An old widow and widower lived on my street.
Two nicer people, one could not hope to meet.
The widow lived up the street, the widower down.
And they both lived all alone in this bustling town.
As I sat on my front porch one day playing my guitar,
The widower waved to me as he drove by in his car.
He passed by the widow, who was out taking a walk.
She watched him pass by but he did not stop to talk.
I wondered, “What is he waving and smiling at me for
When that sweet little widow could use a smile more?”
I know they’re both lonely. I can see it in their eyes.
They don’t admit it, of course, but it’s hard to disguise.
It made me wonder what all this “civilization” is for.
With village life gone, neighbors hardly talk anymore.
Folks are strangers, though they live on the same street.
What good is progress if two lonely people can’t meet?
So I hatched a scheme to help make their paths cross.
It was very sneaky but I could see no potential for loss.
I wrote a note in my best hand and on my finest paper
Then put it in the widow’s mailbox to launch the caper.
The note said, “My dear lady, I wish I could be stronger
But this old man's still shy, and I can’t wait any longer.
I’ve wanted to meet you but the moment never felt right.
I would be honored if you'd join me for dinner tonight.”
Then I wrote another note, lightly scented with my girlfriend’s perfume,
Which read, “I’ve always found you dashing but I didn’t want to assume
That you noticed me, too. So I thought I’d be brave, just take a chance,
And ask if I could stop by for dinner tonight, and maybe a dance.”
I put the widow’s note through the widower’s mail slot,
Carefully watching for his car so I wouldn’t get caught.
Then I returned to my porch and waited with anticipation,
Wondering how each would respond to the other's invitation.
The evening came and I felt my heart leap in my chest
When I saw the widow walking by, beautifully dressed.
She knocked his door timidly and he opened it, smiling.
I heard laughter for hours; they found each other beguiling.
It’s been years now and over her the old man still dotes.
He even told me a story about the two mysterious notes
That brought them together, ending many hard, lonely years,
Praising the anonymous author through his grateful tears.
But I never took credit. I’d received payment enough.
To be responsible for joy - man, that’s the good stuff.
Some think unhappiness is caused by things that we lack,
But it’s in loving and giving that we get the most back.
Author notes
Written August 16th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- Many Faces of Love!! by -your-chaos-theory-.
300 points, ended August 20, 2005, 10 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 85 of 85
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I'm sentimental and like to think that love is no respecter of age when the will to live and share is strong. Cupid is alive and well, just sometimes needs a little help aiming his arrows. I really loved reading this.
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Thanks, Karen. I agree about Cupid. Love is available to us all as long as we keep the doors and windows open. A smile is the "open" sign, open to keep on living, that is.
Glad you enjoyed this. I hope you're doing great and enjoying the summer so far.
M
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This is an amazing write! I just kept reading to find out the conclusion and the way you wrote your words quickly guided me through it all with much ease. This is a unique style of writing and not like many poems I have read, but it was a fresh breath of air. Congrats to you on your win, you thoroughly deserved it as this is a great piece of writing.
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heavenly
Great, beautiful. i have no words that sing you enough praise. this poem is sweet and wonderfully writen. -
"The evening came and I felt my heart leap in my chest
When I saw the widow walking by, beautifully dressed."
Sighhh...Ahhh, Mark...I wanna be like you when I grow up, my Friend...Beautiful, heartwarming & flowing with Grace...Congratulations on your win...better still, congratulations on the success of your anonymous endeavor...well done, Scribe...
Wanda
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GREAT
Never had i thought such imagery, emotion and an amazing write could be created after a mere look at a picture. Your rhyme schemes were amazing and it had such an awesome flow. the story line was another amazing aspect...pure talent...
i have heard unity is strength, but you just united unto joy in that piece, beat the alchemists and transmuted sadness and loneliness into pure happiness.
Well done and keep it up;
PS: Congratulations on winning silver.
Edited on Aug 30, 2:04 because 'didn't know the contest was over'. -
Quite the story teller, a superb write telling a wonderful tale,I don't know if this is fiction or not it dosen't matter,it should of won a huge gold shiny trophy,loved the images you cast in my mind,if you ever receive a mystery note as the ones you wrote of say in fifty years you will know it was written by someone reading your wonderful poetry all those years ago.
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wow very well done I could actually picture them I couldn't wait to see if they met I injoyed this alot thanks for writing it keep up the good work
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what a wonderful story to tell. wonderfully written and it plays out fabulously in my head. I love the point behind this and your creativity in putting it together
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I must have a bit of the sceptic/cynic in me. I thought maybe they had divorced in the past...
