The Man of Dust

 

I’m sitting by a spring with water flowing fresh

It curls around my fingers, caressing them and filling me with life.

It sings to me, of the man I wanted to be

A figure from the tales, living in a palace with a beautiful wife

Hundreds of servants obeying my every need

And thousands of soldiers to lead.

In the rippling water I see,

An old and wrinkled face,

And not at all the man I wanted to be.

 

The sword on my hip is sharp but worn,

And the clothes on my back are filthy and torn.

my head is aching

and my limbs are sore

I am shaking

Can I do it anymore?

I’m an old man of flesh and bone

Without a spouse, and even a home.

The ripples reveal the lie of the man on foot

 

 

The fool with iron on his head

Watches me and smiles as the water turns red.

So you finally see, you old fool

That you are a pawn never meant to rule.

Close your eyes to the man of dust

The man with gold, and not of rust

Let the water take you away,

And I promise it will be okay.

 

 

Author's Note

I got inspired after I saw a live show where two older gentlemen were singing in such a beautiful way that was previously unknown to me. They sang poems made by an old and famous Persian poet called, Hafez. Not only did they sing beautiful and with meaning, it was also evident that they practiced an old Persian art called, Rohozi; which is singing, telling a story aswell as acting, as in opera. And they did so with grandeur.

Reviews

[Gheeneil]

We have gone through different fights as that's our way of survival. Every crease and every wrinkle on our face signify the battle we have fought. It doesn't really matter whether we come home a winner or a loser. The important part is what we have become after years of fighting. Failures and successes have shaped the kind of person we are at present. I like the thoughts in this piece. It speaks so much about wisdom, methinks. This is a great write.

[Jenn Wathen]

Wow that was really good i understood how you would be come inspired...

[Kimberly Smith]

I love this ...just love it

[BABSIE BEE]

Different and gripping. Well done. Thanks for sharing.
Babsie Bee xx

[Sara Muschweck]

Just wonderful. You have the most beautiful way of telling a story, even in verse. I love the way you used the Persian art form as inspiration. You were able to capture the emotions of the man as he reflected upon his life, what he had wanted and how time never stands still for any of us. As always a wonderful write, I am so glad that you are posting again, I have missed your voice around here.

[Nyida Strong]

Unique and interesting. The time line feels line that of Camelot. An old soldier, knight having the one enemy he can never vanguish, Death, finally overtake him. Poignant, beautiful, I loved it.

N. Strong

[Mariah]

I like the flow of this poem. Very easy to read.

'That you are a pawn never meant to rule.'

I like that line very much.

[Daniel]

This in itself was very unique and because of that, it caught my attention immediately.
Great read!