I know some people like this; I am quite sure you do as well...
Mr. Lonely
He looks out his window
He talks to himself
There's Mrs. Phelps again
She's always up to something
In that garden of hers
Should he not remember and appreciate
The lovely vegetables she often gives him?
Guilt
He likes to look prim and proper
He goes to the bathroom mirror
And hunts for hairs
In his ears and nose
They always seem to elude his tweezers
Like the hares he used to hunt
Dodged the shot from his shotgun
He knows he ought to go out
Lately that seems too much of a bother
Perhaps he ought to call his daughter
Though all he's been getting lately is the voice mail
"Blah... blah... blah... ...and we'll get back to you"
But she never does
Ah, maybe he could make lunch
But he had breakfast less than two hours ago
He could read he supposes
But which book could possibly be interesting?
Watch TV?
It's all reruns and information about the world going undone
He could go to bed and try to sleep
But sleep seldom comes and when it does
The dreams are unpleasant with some inexplicable feelings
He goes back to the window
But Mrs. Phelps is gone
I seem to not like Mr. Lonely, not the poem, just the person in life who'se lonely, but I must try to accept his loneliness cause everyone gets lonely at times, and must accept it.
Nice one, Regis. Reminds me of some of Alan Bennett's "Talking Heads". Seems to me, as we grow older, that the best we can do is to keep pushing out the boundaries. Once you've defined yourself by age or loss there's no way back, so-in my humble opinion-it's best never to give up.
Aw what a lonely soul, perhaps he burned some bridges? Or perhaps his children became to self-absorbed with their own lives. Sad... I speak to all the elderly in the market. They love the attention and love to talk. Thank you for such a lovely reminder to all of this that we should seek out those who need a wee bit of loving attention. Love and Light Regis
A very poignant piece...It can hit any one of us in our life, young or old, as in losing a life partner suddenly..It is a very difficult task to rearrange our lives and give it back its former meaning and activity.. To feel lonely at a time when there is the least feeling of doing anything about it is a very sad place to be...The answer and solution however usually lies within ourselves....This is very thought provoking work...
Best wishes, Diana...
Reviewed by Vesna Perkovic (Reader)
Reviewed on February 12, 2012
One thing I have learned Regis is that I am fond of my own company..so, no matter how things roll I am OK with it..needless to say many many people fell lonely mostly because they forget the closest person in their life..their own SELF!
poignant poetry..
Blessings,
Strains of Eleanor Rigby here. Sad to say that loneliness seems have reached epidemic proportions. You capture it very well. It's a pity that more people don't learn how to enjoy their own company.
Thoughtful middle-age reflections. Rather put me in mind of the spirit of Sir John Betjeman who could capture loneliness with fine telling details. And loneliness shows you're alive, by the way!
Yes...guess we all know someone like him and thank you for writing this Regis because it needed to be written ,you covered the subject very well with much warmth and insight...it left me thinking out loud
that he should 'get out there and have a chat with Mrs. Phelps '
but even a little thing like chatting with the neighbours can be hard when one is stuck in a rut.A very deep and moving write ,I'm so glad I read it.
Best wishes always
from
Kay
HMMM...YEAH...WE ALL KNOW, AT LEAST...ONE. A WORK THAT 'POKES' THE HEART, AS ONLY YOU CAN. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
oh regis, this is so well scribed! mr lonely is clearly depressed!
how sad that oftentimes our thoughts and actions (or lack thereof)
contribute to hastened aging! make sure to get a good laugh and a
heartfelt prayer in each day and the march of time should tread
more softly...
always a pleasure to read your stuff, poet!
carolyn
This is an accurate picture of loneliness and resignation and it is easy to understand the way this man feels. Great details (the hunt for hairs, the feelings about the news, the daughter's voice mail message...); it makes me wonder: where did we go wrong? Because this is happening more and more. Thank you Regis.
Wow This is so sad
your words truly captured loneliness
its very sad when all the children grow and move out to find their
Own happiness and forget or are to busy to spend time with father
Mother or both,that's when depression extends the hand and takes you in,it's so sad to see this happening to so many adults as we aged
Especially when they have loss their soul mate
Stunning view of your thoughts Brilliant poem!!
Hugsssss from me :)
Regis, here in your words are captured the fates of countless millions of aging adults -- out of the mainstream of day-to-day activities and interaction with other people, young and old -- left without a mate or family members living with them -- it is a societal tragedy that existed rarely rather than prevalently just two or three generations ago -- our society has moved away from the family unit in America -- perhaps more so than any other society on earth -- I recall visiting friends and relatives when I was a child and a teen -- either grandfather or grandmother were an integral, loved part of every family -- or an aunt or uncle who never married lived in harmony with the family -- our values have changed, for the worse I fear -- this is an awakening piece and very poignant my dear friend -- it is a condition that should have been voiced long ago -- I bid you love and peace my dear friend -- Jon Michael
The loneliness of old age and isolation. A very poignant and compelling look at a problem that is all too common. I, too, like to be alone. I hope it never comes a point where I won't go out in public anymore.
