the edge of life's tragedies

someone I know

balancing on the edges of life's
expected tragedies,
he was served up
a disproportionate number
of his own.

he finds himself too often
carting home others' leftovers,
but the dog's leash still
lies empty,
tied to a fence in the back yard.

his smile hides all the secrets -
theirs and his.

he is just the guy
you can count on
when your car
is stuck
or you are in a jam.

but at the
end of the day
he is greeted by
an empty home
and more work to do.

no rest for the wicked,
that may be true,
but tell me,
dear soul,
when is there rest for you?

Reviews

[Frieda P]

A compassionate and tender read, indeed this is so often true...

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you so much, I am glad it comes across exactly as I intended.

[Susan Beth Horvath]

When indeed? We are always so consumed with our being busy, when do we find time to soul search? good good poem

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you so much.

[Pryde Foltz]

no rest for the wicked,
that may be true,
but tell me,
dear soul,
when is there rest for you?

Well … he sounds like a hero to me. Great write, KL.

[Lyn Anderson]

I am always amazed at people whose own suffering was so great, but they take on so much of others' trials and tribulations.

[Pryde Foltz]

I think sometimes suffering can bring to us a true empathy. You know what it is like to feel true despair and you would, if you could, protect you brothers and sisters from the same fate. I think they call that true love:)

[Ruth]

Saddening - I know what it is to give more than receive...an admirable quality but it does catch up to you, eventually x

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, it is a difficult and lonely road for some, who persevere, no matter what, in their kindness.

[David Scott]

Some people seem to give and give ...
I wonder how they keep their heart so full of energy and compassion...
A wonderful tribute to a friend.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. It is quite amazing how some people never tire of being there for others.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i have had this feeling many times...that i make a good friend, but not a good lover...the buddy...ugh...sometimes that can be a lonely feeling.

[Lyn Anderson]

I personally think you can't be one without the other, but often, the good and generous are over looked in favour of lesser people.