I am a walking living ghost <br />Unknown to friends and party host; <br />Invisible to all who see <br />As if I had some mark on me. <br /> <br />I stimulate their fear of death; <br />They hesitate and hold their breath; <br />No longer do they call my name, <br />As if for death I was to blame. <br /> <br />They do not look me in the eye; <br />Their social kindness is a lie; <br />I signal their mortality <br />And test their fake morality. <br /> <br />They call me now an old recluse, <br />I who've lost my social use; <br />They party on with Christmas cheer, <br />Singing loud to mask their fear. <br /> <br />As I decline and die alone <br />There is a stillness on the phone; <br />My letter box devoid of mail <br />Except to note what's new on sale. <br /> <br />My many kindness' spent for naught; <br />I gave away what should be bought; <br />My wealth I should have held for ransom, <br />Now that I'm no longer handsome. <br /> <br />I do not mind to sit alone; <br />For all my sins I have atoned; <br />I have no need of earthly things; <br />I gave her back my wedding ring. <br /> <br />Now pure in knowledge at the last; <br />Sure and certain life has passed; <br />Love and wisdom all have failed; <br />Death and darkness will prevail<br /><br />David McLansky<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/papa-s-eyes/
