What have I become?

Just words.

          What have I become?

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 The sea whispered to me.

What have you done?

The silence of the night,

make the quiet mind know.

No more, too late, farewell we shall go.

Life become bits and pieces,

were we kind? Were we gentle?

Did I leave strong earth behind?

Did I love?

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Neither joy, nor love, nor strong earth,

the greedy man wealth.

I asked the Harvest moon,

did I do enough?

Was I a thief too?

Stole from the lakes,

abused the land and left,

just waste and hate.

I  asked the solitary man in the mirror,

how did you live?

                       Dancing Coyote

Author's Note

Some words.

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Coyote, I've listened to that song many times. It's more haunting each time, especially knowing his life story. Your poem speaks to a truth we discover more as we age. Regardless of our faith to God, wife/husband, friends, children, etc., we're ultimately judged by ourselves, based on our own principles. And, if we've been unfaithful to ourselves, it's a haunting image that mirror reflects. Excellent work, sir.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Lydia Shutter]

As we age, we tend to reflect on the past....wondering where we made bad decisions and what we could have done better. How did you live? Yes, we all ask ourselves this....and I have to say I am okay with my life so far. I think you should be too, John. Well written. I like that Johnny Cash song. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Lydia. You are right. With old age, we shall reflect on all things.

[Richard🖌]

Many questions arise, My Friend … yet, after all is said and done, there is nothing left to face but oneself.
Seems as though you've figured it all out quite thoroughly and completely, and in such a powerfully relatable manner we all should be able to understand.

"The silence of the night,
makes the quiet mind know." … who else says such wondrously impacting things?

Excellently portrayed, "Dancing Coyote"! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Richard. I appreciate the kind words.

[Richard🖌]

Aw, shucks!
You're welcome, John. 😊

[Gee]

We ask these questions of ourselves as we age, knowing that the past cannot be changed but tormenting ourselves any way.
Been a while since I popped in for a read but as always very enjoyable.
Hope you and yours are keeping well Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend for reading and the comment. I agree. With old age, we learn what is important.

[Dave]

Thank you Johnny - I've always liked and enjoyed Johnny Cash. He evokes such strong feelings and sentiment. This seems especially true when he speaks of how we have gone about ruining our environment.
Again, I thank you for your work.
Take care - Dave

[Coyote Poetry]

Johnny Cash last songs. Make us think, what have I done. Thank you Dave for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Fran Marie]

An introspective piece..questions we ask ourselves as we review life's journey..questions we may never be able to anwser..much wisdom in your writing as always..

nice work

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Fran for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Katrina Mckeown]

A truth be told and a lesson learned and hopefully not too late! Thought provoking and time to reflect.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Katrina for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Cortez]

The whisper, answers or reveals to the reader, who is trying to remember the past. Regretting if enough good was done. And wants the answer to “What is next?” ...Only we, ourselves can answer “how did you live?” I feel, the writers deep empathy of what is now. What the earth has become. Deep& heartfelt poem.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Cortez. I appreciate the comment my friend.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Profound, reflective words for a life lived mindful of the footprints it leaves behind. Lyrical, graceful and eloquent verses. Coyote, you listen to the earth, sea and night as they ask they question you and mankind. Then you face the mirror introspectively and question your own life actions and their outcomes for all nature around you. “How did you live?”- truly a question for us all. Master Class poem my friend. Bravo!

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Annette. I had great mentors and today I try to be like them. I appreciate the comment.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You exceed them Coyote. They should be very proud mentors! God bless.:))

[.]

I like this so much. 😊

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Aurora. I appreciate the comment.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Best questions to ask as we will all be having to answer one day...as long as you know you do good there’s nothing to worry about ...the past is gone the future may never come...the here and now is all we have ...be here be still be calm just be...🌹

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Kelly. I appreciate the comment.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

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