I like your outcome; I hope this is true...
I enjoy matchmaking; but I'm not very good at it. She's doing 40 to life... -
this is absolutely, thoroughly awesome
i have bookmarked this for my list of favorites by AP poets
first of all it's done in wonderful rhyme, which i admire mostly because i am so terrible at it. i seldom come across a rhyme i like
i like the match making part of this and that it's done secretly and never revealed...that is cool
all in all this is a wonderful story/poem, done in rhyme that had me smiling till the end
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being responsible for another's happiness is really healing for us also.the story in rhymes with those moving figures kept my attention till the end.your poem is well appreciated.
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SUPERB!!!
Wonderful Mark! I'm gonna give you one of my rare applauses. It seems to me that technology, and by that I mostly mean television, has pushed people apart, which is strange as you would think that with all of our cleverness we would find ways to come closer together, no? This poems has it's flaws and all that blah blah blah, but you've penned a true gem here my man. Society is so obsessed with youth and lust that love and friendship seem to be dying out - which may get us all killed some day. Let's hope not, huh? Again, GREAT JOB!!! I just wish I could give you more than one applaud! - oce -
Hmm, did that accually happen? Anyway, great poem.
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Just ticked on by and didn't stop for a second. The rhythm was absurdly good and the rhyme was half bad either. AND a cute story nontheless...true love etched in death and laced with hope always makes for a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Madison -
excellent
Well constructed, especially about the selflessness of the narrator. Great touch. An excellent read. -
good
awww, this is so sweet and tender and cute.
I could imagine those two people so well.
you described them so well. and once in awhile
we just want to hear a sweet story with a sweet
ending, don't we all deserve that?
good job. -
WOWOW!!!!!!
WOWWOOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha AWESOME POEM!!!!! I LOVED IT, EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!! GREAT PIECE HOPE YOU WIN!!! WOW!!!!!
~Phantoms Mistress
Edited on Aug 29, 9:11 p.m. because ''. -
i don't think i can add anything to this, that others have not. a very beautiful poem.
it reminded me of this other one i read not too long ago, and the image showed an elderly woman, walking with a 9 year old girl.
you wrote this in a very unique way, presents that smooth humor for the reader.
a pleasure reading this. very well done
best wishes,
rozafa -
What a wonderful story you have related in these verses - of finding love with the help of a friend. It is sad to be lonely and alone in your golden years - a companion is always welcome, I am sure. Congratulations on winning silver in this contest.
Edited on Aug 29, 8:56 p.m. because ''. -
Hey..I might get in touch with you in my golden years..I might need your help. This was such a sweet piece. Love has no boundaries and no time line. I loved it. Great work..Thanks so much for sharing..
Soulful Woman -
beautiful
The gift of giving.... the reward always lies in the impact! We just always hope it is a good one... regardless when it comes from the heart and is meant well... rarely do we face negative impacts. What a sweet and memory sweeping poem. Thanks for sharing this with us, truly a beautiful piece of work! -
Beyond good !!
Dear Mark,
If this poem were a magical blanket, it would keep out the cold of Winter and the heat of the desert's Summer.
Kind of a Goldilocks poem......just right!
Nice going Mark! Chock full of pathos!
Regards,
John -
and again!
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and again
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I am gonna applaud you a bunch a times. Lol yes I know improper english!! Hehe. The poem was awesome and the ending wow so very true heartfelt and sincere and all!!! I enjoyed it so much it has made my comment seem ecstatic lol. Best wishes from me to you !!
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I dont like sappy poems, but for this one, it doesnt matter one bit. That is true penmanship, Amazing poem man, keep it up1!!!
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amazing
oh god, this made me cry^^i love it though waht a sweet love story. -
This is the good stuff...
This is the sweetest thing ever.
I absolutely LOVE the last two lines.
Powerful stuff they are, and no truer words have e'er been spoken. Very nice write, very nice indeed.
Clappies for you,
~Sherry~
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aw that is so sweet!!! that's really one of the nicest things i have ever read about. it's really cute and the way you wrote it...i have a soft spot for rhymes...what can i say?
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Lordy! That ending line says it all.
This is a marvelous poem, Mark. You are such a breath of fresh air around here. You definitely did not come out of a box of poetic cookie cutters.
