The Waning Years

Uncle Ben

The waning years left me lost tears

for brethren I have loved so long

Remember days of childish ways

 taste of life was sweet as a song

 

Winds that blew, as they always do

from youth I saw in my mirror

A pale gray face, lie in its place

 old folly of years grows clearer

 

I laughed and played, as youth had stayed

duty could wait, while time was free

Time was my friend, though in the end

pain overcame what life left me

 

Author's Note

So often is this truth that we all dread the knock of the door.
For life's time waits on none of us
it masters fate with earnest callous
Caring for none in favored mercy
helping not whom it shows malice
Let us not seek reward in the end for deeds we should do by conscience. Let us instead stive to be fondly remembered by those we love.

Reviews

[bluessadmood]

This is so lovely my friend,lovely and sad..but i think it should not be..or is it
years left so many tears,those days of childish ways
life taste both sweet and bitter,the winds always blew
and i always looked the mirror,see two faces young and aged
I laughed for youth made me look like a fool
thought life could wait and time was mine
a friend who always tricked me to the end
pain always was my friend..pain always stayed with fools
You dont know how I enjoyed this..this was so great writing
but i dont think its that bad..fools also enjoy their life..pity
lovely write..

[The Analog Kid]

I like how the last stanza says he lived long, but in much pain. Your stuff is usually very relatable. This being no exception. You do find great pictures to go with with your work too.

Pat

[Nayan]

I really liked your poem :)

The meaning has found perfect partner in the accompanying photo.

[Marie Anzalone]

What a wonderful picture to accompany your work, Tate. Those piercing eyes seem to be staring off into the distance as your narrator spekas his words. Why is it we will pass people like this on the street without a second glance, yet stop and study their pictures?

I have been blessed to know many an older person whose remambrance of a youth well-spent was a joy to be present with as s/he rambled and reminisced. Indeed, I hope to eb old that one day too! A very thoughtful piece, my freind... thanks for the request!

[emmajoy]

Firstly the picture is incredible .. so much life walking over the skin; eyes looking .. where, who knows - beautiful.

Your words are sad yet, truly appreciative, respectful. There's a mystery to extreme age and what it holds, the slow going forward, the adventures, scars and all of a person's history. And, you've taken all that and wrapped the experience of long life and its tragic decline with simple yet such expressive words ..

A wonderful write, Tate, thank you.

[Helen Crutchett]

Beautifully done. Old father time catches up to everyone in the end.
We think we will never age but stay youthful and carefree forever.

I loved your thoughts so well eloquently written about a subject
that sooner or later everyone has to experience. That is why we
have to make every day count like its our last day before old age
settles in and we become infirm and sadly sometimes left regreting
things we did, things we should have done and things we left undone.
(boy that was a long sentence!) ~ Helena :)

[cartera]

A sad ending, but a very good poem.. I feel the balnce between acceptance of the clock and calendar could have been tipped a little more in favour of positive reflections. Well done.
ATB
Alex.

[Sincerely, Alex]

Time.
A concept and way of life no person can escape.


I really like you wording in this one. Great job. You wrote it wonderfully.

-Alex

[Sean M. Addams]

a very emotional write .... very deep and well done ... nice work!!! enjoyed this one alot!!!

[vandana]

Absolutely stunning.....thoughts well expressed. The flow & rythmn is good.