The Elder

We all grow old, I have always wondered what I might think when I look at myself at a later age.

                          He looks in the mirror and could hardly recognize that image which he’s held in his mind all these years. The youthful, vibrant face that gave him confidence is now washed away by the wrinkles of time. He stares deep into his eyes looking for a glimmer or a spark in the deep abyss of thought. He flashes back to cherished moments as a child. He remembers his mother teaching him how to tie the laces on his shoes. He flashes back to curious and daring times as a young adult. The first kiss with and the feeling of young love... Then, as an adult, he re-lives the pains and struggles, the joys and successes. He thinks to himself. My business failed several times, I never stopped. Now with knowledge and wisdom, wisdom he could only talk about. He falls back into the sad and somber face which reflects before his eyes. “Oh, if only I knew then, what I know now.” He stares down at his hands, the hands that once held life tight and firm. They look fragile and frail, wrinkled and worn. He thought to himself. He stares at his reflection in the mirror. “What is life about? Have I accomplished what I was meant to accomplish? When I finally rest, will I be content with what I have made of myself?” He then looks up and closes his eyes. With whispers he says to the Lord… “I have lived a full life, my lord, and for this I thank you”… As he again meets his eyes on the mirror, he sees a spark deep in the distance of his vision. And peace comes over him with calm and haste. A gentle stretch of joy pulls on his face. And a subtle smile he sees looking back in his reflection... With content he comes into a peaceful realization of himself and all he has achieved. 

 

Author's Note

Please let me know of errors, I will fix as I go... I love to write but spelling and punctuation has kept me from growing. I am willing to learn.

Reviews

[Amit Parmessur]

You write well. This reminds of Ulysses from Tennyson.
Far from the world of rejections, we are ready to help maximum people get published.
I do suggest you submit this to Golden Apple. There is some polishing to be done, but we'll certainly consider this piece for issue 1.
We are looking for and considering submissions right now.

Regards,
Golden Apple Team

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[Liza]

this was enlightening and peaceful to read
so much serenity and wisdom flowed in every line
thank you for sharing

[TL Boehm]

oh my, I love the lion. (winks) You know, all the spelling and punctuation in the world will not add depth to a shallow palette of words. This piece is multichromatic, with sombre tones and lighter moments. Truly beautiful to behold. I do agree with you that spelling and punctuation can be problematic, but you already have the raw talent you need to be a true poet. You can always buy one of those editing software packages...
This piece is wonderfully written.

[Elzereth]

A beautiful and emotional poem.

"When I finally rest, will I be content with what I have made of myself?"

I think we all fear that we will die without being able to do what we wanted to do in our lives. Well done, my friend.

[Khalab Darnell]

Nice statment

[.::Cup^E^Cake*RaWr!*::.]

Nice!!

[Wycked]

this is very reflective....I find myself doing the first half of your poem...looking in the mirror seeing what time has changed. I really liked this again you used the hands to symbolize the fragility of who we are...your other poem letting go...this one a letting go in a sense...seeing what was and changing the reality to what is now...

He stares down at his hands, the hands that once held a life tight and firm. They now look fragile and weak, wrinkled and worn.

great use of words for the visual effect

[Angelic Darkness]

I absolutely love this! I believe we all think of the time when we grow old,
how will we look, feel, do we think we have achieved everything we should have.

I myself don't look forward to getting old, and death near. I truly hope
I feel the same calm in which you speak of in your poem. AD

[San Herman Lopez a.k.a...]

This is a short story I will expand... What you see here is the first structure.

[Angel Bird]

Hi dear Santos Lopez

For this one I'll have to come back an other time apparently. Til then - take care ...