I have to agree with all the below comments..only adding this...He should've gone out to talk to Mrs Phelps!
Wonderful, and great to read you Regis. Peace n Blessings
Cherry
A visit to the homeless or the incarcerated youth snaps me right out of any depression. Most folks thinks that it does the opposite but the Lord truly works in strange ways. It makes you so thankful for what you got and then your problems seem so trivial.
Regis, a poignant poem on the lonliness of people, especially older people living alone and ignored by family and friends, moved on or passed on. Well done!! This will never happen to you!! You have the spirit to always find something to do!!
Nice write Regis. I do know people like that. It is so sad to see children grow up and get too busy to remember. Although, I know children who are lonely too. May God bless you every day of your life.
Daniel
Reviewed by Rafika Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on September 10, 2011
This poem is painfully open and expressive, Regis, and connects readily with the empathy of the reader. I hope "Mr. Lonely" finds likeminded spirits with whom to confer. Hang in there, my friend.
Many of us are alone, but lonely is quite a different thing. I like being alone but I don't particularly like feeling lonely. Everyone can relate to this Reg at some point in their life..
Ah! Old and Lonely. The two things that can never work together. Life has a nasty knack of reminding us what could be and delivering a severe kick in the pants.
Aw! You certainly captured the loneliness of the aged....and sometimes even the not so aged....Yes we do know people like this, Regis. Well done, my friend!
Yes Regis, I know a few but it is you who have so well laid their angst to print. Hopefully we will take note and a moment for the Mr. [and Mrs.] Lonely's in the world.
Janna
I think that there are times when each of us draws within and feels like the world just doesn't have a place for us though one step out the door will usually prove differently. We are each responsible for our own happiness; there is no entertainment committee set up especially for any of us. Well portrayed, Reg.
Take care,
Sherry
When I came to Sweden 3+years ago, I used to look out my window. So I can understand the situation of this guy at the window. thank you Regis, for capturing a rare image in the books of poetry.
Exactly what loneliness does. At any age. Tough cycle to break. I broke it a couple of times fortunately. Many never do. Poignant, empathetic, sadly descriptive nostalgic write. Patrick
I think you are talking directly to me on this one, though I don't know a Mrs. Phelps, but the rest is right on...not sure how to answer this beyond the above...e
If you tend to believe romantic, passionate, masculine poetry is a thing of past eras, read "She Intrigues Me," and be swept away in the beautiful craft of a contemporary poet of love.
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Your snapshot, however, is telling.
Best,
Paddy
Best wishes, Diana...
poignant poetry..
Blessings,
Vesna :)
Regis,
Strains of Eleanor Rigby here. Sad to say that loneliness seems have reached epidemic proportions. You capture it very well. It's a pity that more people don't learn how to enjoy their own company.
Kathi
that he should 'get out there and have a chat with Mrs. Phelps '
but even a little thing like chatting with the neighbours can be hard when one is stuck in a rut.A very deep and moving write ,I'm so glad I read it.
Best wishes always
from
Kay
how sad that oftentimes our thoughts and actions (or lack thereof)
contribute to hastened aging! make sure to get a good laugh and a
heartfelt prayer in each day and the march of time should tread
more softly...
always a pleasure to read your stuff, poet!
carolyn
long as you continue to write like this you'll never be lonely
for readers. -gene.
Axilea
your words truly captured loneliness
its very sad when all the children grow and move out to find their
Own happiness and forget or are to busy to spend time with father
Mother or both,that's when depression extends the hand and takes you in,it's so sad to see this happening to so many adults as we aged
Especially when they have loss their soul mate
Stunning view of your thoughts Brilliant poem!!
Hugsssss from me :)
Heatbreaking write about a very lonely man. Wonderful write.
Mary
I think this lonely character lives in all of us if we let it. Great write. Love and hugs,
Sheila
As with now. I kinda relate, being bed-bound with the flu, I best go see Miss Phelps.
Sheer brilliance!
One of the best I've read.
Ron
Wonderful, and great to read you Regis. Peace n Blessings
Cherry
A visit to the homeless or the incarcerated youth snaps me right out of any depression. Most folks thinks that it does the opposite but the Lord truly works in strange ways. It makes you so thankful for what you got and then your problems seem so trivial.
all the best, Micki
Daniel
-=ra=-
Peace, love and light,
Amber
Hugs,
Anna
Newfie Hugs, Rose
This tugs at my heart with so much raw emotion!!
capturing the loneliness, as you have done!!!
far too many know this as reality!!!!
Lady Vivian
Janna
Take care,
Sherry
Many of us have found ourselves standing by the window staring at something or someone... found ourselves lost in thought as we stare ahead...
This is life...
Nice portrayal.
There is not only a Mr. Lonely but a Ms. Lonely or Mrs. Lonely out there...
Well done!
Reads like a prose piece... or a chapter in a novel... Heck, maybe this can be turned into a novel...
I enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing.
Lena
Blessings,
Christine
Peace
Tony
Cheers,
Dan
Good one, Regis Thanks. Dick
Chip Bergeron
Love TinkaSweets