storm is an route.
Hope so is well in Berks