Sonnets On Wisdom and Age

SONNET(S) ON WISDOM and AGE
When I was young my folly knew no bounds.
Though some may say the perimeter’s been extended.
I now confess my ignorance, giving me grounds
To think that some false knowledge has been amended
Full many have sought enlightenment as their quest
Some ascended peaks of wisdom and marked the way
Yet interspersed their lives with faults manifest
Transcendent knowledge could not lift feet of clay
So perhaps a degree of common sense and prudence
Would be a more rewarding aspiration
Giving increased self respect and sin’s avoidance 
To live lives with more fulfilling destination
Still I hope that I achieve before my demise
A state of being a little less unwise

But on the other hand ……..

Away with common sense and ruling caution
I no longer have the time for such restriction
I’ll not go with care and mete out every portion
But live life without consent or benediction
There are two diverse types of sin which to admonish
There are those of commission in other words ‘the done ones’
Then those we should’ve but didn't, and it may astonish
We feel guilt though without the pleasure of ‘the fun ones’
Now if we do, there's a risk of errant action
So we shy the primrose path to the permanent bonfire
But should we do nought, our inaction ensures infraction
So we might as well take our chance and perhaps reach higher
Though in deeds that damage another we may be chagrined
Let us otherwise throw caution to the wind
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Carber Avatar
July 1, 2020 at 1:06 PM
As usual, your thinking is on a deeper level than the average bear--so true, young fools know not they're fools, but we old fools can no longer hide from it...I really like the use of contrasting sonnets too!
Parker Avatar
August 21, 2017 at 9:39 PM
to live life and enjoy its journey as you are only here once...my first thought after reading your two poems...well done
Brewer Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 8:10 PM
Thanks, Frederic.
Lane Avatar
August 21, 2017 at 5:52 PM
I would like to think these bountiful philosophical lines get read by many more. I found it to be quite entertaining as well as enlightening, Geoffrey.
Brewer Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 8:10 PM
Than you very much,Lin
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