Daver Austin Poet Tanka

The Absent Years

THE ABSENT YEARS

life becomes so sweet
so precious life to the eye
life in all its forms –
the rock strewn stream bubbles life
even those worn-round pebbles

a silver fish drowned
soaked to death in my shower
strange how sad i felt
after watching it struggle
after offering nothing

like mixed emotions
when i tangle spider’s web
the tiny worker
tiny artist full of life
and i so full of myself

death now seems all round
and i only half alive
in my absent years
floating down that rock-strewn stream
drowned silver fish, sad spider


Dave Austin

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Don Munro September 3, 2013 at 4:24 PM Speaks volumes to the power of observation and just letting life happen -- even when we think we're absent from it. Great thought-provoking poem. Best, Don

Karen Anglesey September 1, 2013 at 6:36 PM I get the feeling that there isn't much we can do about many things except notice and feel as much compassion as possible for just living life :)

Allen Danie August 26, 2013 at 9:06 AM Nice poem...looking for more :) A~D

Connie Marcum Wong August 21, 2013 at 5:05 PM Everything has a purpose, to notice, is to honor that purpose. Lovely introspective poem Daver.

Carrie Richards August 16, 2013 at 2:25 PM I know so well these feelings.......never before in my life have they been as apparently intense as this past year....Never giving much thought to the life of so small a thing that surrounds me, a bee, a bug, a spider, those ants around me, nature's expectation, like our own, is important.....never had I given it so much thought as I do now.....a most precious thing. Love love this poem!!

Andrea Dietrich August 15, 2013 at 3:18 PM Hi, Daver, thanks for visiting me today and I hope to see a new one from you very soon!!

Joe Maverick August 12, 2013 at 3:48 PM A powerful reflective piece here Daver, part of living is believing I suppose.' part of life experience is accepting death and inadequacy...I think you have done great Daver..!

Andrea Dietrich August 10, 2013 at 5:55 PM Daver,you can free yourself from the restraints of tanka and do this as free verse. It's such a wonderful poem. A FAVE for my collection.

Michelle Mac Donald August 10, 2013 at 2:14 PM Strong imagery and metaphors, Daver. The "worn-round pebbles", more polished, it would seem.:) Always enjoy reading your work! Keep well, love, Mikki

James Marshall Goff August 10, 2013 at 8:59 AM Daver, my friend.....I dig your vibe here man! Extreme coolness dude! I like the Native American like philosophy...."life in all its forms-" I believe this myself....and also try to express such.....keep on keepin' on, brother! jimbo