Notes About The Poem
October- 24- 2024
I Almost Tossed it Out Poetry Contest
Sponsor- John Lawless

 

I Almost Tossed it Out

       As I am growing older and life becoming lonelier,
       The past beckons, and though I had almost tossed it out,
       The idea of going back to my native land and my people
       Now grows in me as an urgency with no trace of doubt.
       
       I shall go, my soul flying faster than my supple limbs
       To perch on my native land that I left long time ago
       To see the changes, these intervening years have brought
       And to revive the glorious past that in me still aglow

       To listen again to the melodious tunes, half forgotten
       To laugh and talk with my one- time bosom friends
       To enjoy a life lighter and less demanding
       Free of all finesse, rid of all stilted and crazy trends

       I shall visit each of my lovesome former haunts
       The parish church and my parents' forlorn graves
       I shall go to the village school which I loved the best
       That still resurrects in me memories, waves on waves
 
        I shall go wandering through the country roads
        Listen to birds' shrill calls, lovely and clear
        Watch the smile rekindling old familiar faces
        And enjoy the sweet rustic air, dust free and pure

        I want to watch the Gulmohar in opulent bloom
        Feel the scent of jasmines opening at night
        Walk through the paddy fields stretching endless
        Enjoy all the rural scenes that greatly delight

         Climb the small hill where gooseberries grow
         Wind down my way to my friends’ quarters
         And travel farther to the river side with my pals
         To have a dip in the river's cool and clear waters

        Oh, I shall be away from the roaring crowd for ever        
        And relish the peace and quiet, free of all grinding chores
        Cling to life's commonplace things and charms
        Find my own footing there, never to be back to alien shores!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Canerdy Avatar
October 29, 2024 at 7:31 AM
Valsa, you have taken the reader on a lovely, moving, unforgettable journey with this vividly descriptive poem. Janice
Williams Avatar
October 28, 2024 at 11:30 PM
Dear Valsa, your reminiscence is beautiful even if as you mentioned is part imagination. Indeed it is so nice to go back into ones memories and relive some of our beautiful moments. All the best for your contest and thank you for sharing your innermost images. Hugs Maria
Proxenos Avatar
October 28, 2024 at 8:04 AM
One can never bring back the past and re-live it in the present, unless it is done with a predetermination to fulfill a dream that means everything to you. I say this with a heartfelt knowledge. However going back to ones origins and a land that has over decades become alien to us, is not always an option or practical .Love and blessings dearest friend. Jennifer.
Sharma  Avatar
October 28, 2024 at 6:11 AM
Oh my, what an immensely breathtaking and heart-stirring poem you've woven dear poetess! I can't get over this soulful theme you've chosen, it creates a poignant spectrum for me, especially when it also speaks in a way of a moment when we yearn returning to ourselves.. In this journey of life, we evolve and the past remains behind, somewhere becoming a long lost memory. It's often vague and we can't even reminisce when and where we left our own selves behind. A very deep take on the contest! And I love all your soulful descriptions, especially that longing to connect with one's roots and loved ones, even though they no longer find an existence in this world in the mortal form. Sending you best wishes and light always, this one's a FAVE for me ~
Dietrich Avatar
October 27, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Wish I had thought of an idea like yours for this contest
Dietrich Avatar
October 27, 2024 at 11:46 AM
So do you live across the ocean now from your homeland. We never stop longing for the land that shaped us. Mine was Iowa. And though I love now in mountainous and dry Utah , I will always miss the flat farmlands and fireflies of Iowa. I like the nostalgia of this. At the top, you need to change word Missed to Tossed.
George Avatar
October 27, 2024 at 9:52 PM
Hi Andrea, what we write needn't be always personal. We resort to imagination. One thing I always feel is that I miss my childhood and my native village which had all the blessings of a serene rustic life. Now I live in a town where the sound of traffic and dust in the air almost suffocate. Thanks...
Buhagiar Avatar
October 27, 2024 at 9:20 AM
Dear Valsa, what an excellent poem that captures memories long forgotten. Truly a beautiful poem that one enjoys reading. Best for a win.
Greenhough Avatar
October 26, 2024 at 7:21 PM
There is no place like home. It is wonderful to walk those paths of memory. Thank you for showing the enrichment of life.
Rolland Avatar
October 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM
beautiful poetry, and so touching images, home is the better place to be, but we must know about outside, thanks for the delicious reading
Rodgers Avatar
October 25, 2024 at 11:13 AM
Dear Valsa, Oh, how beautifully you captured the nostalgic longing for your roots. I think your magery of your homeland evokes such a powerful sense of belonging and renewal. Your beautiful words paint such a picture of rediscovering life's simple joys and reconnecting with one's true self. Here are my favorite verses: "I shall go wandering through the country roads Listen to birds' shrill calls, lovely and clear Watch the smile rekindling old familiar faces And enjoy the sweet rustic air, dust free and pure". Beautiful Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Crandall Avatar
October 24, 2024 at 7:29 PM
A lovely description of your past, Valsa, which I can see you have a love for.
Goldsmith Avatar
October 24, 2024 at 2:48 PM
I enjoyed reading this wonderful write/story. Time/life can make many changes, some for the good/some for the bad. Growing older can be painful because many have left us.  "Good Luck" Looks like we both did this one. Blessings on this Fall day, enjoy it...........
One Avatar
October 24, 2024 at 12:40 PM
As we get older it seems less people need us in their lives and rely on us... we can feel lonely and we can feel invisible... Your poem will relate to many.. Life changes so quickly and so dramatically.. poem is a touching exploration of nostalgia, homecoming, and the search for simplicity in a complex world. The yearning to return to their native land is filled with emotion, as they reflect on the joys of the past, the beauty of nature, and the meaningful connections that shaped their life. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt reflection, the poem invites readers to consider their own connections to home, memory, and the places that bring them peace.
Empress Avatar
October 24, 2024 at 10:24 AM
Dear sweet valsa, i felt you as i read this poem, and youv rhmed very well too throughout, in such a seamless manner. I sense hope and nostalgia as i read this poem woven in such a heartfelt manner. Its never easy, and we sometimes wish to go back to where we were etc. sometimes going back to those faces and places gives a sense of relief but also can be disappointing. I really love the way youv written this, especially lines such as “ I want to watch the—-Feel the scent of jasmines opening “ that stanza really stood out for me! Just stunning! So breathtaking what youv described! A very soulful poem this is! And deserves a fave! Best wished for the contest! Sending you light always beautiful soul
Cunningham Avatar
October 24, 2024 at 1:59 AM
It's not until we get older that we start reflecting on our lives, curiosity makes us retrace our steps from our past. Good luck in the contest. Tom
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