Oblivion

Oblivion

Life takes us on an endless journey
Through strange and mysterious places.
Where we meet all kinds of people,
Men and women with beguiling faces.

Some wear a mask, painted bold colors.
Behind it lurks their knowing smiles.
Do they see in you a friend or a foe?
Do they ensnare you with their wiles?

As trusting souls we walk down roads
Not knowing where they might end.
We are oblivious to what lies before us,
Or if good or evil rounds the next bend.

With each step we travel the highways.
We walk or eagerly break into a run
We sometimes tread into obscurity                                                          
When once our journey has begun.

We can stop at a flowery garden
To smell the fragrance of a rose.
But hidden within its beauty are thorns;
A risk our journey seems to pose.

We can savor all the good memories
And lock them away in a special place.
Each one that made us laugh and smile.
Each tender look upon a loved one's face.

But our path doesn't always allow lingering
In the sweet harbors we'd like to remain. 
Or with those we thought we'd found a home,
So we walk on in spite of the rain.

An endless journey we all must take,
Oblivious to what lies in store.
All we know is that we must go on
Searching and praying for something more.

We may not know where we're headed
Or upon what seas we might be tossed. 
But we won't forget in vague oblivion
Those we once loved or those we've lost.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Connelly Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 9:26 AM
Hello Lin. I got from "Drowning" to now "Oblivion". I'm drowning in your words. Wonderfully written. But thinking what Lao Tzu once wrote: It's better to travel well then reach the end.
Raven Avatar
March 25, 2020 at 9:46 AM
Hi Lin, it is always wonderful to read through a poets early work. There are always poetic gems to be found and this is such. Excellent rhyming prose does sing down the page, as you unfurl your wondrous song. You were always bound to reach the highest heights in poetry, as you have done. It is always an honour to read your words. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs....Mike. XX
Lane Avatar
March 25, 2020 at 9:51 AM
Thanks, Mike. I appreciate you looking back at my earlier writes....enjoy!
Robinson Jr. Avatar
October 18, 2016 at 8:33 PM
A very, very skillfully written poem, Jan. Superb meter and thought cadence. Excellent job of introspection and self-reflection. All done w/a skillful pen of an able poetess. Love your work! Much love to you and yours.
Nunez Avatar
October 21, 2015 at 9:20 AM
Inspired and insightful. You are good! A belated welcome to Poetry Soup, Lin! Hope you'll enjoy it here. hugs!
Lane Avatar
October 21, 2015 at 9:55 AM
Thank you for the welcome and your praise. Both are greatly appreciated.
Hernandez Diaz Avatar
October 17, 2015 at 3:43 PM
Paths through life are endless. I like this insight about life's unpredictable ways. Liked reading the poem.
Lane Avatar
October 17, 2015 at 5:32 PM
Thank you, again. As long as we don't stay lost in oblivion, we can find the right path. I appreciate your sentiment.
Dew Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 2:21 PM
its true... we don't know where we are headed.... but its important to know your roots... :)
Lane Avatar
October 3, 2015 at 4:38 PM
Thank you for reading.
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