There Was A Time

A look back at days gone by.

   

There was a time so long ago,

A time of youth and innocence,

A time of clear eyes and strong hearts,

Of duty, pride and justice done.

 

There was a time so long ago,

A time I wish was here again.

 

There was a time so long ago,

A time of wise and noble deeds,

When honest souls stood tall and proud.

They spoke the truth. Knew nothing less.

 

There was a time, so long ago.

A time I wish was here again.

 

Now is a time when flash is king                           

And right is lost along the way.

Now is a time of feints and lies,

Of greed and lust, and blinded eyes

Who see no wrong in evil things.

 

Now is a time we can’t escape.

But still I yearn for long ago.

Still I dream of times that were,

And pray somehow to be again.

 

  © 2016 Stanley R. Teater

        All rights reserved

Reviews

[Jenny Leigh]

I can completely relate to this poem Mr. Stanley. Very well done. I yearn for the days gone by myself. A way to call back yesteryear.

[Dr. Ryan Nolte]

Well written, thought provoking. The question I always have about times past is whether we romanticize the good memories and eschew the bad. I also wonder if the access to information and media is overloading our sensibilities of right and wrong, and whether or not that is a good or bad thing. I reminisce about the past, sometimes wishing I could go back even for a day, but I'm always careful to believe it was a better time.

[Shy Joe]

Trump 2016! Just joking. Judging from the stamp you used, I imagine you are relating to today's politics and people letting it get this far. We are a mess for sure. The sad thing is us common people have to change first before things will change at the top. What is built at the top is held by the foundation and everyone is concrete right now. I'm afraid everything will crumble into a huge mess and stay that way for a while before we rebuild. Great write and thanks for sharing.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

There is too much truth in your composition which we, as humans pay very little attention. Excellent thoughts defined here! I liked it very much!

[ReedWrite]

Looking back is always nostalgic. There were good things...and bad.
When we're enmeshed in the heart of difficulty, and things seem bleak, it's tempting to look back and reflect on how much better it was...but was it? Sometimes I wonder. Even so, I enjoyed this piece. I liked the style you used...it was different and yet it worked well. Good job.

[Mr. Lopez]

It's incredible how much differently we see the world through the eyes of adulthood verses those of our youth. If only we could turn back the clock but really....do we truly want to? This poem could open the doors to many a long debate/conversation among adults because there would be so much to consider if you could turn back the clock .

[Coyote Poetry]

I do understand this poem.
"There was a time so long ago,
A time of wise and noble deeds,
When honest souls stood tall and proud.
They spoke the truth. Knew nothing less."
The above lines are true. I miss the days when people spoke the truth and we knew the liars from the good people. Thank you Stanley for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[wordman]

these are surely times lost,and it gets worse

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Stanley... A time for every season under Heaven...
a time to choose what we need the most...
God willing. Amen
Now we know what we do not want....
Very gracious poetry with God's Grace... truly, Pat

[Valentine]

I really like this one and it is so truthful. I am dreading the coming election as I feel neither is fit to be head of a country. I had enough Hillary when her husband was governor of Arkansas. We whooped when he left then suffered with him in office as President. God bless America again please. Valentine