A Friend To None

I spied an old man sip his beer,
his eyes were glazed, full cloudy day.
Oblivious to all around
he didn't hear the raucous sound
of other drinkers loud at play.

I watched him as he raised his glass.
I didn't miss a tear that fell
that trickled down his weathered skin.
I felt another's suffering,
his sadness wrapped me in its spell.

Where was he in his troubled mind?
For sure he wasn't here with us
His shirt was stained, his hair unkempt,
I pondered where his thinking went.
He drank his pain with little fuss.

My thoughts returned to you and I.
The Reaper is a friend to none,
for when you've lost your trusted mate,
you lose your compass and your fate
lies in the stars, your present gone.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

It’s alway sad to lose a mate, and that’s what brought to mind when you saw that man alone shuddering a drinking his own pain….it reminds all of us that someday our fate will come and maybe there is a better place for us than to be “ friend to none”….. and that place will give us all peace of mind….seeing a stranger suffer does bring back memories.
Really good write dear Chis.
Best
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy Thursday Betty and thank you so much for your understanding review. Always good to have a visit from you. Appreciated you are.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!

[Lorry]

It is amazing how we can become so lost in a crowd of one, while normality continues all around us, oblivious to its sense of mocking our thoughts that there will ever be a normal again.
The phrase "every book tells a story" reverberates in your words Chris, but if we are the book, then it would surely be more appropriate that every face is an infinite collection of untold tales that feels to each of us, several Internets worth of stories and tales.
Beautifully expressive words.

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Lorry and thank you for your lovely review. I was so touched by this man's sadness. He seemed so out of place amid all that laughter and fun. It was the tear running down his cheek that hit me most. I truly felt his pain. Haven't a clue what his story was, I would like to have known. He certainly was lost in the crowd. Have a good week-end.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"He drank his pain with little fuss"
that is a classic line...like Hemingway...
this Reaper can also refer to a dead relationship...the mate not dying physically but leaving emotionally...and leaving us to cry in our beers.
and when the present is gone...in the immediacy we forget that we may still have a future...
we are consumed with the pain of now.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Yes these lines could apply to both a death or a dying relationship. This old man was consumed with pain, but of what making, I have no idea. Surrounded by laughter and noise, I couldn't help noticing this sadness. Always appreciate your perspective my friend.

Chris

[Rhayne]

I imagined that you were watching my ex-husband. He cried in his beer often after he walked away from us. There was always someone to run and tell me. I felt bad for him but three was nothing I could do or say. Sometimes its best to just let them work through it all on their own. Thank God, he did and he's sober now, remarried and living far away from me.

I enjoyed reading this even though it dug deep into my heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Rhayne, many thanks for reading this poem and sharing from your own perspective. I hope it wasn't too painful for you to recall your own experiences.

Chris

[Rhayne]

Not at all. That was many many years ago. Water under the bridge, down the stream and out to sea.

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear :)

[Karmee]

WOW!!! What a Tale, I really enjoyed this write Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous silent k for your review. Your thoughts appreciated.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

You'll have to find a more cheerful place to do your drinking

[Chris Shaw]

The place was very cheerful. This poor guy stuck out like a sore thumb. That's how he brought attention to himself. He was oblivious to everything going on around him. I found that sad. Thanks Dave for your visit.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Sorry, just being flippant

[Chris Shaw]

No need to apologise Dave. All is fine.

[danielle.]

I really feel the sadness in this piece and also enjoyed the clever construction xo

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you ellemorell for your thoughtful review. Greatly appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I like the rhythm and rhyme of this poem.
It took me along so well.

And that's was truly a friend to none.

Skillfully penned, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kay. My muse started to go classical again. More rhyme and structure with it. I appreciate your comments.

Chris