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Its not much to look at it has to be said
seen far better days has our old double bed
Though that’s not surprising the life that its led
It was not just a place where we laid down our head
The first time we met,it was our wedding night
two fumbling lovers unsure and uptight
as It patiently waited observing our plight
Its whispering springs sang a sweet serenade
as we gently waltzed to the music they played
When our daughters came calling it never denied
its comforting arms always quick to provide
reassurance they needed whenever they cried
Dispelled all the fears they had bottled inside
On the odd times we argued I fondly recall
the space in between us seemed awfully small
As we laid back to back with our face to the wall
Yet somehow it manage in weaving its charms
and we woke to the morning in each others arms
A faithful companion for thirty six years
it heard our ambitions our hopes and our fears
Shook with our laughter and soaked up our tears
and never repeated what entered its ears
Now our old double bed seems so terribly wide
for half of its space is left unoccupied
as I hug a pillow, and sleep on your side
In truth all I want is to be close to you
while I know in my heart that the bed feels it too
It’s hard to explain all these thoughts in my head
death altered forever the life I once led
what I find the hardest it has to be said
is sleeping alone in our old double bed
.
Author notes
This i believe explains my marriage more than any other words could
30 .9 . 1972 to 24 .10.2006
A contest entry
- Ten Thousand Points of Rhyme - The Invitational! Named Poets Only by cricketjeff.
6500 points, ended April 4, 2008, 17 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Tell Me About Your Marriage (contest) by Paloszoo.
700 points, ended March 29, 26 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 52 of 52
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Oh Legend this could be written for a future time for me and yes it speaks volumes about you and your marriage all of them good. Sometimes I think it would be easier with twin beds because of washing the king size sheets etc especially this time of the year but my hubby objects to that bless him .. but it would be an awfully big bed to sleep in alone.
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Wow, I love how you've written this! It's very different. Thanks for entering my contest. Good luck. I'm honored to have you show your work here.
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Smooth and sad
Refreshing viewpoint. It is sad when someone wonderful turns out not to be immortal as well. Yet we can feel that there is still someone warm lying in that soft fluffy bed within our hearts smiling warmly out to us whenever we're feeling down..
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This deserves way more than three clappies, but that is all it will let me give. Wonderful rhyme, you always have that down to a perfection, but more importantly, this story is touching, and bittersweet in the end with the loss of your partner. I'm sure she's just waiting for you to join her again in your own time...true love does not die...
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Excellent
What a wonderful write. So filled with such heart felt feelings. Thank you for sharing you life with us.
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That bed, if it could talk...well, maybe it did through your words. Wonderful write. I enjoyed it very much! Best to you in the contest.
Sam
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Thank you Dear Sam seems to me this was the one constance throughout a wonderful marriage Guess being as it saw so much it deserved its say
Take Care
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Oh my goodness, you have made me cry!!! This is such a sad, yet loving filled poem. I'm bookmarking to my favorites list. Congratulations on winning a silver but it should have been gold.
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Thank you so much for your wonderful words
This is a piece that pleases me so much, while leaving me sad
It is the first time i have read it since i wrote it
The memories brought a lump to my throat
The trophy was unimportant I needed the poem
Once again thank you for opening the drawer for me
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Well ummm...you've done it again! turned Princess Perdue's water taps on again, sat here rubbing my eyes and sniffling. I adored every single word in each stanza and felt every emotion penned in this sad, but very beautiful poetry, don't know what else to say apart from the master of rhyme has done it again and shared with us some deep and sad feelings. Absolutely amazing work in every way.
Shaz xx
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Well i can't deny the saddness of the ending, but the whole poem was fantastic, thanks for sharing it.
I like your use of the shifting metre, it's quite effective.
line 12 i found to be a slight stumbling point, with a few strssed syllabols not holding beats, but perhaps that just makes it intereting.
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I thank you once again for your comments.Once more you have shown me things i did not know Shifting meter? if i have done that it is by accident
I only write what sounds right in my mind
Never counted syllables and certainly know not about stressed one so i guess if i got it right at all it was not known to me,
I must sound like a right ignoramus
I had an illness when i was 9 years old and spent 3 years in a T.B sanatorium so miss that much schooling so never got the chance (or inclination) to try and catch up.
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Oh my. how is it that this wonderful poetry never fails to flow from your pen? Saddens the heart, yet lifts the soul. Blessings
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sorri forgot the applause
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Wow dad you always do have a way with words this is truly beautiful even had me teary eyed. You have amazing gift for words and you tru;y live up to your name Legend
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yjis touched my heart
your flow was perfect
there is so much i felt as i read this poem
it has so much love
and laughter and pain writen inm this beautiful and sad poem
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Interesting structure. Scored very heavily for content too but the change wasn't tightly linked to a year either side. Every inch a Legend poem a thought provoking pleasure to read.
