She almost found her place,
a piece of the pie, her salvation;
almost grabbed the victory ring
that would have brought her
lasting peace.
She was that close,
her retirement ducks in a row,
having earned her laborious reward,
a home down south,
a pension for life.
She would have a fresh start,
a new and rejuvenated soul.
She’d leave her dreadful city of birth
that spoiled her formative years,
hardened her heart,
and caused so many scars.
But at the exact moment,
no more, no less—
Fate, karma, the scheming universe
played a dirty trick.
She passed away quietly
in the cancer ward
with much regret.
Originally posted in Literary Yard.
Crow On The Wire 
How sad, Mark!
Yes, for this person, life was brutally sad.
Oh God! This really gets to me.
I here you.
I was afraid the poem was going to end where it did. Fate can be very cruel, with cancer being one of the cruelest fates of all.
Some people’s narratives are beyond sad.
It doesn’t seem fair, does it?
No it doesn’t, Liz. It feels random. One person has an amazing life while the other comes to a horrible end. No rhyme or reason.
Maybe fairness is a human concept that doesn’t exist in the universe.
Sadly, I think you’re right about the concept of fairness.
Oh my goodness….I did not see that coming. I suspected a sad end but not a “dead” ending.
That person’s narrative was a surprise to me as well. 😟
well that is an intensely sad poem.
Yes, you nailed it with those two adjectives, Wendi.
situations like this happens all to frequently.
🙏🏻
You have the capacity to make one reflect on life!
Thank you, Malcolm. 🙂
Fate has a way of having the last word, unfortunately…
Yes, and it’s sometimes way too harsh. 😟
Last words usually are…
🙂
Awesome post, Mark!! Fate is totally fickle!! Reminds me of someone my wife knew of who retired Friday, had a party and went jogging on Saturday morning and dropped dead from a heart attack. Not even 24 hours!! Life doesn’t seem fair sometimes, does it???
Fate can be a total bummer. 🙂
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
Thanks RR.
So true!! Hope you have a great weekend planned!!
You as well!!
Happens to so many.. do what you want today! Right?
Yes, Taruna. Everyday is precious.
Powerfully sad, Mark, but well written. A good reflection for us to ponder on how we treat each day. I believe they are a “present” and to be enjoyed in the moment. As the word “present” reflects, the day is a gift from God for us to enjoy. You are truly blessed in your writing skills, Mark.
Thanks for the complement, Theresa.
It makes me wonder how many people really do end up “resting in peace.” This was very emotional, Mark.
Makes me wonder too, Susi. Perhaps their souls are working through their mistakes and misfortunes.
Or they blew their chance when they had it.
Yeah, still sad though. 😟
Oh, definitely! I didn’t mean to minimize that fact at all!
No worries. We all have a shot at making it right. I wish we had more opportunities. Thanks for your comments, Susi. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Agreed, Mark! 🙂
Very much so! That’s why it takes some souls longer to reach their destination. Ask those who have received messages from them.
What’s your experiences with them, Theresa? Interesting topic
I’ve only had dreams that involve family members who have passed on. They’re usually very faint. But you may want to ask Alice about hers. She’s more in tune with them than I am.
But especially after their passing, you can feel a bit of a disturbance in the spiritual realm, as if they’re not happy they left. I had a small sense when I found out about my ex-husband’s passing. He and I never had a chance to “close” out before we went our separate ways. I pray for him daily, hoping that I’ll have that opportunity when I go my “Way” and that he’ll be there. After all, he was the first “real” love of my life.
That’s nice, Theresa. Hopefully when you two meet up, he’ll be healed and the issues you had won’t get in the way. ☮️☮️🙏🏻
Thank you, Mark! That’s so comforting. It’s been 5 years already. I’m hoping I had some small influence in Clay’s life. I want to hear my Creator say, “Welcome to your rest, my good and faithful Servant.” because I did what I could to lead him to the Lord.
I find it fascinating how everyone’s spirituality is different, some more intense than others. I wonder if our spirituality is our true essence. 🙂
It has to be! It reminds us that we are under Our Creator’s care and how much He truly Loves us and forgives us our wrongs. Some just don’t realize it until too late…but others have enough of a glimpse to seek Him out and hopefully, prayerfully receive that Salvation. As Believers, I feel that it is our duty to provide that “glimpse” to those around us who need it most. Clay did, but couldn’t show his appreciation during his life with me. I pray that he will have that opportunity.
I’m not just talking about a creator, Theresa. That’s your perspective of spirituality. Others have a different version and perhaps equally as valid. What people believe is real to them, no matter what spiritual take. When we’re open to all, we can begin to accept and heal. 😊
Well put, Mark! Thank you for that perspective. Sometimes I get to be too “preachy” and I need to be careful. I have no intention of that, but grateful to be able to “voice” my viewpoint. Thanks again! And especially since this has been a bit of a “Healing Moment” for me. I’ve been a bit “down” and this has “released” it. You are ministering! Love it! 🙂 ❤
Thank you, Theresa for being open. Nice hearing your points of view as always. 😊👌🏼
Sad!!!!
🙁
In the end we truly have no control of so many aspects of our life. Your poem a case in point.
How awful!
Carpe diem
Ohh heart share and broken into pieces.
Before she really got to enjoy her retirement. Just show you how unfair life can be for some. Well written, Mark.