People and Things

A meditation on perceptions

People and things present and

Fade

In a seemingly endless

Parade.

They capture the gaze

For a little while,

And then are borne on,

Like leaves to the pile.

Yet for a moment they sparkle

And blaze,

Like the sun penetrating

A thick morning haze,

And we rejoice in them,

These visions of light,

For they are the ones

Who will make it all right,

And their passing leaves both

A void and a dread,

Like signs and gestures

Of the beckoning dead,

But such are creations

Of the unknowing mind,

Which sees an abyss

Where the senses are blind,

For people and things

Do but symbolize

Vain hopes of regaining

Paradise.

Author's Note

Many believe particular people, objects or circumstances will bring ultimate and enduring happiness. But nothing subject to time, depreciation and dissolution is capable of such.

Reviews

[Laz K.]

Both the poem and the "Author's Note" are pearls of wisdom.

[LostSage]

Yep I get it I am 63 and remember from when i was younger the older guys at work would point their fingers at me with all good intention and say... "if I knew then... what I know now... things would be a whole lot different" I am finally old enough to understand exactly what they meant have a great day John

[John the Baptist]

Yes, I have often mused about the advice I would now give my 21 year old self. Of course, that 21 year old self would probably say "Take it somewhere else, you old bugger."

[LostSage]

I like reading you! Please keep writing, it makes me feel less alone

[John the Baptist]

I write in the hope of providing comfort and encouragement, possibly heightened awareness. Will continue to do so.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

This is a beautiful piece of writing John. Very emotive and with profound pieces of wisdom. In my old age I have come to recognize the fleeting nature of life. I have seen it in the faces and places I once love and no longer exist. Though they were subject to time and depreciation I retain a meaningful memory of them. But the gift that can never fade or be lost are what these things define and reflect in my heart. It is Hope. And it is because of that they will always be with me until I too am lost to time.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Carlos. Your review points to the truth I try to convey here. All material things are temporary, and to put all our eggs in such baskets is to ask for pain. Their true good remains with us in our positive memories of them.