L. J. Carber Poet Free verse

Now That I Am Old

Now that I am old: 
Did I know of the gold I once held,
the softness of a woman's kiss, 
my flesh binding to her flesh, 
the look in her eyes as they sought 
in vain my hidden soul...?

Now... that I am old: 
Shall I grieve for my young days 
when I swam though the world 
carelessly and oft without grace?

Now that I am old: 
Does it matter I can see clearer, 
feel deeper, love in freedom, 
regardless of the inevitable sadness 
life blankets us all in,
as death's shroud covers our love?

Now that I am old....

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Sam Kauffman January 20, 2023 at 9:28 AM LJ, congratulations on your winning poem about the gifts of wisdom gained with every birthday! As always, your poetic reflections give me pause for thought and remain for lovely moments of ruminations. Blessings to you for each day my friend!

Gary Radice April 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM Great poem. I read it a few times. I was reminded of a quote by Wordsworth that I remembered reading somewhere out there (I had to look it up on Google to write it down word for word correctly) "The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind." (William Wordsworth) L. J. Carber April 27, 2020 at 12:51 PM Thanks Gary--it's always a thrill to be mentioned in the same review as an immortal like W.W.!

Edward Ibeh April 24, 2020 at 2:01 PM Excellent write, L.J.:-) I had fun reading it. Congratulations on your deserving win! L. J. Carber April 25, 2020 at 11:20 AM Thank you, Edward-- and may you and yours go with God in these fraught times....

Greg Gaul April 24, 2020 at 12:26 PM Lovely write here that rightly notes the pathway to aging and wisdom gained. Congratulations on fine work. L. J. Carber April 25, 2020 at 11:21 AM Thank you, Greg-- keep well!

Line Gauthier January 8, 2019 at 10:43 PM More congrats, LJ. L. J. Carber January 9, 2019 at 9:03 AM Thanks Line!

Anne-Lise Andresen November 26, 2018 at 12:26 AM - Congratulations on yours: "In response to IF ...." poems, L.J. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) L. J. Carber November 26, 2018 at 10:09 AM Thanks, Anne-Lise!

Eve Roper November 25, 2018 at 6:39 PM Nicely done, L.J. congratulations on your placement in the contest I enjoyed reading.. L. J. Carber November 26, 2018 at 10:09 AM Thank you Eve

Silent One November 25, 2018 at 10:37 AM Great take on the contest LJ... Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. L. J. Carber November 26, 2018 at 10:09 AM Thank you, Silent One, I am honored.

Line Gauthier September 9, 2018 at 8:36 PM Back with more congrats, LJ. L. J. Carber September 22, 2018 at 12:48 PM Thanks Line--sorry for the delay (health issues, natch!)

Geoffrey Brewer June 24, 2018 at 8:38 AM It matters. It better had! Beautiful poem, Len

Gregory Richard Barden February 27, 2018 at 7:21 PM Gorgeous write and deserved win, LJ - congrats, my friend! :-) L. J. Carber February 28, 2018 at 8:20 AM Thank you, Gregory--as always, that means a lot to me.

Susan Ashley February 23, 2018 at 1:59 PM Returning with congratulations L.J. on your wonderful win with this deep and moving poem. ~Susan L. J. Carber February 24, 2018 at 10:32 AM Thank you, Susan-- much appreciated!

Line Gauthier February 22, 2018 at 10:31 PM Well done, L.J. Congrats on your win. L. J. Carber February 23, 2018 at 9:40 AM Thank you, L. G.

Kim Rodrigues February 22, 2018 at 8:34 PM Wonderful ponderings! Congrats, L.J.! L. J. Carber February 23, 2018 at 9:46 AM Thanks Kim, I appreciate it very much!

Janice Canerdy February 22, 2018 at 6:38 PM Very poignant and deep, L.J.! CONGRATS! Janice L. J. Carber February 23, 2018 at 9:47 AM Thank you Janice-- the older I get, the more I realize just how poignant life is.

Susan Ashley February 22, 2018 at 12:52 PM Deep and beautiful golden-year's introspection, L.J., born of lifelong experiences looked back upon and with appreciation of personal wisdom that's aged gracefully.. Captivating throughout but your last stanza is especially enchanting and meaningful.. Love this amazing poem! Warmest wishes. ~Susan Susan Ashley February 23, 2018 at 1:58 PM Lol! Like a fine wine I'm sure.. :)) L. J. Carber February 23, 2018 at 9:48 AM Thank you, Susan, much appreciated-- not sure how gracefully I'm aging though!