I grasp for time
Like straws;
It's in the air
And all around.
But I can't hold it.
Everyday I see,
An aging face or
Weathered stone cracking
Just a little more.
I hear a voice that's
Lost exuberance,
Or taste a recipe
More dull.
My hands empty
Of the force,
Changing and reducing me
To photographs in albums
You won't care to open,
For fear of what I am,
Less a man than your mortality.
Well...this strikes a chord with me. In two days I will be half a century old. I watch my own face sepia and weathered. *Sigh* It's not how much years you have in your life, it's how much life you have in your years (or so I'm told!)
ReplyDeleteOh, my, hope you have a happy birthday still :)
DeleteI like the subtlety in your poetry sir. You have to read between the lines somewhat to grasp the meaning. It's not overtly about aging but when read more carefully one can definitely see that's what it's about. Great work!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I love this analysis! :)
DeleteWow! Ben, this is my newest favorite poem of yours. I can so relate to this. Getting old ain't for sissies. It takes extreme courage, EXTREME. I look at old photo albums and when I see the young me I think, "Wasn't she beautiful, wasn't she beautiful?" And the sad thing is I had no clue... Great write, Ben. xo
ReplyDeleteAw, you're still a beautiful person and friend, Marion.
Delete"Everyday I see,
ReplyDeleteAn aging face or
Weathered stone cracking
Just a little more.
I hear a voice that's
Lost exuberance,
Or taste a recipe
More dull."
That was my fifties. But as I near my sixtieth birthday what has changed is the voice. The exuberance returns. I don't know why. I don't care. But the words "Weathered stone cracking" brought tears just to the point of overflowing.
Powerful and spare, moving to ANYONE who has looked in the mirror, startled at the signs of the years showing. Your work is so varied, Ben. It is a surprise with every visit. And THANK YOU, by the way, for your comment.
Very honored to have touched you with my words. Also happy to know the exuberance returns :)
DeleteBen, Ben, Ben. Your words touch me lots of times. The serious and the nutso, both! Shoot. Nearly one a.m. If I do not sleep soon, I'll scare myself when I look in the mirror tomorrow!
DeleteBen....Tag your it!!
ReplyDeleteWander
Tag!
Delete