kindle risk dig until differing chill spin waning ghost softly alone know
Poet’s & Storytellers: “We shall invite to write about a time you surprised yourself.”.
Posted to dVerse Pub's Open Night,
Surprised by Life
I
Now, in my waning years
I look at the photo, softly,
Look at the happy shadow,
Look at a ghost of myself.
II
He looks so happy,
Sitting on the steps.
Oblivious to all that lies
Ahead of him.
He can’t know, of course,
What surprises,
What different paths
Will present themselves,
Kindle his interest,
Spin stories of ‘maybe’
To invite him in.
III
He will take risks,
Get into trouble,
Dig himself out again,
Sometimes alone,
Often times not.
He will experience
The warmth of love
And the chill of loss.
But sitting there, happy
It is all opaque to him.
Until it happens.
It is one of life’s blessings
That it unfolds slowly.
◊

A very gentle poem addressing a life lived. I was talen by the ‘looking at a happy shadow’. Deftly handled verses. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteLovely reflective piece
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo - you looked so full of life and wonder - I am glad you still have words that hopefully do something similar - Jae
ReplyDeleteBeautiful the blissful ignorance of a child and what a cute photo
ReplyDeleteOh gosh yes, I think we can all relate and agree ... now that you have put it into words for us so well.
ReplyDeleteThis poem is so relatable – and the phrase ‘a ghost of myself’ is just how I feel when looking at old photos. Oh for the innocence of childhood!
ReplyDeleteAs Kim said, completely relatable, oh the choices we make and don't make as our lives unfold and the consequences.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful poem. I too can't help but get nostalgic at times looking at childhood photos.
ReplyDeleteIf only we can go back and enjoy ourselves better or rather, enjoy life better.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
A beautiful, reflective piece of work, Lee. And I did have to smile at the photo - love the initials sewn on the front!
ReplyDeleteI so resonate with this poem, Cosmo. I was a scared rabbit as a child. I am so glad I had NO CLUE how hard a passage it would be, so I had hope that growing up would ease things. Smiles. We were such valiant wayfarers through it all.
ReplyDeleteOh if I could go back and tell my past self about the strange and awe inspiring things she'll get to experience.
ReplyDeleteThis is the cutest photo! I cant believe the pure innocence of my old photos.
ReplyDeleteSweet photo and great use of the words !
ReplyDeleteSuch a tender, reflective piece. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete