Jeff Kyser Poet Free verse

Stringing Pearls

A thousand little moments,
one connected to the next…
Exquisite, time-sequenced pearls
from then to now and beyond
Ignore the strand, where it may lead,
and focus on the bead at hand:
one breath, one step, one vista.
Take it in and savor it;
burn its imprint in your mind.
Then, taking care to thread the needle,
slide it firm and snug,
and only then consider what is next,
and in this manner,
you will arrive at your destination,
having fully experienced
every pearl along the way.

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for the 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 25 Poetry Contest
sponsored by Mark Toney
written on 12/24/2022

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Smita Kulkarni February 17, 2023 at 2:26 PM What a great message you have for us! I truly loved the concept! Jeff Kyser February 17, 2023 at 4:24 PM Thanks so much, Smita! Have a blessed day!

Sam Kauffman February 3, 2023 at 1:29 PM What a wonderful metaphor, Jeff! Truly extraordinary! While looking forward is a hopeful mindset, it truly is important to see each moment and experience as a treasure. Congratulations on your win! Blessings of many pearls on your strand! Jeff Kyser February 17, 2023 at 4:24 PM Thanks so much, Sam! I've been away alot, but I do appreciate your read and gracious comments!

Nova Martin February 1, 2023 at 10:37 PM na

Susan Ashley January 31, 2023 at 5:44 PM Dear Jeff, your poem is extraordinary! So beautifully crafted, your poetic artistry creates precious pearls reminding one to live mindfully in the present moment. I especially loved "Then, taking care to thread the needle,/slide it firm and snug,/and only then consider what is next" - which sets the stage wonderfully for your inspiring finale. Fantastic free verse, my friend! Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Jeff Kyser February 17, 2023 at 4:24 PM A much belated thanks for your gracious comments, Susan!

Katharine L. Sparrow January 29, 2023 at 7:17 PM The concept of a string of pearls as a metaphor for the passing and savoring of time is a lovely one. Very visual and meaningful. Nicely done! Jeff Kyser January 30, 2023 at 4:11 AM Thanks so much, Katharine - I appreciate the read and the comments!

John Watt January 28, 2023 at 9:17 PM Jeff, I love the message and the concise use of free verse to communicate it. I especially liked "from then to now and beyond" to express past, present, and future. So much is missed when we lose focus on the present, the pearl in our hand. Congrats for your marathon win. How did your daughter's trek turn out? Jeff Kyser January 29, 2023 at 4:37 AM John, I was pleased to hear that she had printed this off and carried it with her. She had real difficulty with the altitude and developed a near blinding migraine above 15K feet, had to turn back and miss the last day when the summited, but she had a wonderful journey. They hiked in excess of 45 miles over a week or more. Thanks so much for inquiring!

Mark Toney January 28, 2023 at 3:36 PM Jeff, I always enjoy the pearls of wisdom that accompany your poetry. It took me decades to figure out what you brilliantly presented in 16 lines. Even so, thank you for the reminder! A Fav Poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 25 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon. There is only one more Poetry Marathon mile to run before the Qualifier's Final Placement Contest! More information about the Qualifier's Final Placement Contest will be given at the Mile 26 checkpoint. Jeff Kyser January 28, 2023 at 3:44 PM Thanks so much, Mark - it has taken me a long time as well, I assure you! And as always, thanks so much for hosting the contest - it has been a real challenge and big stretch!

Paula Goldsmith December 27, 2022 at 7:53 AM Your "Stringing Pearls" is a wonderful write about life/time. Life/time are with us until the every end. Never give up on life/time. A fav for me. Have a wonderful day adding more pearls to your string of life................

Gershon Wolf December 24, 2022 at 9:21 PM Rarely, if ever, have I read a better summation of how to live life. Bravo, Jeff. This goes right into my FAVES. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! Peace, Gershon Jeff Kyser December 25, 2022 at 2:38 AM Aw, thanks! My daughter is undertaking a hike of Kilimanjaro in a few weeks and feels woefully undertrained. She asked us to send her some encouragements, and this came to mind - one breath, one step, one vista. It's a damn shame that I had to retire to stop and contemplate the pearls along the way, but we do get focused on the "end goals", don't we?