Sandcastles

We can’t defeat the clock,
despite our best intent.
No buffer to the shock,
no reason to lament.

Don’t be sad, don’t be scared,
you can’t abandon hope.
Think of all that we’ve shared,
you’ll find a way to cope.

This gift is only lent
and certain rules apply.
Enjoy what we’ve been sent,
don’t watch the world go by.

Standing firm, standing tall,
against the ebb and flow.
Time’s tide will take us all;
our hopes and dreams laid low.

These thoughts we can’t eschew,
for we have reached the edge.
Now I have to leave you,
no matter what I pledge.

This fate there’s no cheating,
my finis, close at hand.
We are each just fleeting;
a castle made of sand.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Sergi Avatar
August 10, 2017 at 5:39 PM
Hi John: You epitomized the truth that we should make each day count with or without family and you expressed it beautifully. It's okay to write a poem now and then. Great write!
Michaels Avatar
August 13, 2017 at 4:07 AM
Thank you for your kind comments, Ralph. Am glad you liked it! Regards, John.
Daniel Avatar
August 5, 2017 at 12:03 AM
A simple yet beautiful poem that tells of the importance of relishing time spent with loved ones:) great writing, John:)
Michaels Avatar
August 5, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Thanks for the great comments, Jo. I elected to use a "simple" approach (avoiding my usual 'need a thesaurus to translate' it) to reach as many people as possible. It seems to be striking a chord, based on the comments I've received, so hopefully that has worked! All the best, John.
Dietrich Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 5:32 PM
oh yes, it is so very fleeting and to see those we have loved for years passing away is such a strange feeling. We have to hang on to the hope that we shall see them all again. I LOVE this one, John.
Michaels Avatar
August 2, 2017 at 1:37 PM
Thank you very much, Andrea. It's very sad but an unfortunate part of our existence; to eventually lose those we love. We just have to make the most of the time we have with them, whilst we can. Kind regards, John.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:12 PM
Time is so fleeting....I really feel this as my husband and I deal with health issues as we grow older. The time went by so fast. Your poem is beautiful John! Congratulations on your HM. : )
Michaels Avatar
August 1, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Thanks so much, Connie. Your kind comments are much appreciated. Regards, John.
Allison Avatar
July 28, 2017 at 11:57 AM
My husband's cancer has made me really appreciate the fragility of our lives and I cherish each day i have. I love the sandcastles stanza especially John:-) hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
July 31, 2017 at 3:03 PM
If it hadn't been for his cancer I would never have written my first poem 'Splendid Isolation' which was written whilst he was actually undergoing the surgery. He is cued and I have a hobby i love and its helped me through the trauma of life issues in the last 3 years:-) hugs Jan xx
Michaels Avatar
July 29, 2017 at 4:46 AM
I'm so sorry to hear that, Jan. This poem was inspired by personal loss in my own family, imagining how they might have viewed the world in their last days. Thanks for your supportive comments. Regards, John.
Callus Avatar
July 28, 2017 at 10:21 AM
A lovely and meaningful metaphor, John. The waves of time eat away at our life; we have to make good use of the years allotted to us...before the final calling! Regards // paul
Michaels Avatar
July 29, 2017 at 4:50 AM
Thank you for your supportive comments, Paul. You're so right - who knows when that final tide will come to sweep us away. All the best, John.
Gentile Avatar
July 28, 2017 at 8:11 AM
I really enjoyed this, John. I try to appreciate each day before the tide takes mine.
Michaels Avatar
July 28, 2017 at 9:10 AM
Thanks for the kind comments, Mike. Sage words to live by!! Kind regards, John.
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