An Old Mans Lament Poem by Bridgid Patrick

An Old Mans Lament

Rating: 4.0


Just a line to say I'm living,
that I'm not among the dead,
though I'm getting more forgetful
and mixed up in the head.

I got used to my arthritis,
to my dentures I'm resigned,
I can manage my bifocals
but God I miss my mind,

For sometimes I can't remember,
when I stand at the foot of the stairs,
if I must go up for something,
or have just come down from there.

And before the fridge so often,
my poor mind is filled with doubt,
have I just put food away,
or have I come to take some out?

So if it's my turn to write to you,
there's no need for getting sore,
I may think that I have written
and don't want to be a bore.

So, remember that I love you
and wish that you were near
but now it's nearly mail time
so I must say good-bye dear,

There I stand beside the mailbox
with a face so very red,
instead of mailing you my letter,
I opened it instead!

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Hugh Cobb 01 February 2006

A very clever and humorously compassionate look at aging. As one not quite in my dotage, I am not sure I look forward to aging much more! Well-written. All the best, Hugh

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Scarlett Treat 02 February 2006

Lordy, Lordy, look who's well past 40...if I had money for every time I have opened the cabinet door, and can't remember what I went there for, I would be very rich. This really tickled my funny bone. Linda

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Scarborough Gypsy 19 February 2006

Another brilliant and sad but funny poem. A couple of the stanza's need some attention to the mitre and rythm. Read it aloud a few times and you will see what I mean. Nothing that can't be easily fixed though. Very cool love Gyp's

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Graham Jones 20 February 2006

Well I started to comment then had to do a retake to see what on, this must be catching or something, although this is a serious subject, taken in context its an excellent poem. Regards Graham.(I think)

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Sk 04 August 2022

Please upload questions answers of this poem

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Greenwolfe 1962 14 February 2008

There are sone technical problems here but they are dominated by the mature use of phrasing. I do not find this kind of talent that often. Greenwolfe 1962

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Chuck Audette 10 May 2007

Wonderful ending and poem. Thanks for the smile! - chuck

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Sylvia Spencer 24 February 2006

I loved this poem, I work with old people and I can see the content very clearly, cheers Sylvie

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Cj Heck 21 February 2006

This is wonderful, Bridgid. You captured the poignant and playfully spat it out in brilliant form. Excellent work. My warmest regards and respect, CJ

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