That Sense of Being

What is this sense of being?

That I am, I have been, I will be-- is it a blessing 
to ever feel time's razor edge, gathering its moments in my
memory as a squirrel hoards its seeds and nuts for winter,
food I will eat when my youth has long since melted down?

Or is it a curse other animals are spared: to know that 
uncalled day will arrive, rudely, perhaps violently-- 
the one day we are bred to fear?

Yet for some unshared reason I have never feared that cold 
day, that day of burning ice--not as a child, when I sensed it
signaled a return to heaven's luxurious playground, nor as a 
young man when I thought dying to be no more than oblivion's mask.

Now I know death is only a sleight-of-hand, a party trick
of that great illusionist, Time, who is itself but a vapor, 
a wisp of smoke veiling eternity....
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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A   Avatar
May 1, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Len,Congratulations on your win in Andrea's fave contest. XOX - LINDA
Carber Avatar
May 2, 2016 at 8:34 AM
Thanks, Linda-- and I appreciate your ongoing support for all of us 'word-slaves' in the 'soup'!
Allison Avatar
April 27, 2016 at 12:16 PM
very well expressed len congrats on your win in Andrea's contest:-) hugs jan xx
Carber Avatar
April 28, 2016 at 9:39 AM
Thanks,Jan -- I appreciate it.
A. Sharma Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 11:30 PM
Very wise words Ien, it's been great to know your thoughts, Congrats on great win!
Richards Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 7:35 PM
Such an introspective and honest poem about a subject every human has pondered. I too, am not so sure it is a "blessing" to know this truth. I often envy the squirrel ....!! Well said, and a wonderful poem of deep proportions. Congrats !!
A  Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM
Len, congratulations on your win, In Charlotte's contest... SKAT
Puddifoot Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 3:56 PM
I agree with andrea below, it's a very well written poem, well expressed, and that last stanza is particularly good - congrats on your win in my contest :)
Carber Avatar
August 3, 2015 at 7:48 AM
Thanks Andrea, I don't think I've ever been 'faved' before! ...len
Dietrich Avatar
August 2, 2015 at 10:57 AM
wow, this is AMAZING. Best I have read today. I FAVE this one.
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