Hermit in the Woods - Based on a true story

Death is lonely without friends in life.
Hermit in the Woods
by Don Ford

His body lay there cold as ice
No one cared two hoots for Ralph
In his life he shed no tears
He cared for no one but himself

Eighty years he went unmarried
Hair a mess, unruly, dirty
Women never ventured near him
Became a loner at age of thirty

A man without a past or future
To many he was just a bum
Known by most as a hermit
Rugged mountain man to some

How can a man live all alone?
Without friend or family tree
As much as I love nature too
I'd never abandon my family

Author Notes
I was inspired to write such a piece after reading the tombstone
of such a known hermit. See grave marker below:

Grave marker for Jimmy O'Kane at 1858
"Found dead and alone
Nobody heard his last faint groan
Or knew when his sad heart ceased to beat
No mourner lingered with tears or sighs
But the stars looked down with pitying eyes
And the chill winds passed with a waling song
O'er the lonely spot where his form was found"

Comments: 16

Jennifer T. Jan 20, 2013, 10:12pm UTC

Isn't it neat that they used to put poems on gravestones? I really liked reading this.

Don Ford Jan 20, 2013, 10:39pm UTC

As I said here, I was inspired at reading these words depicting this man. It made me sad as well. I spoke with a woman a month ago from N.Y. City, whose brother-in-law was a hermit. The only one who cared two hoots for him was her husband, the hermit's brother. So, when he died, $100,000 was left to the one who cared to bury him. That was his brother. He donated half the money to his church. Cheers, Don

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Larry H. Jan 20, 2013, 10:12pm UTC

thanks for sharin

Don Ford Jan 20, 2013, 10:40pm UTC

Anytime friend, Don

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Visionaerie B. Jan 20, 2013, 10:30pm UTC

I think everyone should realize that we're never truly alone, we're always part of the human family and under God's watchful eye. We had an inspiring presentation at our church today by some young people who helped a similar guy up in Alaska while the water was reclaiming his house! So we should all reach out to those lonely and unfortunate people -- just a little spark of compassion may be all they need! Thanks for sharing this.

Don Ford Jan 21, 2013, 6:38am UTC

Kudos to your kids. My daughter went down to Kentucky last summer to help poorer folks in Appalachia, by helping repair and restore their homes. Painting, building steps, doors, and ramps were the order of each day for the week they were down there. A worthy program to be sure. http://www.christianapp.org/
Cheers, Don

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Karen E. Jan 20, 2013, 10:34pm UTC

Makes you wonder why... Sad!

Don Ford Jan 20, 2013, 10:41pm UTC

It is most sad to be sure. Cheers, Don

Karen E. Jan 21, 2013, 12:19am UTC

But then again, since I commented, I have had other thoughts... From the outside looking in, it does look sad. However, this man "chose" this route, one that made him "comfortable..." Not everyone is social... Hopefully his life was just the way he wanted...

Don Ford Jan 21, 2013, 6:35am UTC

In a position like this, a person becomes very independent, living off the land. Cheers, Don

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Len Maxwell Jan 20, 2013, 11:59pm UTC

What a wonderful interpretation of a gravestone. I'm particularly glad to see your backstory of the poem.

Featured on Gather’s Luminous Writers & Artists.

Don Ford Jan 21, 2013, 6:34am UTC

Glad you liked this, Cheers, Don

Pam Brittain Jan 21, 2013, 5:33pm UTC

I agree with Len.

Don Ford Jan 21, 2013, 5:56pm UTC

Cheers, Don

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Patricia Salamone Jan 21, 2013, 8:12am UTC

We all touch someone's life Don. Jimmy touched yours, and now this. :o)

Don Ford Jan 21, 2013, 5:56pm UTC

Ah, yes. Cheers, Don

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Hermit in the Woods - Based on a true story

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Comments: 16

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