My Eyes Turn Back

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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.

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Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 9/19/2019 2:55:00 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
Date: 1/4/2020 5:18:00 PM

This is such a wonderful comment, Connie - thank you SO very much, Dear One! <3

Shirley Rebstock

Date: 6/30/2019 5:01:00 PM

Very graceful, artistic poem. Congratulations

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/30/2019 8:31:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Shirley, I greatly appreciate the kindness! :o) <3

Jeffrey Howey

Date: 6/27/2019 12:14:00 AM

Congratulations on your win! Quite deep thoughtful work!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/27/2019 4:04:00 AM

That's very kind of you, my friend, thank you so much! :o)

Eve Roper

Date: 6/26/2019 3:41:00 PM

Wonderful poem, Greg, congratulations on your win.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/27/2019 4:03:00 AM

Many kind thanks to you, Eve - bless you, friend! :o) <3

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/26/2019 1:25:00 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
Date: 6/27/2019 4:01:00 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

Date: 6/26/2019 12:56:00 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.