Hopes

A meditation on attitudes

The hopes of youth die silent deaths,

Until the frost knows them no more,

*

And the heart is left to meditate on

Lengthening shadows and the merciless

Ticking of a clock,

*

Though nothing real has been lost,

Only undeveloped pictures in the 

Mind.

*

Therefore, let there be no despair

In the twilight, and keep the eyes

Wide open,

*

For joy favors no stage above the

Others.

Author's Note

The joy of old age is different from that of youth, but it is still joy.

Reviews

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love this especially the lines" Though nothing real has been lost,
Only undeveloped pictures in the
Mind." and the hopeful ending.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. I try to have hopeful endings. Too much negativity in the world.

[spirit wind]

your words speak truth--sometimes that is comforting, sometimes challenging--but seeing and feeling truth is what we all should strive for even when standing before that merciless clock

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. I believe what we really are is greater than that clock.

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. Excellent.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Thomas. It's something we all have to deal with.

[Dylan Macadham]

I like "Only undeveloped pictures in the
Mind." ... and the upbeat message!

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. I try to counteract the morning paper.

[Arundass TP]

Meaningful poem. Loved every line. So touching

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. Never give up hope.

[Chris Shaw]

There is plenty of joy in old age. I get that from my grandchildren and very soon another one will arrive. I also find joy in the natural environment and going out with friends. There is still plenty to be thankful for even though the clock hands move ever quicker. Death comes to us all. No need to dwell on it. Happy holidays John.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Chris. As long as we don't lose faith, we won't lose hope.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

first of all -- happy holidays! i hope you are enjoying them.
reading the title, i was in a giddy mood. instead i was served with this existential horror! dont get me wrong, i really liked it. especially the first stanza. how true it is. that much i have experienced. the next few stanzas, i am too young to fully comprehend but it gave me a very uneasy feeling. i used to think im not afraid of death, but the way you describe it gives me chills. that is not to say i missed all of the insightful points you raised. ' let there be no despair In the twilight, and keep the eyes Wide open,' really resonated with me. although my favourite line was: 'Though nothing real has been lost, Only undeveloped pictures in the Mind.' it's a masterclass of writing that manipulates emotion, explores ideas, and held together by a sturdy style.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Ern, for really giving my poem a thoughtful read.

[Lorry]

I've spent the last 8 years listening to the local crumblies just saying what they want and laughing like hyenas.
Now I'm in a race to meet crumblietude with them and totally see their point.
My most often used term is "pfft! Forgot again." and is it really so bad that we act like kids and still jump in puddles?
Just always pack an extra pair of socks and go for it! 😃

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Lorry. I am going to have to practice saying "Pfft!". I usually say something that gets me banned from polite company.

[Lydia Shutter]

Happiness is a choice we make on a daily basis. No matter your age, you can enjoy life. Lydi**

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Lydia. You're right. There are joyful elders and discouraged youths.

[Neville]

I do believe its all in the mind.