An old chair beside the window was where he sat on that summer in May.
His place if there ever was one and a place where he spent most every day.
A breeze was blowing against rattling shutters his lamp was lit and in the distance the whistle of an inbound train.
Another night alone in the darkness where his mind traveled to memories far away.
A flash of lightning and a clap of thunder wakened his senses to the smell of coming rain.
The night was a respite from the lonely times and this corner of the world a safe place to stay.
He’d been a rodeo cowboy in his younger days a different man in so many ways.
Times had passed him he thought to himself as he soon heard the drops on his windowpane.
Times had been good back in the old days, he was satisfied with the life he’d made.
Tonight, was the moment he’d lived for a lifetime, the final storm in his glory days.
Johnny – I guess there comes a time when we reflect on our life and have to figure out if the life we chose to live made difference. I like that your character comes to the conclusion that he did. So I see this as a uplifting poem with the message being “ensure you can look back and like what you see.”. Great writing – touches my soul.
Thank you Len. I suppose there will come a time when we all will sit in that old leather chair with the window cracked and a warm breeze blowing the curtains just waiting to hear that train whistle and knowing it’s been a good journey but it’s time to go.
Len, I saw your note again tonight and after a year with Covid and all else I have to say that it’s nice knowing Jesus is waiting for my arrival!
This is so beautiful, tender and sad. Being in my twilight years I often feel the emotions within your story. I know I am starting a new life with many new adventures but in the distance I see the shadows of the night. This is so good my friend. Inspiring Ink
Thanks Larry. I know it’s a bit sad but he seemed at peace with his life as an old dog might that goes under the porch to pass in private. And I found the rain. Writing off the cuff like that and finding the right ending is so challenging. It’s a great exercise and I usually find that if I start the words the conclusion usually finds itself