We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage / And swear that Beauty lives though lilies die, / We Poets of the proud old lineage / Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why ... (James Elroy Flecker)

10.4.25

Lunching Alone Today

 

Lunching alone today, it occurs to me

I’ll never again run into Patsy at the Club.

A little later, as my mind serves up images of her 

sitting at a table, on her own or with friends,

or approaching across the space to say hello to me

(sometimes accompanied by Sarah, who is still 

very much alive, being such a lot younger) 

I understand that I was wrong. I’ll always 

be seeing Patsy, whenever I come to the Club.



I wrote this on my phone while still sitting there. Then, as I left, I ran into Sarah just coming in. We hugged and commiserated. I thought of including this sad-sweet coincidence in the poem, but it was already written and felt complete as it is.


Shared in NaPoWriMo 2025, Day Ten. (Off prompt. Written before the prompt was posted – though it does naturally have some of the subtle sound effects we were asked for. )



Also sharing at dVerse Open LinkNight for 19 June 2025.




10 comments:

  1. a fine twist of wisdom, Rosemary ~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tut! It seems I never said thank you for this welcome comment. Perhaps it's too late and you won't know, but I'll say it now just in case.,

      Delete
  2. Oh, so poignant. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. When I read your poem, the term "larger than life" came to mind. I'm glad she'll be around for her friends at the club <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was a little lady, physically – but yes, you're quite right. Her 'celebration of life' was attended by many, many people from this town. A number of them I hadn't realised knew her too. It seems just about everyone knew, loved and respected Patsy!

      Delete
  4. I love the poignancy with which this poem is written, Rosemary. Yes, it is complete as it is ❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love how you end it with that realization. It's wonderful to have reminders of those we miss~

    ReplyDelete

DON'T PANIC IF YOUR COMMENTS DON'T POST IMMEDIATELY. They are awaiting moderation. Please allow for possible time difference; I am in Australia. ALSO, IF YOU ARE FORCED TO COMMENT ANONYMOUSLY – do add your name at the end, so I know it's you!