Passing Poetry On

my life isn't over as far as i know
there's no enemy chasing me
or disease that have shown
as far as i know i have another fifty years
to march through life and many more tears
i have a wisdom that comes with time
i have a learning that taught me to rhyme
one of the tricks i play with words
a game i play with other boys and girls
i play with emotion when it's my turn
sometimes i play fairly or so i have learned
it's time to pass on what i have been given
help the younger understand their living
for some there is worship a type of praise
and others a picture in which they gaze
periods of life or particular days
some described clearly others in a haze
love our chosen vanity filled many a page
never ending are our stories
but there are only two plays
i the same actor played a few leading parts
modern, Shakespearean, and musical art
comedies and tragedies are the stuff of life
yet only once was i given
that thing i called a wife
but deep runs the river that flows through time
heading for an ocean where it is no more
when it's time to go through it
we don't knock at the door
the game is over, time to tally the score
with words our written testimonies
telling the deeds of souls and hearts
some with solemnity and some with art
asking unanswerable questions
seeking something in the dark
giving unacceptable explanations
for that which was torn apart
we love god, we love each other
but we mostly love ourselves
our hurt that we share with others
our pen at paper yells
our preaching and our pleading
pretending to be spells
repeated down through history
after every love there is a hell
whether warning, prophecy or story
we cannot help but tell
those wondrous things that befell us
while in heaven before we fell
our writing is not for fame or fortune
we don't care if it sells
but it's our turn at ringing
the same old emotional bell

(Dedicated to the memory of Linda-Marie the Sweet heart. )
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Phookan Avatar
February 6, 2014 at 8:54 AM
It's a lovely dedication to our sweetest Linda Marie! and Congrats on your win in this contest, "Impress Me!" and thank you John for visiting my poem and leaving your kind remarks, gautami
Walker  Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 3:03 PM
Good write. I will provide you a rating. I like the scheme. Dropped but a good go at voice. 5 Verlena
Walker  Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 4:48 PM
John, I really like your poem... Oblivion Dark Sunshine
Walker  Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 4:45 PM
Why? You rated first...
Loving Iii Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 4:22 PM
i wouldn't expect any higher from you.
Ink-U-Script Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 8:50 AM
This is an emotional write my friend...heart-felt indeed!!
Horsman Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 4:40 AM
this is lovely john,,so gracious is your sentiment, and sincere your poetry....
Mehta Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 12:13 AM
IT impressed me too and congrats on the win, john
Harrell Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 4:01 PM
Beautiful tribute, John. Thanks for expressing it! She was a lovely person, sweet and kind...Wonderful one!!
C  Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 3:16 PM
beautiful dedication.
Melugin Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 9:11 AM
My dear John, A beautiful tribute! A stellar write! Was Linda from Iowa? 7+ In admiration, chuck
Kendrick Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 5:33 PM
Great one honoring Linda-Marie..Thanks for the visit..Sara
Anglesey Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 12:05 PM
john, this is stunning. Masterpiece indeed and wonderful dedication
Squyres Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 7:10 AM
Wow !! Powerful dedication poem !! You've touched on so many levels of poetry and the writer and brought it all into living. Well done !!
Loving Iii Avatar
January 31, 2014 at 8:43 PM
A poetical masterpiece.
Manassian Avatar
January 31, 2014 at 4:10 PM
I enjoyed this walk through your experiences and your ideas about life and what poetry is a reflection of....especially the powerful ending! :) Thanks for passing poetry along....we love ourselves....and at times we don't, but those emotions must be told. :)
Tsiluma Avatar
January 31, 2014 at 5:22 AM
wise words John! When we have accomplished and learnt much in life, it's good to pass on the information to younger generations and perhaps they can learn something from our experiences. Well penned!
Dietrich Avatar
January 30, 2014 at 11:10 PM
This one I can relate to in some ways! Ahhh, life!!! Loved the line about the river.
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