Premiere Contest WinnerOn the Way To the Ballet

The old ladies 
march onto the elevator,
steadied by their canes, 
each a shrunken frailty
wrapping an unending soul-- 
they are going to watch 
young people dance 
their dances of grace
and beauty, while they recall 
their own beauty long dissolved 
in the acid of time....

Yet, they are happy--
I even joke with them 
as I lean on my own cane: 
'Come Ladies! Let's have a
foot race!" They all laugh, 
as the young girls within 
their tattered frames flirt 
with the potent young man 
hiding behind a time-marked mask...
for a moment we all feel a jolt
of that spark we call life.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Sambourne Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 3:13 PM
An excellent write. The connective joy between the generations that share a love of movement and ballet grace is so well caught in this poem. A perceived jolt of shared energy + light. Many congratulations! Brian
Carber Avatar
December 30, 2023 at 7:41 AM
Thank you, Brian-- and Happy New Year!!!
Alex Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 12:47 AM
Lat two lines are very philosophical depicting - enjoying the momentary life. Great work. Congratulations !
Carber Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 11:14 AM
Thank you!
Radice Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 6:29 AM
"..the acid of time.." just one of so many great lines that had me hooked to your poem L J. As the saying goes: "Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." :) Congratulations on your first place in Brian's recent contest. Cheers - Gary
Carber Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 9:41 AM
So true, man! Thanks!
Carber Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 9:38 AM
So true, man! Thanks!
Awtry Avatar
January 8, 2022 at 6:36 PM
I could have sworn that I had commented on this poem before, but no I didn't. I remember it because it left an impression on me. This is a FAV for me :)
Carber Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 9:41 AM
Thank you--my ego, that little beast!--just did a happy dance!
Carber Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Thank you--my ego, that little beast!--just did a happy dance!
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 8, 2022 at 10:45 AM
Only our bodies grow old, not the spirit within. The younger generation does not really understand that fact and won’t until they age. I loved this delightful representation of the young at heart. Congratulations on your first placement L.J. New year blessings xxoo
Carber Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 9:41 AM
Oh yes, Connie, I've come to see that linear time is an illusion, and the soul--and eternity itself--are always 'now'-- thank you, my friend
Merryman Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 4:13 PM
An amazing write, L.J.! I love the imagery and descriptive phrases you used. Congrats on your win! Blessings, Kim M. PS: Going in my favs!
Carber Avatar
March 20, 2021 at 10:29 AM
Thanks Kim--you made my day!
Mitra Avatar
March 17, 2021 at 9:44 PM
Awesome feeling you sparked right there L.J.Carber :)
Carber Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 7:26 AM
Thanks Carol
Gauthier Avatar
January 9, 2021 at 10:06 AM
totally delightful ~
Carber Avatar
March 18, 2021 at 7:26 AM
Thanks Line--I'm glad you liked it, my friend!
Ashley Avatar
May 7, 2020 at 9:53 PM
What a joy to re-read this amazing and impressive poem again, L. J. The irony of aging is captured in your endearing yet bittersweet expression. A fav! (I should have faved it first time around) :)) Congratulations on your wonderful win. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan
Carber Avatar
May 8, 2020 at 2:35 PM
Gracias Susan, y vaya con Dios siempre, mi amiga!
Barden Avatar
May 5, 2020 at 10:50 PM
You and I belong in Neverland ... I will NEVER grow up! Happy Cinco de Mayo and sincere congratulations for your win in Brian's contest, LJ - keep up the great work! I hope you are staying safe and sound, My Friend - blessings! :o)
Carber Avatar
May 6, 2020 at 9:14 AM
Thank you Greg-- as for me, I'm a 24 year old trapped inside a 73 year old man! How weird is that? Vaya con Dios siempre, mi amigo...
Kauffman Avatar
May 5, 2020 at 11:03 AM
Hi LJ. Can't believe I didn't leave a comment on this poem when I first read it! Enjoyed it then and got to enjoy it again! Beautiful imagery and metaphor. with such a delightful conclusion! Congratulations!
Carber Avatar
May 5, 2020 at 1:07 PM
Thanks Sam--this is a personal favorite and one of the lucky ones to get published--online by Freeman Magazine [I even got paid for it!!!]
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 3:01 AM
Delightfully beautiful, Aloha William...
Carber Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 12:06 PM
Thank you William, I'm happy you liked it-- Aloha!
Brown Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 9:37 PM
Congratulations on your winning poem! Such an excellent read! XOXO - Briauna
Carber Avatar
May 4, 2019 at 7:24 AM
Thank you, Briauna
Gilmour Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 7:05 PM
Oh such glorious imagery LJ in this delightful poem - a worthy winner for sure, with kindest thoughts Ann xx
Carber Avatar
May 4, 2019 at 7:24 AM
Thanks Ann, much appreciated!
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 2:46 PM
Oh, your winning poem is outstanding in every way, L. J. You portray the ravages of aging upon the human body with poetic elegance and spotlight the ageless human spirit with sparkling zest. Every line is a beauty to behold. Congratulations on your excellent and well deserved trophy win. Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan
Carber Avatar
May 4, 2019 at 7:25 AM
And thank you Susan-- that means a lot coming from a poet of your caliber.
Roper Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 10:17 AM
I enjoyed reading this beautiful poem, L.J. , very well written. It stirs a reader's imagination with your imagery you have created . Congratulations on your win!
Carber Avatar
December 4, 2018 at 1:51 PM
Thank you Eve-- it was inspired by an actual experience when my wife and I were given tickets by her cello teacher to see the Pennsylvania ballet.
Roper Avatar
December 18, 2017 at 9:43 PM
Love your poem, L.J., congratulations on your win!
Carber Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 12:48 PM
Thank you Eve, I appreciate it.
Y. Avatar
December 18, 2017 at 2:47 PM
Hi L.J. Excellent take on the contest theme. Congrats on your win:-) Alexis
Carber Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 12:48 PM
Many thanks, Alexis!
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