Conundrum:

observation - some times I don't know who I truly am - genre is meant to be a joke but also seem appropriate

Conundrum:

Am I lead or follow

hard to say

one or the other

along the way

outpaced and

out of reach

or left behind

to now repeat.

With stumble steps

the way inclines

twist and turns

then rewinds.

Seems I know

but cannot tell

am I my son

or father still.

Not casting blame

at one or another

they are the same

So why then bother?

Reviews

[Abhilash Hegde]

This is so thought provoking for me. the million dollar question - who I truly am. This theme, is so well treated here. I like the confusion, not sure, back and forth kind of a write. It feels like a pendulum, thoughts swaying here and there. Can relate to it ! From start to end every line is so thoughtful and keeps you engaged. I like the rhyme scheme too. Kudos! Thanks for writing this and sharing, Carl !

[carl]

greatly appreciate your time and thought to read an review - The confusion is there within me and hoped it would translate without the piece becoming pointless. pendulum would probably be a better title, thanks - carl

[andrew mitchell]

It's hard to get that balance and to not repeat what your parents did and pass this on to your children. Discipline comes to mind.

[carl]

missed your review earlier, thanks for the read and review. Would agree discipline is a important factor and one around which issues between fathers and sons often come to grips or gripes - carl

[mou]

The wisdom and reflections are timeless here. You've beautifully painted the words that carry the weight of years' learning. Thank you Carl for sharing this wonderful poem.
- mou

[carl]

thank you kindly for your words of encouragement- I appreciate your review greatly - I had a difficult relationship with my dad and I feel that I am at times out of sync with my grown children, even so we have a deep and abiding appreciation and love for each other ( all of this I know is common within a family - just sometimes it is perplexing and sorrowing ) again thanks - carl

[mou]

I wish if poet(s) could articulate the real core to their people in a way they do in poetry. These feelings haunt only those who love and care the deepest.
I too had some of these shares with my father but I knew my dad was (is) the only one who loved (loves) me the most in this world. They (your children) too feel this way but it is often the toughest job at the time of expressing it to someone whom (parents) we love the most.
And, it is always my pleasure to read your words.
- mou

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"Life's a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, so don't worry 'bout what you don't know, life's a dance you learn as you go" from the country song, Life's A Dance. Best response I didn't think of but wish I had. We all must play many rolls in life at different times, son, father, grandfather, friend...I've been all those and more. But we are more than the sum of our parts. I'm just one among billions but to those I love and who love me I am as irreplaceable as they are to me. Thus, it falls to me to be the best me I can be, regardless of what roll I fill. Be a good friend, a good brother, a good son, a good person. Making the world a better place doesn't begin with fixing others. It begins with recognizing our place and doing the best we can there for all considered. My mantra has always been, "Do your job" and do it to the best of your ability; without complaint and with a cheerful heart when possible. We certainly can't help others "up" until we get to higher ground. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

[carl]

much appreciate your time to read and your encouraging words, thanks and take care - carl

[carl]

this is worth remembering - "to those I love and who love me I am as irreplaceable as they are to me. Thus, it falls to me to be the best me I can be"

[Soren]

Carl not only well written but it contains a pearl of wisdom here. I have watched my face turn into my father's and now am watching my son's turn into mine. Time wears on us all. Cleverly written in verse the end returns to the beginning of the poem giving it new meaning. Loved it Carl

[carl]

appreciate your time to read and review and the encouragement. many thanks - carl

[John the Baptist]

When your son and your father seem the same, it might be time for cataract surgery.

[carl]

love the response here. Thanks for the read

[carl]

maybe just masculine degeneration or seeming eye to eye.