Thank-you for a wonderful entry. We both hope to see you in the regular series which should start in a few weeks.
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Thank you so much Jeff for your comments.
Clearly i did not get over that which i intended.
I was hoping that the last ten lines would do this.
What i intended to show was how i felt over the last year, the first New Year, Summer Holidays, Birthday, and Wedding Anniversary spent alone.
I used the old bed as a refection on what had gone and what was lost.
But i have no problem with how it was seen, no doubt others read it the same way
As to the structure i was hoping to try something like this for this piece as i wanted it to be different.
using 4 line, three line,couplet rhyming just to see if it would work I am still not sure about it
Thank you both for giving me the inspiration to write this piece, it would not have got off the ground but for the contest -
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We of course judge on the poems as we read them
There was very very little to choose between the top four poems, and read differently they could have come out in a different order. As for the structure, no I don't know if it works or not, but unless you try you'll never know
It was great poem and we were delighted to be able to reward it.
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How in the world?
Did I miss this very touching beautiful piece?
Another treasure of a write my friend, though I don't know how you were able to dig down and get this one out on paper I'm glad you did. Great, great job my friend!
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Thank you my friend for your comments.
Hey we all miss works sometimes.( i miss more than i intend)
As i have said in another comment the writing was easy all i had to do was think of all the good times.
The one bad one (although it cant be altered) was far outweighed by them.
Thank you once again for your wonderful comment
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Wonderful write
Legend, this is truly heartbreaking. It brought both a tear to my eye, and a lump to my throat.
Magnificent is all I can find to say.
Take care friend.
Bob
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Thank you Bob your comments are always more than welcome .When is that pen of yours going to grace these pages again?
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A brilliant rendering...
Sighhh...What a tender, poignant penning this is, Poet. I understand it far too well, having lost my sweetheart after (only) 14 years. When he went into the hospital, I slept in his spot on the couch, for I couldn't bear the empty space. I felt closer to him, somehow. After he passed away, I got rid of the queen-sized bed & got a single. Easier to sleep, I s'pose. Perhaps there are those that find this incredible tribute to be sad; however, I know the way of grief. Some days are unbearable in their darkness...others, the sunlight surrounds us in such healing warmth, the good memories surface once more, bringing a smile where once were tears. It ebbs & flows. I know we'll see our loved ones again; I can wait. Life is far too brief as it is to wish it away, in any shape or form. Bravo for your bravery, hurrah for your honesty, kudos for your kind thoughts, & good luck in the contest. It seems to me you already "won the gold." Wanda
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Thank you Wanda I am sad to hear of your loss,I think most folk who go though such times find the nighttime the hardest
As i have said the bed that once seemed sometimes to small ,now has space that is cold and empty.
I guess i was ready for it before it happened, as my wife had had breast Cancer for 13 years and we knew that in the end it would take her . So we looked on the time we had with her as extra as her sister lasted only 2 years and her sisters daughter only 9 months both with breast cancer
So you can see that i count ourselves very lucky ( if one can look on it as luck
Thank you once again for your wonderful comments and take care my thoughts are with you
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This is so very touching. Goodness.
"How quickly life changes."
There is so much truth in that one statement. Death can happen at any time and it does leave a void.
I, too, have been living with a "void" for the past seven months, which feels very similar and very personal.
I want to share, both, and am reminded of that song titled, "The Dance."
Would we have danced if we had known?
I would have, yes. I still will.
I hope life is good for you and you are getting on just fine and finding happiness and contentment. That is truly my prayer for you.
Best to you in the contest too!
Kelly
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Dear Kelly thank you so much for your wonderful comments I am sorry to hear that you too have been in that same place
Strange you mentioned The Dance It was one of the songs played at my wifes funeral. We had not the normal service no religious words just a service consisting of all the music that had meaning for us.
If such occasions can be enjoyable then this was, we finish off with a huge party with a disco. Celebrating her life not mourning her passing She would have loved it
Life is a little emptier now but we had such a wonderful life that the memories carry us though
Take care my thoughts are with you
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A very touching piece with such a mix of emotions. Superbly penned. Good luck in the contest and happy easter
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Beautiful. So very very beautiful. 
You have made me cry again. Oh - ~Pamela
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Sometimes amusing, sometimes warm, sometimes sad.Just like life itself.I could feel the depth of your loss in this wonderful piece of poetry and I am so pleased that you are able to write your feelings down in such a poetic way.My heart goes out to you, Ros
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oh my my.... a beautiful poem with a great twist.. its so emotional and so well written!portrays the good days and the loss so very beautifully! truly sensitive and heart touching!
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Having lived the good and bad days it would have been a shame not to record both.i am so pleased that you found it an enjoyable read Thank you so much
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sometimes life situations create voids that can never be filled. I admire you for having the strength to write this masterpiece. Best of luck in the contest my friend.
