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.

[Amila Jay]

Fabulous is the word. This is really amazing and your poem reminds me of a poem called "Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara. Love the write very much :))

[ROSALIND]

bravo bravo such beauty passion You have such a rare talent fitting words together
it comes naturally.......

[Penlady]

....yes! You speak with such truth, your writing keeps the wick trimmed and the light possible. The entire poem is a breathless crescendo until the last line read like the conductors final downstroke! Enlightenment!

[*** Hey Jude***]

It truly is an Honor to read work with such poignant imagery, and passion David!
Every write is refreshing, leaving your reader captivated by your Bright Gift Within!
~ Blessed Be My friend!

[Tate Morgan]

ILL TELL YOU DAVE THIS ONE IS A MASTERPIECE.I would want this as my epitaph

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A fantastic insight with perfect wording, well done, good read.

[JB Murray]

Great insight. This may be one of the most rooted pieces I've eve read. Thanks for sharing!

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

Such powerful truth written here. Nostalgic and poignant

[TL Boehm]

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.

Those whose dreams are beaten out of them are truly without light. I keep this in mind when I see sparks of brilliance in my own children. One is a singer, and one is an artist. And they are both encouraged at every opportunity I have.
I couldn't help responding to this poem on a personal level. I come from a long line of people who either abused their abilities or stifled abilities they saw in others. I live in that verse above, but my children will not.

[light and ashes]

Sadly this is the way of the world to give up on dreams,goals,and to settle for what other people want instead of what they want. This is beautifully written.