Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

My Eyes Turn Back

I've courted luck, in countless ways
      Against the ragged judgments and self-umbrage
         I still draw breath, and the mirror has been charitable
   Most I meet deem me forty, (I don't challenge)

My visage betrays very little of the darkness and damage within
      Oh, it will one day chase me down, no doubt soon enough
         But I feign my teens in bearing also, and perhaps 'tis a lack of maturity
   I make no false assumptions of grandeur or wisdom

My child's heart thrives and bounds, a lad seeking truths yet proven
      It yearns, still, for a soft meadow's callow passions
         Or the blossom beams of a summer moon, daubing sweet skin
   I hold no kinship to middle-age or frosted brows

'Tis a young man's mad marrow that moves my flesh
      The ambitious vigor of a yearning heart that thrums my chest
         There is NOTHING of my age but the years themselves
   And the altered perspective of being nearer dusk than dawn

My eyes look abaft now more than onward, I must concede that
      And all the myriad priorities of gain and dream and want
         Have dissolved into the one meaningful prerogative of life itself
   The only TRUE worthwhile endeavor that should be the foundation

The solid base that we learn and treasure and build upon from childhood
      The ONLY thing that I've come, through all these years
         Through all these countless lessons and struggles, to care about ...
   That is, quite simply and purely and unmistakably, LOVE.




~ 1st Place ~  in the "A Contest On Aging" Poetry Contest, Emile Pinet, Judge & Sponsor.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Connie Marcum Wong September 19, 2019 at 2:55 PM Wow Greg, I am just now reading this glorious poem! It honors that youthful spirit that is ageless and I see why it won Emile's Trophy! A fave from me! I was caring for my seven-year-old granddaughters during the time of this contest and just didn't have enough time to catch up on poetry. Belated Congratulations on this fantastic poem receiving the Trophy! : ) xxoo Gregory Richard Barden January 4, 2020 at 5:18 PM This is such a wonderful comment, Connie - thank you SO very much, Dear One! <3

Shirley Rebstock June 30, 2019 at 5:01 PM Very graceful, artistic poem. Congratulations Gregory Richard Barden June 30, 2019 at 8:31 PM Thank you so very much, Shirley, I greatly appreciate the kindness! :o) <3

Jeffrey Howey June 27, 2019 at 12:14 AM Congratulations on your win! Quite deep thoughtful work! Gregory Richard Barden June 27, 2019 at 4:04 AM That's very kind of you, my friend, thank you so much! :o)

Eve Roper June 26, 2019 at 3:41 PM Wonderful poem, Greg, congratulations on your win. Gregory Richard Barden June 27, 2019 at 4:03 AM Many kind thanks to you, Eve - bless you, friend! :o) <3

Connie Marcum Wong June 26, 2019 at 1:25 PM Congratulations on your fantastic trophy Greg. With lines like these: "And the altered perspective of being nearer dusk than dawn" I see why this masterpiece took top honors my friend. I thought it to be brilliant! xxoo : ) Gregory Richard Barden June 27, 2019 at 4:01 AM You are always so sincere and kind, Connie, and I never get tired of you wonderful words ... you are one of the true gems of Poetry Soup, and I am honored to know you! Many thanks and blessings, Dear Poet! :-) <3

Emile Pinet June 26, 2019 at 12:56 PM Congratulations Gregory! Your poem has placed "First" in my contest. It was a very competitive contest and difficult to judge, well done my friend, Emile.