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.

[M.a. Benjamin]

This is a fantastic poem.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I feel completely unqualified to review such a work as this. It is obviously penned by a master with great wisdom and beauty of expression. The last line is superb especially.

[Shelley Holt-Lowrey]

Wow. This is eloquent and electrifying, and yet makes me want to hurl myself of the nearest bridge in fear of such a dark and hopeless future. Truthfully, I cheer for the writer who has such clear hindsight before events have even occurred. Dire and dark, but with your typical wisdom which is quite brilliant and illuminating. Thanks David for the RR.

[ba_mcfarlane]

"Those were the days, my friend, we thought they would never end, those were the days, those were the days."
Remember that tune? It floored me whenever I heard it. Those lyrics, they take a back seat to this work of yours.
Bravo, and keep them coming; your stuff is so damned good!

[Rene Velez]

very well written, love the rhyme.

[Marie]

I'm always glad to find your work (and always by accident). You put one of life's complex contradictions: what should have, what could have...what is.

[...]

I was introduced to your poetry by a devoted fan and now I am a devoted fan, sir. This is wonderful as is all the poetry I have read thus far!!!!!

[Katrina Mckeown]

a beautifully portrayed truth.

[Jade Leilani]

It is amazing how you can pull life's processes into a flowing script of poetry. Bringing truth in a shroud of mystery that poetry can lend. Thank you for this amazing work!

[Dayran]

Its curious to think sometimes which is better. An older society of seniors deciding what's best for everybody, so that we can live in carefree abandon or giving us the opportunity to decide for ourselves and make our own beds. It appears however, when we have one we want the other.