You always put a smile on my face. I am just so tickled by this piece. Thank you thank you for making my end of the day and my almost-end of the week. Half day tomorrow then I'm off till Tuesday. Whoo hoo!
This somehow reminded me of an old black and white movie - the kind they don't make anymore. But YOU do, don't you! hehehe!
Oh, and by the way - that deal I had talked with you about a while back - it is not going to come to fruition afterall. But I thank you for your willingness to participate. Perhaps when I complete my relocation things will fall back into place.
Hugs
Crissy
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If this is a true story, it is great that it turned out the way that it did. But, what if it had led to something very tragic? It might have been better for you to have invited them both to a dinner that you had arranged and let them take it from there. This sounds more like a Maury Povich shenanigan for his TV show. The rhyme was not necessary for this. The story would be better in free verse. But that is just my thought. I thoroughly commend you for thinking about these two people and going out of your way to make them happy. They are lucky to known you as a friend.
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Dear Mark,you have this inate ability to portray poetically and yet make it so tangible that the reader feels the emotion.I have tears in my eyes at the union of the two elderly people and the kindness which bought them together.With each write you reveal a little more of the essence of yourself and it is always warm,caring,understanding and note worthy.One day I shall be the proud owner of one of your books and tell my children proudly that I read your poetry before it was published.You have been missed on ap as you are a credit to ap and creativity alike.Re-Mark-able!Love and light,Yvette
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x ceptional Bro !
You big softy!!!
A great story thats been told before with different circumstances but never enough to be heard too much...
In the last few breaths of our life all that really matters is how much we loved. Witnessed a best friend pass away from cancer, you could see and feel the fear in his eyes and voice... That his family may have never known how much he loved them and fearful whether he was loved.
Excellent write my friend..
Better too have loved too much, than too little...
But save some sweet stuff for yourself, if only one skittle..
LoL...
Good luck in the contest!!!
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Hello Mark, haven't read your works much. But I remember reading this a year back and yes, my comment still stays here dated back to Sep /05. All of a sudden this poem sprang up last night and I browsed all through your works to get to this Am glad I did. Not sure what so splendid here, but it is always the mark u leave that carries further. Your verses surviving a year.. and still knocking at my muse Congratulations. I am sure it is a reward by itself.. lasting memories through words.
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Brilliant
I am at a loss for words, where do i start? Okay, an excellent write, I was grippped (yes with three 'Ps') from the start and loved the flow of this work. It's nice to read something nice and cheerful after reading sad or depressing works all day.... -
excelent
the story, the rhyme, the choice of wording....all was perfect...great write... -
Wow, this is amazing, so very sweet of one to do. Love is so grand, and sometimes people need a push in the right direction! Great job, and keep up the good work.
~MxR
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Mark,
What a sweet thing to have done. Sounds as if the village spirit isn't dead on your street. The little touches you added like your girlfriend's perfume very loving spirit there.
How very uplifting a write. To remain anonymous in this situation, is even more beautiful.
There is(was) a professor in Bakersfield who challenged his students to love anonymously with a campaign he launched, that took hold across the state some years ago. 'Random Acts of Kindness' you have truly done that. The instructor himself was blind and had such a joy for loving gestures. Some of the acts were to add change to an expired parking meter. Leaving a plate of cookies on someone's doorstep, this reminded me of that wonderful infectious generousity that caught on from that.
I like poetry that tells a story and this one has a positive focus, thats often not seen.
Beautiful picture that lends to this beautifully rhyming work.
wow that was a really true comment... i agree one hundred percent. same with this one...
Sometimes people need a nudge or a full fledged push in the right direction. When you live alone or spend most of your time alone ...meeting someone or even striking up a conversation is a hard thing to do. You can be a prisoner of your own shyness or insecurities...i think everyone should go out of their way to include any lonely elderly people they know into conversations or even an invite over for dinner. If he or she tells you to bugger off..well then fine but i'm sure most wouldnt.
I see this elderly mentally challenged man in our village every day and i joke with him and we take turns buying each other coffees - he told me i was the highlight of his day. Something small like a conversation and a coffee is huge for someone who's lonely. I loved this - a very good message in this write Bravo! -
Mark,
What a sweet thing to have done. Sounds as if the village spirit isn't dead on your street. The little touches you added like your girlfriend's perfume very loving spirit there.
How very uplifting a write. To remain anonymous in this situation, is even more beautiful.
