Well We Might

There once was time to sit and spin

The dream without, the light within

When young ideals like creed and rote

Would wreathe their blue tobacco smoke!

 

When wine was certain at each sip

When answers leapt at every lip,

Such were the days, when we all knew

If we were asked, what we would do.

 

But life began to call us in

And time, as such, has grown so thin,

We rush to do the things we must

While dreams, ideals, are things of dust.

 

And soon we turn our backs on them

Those shadows that were once young men

Who never dreamt hypocrisy

Would spill their dreams, philosophy;

 

And rule them with a rod of steel

And teach them well how not to feel,

And lead them blindly through their days -

They spare no thought for younger ways.

 

And where that dream, ideal, that once

Was held to spell deliverance?

Well we might ask, and well we might;

It’s life, not death, puts out the light!

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[joshua deathdealer]

I'm speechless as I should be in the face of such great poetry. Amazing stuff..
I've been reading through your works after having been led here by a friend and I have to say that you sir are the best in my mind. Your rhythm schemes are usually flawless even when they are offbeat and your wisdom and heart shines through very brightly in your works. It is an honor for me to even be able to review works such as yours. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us here at Writers Cafe.

[Robert Trakofler]

I did have such aspirations I lost them for a while... one was in the back of my sock drawer! I found another it was under the couch the whole time! The last one got eaten by a soul i love... unrequited but in the chewing managed to remind me who i am and that I am yellow... that i write starlight so here I am writing starlight and reading yours right now. So the remnants of my final aspire came back to me and I have managed to stave off death as you did. Beautiful write Sir, so glad Tate Morgan introduced me to your writing.

[Little Whisper]

"It's life, not death, puts out the light!....
This poem... this poem ...
You captured it...
the then and the now.

[Little Whisper]

reading it again nine months later...still gave me the WOW.. even more so, I'm more so older now.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was EXCELLENT! But far from quenching my light, it is life that IS my light. I, however, have not grown cynical with the years or the tears nor shall I EVER allow that...I would PREFER death. But I DO understand those who fall...those who sink into the mire of everyday life...I have tried to save a few who wanted to pull me down with them. It is always easier to pull someone down than to lift them UP! If you don't believe that, just have someone stand on the bed mattress and you stand on the floor and give it a try! Everything physical, I believe, is a representation of something spiritual and infinitely greater. So did Emerson. So did Thoreau. But we must all find our own belief and path. Bless.

[rafael maya]

Your poem say a lot in so few worlds

[Priyankaabhilaashi]

Good..!!

[Vincent Esprit FMI]

We seem to be in such a hurry to achieve at the price of the human heart and it's ability to dellight in the beauty of human relationships. Thank you David for this brilliant piece of art that reflcts today's reality.

Blessings and peace,

Vincent

[Little Whisper]

WOW!!!!!

[My Fair Lady]

A tremendous piece of literature. Such is the confidence of the young and fearless that leads us to the pathways of being old and wise. I really loved this piece.

[Veronica Chandler]

Such wisdom and so eloquently written; what a pleasure to read your work. I am inspired to write, and learn more. Beautiful!

[michael.c.m]

It takes a powerful mind to create meter within a strong story line. Kudos.