Ode on Age

An ode on the passage of time in life and what it entails...

Like bloodhounds, creeping years do chase
And hunt down fleeing Youth
And Age brings Fancies face to face
With Nature's painful truth
Like barren earth that knows not rain
The ruddy faces wrinkles stain
Like fleeting dreams the brief days pass
The plaintive heart though garners them
And guards them as a priceless gem
Till Grim Death to amass

The robust strength of Youth must wane
The Chaos cease to be
As somber, cold and calm and sane
Old age comes quietly
The Revelries of Existence
Must step aside and leave at once
The passion and the romance must
Make way for dull sobriety
Indiscretion and vanity
Must crumble into dust

Is Age a slave to avarice
For all that's fair it takes?
Is it not Beauty's nemesis?
No, for it only breaks
The ties between fair weather friends
The dry redundant dreams it ends
The continual flow of Time
Age shows us and we hear the Clock
Our wasted lives with pity mock
With its reproachful chime

Trees skyward send their flailing arms
And deeper still their roots
The blossoms shine with thousand charms
But not the ripened fruits
For why should orbs of wisdom old
A superficial beauty hold?
But those who taste the kernel sweet
Are nourished in their heart and soul
And Experience's bare bowl
With lessons is replete

Why then lament that meager loss?
Why not ignore the Past
And on the mind in gold emboss
Forsaken wisdom vast?
Why not embrace Old Age with ease
Dwell not in frozen memories
For life holds more exalted Glee
Oh Keeper of the Golden Gates
The cocooned Mind that calmly waits
Implores to be set free

Reviews

[emmajoy]

This is more than a poem, tis an example of fine traditional writing; has elegance as well as a great use of language. You've expressed your views with both dexterity and a gentle hand, a philosophical meandering within recognised form. 'But those who taste the kernel sweet ~Are nourished in their heart and soul ~ And Experience's bare bowl ~ With lessons is replete'

[Augustus]

Thank you so much Emma! "A philosophical meandering within recognized form" is exactly what I wanted it to be! :)

[emmajoy]

No dumb blonde, me!

[Augustus]

No indeed! :)

[Devons]

Truly a very beautiful and immensely tender poem, with a somewhat mythical grace and sagacity. It observes the fragility of existence very intelligently with a deep understanding and sense of clarity, never fully in danger of losing its reader. The poem is very accessible, and I think the message is almost fraternally expressed, touching its reader with an earnestness which endears. There is an ageless and (ironically) timeless feel to the words and delivery, and although it is classical in nature, it is never once obscure in its allusions, and one doesn't need an encyclopaedia to understand. The message it preaches is a very reasonable one and cannot be faulted; it is fair to both sides of the presentation of youth and age, naivete and wisdom.
"For why should orbs of wisdom old
A superficial beauty hold?"
These lines are intensely rational and persuasive, and although there are very many lovely expressions contained within the poem, these are the ones that stand out for me. The poetry and meaning is at its deepest and most effective here, and they appear as an incisive representation of the quality of the whole.

[Rory CJ Frankson]

*********************************************************************************** All Stars ********************

My friend Sara, who I have dedicated work to... My Texas Sun. Has the right of this friend. Great job. [ a solemn and elevated style of writing... you, sir, seem like one
of the great poets of the "old school"! ;) ] Sara...

************************************************************** And Age brings Fancies face to face******

[ And guards them as a priceless gem ~ Till Grim Death to amass ] Lines such as this... reflect, the heart of the true poet. On & In revealed context, within the perimeter and Cadence. Both aligned Rhythm and rhyme here are in accordance balanced. Another poet found, that understands: classical framing, in rules of following the subjective language, chosen words. That reflect the structure in Ebb and Flow, describe. The equivalent meters...

In English accentual- syllabic verse.

In English unstressed syllable is equivalent to a classical short syllable, while an English stressed syllable, is equivalent to a classical long syllable. When a pair of syllables, is arranged as a short followed by a long, or an unstressed. Followed by
a stressed, pattern, that foot... is said to be "iambic".

The English word "trapeze".

Is an example, of an iambic pair of syllables. Since the word is made up of two syllables and is pronounced, with the stress on the second syllable Iambic pentameter. Is a line made up of five pairs of short/long, or unstressed stressed. Syllables. Iambic pentameter, is the most common meter in English poetry; it is used in many of the major English poetic forms, including blank verse, the heroic couplet, and some of the traditional rhymed stanza forms. William Shakespeare used iambic pentameter, in his plays and sonnets...

This poem of Augutas's creation, its staging and precise measure. Reflects these given standards. It would bode well, to anyone. To study this piece presented and measure your work, if you would desire. To arrive at what classical-ism can provide. In context in your representation, of the written word.

I Romon: found this an excellent example of the heroic couplet. A template that can only lead, to further perfections... Write On / Right On! Oh Hero's of Verse...

Beautiful to Experience.

********************************************************************************* Romon in Review ***********

Poem in Review, a consideration for: The Eternal Poet Laureate. Canadian Publishing Trust published Book of Poetry by: Romonx Artists & Associates.
Upon agreement with Augustus, will be presented on the inaugural opening of romonx.com. A fine writ Augustus... and, look forward. To further worthy reads.

***********************************************************************************************************************
06/06/10. 10:15pm Quesnel BC CANADA. Heart & Poetic Soul... Peace
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[Sara]

wow, what an amazing poem! your rhyme reads with flawless ease and your words sound even more wise surrounded by such a solemn and elevated style of writing... you, sir, seem like one of the great poets of the "old school"! ;) i love how you ended the piece on such an upbeat note -- i too look forward to growing older and gaining the knowledge that comes with it (youth is too angsty anyway, in my opinion lol)... great job!