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Thank you so much for your comments,When one has so many happy memories that is no hardship in talking or even writing about them I feel it would not do my wife credit to behave in any other way She would hate it if we spent time mourning when we should be living the life we have left
Always nice to hear from you thank you
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WOW...this one makes me want to cry, then applaud the poet who wrote it and lastly forget about entering this contest as I believe this one is going strong for the gold. Beautiful, beautiful write
Ruth
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Dear Ruth you know by now how much i value your comments One of the very first poets i met on this site and still one of my favourites. I would be most upset if you failed to enter this contest. One always want to compete against the best . And without a doubt you hold such a position
Thank you as always for your supportive comments
Take care
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Dear Friend, What can anyone say which may equal the love and sincerity woven into your words. You have balanced the good times along with the sad times in your life with the bed as a central point of all emotions.
Beautifully rhymed (of course), getting your point across – the love you have for your wife as well as the support and love of your daughters. Your sadness is evident but what really shines through is the absolutes realisation that you have had 38 years of marriage and the memories of those years still warm your heart and will continue to do so until you meet your dear Wife again. ~Von~
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Thank you my dearest friend. Guess you know just how much life gave us. so i feel no sadness when i recall or write about it. Brings us closer together and my wife back for a few precious moments.
A life lived, loved and almost ever moment enjoyed
I wish everyone the same joys i have found so far in my life Thank you so much for your always welcome comments
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wow
what an amazing poignant write..left me with a tear..changes come in life..sometimes they can be so very hard..i can't imagine losing my husband..and yet you put all of your feelings in this remarkable poem..thanx so much for sharing your pain with me..wow..hands down winner in my opinion..if i may be so bold..the emotion matched with perfect flow and rhyme nails it everytime..you never disappoint my friend..best of luck in the contest..blessings..namaste..
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Thank you vici one never expects to have to spend time apart from those we love. Sadly it is a fact that sooner or later we have to face As long as we can look back and say yes we/I did my best to make the time spent together as bast it could be Then like me there will be no regrets or lasting sadness
My daughters and I are rolled up in laughter all the time when we recall some of the things that we all shared together Even an hour before my dear wife passed away she gave us a little incident that has us roaring with laughter when we think of itnow. That is what she left everlasting love
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Oh wow this is one good poem babes-such a pleasure to read as are all your writes-Good luck-still to write mine-think I'll give it a miss after reading this!!!
xxx Hilly
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Thank you Hilly don't you dare give this contest a skip You are more than capable of standing against any poet named.
Thank you so much for your comments i really do appreciate them
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There are some things that enter our lives and hold all the memories together in one place.. Your old bed seems to do the job really well for you my dear friend. As always a treasure to read...mal
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Hi Mal seems a life time since i read anything from you To busy or what. Guess you know how us locals are when it comes to beds everything start or ends up there.
It is the nights now that give time to reflect not always the best thing to be doing in place of sleep But hey plenty of time for that when the time comes
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Ah, Legend, I hear the echoes and voice of your heart in the lines of this poem and the intimacy of loving always, for that's what it comes down to, no time, no space, just love.
The parting sadness moves me deeply. The poem is truly a keeper of tenderness and touch and a tribute to your lives. ~ Karen
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Thank you Karen for your beautiful comments.A little sadness yes, But so much more joy A little of my life died to be replaced by understanding just what i have and had so no tears on the side of life
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My Friend
I have found writing the best therapy for so many of my ills, may you too find that salvation.
I guess I am selfish for I want to be the first to go. Staying behind I am sure would be the hardest of the two options. You too must surely feel that way. I am so glad you have your girls.
Jim
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Thank you Jim for your kind words I have to admit that i had such a wonderful life that i do not feel the need for any type of therapy, The memories give all that is needed.
As for going first there i also feel different I have always felt strong in my own company ( not that i would ever have changed any single day) It is just knowing my dear lady as i did I know it would have been far harder for her And loving her the way i did(and do) i would hate to think of her spending the same amount of time in her own company as i do.I think my girls agree also though they miss her terribly Thank you once again for your always welcome comments
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What pleasures and dreams you have shared.
What we all can learn from the foot of your double bed. If time dosen't falter and we do things right
We all will know what dreams and love like that is each night...mac
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Thank you Kiran for such wonderful comments.Although it may be seen as sad I do not find it so much myself more a happy reflection on the vast majority of days spent in its company
Shared days that is, Perhaps not so now Thank you for commenting I really do appreciate it -
Thank you mac for taking time to read and comment It seems strange to place such feelings on an inanimate object. It is only in its company alone at night that i realize all of the times we went though Thank you so much for your comments
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I always look forward to reading your poetry for I know I will always read something amazing! This was a beautiful, heartfelt piece; towards the end it was very sad, and it makes you ponder on what changes life can bring. This was a beautifully written piece.
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