Old Man

Where grass and bending flowers Grew once like the weeds The field empty and barren For lack of sowing seeds

 

The old gray man alone now

attends to his dusty fields

Watering the emptiness

where the land no longer yields

______________________________

He wove his web of fashions

from the tears his pains had sprung

Where once he sang of starlight

back when both their hearts were young

______________________________

Then came the winds a-calling

turned to run a-hoping sure

To reach where she was lying

 sharing pains they'd both endure

_____________________________

The gales did blow around him

precious memories, he'd miss

Drops would fall upon his lips

those that hers would never kiss

______________________________

Where grass and bending flowers 

grew together like the weeds

Lie meadows all but barren

for the lack of sowing seeds

______________________________

The blushing, blowing Poppies

that once grew all around near

Fill the fields with memories

of the love he once lost here

______________________________

Each time he treads on his land

howling, sow-west winds a-blow

Not belonging, feels the longing

 mercy only God may know

Author's Note

I knew a man like this once. His life all but lived. He patiently waited for the end.Which wasn't long in coming. Children give us the legacy that makes the bitterness of our short life more tolerable

Reviews

[Devanshu Rajput]

This is one of the finest piece of poetry that, that I ever came across on this earth. What, flabbergasts me is not only the structure, but the story, that touches my heart.

This masterpiece is like nothing. Your note, deeply moved me. Indeed, kindness and humanity is something that can be felt, by everyone. In a nutshell,

"Compassion is an universal language''

Thanks, for bringing to fore this, piece.

Devanshu

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Dev I thought i had responded to this from you I see i havent.

[Devanshu Rajput]

I'm glad you responded late, because this way, I got to read your piece again.

You're welcome. Take care.

Devanshu

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you young man

[John Patrick Robbins AK..]

Fantastic work my friend just honestly really dig the whole style of this work from beginning to end great work cheers Gonzo

[Tate Morgan]

Hey John thank you. I took a long time on this one i worked on it off and on for a few years picking it up and putting it back down till i was satisfied .Glad you liked it

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Aahh, another beautifully done piece. I love your imagery, and the way that you take a concept and so expertly and eloquently follow it from beginning to end. I also like the "legacy" feel to this one; what are we but what we leave behind? Either children, deeds, art, etc., in the end we will all face the long walk to infinity beyond this earth, but we will leave something behind. Well done!

[Tate Morgan]

What are any of us but an extension of the homes we came from and the love therein? As in the times of the ancient mariner we all hear the call of sirens that gesture us to sail home. Continuity of purpose flows from the wellspring of our lives. In the end we all find we are drawn inexorably home, to the hearth from around which we told our tales of long ago and spun our yarns of a life well lived. The well spent life will always beckon from the winds of change a call for home.

[SyberRose]

I love this and the beautiful photo too...and yes I think the innocence of children have a way of rejuvenating us...I really enjoyed this piece Tate...Rose:)

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Rose i have toiled over this piece all day and have done so many times before for what has to be 4 yrs now I think it is finally done

[SyberRose]

Four years wow...thats great you just didnt delete it like I do a lot with mine.

[Tate Morgan]

I never delete them i see them as beauty hidden in the missing words I always try till there is no where else to go with them

[SyberRose]

I will remember that and keep mine from now on.

[Sami Khalil]

"He wove his web of fashions

from the tears his pains had sprung

Where once he sang of starlight

back when his love was young


______________________________

He heard the winds a-calling

turned to run a-hoping sure

To reach where she was lying

there to hold her heart for her"
A sad and emotive story in a great poetic form along with a lot of wonderful imagery that touches the hearts and titilates the minds. Thank you for shaing...:)

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Sami I am touched by that God knows this poem has driven me insane trying to get it right

[Sami Khalil]

I understsnd . You are welcome...:)

[carol burgess romance]

so soulful...beautiful

[Tate Morgan]

hi carol It was a afternoon one time spent staring at an old man plowing a dusty field.

[Tate Morgan]

thank you

[carol burgess romance]

you are welcome

[Summer]

This poem so far this is one of my favorites. I will put this in my library Tate for future inspiration. Wonderful imagery here to match your talents.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i missed this one also...a fine write.

the longing for something we will never have, or could not achieve, and the pain we feel at the end for missing out on that something.

[David Lewis Paget]

The end of things, barren and lifeless, with the best gone before and only regrets for what's left ahead. Very poignant, Tate.