Old Man

He remains stalwart, though his eyes be dim
tales of the sea define him, some grim
his face etched like a weathered map, a compass
pointing between light and shadows, thin. 

A broken nose belies his youth, most zealous 
once brash and bold, defiant and rebellious 
his black hair, bright eyes and jawline, strong
now tempered with white beard, grays and yellows. 

His past has logged a journal of high adventures
stormy life, lost loves, foolishness and treasures 
he navigates his emotions with a stoic demeanor
yet his telling face and eyes reveal more than ever. 







Written on 6/7/2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
July 16, 2022 at 1:08 PM
Laura, congratulations on your win. You have captured the complete human experience of this man - life and loss. Blessings!
Leiser Avatar
July 17, 2022 at 6:10 AM
Thank you, Sam. So happy you liked this one! :)
Dubreuil Avatar
July 16, 2022 at 5:35 AM
Laura, I love how you dig deep in this poem to understand the man of my painting. It's wonderful to see how others relate to one's art. This I especially like: "His past has logged a journal of high adventures stormy life, lost loves, foolishness and treasures he navigates his emotions with a stoic demeanor yet his telling face and eyes reveal more than ever. " Terrilynn, TravelingArtista
Leiser Avatar
July 16, 2022 at 6:47 AM
I am honored to know that the artist of this fine portrait liked my poetic take on it! I truly enjoyed thinking up a history behind his face. My husband and I own a sailboat, so a lot of my ideas came from our love of the sea. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Terrilynn! :)
Mitra Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 11:25 PM
The sailor angle to the old man and poetry was rather nice....I loved it and Congrats on your win Laura :)
Leiser Avatar
July 13, 2022 at 12:51 PM
Thank you, Carol. I’m glad you liked this one. :)
Watt Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 6:16 PM
Laura, I really like how you used the maritime imagery to describe the old sailor - weathered map, compass, logged a journal, stormy life, navigates his emotions. You paint with words the adventurous yet tumultuous life with dignity and respect for the soul behind the weathered face. So glad I visited this today... congrats on your contest win! Hugs ~ John
Leiser Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 7:44 PM
Thank you, John! I appreciate your thoughtful comments and am happy you enjoyed this one! :)
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 6:04 PM
I believe you have captured his soul in this wonderfully expressive poem Laura. Congratulations on your well deserved win. Blessings xxoo
Leiser Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 7:44 PM
Thank you, sweet Connie! Glad you liked this one! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 8:09 PM
Great story telling. Thanks for your visit and kind comment on my poem. ;0)
Leiser Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 6:12 PM
Thank you, Richard! :)
Rodrigues Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 2:22 PM
Well researched! Great imagery! Be blessed, Laura!
Leiser Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 9:03 AM
Thank you, Kim! :)
Baker Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 7:53 AM
Wonderful imagery, Laura. Happy Belated Birthday! Thanks for the lovely Rhyme. Bill
Leiser Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 5:34 AM
Thank you, Bill! I’m glad you liked this one! :)
Horsman Avatar
June 15, 2022 at 9:44 PM
Well from this old man, Laura, Your observation and detail are wonderfully poetic. Loved every word.
Leiser Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 2:24 PM
Thank you, Harry! I’m so glad you liked this one! :)
Edmonds  Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 2:19 AM
A lovely tale of a old man of the sea, his picture becomes visual in the words I see… Belle
Leiser Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 5:57 AM
So happy you liked it one, Belle! Thank you! :)
Leiser Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 5:52 AM
So happy you liked it one, Belle! Thank you! :)
Agustin Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 6:59 AM
Thanks for sharing this... Meanwhile, a blessed belated birthday to you. This is my prayer for you based on Numbers 6:24-26 of the Bible: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." God bless you.
Leiser Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 8:23 PM
Thank you for the blessings from God’s Word, Beata! I am grateful for my 65 years on this earth! :)
Faulkner Avatar
June 10, 2022 at 9:00 PM
This is so vivid, Laura, I can see the years of adventures and trials, sounds like he is a holder of many secrets~
Leiser Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 6:39 AM
Thank you, Michelle! I’m glad you liked this one…I wanted to make a portrait come alive.
Leffanta Avatar
June 7, 2022 at 11:47 AM
Nice one, Laura! Aloha!
Leiser Avatar
June 7, 2022 at 11:49 AM
Thanks, Rico!
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