There is(was) a professor in Bakersfield who challenged his students to love anonymously with a campaign he launched, that took hold across the state some years ago. 'Random Acts of Kindness' you have truly done that. The instructor himself was blind and had such a joy for loving gestures. Some of the acts were to add change to an expired parking meter. Leaving a plate of cookies on someone's doorstep, this reminded me of that wonderful infectious generousity that caught on from that.
I like poetry that tells a story and this one has a positive focus, thats often not seen.
Beautiful picture that lends to this beautifully rhyming work.
ap
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fantastique!
I'm still smiling from this. You told a wonderful, compassionate story. It felt like true love.Great rhyme scheme and word choice. Thanks so much for sharing. Best of luck in the contest.
What good is progress if two lonely people can’t meet?
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Good
Good work, it rhymed, it had a consistant structure, it was intelligent, and it told a story. Keep up the good work.
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Oh my.. !! I'm reading this again and again.. something s soo captivating in this piece.. It is the reality first, rhyme and melody flowing hand in hand.. the scene is more like a narration.. with charcters whom we culd visualize.. a fine scoop of imagery.. And a slight sense of humour with a pinch of 'truant' playing between the lines.. Added to all, a spoonfull of interesting story going around.. Somehow.. it s too good a feast to resist. Not sure.. whetehr u were aware while writing.. but this is sooo soo lively and C l !!
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Sometimes people need a nudge or a full fledged push in the right direction. When you live alone or spend most of your time alone ...meeting someone or even striking up a conversation is a hard thing to do. You can be a prisoner of your own shyness or insecurities...i think everyone should go out of their way to include any lonely elderly people they know into conversations or even an invite over for dinner. If he or she tells you to bugger off..well then fine but i'm sure most wouldnt.
I see this elderly mentally challenged man in our village every day and i joke with him and we take turns buying each other coffees - he told me i was the highlight of his day. Something small like a conversation and a coffee is huge for someone who's lonely. I loved this - a very good message in this write Bravo!
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perfect~
What a warm and heartfelt tender poem you have penned here
Love goes on strong at any age I think
Thanks for penning this wonderful poem
I just posted a new one too come on over
Love n hugs
Susan~~~
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Very Touching
Well then, I just have one question for the readers, am I
the only one with tears still in my eyes. Oh Mark, this is wonderfully written. So much love in your words, and the messege that I got from this. It dont matter if your 25 or 52, as long as your heart beats, you can still love. And to find a love so true after so many years, is gift from God. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
And thanks for the smile thats glowing on my face.
Much love to you always,
Tammy
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I'm back! Please do send those links. I'll pop over to your author page now. Thanks for stopping by. Nice to meet you!
Mark -
U just left me amazing.. not just at the perfect flow an d rhythm.. but at the story told behind. It all compliments each other so well. This is the first work of yours i'm reading.. and totally taken back now.
How come I missed u all tehse days ????? Visited ur homepage and found the links to the interview and the myth stuff. To tell, I am a great lover of myths.. and I tried writing af ew myth poems too.. Maybe, ocne ur back, i culd pass u some links when ur free..
Till then my friend, am soo very glad for having met u in AP here.. and hope to read more of urs..
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This is a great write & so true congratulations this one's a wall-hanger!!!
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oh,yea,now this is what we need more of.this has the compassionate that could fix things right up.i hope this is a true story and when i think of the wonderful vibes i get from reading you,i would not be surprised.this could be one of those primetime family movies.this is so very touching and so well done.
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aawwwww..beautiful write and beautiful ending..exellent write!!
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Black Rose For You
Sad, but an AWSOME write. Please keep it up. No wander it is the most popular poem. I hope this is the best write you have ever written. Please write more. 
This is a sad poem, but
it is great. Keep it up. -
A truely beautiful poem...I'm wondering if you actually did this...And if you did, you should be so proud of it. You brought 2 very lonely people in the big world together and made them smile again. I commend you!! Thanks for entering and good luck!!
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Mark, you have the heart of a knight....proving to me that the "Age of Chivalry" isn't dead...it is only very, very narrowed these days. You are a one-man epoch. Wonderfully done, in my opinion (which, as I've established in the past, is relatively worthless....but, for what it IS worth....
)
Thanks for the smiles.
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This is one of those poems that makes me smile and go "Awwwwww....". Hehe, I really loved this poem, it read so nicely and it had such wonderful subject matter. I like cute love poems like this, I don't find many of them. And of course, a happy ending is always a bonus! Once again, great write, loved it.
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Mark, your poem holds such truth and you are such a sweetheart! A beautiful story and a happy ending. I'm going to be smiling all day.
