Home » Poems » Jesse Zerlaut » Golden Hours

Golden Hours

The aged look upon the young in envy. We are reminded as if in distant dream that we once were given that same opportunity. The opportunity to live life in a state of following our hearts, of being wild, and freely expressive. Those times when our elders would point us at things of ambition, of doing good in school, or playing sport, of achieving. To the child we were, such advice fell on deaf ears as we ran and play. We failed to note, didn't care to note that this advice was given by those who wish they had it to do again, to do differently. Those golden hours they lost or were robbed of, envious and desiring any chance to rewind time. Their curse becomes ours as we try to suggest the importance of a good education, of investing, or taking care of one's health. This singular ironic fate, we failed to heed their advice, our children will fail to heed ours, our children's children will fail to heed the same. Each generation covet in desire a chance to start again, those golden hours lost to us all.

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Anna Hopper

Date: 8/17/2019 5:10:00 PM

Yes!!! I can completely relate to this. Seriously, this is the hardest realization as we become affected by the choices we once made. Back when the world was flat, of course! It is only intensified as we take on the role of our parents and are wise enough to know that it is falling on deaf ears.

Jesse Zerlaut
Date: 11/18/2019 11:27:00 AM

Thanks for the read, I know my parents words come back to haunt me "I can't wait till you have kids".

Old Buck

Date: 7/8/2017 3:58:00 PM

Jesse: If you're going to make me cry, I won't ready any more. I have 3 great kids and 10 grand kids. I saw each one in your picture. Oh, I was there too. Thanks for reminding each of us how much the same we are. :o) oldbuck

Jesse Zerlaut
Date: 7/8/2017 9:37:00 PM

I'm glad it touched you. The meaning is very important to me because my grandfather was a great giver of advice before cancer became his world... and he rarely had time for children, didn't understand children because he was never given a chance at a childhood. So those times he gave me advice it mattered that he so much as talked to me, and yet I failed to follow.

Joe Maverick

Date: 4/29/2017 1:21:00 PM

Good piece here Jesse, it's something so common to mankind, as stated by Aril, I watch man pushing this point of view and that 'new' way.. yet I can only say that when Christianity holds the balance things are more agreeable 'not' the crusader way of action but a compassionate Christain action have things often been improved, the founders of the British NHS were comitted Christians for instance.'

Jesse Zerlaut
Date: 5/1/2017 2:24:00 AM

A compassionate and understanding people. A thing I dream of. But I do wish I had heeded adults about a lot of things when I was too immature to see past my own wants. I'm sure I'll error for years to come, I don't know when we get old enough we stop thinging we know it all.. unless it goes until we do know it all. lol.

Anil Deo

Date: 4/11/2017 7:13:00 AM

Much food for thought, Jesse. Thank you so much. Line 8 has the word "deft," and I ask if it ought to be "deaf"? In the power of Jesus Christ, we can break generational iniquity & sins. amen

Jesse Zerlaut
Date: 4/11/2017 2:46:00 PM

You are a rock star, Anil. Thank you for spotting that.

Becca Teagan

Date: 2/24/2017 6:25:00 PM

This is so true! Kind of sad that it works this way, but I've come to accept that my kids will make their own mistakes, not learn from mine lol .. but oh.. to be able to turn back the hands of time, and enjoy life to the fullest.. know what we now know. Very thought-provoking poems, Jesse. Good to have you posting again x

Jesse Zerlaut
Date: 2/24/2017 6:56:00 PM

Thank you, Rebecca. It was a bit rough around the edges, I've mostly just tossed thoughts on paper lately, not really sure what I can validate as poetry, for every one I post, there are four I hide away like dirty secrets I'm ashamed of. I hope to see you writing again!