Old Painter at the beach boardwalk.

We need to listen to the old ones. Can enlighten the mind and heart.

  




















 Old painter on the beach boardwalk
 
Old man sat alone.
He was painting a picture of a woman.
She was from another time.
 
We sat in silence till he finally spoke to me.
He whispered "Her name was Jennifer.
A homecoming queen. "
 
"She was a beauty then,
that lays in my dreams still".
 
He told me he was eighty.
The brush was his only remaining friend.
 
I asked him for a story?
He would give me more.
 
His sad eyes looked to the sky.
He told me. "The sun always rises from the east.
Fall into west.
 
Life is like the sun and the wind.
It seems we should know how life should be.
But like the wind we change direction."
 
He spoke of war.
How friends who never came home.
Were left in lonely graves in Europe.
He remembered kissing the ground.
When he landed at the New York airport.
 
He gave me a smile.
With sad brown eyes.
Told me.
 
"You will rise and fall asleep each day.
Wars will come and go.
 
We need to look beyond the terrible things.
You must  see the beauty around you.
 
Love is the kindest gift.
 It is given from the heart.
 
Love is fair,
You must give more sometimes or less.
 
I wish to said I love you more.
Gave more kisses and love to friends and family.
 
I wished to have complained less and celebrate living more.
 
Old friends ride in my memory still.
The laughter and craziness of youth.
 
I wish to thank my friends for allowing me to know them."
 
I asked the man was it worth it?
 
The old man touched his painting.
Told me. " Friends and lovers had create more pleasure than pain.
 
I would stand my ground again . 
Go to war  for the freedoms I have.
 
Look beyond self-pity.
Life is for the warrior who is not afraid to love or fight.
 
He whisper take no chances and there isn't joy to be touched. "
 
I thanked him.
I  visit him often till one day he was never came back.
I hope he found his friends and family.
 
I watch the sun fall into the sea.
I  thank the spirit of life and death for another day to celebrate being alive..
 
                                  Coyote
                              1992
  

Author's Note

A old poem. The coast of California have so many kind and gentle Writers, Poets, Painters and Musicians. Willing to tell a you story of a long and good life.

Reviews

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goe..]

Great work- I guess we all see the good in our lives when it's about to slip away from our fingertips.

And what a powerful last stanza- especially your metaphor and the way you seamlessly provided an explanation for it right away.

Overall, a wonderful, poignant story.

[Coyote Poetry]

The people we meet who tell us of a great life. We were lucky to have met them. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goes Cascading!)]

My pleasure

[BlueDreams]

it was a mind captivating.. A greatly crafted ...

[luke312]

A wise man this painter. he never lost sight of life.

[Ladysue]

such a beautiful and poignant piece. your words with tremendous inspiration and wisdom...a pleasure to read such a wonderful piece of writing...

[Awkward]

Oh my goodness yet another great poem! Thank you! I love how everyone of your poems take the reader on a journey, your imagery is incredible it makes me feel like I'm right there in the story. Thank you for sharing, keep them coming, we all love your art!

[G. Marie"floating on an..]

So many beautiful words of inspiration here. I love it really! Your poems are always so interesting and meaningful. I love the way your poems read as little stories with great imagery that paints a beautiful picture in my mind!!!!

[Linear]

That was worth reading my friend, thank you :O)

[Chris Smith Welshpoetcs]

We can learn so much, all we need to listen to the stories needing to be told. Great poem my friend.

[MuSe Ampoule]

Very good! Your poems take your readers on a journey with you. Step by step and enlightenment by enlightenment.

You work to open hearts and minds.

[KL]

Looks like you are present in other people's pasts, and from that you can enhance your future. This poem has so much wisdom. Well done.