THE PLAN

Reading Carl Sandburg's "The Fog", one line caught my mind's eye and this was the result.

THE PLAN

(with apologies to Carl Sandburg)

 

Time passeth, and then more,

I keep reaching for the door

That I know to be there,

Though I can’t say just where!

 

I wonder if, in time

I’ll find an answer in my rhyme

Or by some other means

That I have not yet seen?

 

The Fog creeps in

On little cat feet,

And by confusion

Tries to defeat

Visions, and Goals, and Plans…

And anything else it can!

 

But mental Fog cannot win

When it fights determined Men

Which, although I have NOT been,

Have BECOME in recent days…

 

AND INTEND TO STAY THAT WAY!

 

mark teague

june, 1983

 

Reviews

[Ellen Hammond]

This is very thought provoking and brings to mind so many people I looked after over the years....fogging my own mind and goals. But, being sooo determined my mind has cleared....I think. LOL Funny, Momma used to say I was too stubborn for my own good when I was young, but I am not stubborn.....just very determined to think for myself and never get lost in a fog again. Love the flow of this poem and of course the rhyme too.

[An owl on the moon]

This is a very visually moving write, taking us through those questions and concerns with answers covered in mist. Your last passage is so lifting and confident, and gives the determination in spirit we all need to long for. Not just an excellent write, but an inspiring one as well!

[David Lewis Paget]

Time sure passeth Mark; in fact it hath passeth mightily, I notice, since you wrote the above. Twenty six years in fact, and I wonder if that determination that you displayed in the final verse remained, or somehow became dissipated in the trivia of life. That mental fog assails us all, sooner or later, though these days they call it alzheimers - lol.

[Jessica]

I loved this! it flows so well! and i like the ending and how you used fog to resemble a clouded mind and the honesty of not having been a determined man but now you have become one and plan to stay that way!!!!!!!! Good job! i likedd it!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

A very strong look at the trials and tribulations of mans fight for his dreams and all the obstacles he must face to get there. Very uplifting and inspirational.

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Mark,

This is a very interesting and thought provoking poem. It is also a poem of growth and triumph. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Grim determination can overcome most obstacles. Thank you for your poem that reminds us so elegantly of this.

Best regards,

Rick