Home » Poems » Geoffrey Brewer » Paths of Life

Paths of Life

PATHS OF LIFE The labyrinthine paths by which I came Oft chosen not by judgement but by chance Crossed lotus fields of indolent disclaim Where callow sought distraction stemmed advance Took me on many a witless cul-de-sac Enforced reversal, desperate pull back When all was lost in feckless dire denial A track of hope appeared on which I stepped No primrose path: soft slopes, and easy whiles Yet one that took me forward though inept Til rounding one more bend revealed a view A vision of a scope in brighter hue The roads then opened took unforeseen turns Where newfound hazards challenged my traverse And hubris taught harsh lessons sorely learned Enforced resets to my mapped universe Decisions made had outcomes I might rue Yet each drove to new paths that I would hew Of wisdom, should I speak from latter stage? On route that yet continues though near end Let others teach of truth that comes with age My lessons and my lore may not extend The gains I’ve made not from complete true sight At best mere fifty one percentage right Then is it so when all is said and done (But is all said and have all roads been run?) This life is but the testing track to say How all eternity shall ever play? Or with reset of stage shall then avail Still yet another long and winding trail

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Joe Dimino

Date: 3/1/2022 11:11:00 AM

I did not read explanation. Poem is perfectly clear. We learn from our mistakes, often finding they are blessings in disguise. Yes, near the end of this life, I find that I know near nothing (at least having learned that)~great foundation for the next run!~Maybe?

Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 3/2/2022 1:40:00 AM

Thank you Joe. I share your view that my sole claim to wisdom is in the recognition that I really know very little… but maybe next time…

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/28/2022 9:30:00 PM

i think even without the explanation at the beginning, the analogy and metaphors are clear. that ending was interesting. It put me in mind of reincarnation and that is something I wonder about... will that happen?? Or do we go straight to the "other side"? My friend thinks we go to a place where we then learn of our "next life" hmmm

Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 3/1/2022 7:53:00 AM

Thank you very much for your perceptive response, Andrea. I am inclined to think that the assertion: ‘You only live once!’ Is a little presumptuous. Most of the world’s populace believe otherwise.

Gary Radice

Date: 2/28/2022 3:42:00 AM

You sound human to me Geoffrey. When I read your poem (the first time was today) I chose not to read your explanation first - Life doesn't always come with notes anyway - and took the lotus as a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth / regeneration. Your labyrinthe of paths you speak of is - I believe - one to be experienced and not necessarily solved. I really enjoyed exploring each stanza of your poem. Great work. Cheers - Gary

Gary Radice
Date: 3/1/2022 1:47:00 AM

I really liked your final verse and enjoy reading poetry that makes me think. I feel the lotus ties in with the ending. As for lack of reads & responses I wouldn't worry too much about that at all. Your work stands up on its own. You could always do what I do when that happens though: convince yourself you are a cult poet - it takes some of the sting away :) Cheers - Gary

Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 2/28/2022 5:46:00 AM

Many thanks for your thoughtful and understanding comments. I had wrongly concluded that no one saw anything worthy of response. (Paranoia doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me - joke!). Incidentally, I have added another verse.