Life's Journey

Long ago a young boy headed down the trail;
  bound for the creek with his pole in hand
on that warm June day; he hoped not to fail
to bring home the catch or at least a tale
  to tell his friends – the best friends in the land.

Even at that age the solitude he enjoyed;
  the stillness of nature and its beauty abound.
Being ever so careful to preserve, and employed
good judgement so God’s gift would not be destroyed,
  and he left nature in its place just as he found.

Sixty years later the young boy has matured.
  Deadlines and commitments have taken their toll,
but his love of nature has always endured,
and his desire for solitude will never be cured
  and he searches for answers deep in his soul.

He thinks of that day sixty years ago
  sitting by the creek, on a rock in the sun
and friends who have gone and new ones to know
and ponders life’s meaning and how we grow
  and will his conscience be clear when time is done.


September 21, 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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James Avatar
August 23, 2021 at 3:18 PM
Felt the peace and connection to nature reading your poem John. Also brought back memories of when I was a child and the few times I went fishing with my father. Hugs, Emilia : )
Gondolf Avatar
August 23, 2021 at 3:46 PM
I can remember fishing in Joe's Creek just like it was yesterday, and that was 64 years ago now, wow, when the hell did I get old? I glad I was able to bring back fond memories for you, Emilia, of time spent with your father. Hugs, John
Nicole Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 6:39 PM
Sometimes, it takes reflection and years to understand certain moments in Life. Even when we become much older- we still have so much to learn. This holds so many moments and emotions. So beautifully written and presented my dear friend. Congratulations on this win. ~ Brandy
Gondolf Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 7:15 PM
Thank you, Brandy, you are so correct, I am still learning about life and love. I appreciate you and your thoughts. John
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 3:48 PM
I loved the vivid imagery in this piece captured by memory John. Very beautiful! Congratulations on your deserving First Placement! : ) xxoo
Gondolf Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 4:39 PM
Thank you so much, Connie, I appreciate you and your thoughts. All the best. John
Adams Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 11:22 AM
I could envision you sitting there and it brought back memories of the solitude i used to seek in fishing....nicely penned John, congrats on your win :) hugs
Gondolf Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Thank you, Sandy, I appreciate your warm thoughts. I can remember sitting on that rock like it was yesterday. All the best my friend. John
Mcgee Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 10:07 AM
A beautifully penned poem and I have no doubt your conscience will be clear from what I can feel through your poem. Congrats John.
Gondolf Avatar
July 5, 2019 at 10:15 AM
Thank you so much, Jeanne, I appreciate your kind comments. John
Tripp Avatar
January 6, 2018 at 10:49 AM
What a ponderous write, also a glimpse into your personality and through a childhood hobby. From boy to man, still enjoying nature and solitude. Pretty cool! Love this, John. (Btw. I think you're spoofing us with your photo. You do not look 70. More like 50)
Gondolf Avatar
January 6, 2018 at 11:28 AM
Thank you for reading this, Rhoda, yes, I do give up a bit of myself in this one. The photo is actually about eight years old and was done professionally so they took out the wrinkles and the bags under my eyes. I still look the same but a little greyer.
La France Avatar
October 21, 2017 at 9:01 AM
John, a beautiful write and congratulations on your win in my contest !
Gondolf Avatar
October 21, 2017 at 9:39 AM
Broken Wings, thank you for the placement, I’m glad you enjoyed my poem. And thank you for sponsoring the contest!
Roper Avatar
October 20, 2017 at 11:02 PM
Congratulations on your win, John, great write . Hugs Eve ~`*
Gondolf Avatar
October 21, 2017 at 5:58 AM
Thank you, Eve, glad you enjoyed it.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 20, 2017 at 5:50 PM
Gorgeous pen John, congratulations on your win, poetry and life with nature by your side :) xomo
Gondolf Avatar
October 20, 2017 at 6:37 PM
Thank you so much, Maureen, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Sands Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 5:07 PM
Excellent poem John. Well done! I can feel the journey taken from then to now :)
Gondolf Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 5:23 PM
Heidi, thank you so much for your kind words. I've only been writing for four months now and it's nice to know that others appreciate your work. I'm glad you enjoyed my "journey."
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