Later this month I turn 77, so that must be the reason I felt impelled to click on "The Old Man" to see what new thoughts you might bring to me.

But what I found were not new thoughts but reminders of familiar old friends. When you write, "...tenderly touching the empty seat beside
him," it brings me to tears for in my heart I've known that moment in the past and dread that moment in the future.

My dear Carole, you have the gift of turning over our stones in life to share with us what was but is no longer, except in how we relive the hurts and pains and recall fondly some loves and joys that will burn forever in our hearts and minds.

Nothing special happened in my life today except enjoying having an intimate lunch at the marina next to sailboats and yachts with my loving companion of sixty-two years. As an Old Man, I am easily pleased.

Thank you, my dear friend, for your many visitations to my den site and for always leaving a thoughtful and supportive review. You are a treasure in the Authorsden community.

May God be with you in your Happy New Year.

Richard

Hi Carole
What a beautiful picture you've painted. Thank you, Liz

it is always a pleasure to read your poetry

One can read your thoughts and appreciate the walk of age by one who has seen those many days of sunsets and sunrise...

very nice

Art Sun...

I appreciate the way you gently guide the reader to the conclusion in the last two lined. Very eloquent. J'nia

Carole,Another great poem you have written hugs Johanna

Wow, this is really well-written, as you must be aware. Excellent work.

Keen and sweet capture of an incident played many times in other locals and onother pats. The words chosen ae loving and I know ths because I have a place and a time tovisit with "her" often.

Thank you for bringing powetry to life... one more. - Bill

The world around us is constantly changing and sometimes the changes can hit home and be disheartening, well expressed...

Be always safe,
Karen

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOLDEN SENTENCES!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

This one hit close to home. As I age and see more and more old familiar places and landmarks dissappear from my world and my life I long for the simple rememberences of things that I can count on...a stretch of beach that hasn't changed since, a park that still has the same type of flowers and plants that always perfumed the air a certain way, a church who's steeple bells still ring out Sunday morning and of course the smiles of those we love. Your poem brought all of this and more to mind.
hugs
Fee

Very tender poem which make me imagine an old sailor looking at the sunset from a bench on the shores, reflecting about where the years are gone with a hand searching the empty space besides him.
Perfect!...and a keeper.

Georg

very effective capture of mood and perceptive ...

A splendid capture of the subject with exceptional imagery, Carole!
Loved it!...Eileen

Beautifully conceived and written, Carole.
This one touches the soul of this aging reader
"worn smooth with time to fit his shape."
-gene.

I knew If I wait long enough
I'll be rewarded ten fold
and you just came across with my
anticipated gift
with this wonderful soft tender
Poetic Well Penned write
Love & peace be with you

William

You have recreated and shared the mood very effectively, Carole; the reader cannot help but be moved. Thank you. Love and best wishes,

Regis

Carole,
The mood is so well captured in the details, the bench in particular. This poem is rich in memory, state of being, respect for age, compassion and tenderness. Excellent!
John

Carole, So good to see you post...this is simply breathtaking..and the photo has me mesmerized, exquisite.

A touching poem. Thanks

poignant, touching and keenly observed and felt, Carole. There is much tenderness in this most beautiful portrait and great harmonies between The Old Man and the elements. "the empty seat beside him" says all... Thank you, Kate xx

What can I say, but: WOW!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :0 *gobsmacked*