Anthem For the Unloved

How bleak the hours pass each day
and bleaker still the longer nights,
for those who live their lives untouched,
divorced from human company.

What tales or photos could be shared
of circumstances, crossroads met
which led to situations where,
best out of mind, best we forget.

For even mists can call at times,
envelop all within their care,
embrace before they dissipate
into the kinder morning air.

To part this world without a friend,
not one to mourn your final breath,
an unmarked loss, an unfelt grief,
such sorrow makes a heartless death.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Ther are far many more than we imagine them to be, through many reasons we couldnt even consider. But even sadder is the fact that in the now, of instant connection, we all find ourself drifting farther away from human contact, despite technology making the world an ever smaller place. We are now surrounded by a sea of strangers, staring at their phones like a pavlov experiment gone wrong. Is it any wonder that some of us check out and bugger off to the north east of hells frozen arsehole to get away from all the pointless noise? I mean, ive heard some people have done just that, and even learned to drive to make a quicker escape. One person I know was in so much of a rush to get away, they hit an ice patch for the first time and found out that car seats are not as absorbant as they imagined they would be. That reminds mr, I must buy new underwear :)
7.3 billion people on the planet and so many feel this Chris. We have definitely wandered far from the path intended.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. I wrote this poem after watching a film. Loneliness is deadly. There is much of it and it is a killer. How can anyone die without a single person mourning them? Makes you realise what a cold place planet earth is. You always inject your responses with some humour. That is most appreciated.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

I tend to think that the number of people to whom we are connected and/or the depth/quality of those connections are merely factors in what can constitute loneliness -- for of course there are classic examples of being surrounded by people, yet feeling/being lonely, and that can be so difficult in its own right. I say all of this to make a critical point, I suppose, that sorrow for someone who we perceive to be (or truly is) alone and/or unloved may be as valid as it may be misguided. To be loved by oneself and to be loved by the natural world beyond humanity are valuable in their own right. Maybe I am avoiding the sadness I have felt in my own loneliness and that which I have perceived in others. Thank you for allowing me the space to express these thoughts which are so fondly inspired by this well-written poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wrote this poem after seeing a film about people who had died living alone with not one person to attend a funeral to mourn them. It made me feel sorrowful.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

I can certainly relate to and empathize with that valid experience of sorrow. I did not at all intend to invalidate with my somewhat critical ramblings.

[Chris Shaw]

You did not invalidate at all. I am thankful for your thoughts.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Almost everyone fears dying alone, but that act always appears extremely personal.
Surrendering is something only you can do.
Whether crowded or abandoned, the dying are often profoundly self-absorbed.
Great beauty and deep empathy are hallmarks of your anthem, gifted poetess!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Dying alone is a sadness in my opinion. There has been much of that lately. Appreciate your response. Thank you.

Chris

[free spirit]

Your words describe this feeling of loneliness so well... I took these words in, and my heart felt for anyone going through this....
I wish this poem reaches those that need it and that they know that there are people out there who do care..

I guess we all just need to let go of our smartphones for a bit and reach out to hold a hand....

Take care and stay blessed..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit. Yes loneliness is deadly. We all need to look out for one another. All good wishes.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I love your title & your poem does not disappoint one bit. I have always loved the quote about there being many that live lives of quiet despair (or something like that) which is so true. I've seen so many of these lonely people thru the years since I like living in lonely places . . . your poem does not paint them as overly drab or bleak, which I appreciate. Your kindness & caring & respect come thru your words (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Margie. All good wishes

Chris

[Stella Armour]

A long while ago now, when i worked in the care homes i went a funeral of a resident simply because i was asked as there were no relatives, two of us sat there in an old church with the wooden book rest on the pews eaten by woodworm. I don't know why that is still in my memory , i don't think i even had much to do with the lady... it was just so sad, old stone church ... cold and impersonal.
Of course there were those who passed away and the relatives only turned up for the belongings , but the officer in charge did point out that we shouldn't judge because we didn't know what had gone before for the families to stay away.. it is still very sad

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella for sharing with me. Sad when people aren't mourned by anyone, really sad.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

i agree :(

[red.evangeline]

I liked the way this was written, and I especially liked the phrase "a heartless death". It really evokes a strong feeling.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you red evangeline for your visit and review. You are most welcome.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many experience loneliness each day in all sorts of ways. I have learned to embrace it and not fear death or expect reward for without expectation there is no disappointment. You capture the essence of the subject in this crisp piece Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Loneliness is deadly. You can be in a room full of people you know, yet feel lonely. Thank you.
read moreLoneliness is deadly. You can be in a room full of people you know, yet feel lonely. Thank you.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

"divorced from human company."
No worse thing than that. That's the worst thing I fear, to be forgotten as if one never existed...
Such a heart touching write, this one.

[Chris Shaw]

I think many of us have that fear but fortunately most of us do have connections. Sad state of affairs. Thanks Dr Y. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Yes so sad for those who have nobody but sadder still for those who have but they dont care- life is a mystery ill never understand- love joy happiness acceptance is all we ask nothing more or less- lovely thoughts🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly. Yes in many cases people become isolated from family. That is really sad.
read moreThank you Kelly. Yes in many cases people become isolated from family. That is really sad.

Chris