Daver Austin Poet Free verse

Old Folks

OLD FOLKS

Gone those elder-respecting days -
An ancient could well topple over
As uncouth youth speeds around him

The Walmart express departs
My God!
Look what’s been left behind –

A multitude of invisibility
A moss grown obsolete
Decrepitude on slow parade

Antediluvian    yes
But stored with lost value
And sense of a valued protocol

What is thought of as 20s showmanship
Has    for most    these gaffers and hags
                                     genuine sweetness
And selfless     humble humanity

What is lost?
Lost is that hopeful neighborhood
Of togetherness –

The virgin feel of flesh
Only sensed in imagination
Those first    daring    touches

And a certain joy of discovery
Ingrained through early years of
Experiment and experience

Yes    all this lost in wrinkles    of course
But the spirit might be reviewed
If only now could take a look

Dave Austin – age 87

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian April 12, 2018 at 11:17 PM Your still young at heart. I'll be 80, my husband 88. Those young ones can never have the memories we have of a more gentle time of life, They are living in the midst of what the Bible call the 'Last Days'. Each year getting worse. We are really blessed to have lived to see all we have. I write about aging and make fun of it.

Carol B. December 1, 2016 at 2:51 PM Love your poem and love your poetry :)

Carolyn Devonshire September 23, 2016 at 4:02 AM So much is lost, Daver. Young people have computers thinking for them instead of brains. The sense of "neighborhood" and "discovery" are foreign to them. And, hey, we may be getting older, but Antediluvian? No, my friend. You become a kid again each weekend when the football games begin. Love ya, Carolyn Daver Austin September 23, 2016 at 2:08 PM Do you know why an old maid wears cotton gloves? Give up? - cause she aint got no kids. Hardy harr, harr -awpf sputt! Thanks for the visit - and go Noles! Love ya too, daver

Joe Maverick September 12, 2016 at 11:25 AM Enjoyed the age defying spirit in this one Daver, wishing you well old friend.'

Phyllis Babcock September 9, 2016 at 10:49 PM Enjoyed reading your poem. love phyl

Andrea Dietrich September 6, 2016 at 10:30 PM I really loved this one , Daver. it speaks volumes to the reader especially ones "over the hill" haha. You are doing fantastic, my friend. I hope you get to 100!

Timothy Hicks September 3, 2016 at 9:26 PM Such a well written and sincere poem, Daver. Your colloquial tone and genuine sentiments made even a whippersnapper, such as myself, able to connect with and appreciate ... good piece of nostalgia!

Michelle Mac Donald August 25, 2016 at 6:46 PM "genuine sweetness And selfless humble humanity", fits you to a 'T', Daver.:) People know this, and animals will sense it. These years invite wisdom and credibility . Best wishes to you, my dear friend. Hugs, with love, Mikki

John Hardison August 25, 2016 at 3:33 AM Nicely put. Nothing like the first experiences in life to give true value and wisdom to life's aging. Peace, Love and Joy.

Connie Marcum Wong August 24, 2016 at 6:40 PM Kids now days need to realize that memories of youth are just as radiant as we age. At least I still remember how I felt growing up...the thrill of my first date, my first kiss, and all the rest. Sure maybe we forget where we put the car keys occasionally...but not all the rest, the important moments of our lives remain and poems like this help demonstrate this fact beautifully! I loved it daver! 7 ; )