Do you

a conversation

remember how we usta sit

on the stone staircase by the liquor store

across the street from the specific ocean

late at night, ruminating and medicating

under a partly-cloudy sky?

 

how the minutes turned to hours

and the darkness into day as we toasted Shakespeare and

the power of literature,

the politics of war

and the glory of mead.

 

remember how we watched the world walk by

wondering how so many couldn’t see what was falling apart,

while our hearts thundered at

the outrage of apathy.

 

never mind our complicity

in the compromises made-

such a notion nineteen could not comprehend.

 

in the end, Time conquers and enthusiasm fades

as we take our place among the living dead. the rent is due,

the car won’t start and all that is left of youth

is the memory of the possibilities, the hopes left behind

on a stone staircase by the liquor store.   

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Powerful yet thoughtful truth.. no hidden thoughts here but the raw moment by moment realism that young people see before they're near forced to 'behave' or go 'overboard' . Your finish is as near a biography that a few near tragic sentences can be.

' in the end, Time conquers and enthusiasm fades
as we take our place among the living dead. the rent is due,
the car won’t start and all that is left of youth
is the memory of the possibilities, the hopes left behind
on a stone staircase by the liquor store.'

You write superbly, This was written way back.. wish you were still posting in here.

[living lavender]

this was an enchanting piece. the simplicity of youth. i feel as if when we are younger we can see the BS more clearly than when we are older and interacting with it in our day to day adventure of an 'adult' life.
the lines that hit hard were:
~
in the end, Time conquers and enthusiasm fades
as we take our place among the living dead.
~
{i continue to strive to not let the hopes within me fade.}
this was an inspiring piece.

[Daz]

I thoroughly enjoyed this writing. You captured the moments so eloquently.

[Ken e Bujold]

This is a tremendous poem. So full of youth's vim and vigor. Even if nostalgic, the power of possibility still exudes throughout. And your concluding V is A++

really enjoyed your write, my first time reading u, but hope to be back again soon

ken e

[Red Brick Keshner]

That ocean is specifically un-pacific, but on certain occasions it is. And Time has often conquered enthusiasm and the bills are always due. Therein the possibilities transform into dim could have beens that here on after entertain the fading years. Thanks kindly. This is thoroughly a pleasurable experience to read. Freds.

[Minnesota Fats]

Yes I speak Japanese. Great job!

[Kelly Scheppers]

"never mind our complicity
in the compromises made-
such a notion nineteen could not comprehend."

I feel as though I have found a diamond in the rough. And it shines, most brilliantly!

[Mk.t.g]

Wonderfully composed, Zatoichi!
I loved this one!
Mk.t.g

[Emily B]

It's still my favorite. Nice to sit on those steps again.

[Sami Khalil]

You are a wonderful writer. Very romantic and comprehensive.