Lost and Faithless When Silent Prayers Die

Summary

The poem "Lost and Faithless When Silent Prayers Die" reflects on the emotional turmoil of witnessing a loved one's decline and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of despair.

Abstract

The poem by Michael Ritoch is a poignant meditation on the themes of loss, faith, and the fragility of life. It captures the narrator's emotional state as they grapple with the impending loss of a loved one, likely a spouse or partner. The poem's refrain, "Hold on, hold on, do not breathe the last sigh," underscores the desperate plea for strength and the preservation of life. The narrative weaves through memories of happier times, the pain of witnessing a loved one's suffering, and the heartache of saying goodbye. Ritoch's work is a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of inevitable mortality and the complex interplay between hope and despair.

Opinions

The author conveys a deep sense of personal loss and emotional vulnerability, particularly in the face of a loved one's terminal illness.
There is a palpable sense of urgency and desperation in the repeated plea to "hold on," suggesting a struggle against the inevitable.
The poem reflects on the beauty of past moments, such as a marriage proposal, contrasting with the current state of despair.
The author expresses a sense of helplessness and sorrow when observing the mechanical breathing of the dying individual, indicating the difficulty of witnessing the decline of someone cherished.
The mention of children who are unable to fully grasp the situation highlights the impact of the loss on the entire family and the complexity of intergenerational communication during times of grief.
The final moments shared between the narrator and the dying person are depicted with raw emotion, emphasizing the profound impact of the loved one's passing.
The author, Michael Ritoch, presents himself as a reflective individual who finds inspiration in life's experiences, including the pain of loss and the joy of familial love.

Lost and Faithless When Silent Prayers Die

Lost and faithless when silent prayers die, Old men tremble in the coming last day; Hold on, hold on, do not breathe the last sigh.

My strength, my reason, my fiercest ally, Today I cradle you as we pray, Lost and faithless when silent prayers die.

Remember the words, the ring, the red sky On bended knee, I asked you to stay. Hold on, hold on, do not breathe the last sigh.

You breathe like a machine, that’s no lie; Oh God, oh God, it’s hard to watch her decay. Lost and faithless when silent prayers die.

Our girls came, still not understanding why, With words spoken late, all they had to say, Hold on, hold on, do not breathe the last sigh.

With hair barely there you whispered goodbye, I broke, with your love, your death, on full display. Lost and faithless when silent prayers die, Hold on, hold on, do not breathe the last sigh.

_________________________ Michael Ritoch plays at being a poet/writer. He finds joy in his wife, two daughters, cats, one is really fat and the other is neurotic, reading philosophy written by old dead guys, and his friends. He writes about leadership, pain, life, suffering, and whatever comes to mind.

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Lost and Faithless When Silent Prayers Die

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