An Old Man's Prayer

I am a paling star to be washed out In the dazzling brightness of the arriving dawn A calendar that ran out of time A broken guitar with strings loose I will soon exit out of life Like a man hardly anyone knew ever existed And only very few would miss As I look back to the prime days I feel years have flown away in a flurry Like scraps of paper whirling in the gale A dense fog crawls up into my eyes The verdant vistas and smiling faces Have discoloured like weather worn paintings The violet shadows of red rocks Form a dark cave within me Nothing subsists in the dells n’ hollows Of my memory I wilt under Age’s burning breath And wither under its deadly blight Now I drift... a rudderless vessel Through unknown waters Waiting at the Departure Lounge I now have only one prayer; Don’t let me scorn and disdain the young Whose sky is wider and dreams endless Who walk with nimble feet and sure steps To conquer the world that has left me a scrap!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Baker Avatar
August 31, 2022 at 2:16 PM
Wise words we should all consider as we approach the end of this life on Earth, Valsa. We need to be non-judgemental of the young and their yet to fully form brains. We all make mistakes and get some things right occasionally. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about life's end and behaviors. Hugs, Bill
Poet Avatar
August 29, 2022 at 4:46 PM
Valsa, This is such a moving and brilliantly described piece. A delve into the innermost musings and actions of the elderly guy in his closing hours. His concluding meditation is a message for a great number. These metaphors have a strong impact. Blessings.
Buhagiar Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 11:29 PM
You have described me perfectly.
Wolf Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Kind of sad, this old man you've created... To me, what's sadder is that the young people don't come to him for advice. Rather, he is expected to applaud their agility and dexterity. ~ Bah, Humbug!
Pandit Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 2:18 PM
Reminiscing in aging of life--a wonderful reflective write, Valsa.
Lawrence Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 7:10 AM
Valsa , So beautifully descriptive and poignant. A journey deep into the final thoughts and moments of the old man . His final prayer speaks to many . Your images here are powerful. I feel like you must have known this person . You are describing his thoughts so intimately . Blessings and hugs, Susan :)
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