Comment from jgirlie152

Excellent

Your5-7-5 was written so true. After they leave, most just go on with their lives, but hopefully you have someone in your life who will always be there.
Blessings, Joan

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Joan.

I guess I was thinking that even though you may have many supportive people in your life, there will be that first moment of physical 'aloneness' - you are all on your own in the previously shared house - how do you cope?

Steve

reply by jgirlie152 on 14-Feb-2014

Well, first of all it isn't easy. When I lost my first husband I was very young and though I had a little boy I did date and meet someone else, ended up on my own again at age 39, did not date for awhile, but looked young for my age and dated younger men which never worked out because I knew there was no future. Now I have been on my own for many years, and I just have to say, don't wait for the phone to ring, try to find a friend or two who are unmarried and you feel comfortable with. If someday you find a new love in your life I salute you!
Best wishes, and I am sorry for your loss.
Joan

Comment from GWinterwin

Excellent

Oh yes a great poem with such few words, also a picture that says it all. How lonely is must become after the crowd is gone. Just knowing that loved one will not be back again, ever.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thank you - that is exactly my thought.

Steve

Comment from Marillion

Excellent

This breaks my heart, because I've seen it before. Everyone shows up, brings food, tells you if you need them just call, and then after the funeral everybody goes back home, and leaves the bereaved to the ghosts and memories of the house they used to share with someone no longer there.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, David - that's it exactly.

Not based on my own experience, thank goodness, but people I am close to.

Steve

Comment from 3boysrule

Excellent

Perfect poem in so few words. I have known too many people that are faced with this exact question, after someone they love dies. It is so sad. Thanks for sharing.
Dee

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Dee.

Not based on my own experience, thank goodness, but people I am close to.

Steve

Comment from SLHarper

Exceptional

Wow, dude. You sure do have a knack for telling it like it is. I see that this is another contest entry. This is another one of your fortes -- you know how to deliver based on the challenge at hand. I am very impressed. Good luck to you (though, I don't think you need it)! Steph

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Steph.

You are right - I usually take aim at a particular contest.

In this case the poem came first, out of almost nowhere, although loosely about my mother-in-law. Then I hunted for a suitable contest...

Short forms are not my forte, but this one feels good.

Steve

Comment from krys123

Excellent

Wow! Boy, that's a question that probably is asked to oneself I many people in this situation. You approach did very well in created the atmosphere of this poem to be able to make one feel the aspects of the situation. The clarity and explicitness has been a really carried out in this piece. Thank you so much for sharing and posting your poem for everyone. May you and yours be blessed always...
Alex
PS: Let me please wish you a good luck on the 5/7/5 Poetry Contest.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Alex

yes, I think it is quite a common experience.

Steve

reply by krys123 on 14-Feb-2014

You are so welcome Steve....
,.~}

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

Yes, That is a true reaction. After my husbands memorial I came home to an empty house. Sat down on the couch and stared into space until I realized it was dark. It is a life changing event to lose someone you love. You have to find your way again. Good luck. Nancy

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Nancy

I was actually thinking of my mother-in-law who lost her husband last year - what an awful sense of aloneness....

Steve

Comment from Debbie7

Excellent

Celebrate the rest of your life, be grateful for the time spent with the one who has passed, and PRAY A LOT!! Oh that wasn't an actual question?! lol. A sad 5-7-5, but I'm sure will generate a lot of feedback. "Die while you are still alive" - quoted by so many, but death is not the end.
Good luck in the contest Steve. Debbie

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

I'm sure that's what you SHOULD do - it's just a little hard to celebrate anything when you are suddenly left alone - terribly alone - possibly for the first time in your life and feeling that half of you has been painfully cut away.

Religious faith may help, but it's no substitute for a warm body to snuggle up to when you go to sleep.

Thanks for the thoughtful reading.

Steve

Comment from Loren (7)

Excellent

Evocative. At first I thought of myself in the situation the writer of the poem has suggested. But then the picture appeared and a whole new dimension took over. Nicely done.
Loren

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Loren.

Not based on my own experience, thank goodness, but people I am close to.

Steve

Comment from Terrie DeGolier

Excellent

What a sad, heartfelt imagine and poem. So lost, an experience none of us can avoid. I can feel the pain and only can say "I'm so Sorry" for your loss. Terrie

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 14-Feb-2014

Thanks, Terrie

Not based on my own experience, thank goodness, but people I am close to.

Steve