The Woman on the Porch

The Woman on the Porch

 

Sitting on the porch,
day in and day out,
she watched as people passed by,
whether on foot or drivers going to town.

 

Having seen many years,
her body wasn’t as mobile as before.

She stayed home most times,

hiring others to go to the store.

 

She didn’t have many visitors,
so, she was quite lonely.

She supposed that was the way
an old woman’s life was to be.

 

She sat on the porch,
and could be found there
even on the hottest summer days,
in her rocking chair.

 

Waving to the passerby,
each would smile and wave in greet.

She waved and waved,
as though it were her treat.

 

Day after day, month after month,
the town’s residents had grown used to waving
at the smiling woman,
whose arms could be seen swaying.

         
Then, one day, much to everyone’s dismay,
the woman wasn’t there.

The porch was barren,
save the empty rocking chair.

 

So, one lady decided to check on her
by knocking on her door.

Upon hearing a faint voice,
she went in, waiting no more

 

Are you okay? the lady asked.

I’m a little under the weather. the elder spoke softly.

I was driving by, and you weren’t on the porch.

The woman smiled, Thank you for noticing.

 

As the two chatted a bit,
I’m Lani, What’s your name? the young lady asked more.

The woman replied, it’s Maryanne.

It was apparent, she would no longer be known as
the woman on the porch.

 

Melinda McQueen Rodgers

September 9, 2021

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Melinda. This is what poetry suppose to be. You create beautiful person with a kind heart and a happy ending. So good, when we recognized the lonely people. There are so many. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Melinda McQueen]

Thanks for your visit and leaving your thoughts.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Melinda.

[barleygirl]

Even tho your well-written poem addresses the elderly, in my experience, there are plenty of people not-so-elderly who've lost their spouse & the kids never visit or they're too far for visits. These many friends of mine in this situation say exactly what you wrote, about figuring this is just what life comes to, in the end. Top-notch imagery & rhyme & rhythm (((HUGS)))

[Melinda McQueen]

This is true. I was lonely for a long time. I'm in a wheelchair and didn't get out much. I finally married at 39. I've been married almost three years. Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

This made me ache for those who do live alone, whether it be on their own or due to living arrangements made for them. The third verse really touched me - about how being lonely is the way an old woman's life is supposed to be. It made me happy that it ended the way that it did, having someone to check on her, not finding it to be "too late". How is it that we neglect the compassion the dear lord gave us to reach out to those in need? That's what I walked away with after reading this. Just a simple hello could have made a day so much brighter - a life a little less lonely.

[Melinda McQueen]

Yes, so many are lonely. Families have the best intentions but are often busy with their own lives. I know my own grandmother was lonely and it still hurts my heart. My sister and I visited her when we could. She lived out of town. But now she lives in heaven! Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate you.

[Chris Shaw]

It's always good for a name to be remembered. The lady on the porch is so distant. Much better she is now Mary Anne. Better still her absence was felt and missed.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate you.

[NotUsinganymore]

Interesting poem about people watching and all. I liked the memorable experience it gave.

[Melinda McQueen]

Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate you.

[NotUsinganymore]

You are welcome