Life Lived

Life Lived

Artwork by / Andrew Wyeth

 

 

 

life lived

bequeaths to us

more than wrinkles and gray hair

more than aches and pains

forecasting a probability

of rain

 

it exists of hand crocheted blankets

and grandchildren,

with past generations of heroes of war

all in matted frames

sitting atop a Steinway piano

gathering dust and a funeral of tears

of life lived

 

an accelerating loss of memory

abruptly intercepts the coming of golden years

depleting all recognition

of once familiar faces

now  stoic

by the inventory of a stare

 

years accumulate like winter snows

and i buried deep

in its repose

 

of life lived.

Reviews

[Laz K.]

"life lived
bequeaths to us
more than wrinkles and gray hair"

It is a profound realization when one really comprehends one's mortality, but at the same time the fact that inside the mortal frame there's something that transcends that which decays and dies.

I agree with the many commentators below expressing their admiration of the vivid, deeply touching imagery present in the poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

That's more than I could have hoped for. Thank you, Laz!

[carl]

I found your words of review very meaningful and encouraging -carl.

[Dara]

Kelly, this is absolutely beautiful! Aging is a journey and we must remember those moments we lived, knowing we are much more than gray hair, wrinkles and fading memories. I will be rereading this many times to savor these profound words.

[Kelly Scheppers]

That means more to me than I can say, Dara. I knew from the moment I finished writing this, it was different. Thank you for acknowledging that to me!

[Dara]

I love all of your writing and this one seems to have come from deep within, from your very soul.

[Chris Shaw]

Over the last year with the death of my mum and moving my elderly aunt into residential care, I have had much sorting out to do Kelly. All their possessions to have to go through. Photographs and memorabilia handed down through the generations. Your poem spoke to me. My mum had a life well lived, with five children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She has left behind a wealth of happy memories and so much love. A sharp contrast between her and my aunt who has lived the life of a recluse. No children or grandchildren and I have to say she didn’t engage with me much in her earlier years either. She will pass and not leave behind her a wealth of happy memories. I smile when I think of my mother and feel only sadness for my aunt as she ends her days with dementia. Old age can be like winter for some. Beautiful poetry. Deeply felt and appreciated.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your review warmed my heart, Chris. I like what you said, about old age can be like winter for some. Thank you for a most moving review. Remember to take care of yourself through taking care of everything else needing your attention. I'm certain your mom would want that for you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly for your kind thoughts. The past year hasn’t been easy though the light is now shining through:)

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Kelly .. fortunately for me myself I am clearly Cognizant in every way when I become Eighty-three on April 23, 2023… having been Born on April 23, 1940. I will be blessed with Poetry in every Genre on WC One of my favorite Phrases in Life May be “Buyer Beware”. I would love ❤️ to read a Poem by you with that Title.. you are so Creative. hugs, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'll see what I can do to accommodate you, Pat! Thank you so much!

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Kelly… we had a light Snow yesterday— the only Snow this Year… it seemed like Angels fluffing their feathers and some fell to Earth, hugs, Pat

[red93]

Excellent meditation on ageing Kelly and indeed growing older is hopefully not all bad - at least we don't do the crazy stuff we did in our youth touch wood ! ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think those days of our youth have a habit of catching up to us sooner or later. Thanks so much, Tony!

[Tom]

To grow old gracefully and die in our sleep is perhaps the best way to go though for many, sadly that's not always the case ..

An endearing. poetic portrayal of the human aging process, candid, dignified and stately serene.. kudos Kelly!

[Kelly Scheppers]

My mom died in a hospital. Such an awful place to leave this world. I think I like your idea the best, Tom!

[Einstein Noodle]

we age and loose bits and pieces the whole while ... those that choose to fight do what we can to slow the process, at best .. and maintain all we can of our wits ... for me your poem, like Lydi remarks, is bittersweet. your heroine (is say that as not many men crochet) ;) tho me Ma did teach me to knit. ... dementia seems an overwhelmingly persistent and worthy adversary .. right up there with inflamation says i! what blesses me the most in your poem is that she finds great comfort, repose, in the comforter of Winter's sleep ... a stark testimony and contrast to what become of some who suffer shocking character changes .. bewildering friends and family with violent outbursts and calamity :( your poem inspires many thoughts in me noodle, Legs ... and memories in which one of these days i hope to lay deeply in repose with ... well done ... super emotive for me ... your word choices spark and lines weave the tale we will all one day, if not presently, walk through .. nice work .. all around solid read for me
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My grandmother had dementia. She lived to the ripe old age of 92. I've decided that's when I'm going to go! Thank you, Gene. You always make my day.

[Einstein Noodle]

i told my youngest son I was going to life to be 150 .. he was about 4 or 5 at the time .. he said "Dad, you can't live to be that old. the Bible says 120 is the limit (i paraphrase) ... I said that he had me there and 120 it is! ;)))))))))

[Kelly Scheppers]

That's the spirit! Best of luck, my friend!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ........................

[Lydia Shutter]

Bittersweet words, my friend.....a darker than usual write for you. Yes, as we age, life takes on a different hue. Not always rosy, but well lived....and we leave that legacy to future generations....just as the dust leaves its signature on the piano. Beautifully written, Kelly. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Lydi. I am most thankful for having you here. Our friends are the bookends of our life!

[Montana ~ Arthur Henn]

"Life Lived" is a reflective and poignant poem that captures the passing of time and the legacy that we leave behind as we age. Your use of vivid imagery to convey the passage of time and the memories that we create and leave behind. What beautiful art… And Writing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Arthur, how wonderful it is, seeing you again! I envy you living life in Montana - how beautiful it must be. I am thrilled beyond measure you enjoyed my poem. Be well, my friend, and thank you for the light you bring!

[Montana ~ Arthur Henn]

You are welcome, Kelly.

[Betty Hermelee]

What is bequeathed is immensely meaningful to those left behind; it's not the value of material things it's the sentimentality that moves us... the memories we keep good and dreadful are closest to our hearts...and as we age life and often pain live with is as well; our bodies begin to crinkle and break until we are ready for our demise....but we must also look back on a life lived to the fullest....
Best, B

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your words of wisdom are always welcomed, Betty. Thank you!

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Kelly!
Best, B

[Re-Pete]

frozen in time, such is the coming of age. touching sentiments and thoughts regarding golden years. there is a sadness but well worth. i guess that's what thoreau was talking about when wrote of, "sucking out all of the marrow of life." top notch stuff, terrific, memorable write - felt more than read. bravo ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've always been a lover of art, and this piece by Andrew Wyeth captivated me the moment I saw it. It amazes me how a painting can move you to words. It's as though the artist himself is reaching out to inspire you, just like we do as poets. Thank you, Pete!

[Re-Pete]

good art reaches out and grabs us by the throat leaving us no choice to be react ... :)