He stands, shoulders stooped,
face wizened over years,
holding his ancient pocket watch.
Engraved words,
palmed almost to nothingness.
His great-grandfather’s name, birth date,
barely a whisper on gold.
Who to gift with this heirloom?
Unmarried, no heirs.
His to carry to the grave.
Written for dVerse, the virtual pub for poets around the globe. Today De asks us to include the word “pocket” within our quadrille, a poem of exactly 44 words sans title. Image created in Bing.
This is deeply sad, Lill. What to do with the time, when time runs out. Well done.
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This is so raw and poignant, Lil! I am moved by this image; “Engraved words, palmed almost to nothingness.” ❤️
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I loved this too 👍
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What a way to go.
I hope he decides to donate it to a museum.
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Pocket watches and the phrase ‘time piece’ and rare these days. I love the juxtaposition of the ‘face wizened over years’ with the ‘ancient pocket watch’, Lill, and the name ‘barely a whisper on gold’.
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Very nice story Lillian, it makes me think of my best friend who is very wealthy but has no kids or heirs. Where will his fortune go when he does…guess its just a reminder of how unimportant our possessions ultimately are. Beautiful and tragic poem, I love it! 💚
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sad that he is so alone
much love
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So poignant, Lill. I wondered if anyone would write about a pocket watch. A sad story.
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Sooner or later, we all watch… Fine work, L. Thanks
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A somber and reflective piece Lillian ❤️
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I love how you take us into the story of the painting – very poignant – Jae
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Interesting how objects can cause such a dilemma.
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Unmarried, no heirs.His to carry to the grave
There comes a time when a necessity to bequeath a heirloom finds no takers. A pity really! Great lines lillian!
Hank
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Sad, sad. Beautifully done. I love the line about the inscription being a whisper on gold.
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Such a poignant write, Lill! I love it.
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Hi Lilian, this is so poignant 💕
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Aww, a sad-state, Lillian. I was gifted my grandfather’s pocket watch when he died many years ago. It’s really the only tangible thing I have of his. I bet he’s glad I have it, as it seems this man would have been to leave this possession to an heir.
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