An Old Man Gives Birth

They come of their own accord--
they cannot be forced,  
will not yield to demands, 
entreaties, not even begging....

Why I ask, 
on waking up after
a 35 year long nap,
did the poems again 
begin dancing merrily in
my old, old head--
I might as well ask 
why I am alive, 
or why God likes 
to hide His face ....

Old man that I am, 
I am happy when 
I give birth to them, 
each near perfect 
in my eyes--
lovely to behold: 
a little bundle of joy 
I want to share with 
a very busy and very,
very confused world....

Forgive me, please, my parental pride
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
January 11, 2023 at 10:27 AM
LJ - Congratulations on your win with this delightful poem on the journey of the poet!! It is so wonderful to see your name on the winners list! You and your elegant poems on life's journey have been missed! You always bring a great perspective to life. So happy to see this on the winners list. Happy New Year. Blessings to you my friend.
Carber Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 5:03 AM
Thank you Sam--very much appreciated!!! I was quite busy towards the end of last year putting together my 3rd collection, 'Soul Songs', which my trade publisher released before Christmas. May you and yours have a very blessed 2023!
Agustin Avatar
January 5, 2023 at 4:12 AM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. Meanwhile, by God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy from the Lord toward a prosperous New Year 2023 along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
Carber Avatar
January 5, 2023 at 7:55 AM
Thank you, Beata, and a most blessed 2023 for you and yours as well!
Seeker Avatar
January 3, 2023 at 6:46 PM
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing ~ warmest congratulations on your win
Carber Avatar
January 4, 2023 at 6:52 PM
Thank you!!!
White Avatar
December 6, 2016 at 1:49 AM
I forgive you your parental pride, it is such a recognizable sweet poem, I love it, congratulations!
Cadet Avatar
November 27, 2016 at 9:07 AM
Such an inward look into your passion. "...I might as/well/ask why I am alive,/or why/God likes to hide/ his face..." I particularly enjoy this -- this has so much depth to it, yet undresses the innocence that I find so intriguing about this poem. Great poem and congratulations. -- Wesley C.
Carber Avatar
November 27, 2016 at 9:34 AM
Thank you, Wesley, for your thought -provoking review;you actually made me appreciate my own poem more!
Kimathi Avatar
August 15, 2014 at 9:28 AM
The title of your poem gives a unique metaphorical tone to it. The body also blends well with the title. Congrats to your win! :-)
Nance Avatar
August 14, 2014 at 6:13 PM
Grats on your win:) Keep writing it is a wonderful thing
A. Sharma Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Awesome write Ien ,, congrats in huge win!
Allison Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 7:10 AM
I consider my poems to be my babies too - a great write many congrats:-) Hugs jan xx
Andresen Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 6:31 AM
- Congratulations on your winning poem in the contest: "Writing" - sponsored by: Regina Riddle - Really deserved, Len ! -oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Mehta Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 4:59 AM
Very attractive title, quite meaningful. Len.Congrats on the win
Dietrich Avatar
February 22, 2014 at 5:37 PM
I LOVE this. I too wrote of my poems as children when I wrote My Poems are Children to Me. VERY good poem!
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