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silverwind
Junior Member
since 2005-12-07
Posts 37
that place over there

0 posted 2005-12-08 06:59 PM


I feel very tired,
felt like this since the day I retired,
nothing to do you see, friends all gone,
no more goals, nothing to aim for
life's becoming just one long chore.
Aches and pains are my constant companions
weak and slowly my brothers in arms,
the silence is a piercing conflict
and being forgotten is my cross to bear.

Where are the voices of the children I raised?
loud and happy around that table,
a table now covered in a dust
as thick as my memories.
I remember with love the bygone years
when we dealt with all their tantrums and tears,
a whirlwind of life throughout the house
with not a moments peace from a scratch to a fight,
but everyone tucked up safe and happy at night.

Where are the voices of the children I raised?
has adulthood closed their eyes to my age,
am I less important now I'm old,
is that why they leave me out in the cold?
Would they visit if their Mum was still here?
a woman I loved so very dear,
her love for those kids was her flame of life
but she always remained my loving wife.
She's gone now, this past ten years
and I've struggled on through the tears,
but still I call her name and weep,
in the darkest hours, unable to sleep.

Where are the voices of the children I raised?
Is there something wrong with their humble roots
where to get them shoes I went without boots?
Where their mother and I worked seven days a week
just to make sure they had enough to eat!
Or does the label of their fathers name
or their humble background bring them shame?

Oh Lord, are their new lives so plastic and thin
that they have to hide from the truth within?
If they'd just visit once while I'm still around
because it'll be too late when I'm underground,
I don't bear a grudge, I love them all,
so why can't they pick up the phone,
why can't they call?
silverwind

© Copyright 2005 randall mccabe - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2005-12-08 09:24 PM


SilverWind~
There are many in this piece ... many whose children have deserted them in the later years~

It is quite sad that it happens that way ... sometimes the 'glue' that holds the family together just gives way ... we often don't know the 'why' of it~

Very sad is this~

Thank you for joining us here in the Pub~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*No matter what I search for ...
let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))><

Email -       noles1@totcon.com       

Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
2 posted 2005-12-08 10:02 PM


I find this sad also, but I think your children are just thoughtless.  If I were you, I would give them a call.  Good luck.  Joyce
Trillium
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
3 posted 2005-12-08 11:34 PM


You expressed your feelings very well and unfortunately there are many people who will relate to this poem.  Good write!

Betty Lou

pictureme2
Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194

4 posted 2005-12-08 11:35 PM


silverwind,
This write brought me tears! I look forward to retirement. Sending you hugs and handing you a telephone and saying...
Just Do It!
pictureme2

Annie78
Member
since 2003-10-03
Posts 469
here then there then back here
5 posted 2005-12-09 06:04 AM


welcome silverwind....this is so sad, and i too know the pain of not hearing from my children. Don't wait pick up that phone. Good write.
Annie

there is but a short time to exist, love,laugh,live and never stop believing in miracles

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
6 posted 2005-12-09 07:18 AM


Oh Lord, are their new lives so plastic and thin
that they have to hide from the truth within?
If they'd just visit once while I'm still around
because it'll be too late when I'm underground,
I don't bear a grudge, I love them all,
so why can't they pick up the phone,
why can't they call?


though I have no children,I know you are not alone in these thoughts (I have 40 some nieces and nephews and hear from only one or two now that they are older...)It's the times and the distances...but when they need us we are here...

M

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
7 posted 2005-12-09 09:16 AM




Touching and very sad.

I already have a 21 yr old that doesn't call.  I am hoping when he starts a family of his own he will be more inclined to remember me..

"too bad ignorance isn't painful"
~Unknown~

silverwind
Junior Member
since 2005-12-07
Posts 37
that place over there
8 posted 2005-12-09 04:59 PM


Marge Tindall
Joyce Johnson
Trillium
pictureme2
Annie78
nakdthoughts
Susan Caldwell

Thankyou all for stopping by and reading my work. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to know that you enjoyed it (blushes) and that alone inspires me to carry on.


silverwind

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
9 posted 2005-12-09 11:44 PM


silverwind

I, like the others, think you should call them and tell them you would really like to hear from them more.  Invite them for a visit, or tell them you are coming to see them.  It is obvious that your family is important, your poem shows it beautifully.  I wish you well!  Let them know how much they mean to you.  

majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area
10 posted 2005-12-10 03:22 AM


this makes me so sad. but don't wait for people to call, call them. it is amazing how easy it is to intend to call and never do it.

my grandma lives on the first floor of her house (because the stairs are hard for her). there are 3 apartments, 1 hers and the other two for her sons. they've added two floors and it is now a building, with four grandsons living above. complete with enough grandchildren to drive everyone merrily nuts. if i wanted i could put one on top of that, even though I am her daughter's son.

people have long criticized the indian joint family system and if I am single, unmarried, and 27 still living at home I am sure it will make me radioactive in terms of dating and whatever. but hey, my mom won't want me to call, it would mean i was screaming in the house. and despite her fierce independance (like her own mum) i know she will be glad to have me around.

-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.

midnightblues
Senior Member
since 2000-07-01
Posts 1597
Singapore
11 posted 2005-12-10 09:10 AM


I see this as a wake-up call for myself.. I stay with my parents but I usually ignore their presence.. I should show them more love and attention!

Apart from that, I really like the way your writing flows, and am touched by the emotions they evoke in me!

Love
MiCheLLe

If there cannot be equal in affection, then let the one with more be me - midnightblues

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
12 posted 2005-12-10 03:21 PM


I had a mother in law who felt the same. My daughter was the only one who seemed to care and yet when she ventured to visit, grandma said,  "Oh, I am watching a story.  Soon my daughter felt it useless to go there. Althought she was still the only one who did go,just not as often.  Then whenever others did go she complained that "you never come to see me."  Instead of saying "how happy I am to see you today".  Sometimes we have to look at ourselves. Do we call our children often with a happy voice  and a small story to tell or to ask them how they are doing? They do not want to know of our aches and pains or any type of sadness. That will keep them away.  I know, I know.  I had six, and my husband also complained. The same with his brothers. He never called them  nor did any of them call him. But all the wives had the same complaint,  "No on ever calls  John, ( or Bill or whichever one it was). "  But he rarely picked up the telephone and he never wrote.  You write so beautifully. How about a newsy letter or e-mail to keep in touch.

   You know I have some very good friends who were "sad" when I left Ct.  But they rarely write. I find I have to write  three letters  to get a letter or a telephone call. They all profess they miss me and are terrific when I go there,  but they lead busy lives.  Do not be too hard on the "kids you raised",  make an extra effort to call or write or send them poetry.  You will have to start the ball rolling.  Soon they will be looking forward to your calls if you keep it light and keep it short.

I tried a round robin e-mail once and addressed to "family " and sent it out with the added wish they each add something to it. A few did but not all and soon it petered out. Thank you cards or telephone calls  do come from my children but seldom from grandchildren. I thought I should send them all cards and wish them happy spending and forget to enclose the anticipated check.  When I mentioned it to one of my sons he said "go for it".  But I said. " your two boys are included".  Soon his boys at least got the message from their dad and I received a telephone call thanking me for the check. Be creative,  burst into their tight little world and see if it works.  I wish you luck. I hear the same complaint so often.  In the meantime invite  some guys and girls in to play cards or just to chat .. best to you, I understand.  martyjo

[This message has been edited by latearrival (12-11-2005 02:57 AM).]

silverwind
Junior Member
since 2005-12-07
Posts 37
that place over there
13 posted 2005-12-12 04:43 PM


Martie
Majnu
Midnightblues
Latearrival

Thankyou very much for your kind replies and also for taking the time to read my work.  If I can take the opportunity to alay some fears here I would like you all to know it was, just a poem. I am fine, really.


silverwind

whitedove
Junior Member
since 2005-11-26
Posts 42

14 posted 2005-12-14 01:35 AM


I really enjoyed the poem.  I am a mother and I am lost in the fights and furies of raising young kids.  

I would be more inclined to go out and enjoy your life now!!!.  If the kids don't call, call them and arrange a dinner for them or offer to babysit- relationships are always a two way street.

My parents expected me always to visit them, call them, listen to them, but never once did I get return offers of calls if it was not for something. I choose not to visit now due to harsh abuse and fear of reprisals on my own children.


inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
15 posted 2005-12-14 11:47 AM


I see your poem as real. When a poet can write the words and have the readers feel the loneliness, he/she knows they did a good job.
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