Jeff Kyser Poet Rhyme

I Wandered Lonely As a Life

"I wandered lonely as a cloud" -- William Wordsworth


I wandered lonely as a life
bereft of joy by reason’s cloud
to sling invective like a scythe
from perched on high, lofty and proud.
Naught from my lips but bile and scorn,
delight extinguished, long since shorn.

Imprisoned by my intellect,
I held my neighbor in disdain,
the simpletons who genuflect,
lift voice in praise to gods inane.
Devoid of purpose, meaningless,
inflicting pain, I caused distress.

Ensconced in fog, truth thus eludes,
for nothing blinds like one’s own will,
prolongs the moral turpitude,
bolstering self yet further still.
The darkness bears an evil grin,
a putrid corpse, lest dawn breaks in.

But worlds come crashing down, of course.
A penetrating shaft of light
that sears at first, causes remorse,
illumines one’s desperate plight.
A warmth then flushes on the face
by blood reborn, restored by grace.

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for the I Wandered Lonely as --- Challenge Poetry Contest
sponsored by Natasha L Scragg
written on 09/18/2022

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Gershon Wolf September 18, 2022 at 8:08 PM This is excellent, Jeff... a redux of many of us boomers--- dare I include myself --- who began adulthood so negative, and eventually saw the light. ~ A Fool Then, and Now ???????

Unseeking Seeker September 18, 2022 at 7:53 PM Wow! What a delight to read this soft, soulful muse ~ a fav for me.

John Lawless September 18, 2022 at 7:04 PM Great job, Jeff. and a very interesting take on the theme. A masterfully woven reawakening.

Suzanne Delaney September 18, 2022 at 3:53 PM Excellent writing , Jeff. I love how you redid this famous line by inserting bereft of joy by reason’s cloud…..brilliant work. SuZ

Vickey Rhymer September 18, 2022 at 2:41 PM From the pen of Paul 2nd Corinthians 1:3 here inspired to record God's word .A man zealous for God but lacking insight till an intervention where upon he literally saw the light.Only those humble enough to acknowledge their need for mercy can fully appreciate it..Paul did and spoke often of his appreciation. Enjoyed Jeff. Good write ,Thanks Jeff. Jeff Kyser September 19, 2022 at 2:28 AM Thanks so much, Vickey, it’s been a journey!