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Holy Smoly! I dont know if its a true story or not, but GREAT poem! The thought alone is worth a GOLD! Good Job Mark as usual!
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Thanks, Lencio. I hope we can meet someday. I think the world of you. It would be an honor. I'll look forward to our jam session.
Love and light,
Mark -
Hi Mark,
Very touching towards the end, the unselfishness, the wonderful thought, your Joy... of bringing the two lonely people, older in age, together. Wonderful, you are a wonderful person and from what we read here, it just tells a tale of YOUR life, let alone what you have done for others. And yes, I know one more thing - that you play the guitar, well maybe someday we could meet and jam up... I sing (like a crow!!! of course!)
Thanks for this beautiful read,
Love and light,
Lencio -
aw, that's such a cute story
SH -
In a cynical world such a poem could easily be described as hokey. But in the world of romantics and love that comes across as a very sweet story easily told and lovingly warm. Well done
David -
the background is better now.
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I think it takes real talent to be able to tell a story in a poetic manner, such as you did. It was nice to read a wholesome good natured love story. Well done!
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I enjoyed the story of this piece. I liked the rhyme even though most times I don't like rhyme, well I like rhyme by some poets but very few. This one worked for me.
Now it's time for bed because I'm rambling on like an out of control freight train.
~Dee -
Beautifully written!* A major plus and you were right, Like the color-keep it: it puts the poem in perspective and it's different. ttyl
Christina -
Loved the poem - so rhythmic and flowing, one verse to the next. The colour - is so so, but the writing is wonderful.
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wow...very touching. it really makes me wonder...if we were all a little more observant and cared about our neighbors a little more...alot fewer people would be so lonely. and...maybe, we could all be a little happier.
~Kariime~ -
This was just lovely! I thought that it rhymed well, and flowed beautifully, and to think! It even had a moral to boot! ^.^ This really was well done, very sweet and poetic, if I do say so myself. It somewhat reminded me of the song 'Eleanor Rigby' by The Beatles. Know it? I love that one. At any rate, it didn't end nearly as happy as this poem. As I've said, well done, and good luck in your contest!
~Slip~ -
very diffrent but it worked overall.Tthe flow and the feeling were here all till the end.Good job!!
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n/p
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Thanks for letting me know. I'll see what I can do.
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okay, im going to be honest. I love the poem, i think the poem and the words are very well written, but this background is killing my eyes. im sorry to be mean, but other wize i do like the words.
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This was very good. You are such a good writer I wish I could write like you!! Keep it up
~Kailee -
wow very beautifully written! it was great it almost made me cry! keep up the great work!
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What a wonderful wonderful story in this write, the couple are so lovely and you have written about love so beautifully. Great expression and wonderful content. This was absolutely beautiful. Great write and thanks for sharing this lovely write.
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veru thoughtful
this is a very good story/poem. I like the way that it was worded and i also like the little plot. I have to admit that when i first looked at it i thiught that it was not going to work. It did, and it ended up very well. -
i absolutely adored this read! the whole thing concept was great...and i am left wondering if it is a true story.
i also love the "moral" to the story, so to speak...it is true...nothing better than loving and giving...there could be no finer reward than that which we reap in doing so...
UB
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A life is a poem.
It is really a great poem.The thought is really a very humanistic and sacred too. The presentation format is very intersting and makes us more eager to know about the story further. It is a really a enjoyable and great work. The flow of the write is marvelous.I really appreciate this work.prabhudayal khattar -
Fantastic!
Mark, this is wonderful write , very hearth warming..and this made me think how things are just changing in this world..everybody is busy and a lot of people are so lonely..and the sad thing they can't even face that..I think social life is going down and down in this world of materialism..
And I do agree that love and giving ...it is the only thing that we get back one way or another..I really enjoyed the read..I am glad I stopped by again
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i'm a first time visiter to your poetry and i'm very impressed. i loved how you told a wonderful story in prefect rhyme and rhythm. and it wasn't even cheesy! lol. very nice.
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Ohhhhhh this is sweet and beautifully written.
Ah Love (and passion) can truly be ageless -
One word---Beautiful
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This couple reminds me of a couple I know. I knew the widower for a long time, and he wrote the saddest poems about being lonely. He remarried this year and it warms my heart. Heart warming write Mark.
Red -
Beautifully written mark! You told an excellent story very well. *Sigh* why cant i write like you hehe well done xxxx
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Very nice write. -Al
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