The Vagabond

The deep delved path winds in the wood,
chasing with ghost-breaths and leafy hoods,
arbor-brawn the winnowed path crooks along;
whispering with what future song?

To ill desire and inches from hope,
plodding the cool of Earth alone?

...and the road behind pretends to love,
waltzing with garland worlds,
old friends long time not heard ---
gray and forsaken on the projector wall,
how wan this dying rose!
and pallid the day which broods...
Old Lucifer playing his lute at every high road;

Life had once played a tune more fair;
and soft the notes in the morning air,
with wife and child ---
the world had watched without despair,
a man to be called a man,
with land and two strong hands
to till the new earth-wares;

But his monsters had come 
and bid him to stare too long into the glitter of gold,
and the gusting crooks in the road...
alone, forsaken...
a mere shadow of a man;

Though they called him king,
(he cried alone)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
September 28, 2017 at 12:51 PM
Very powerful imagery. Awesomely crafted. Beautiful work.
Vaso Avatar
August 20, 2017 at 9:15 PM
Such beautiful prose, loved this poem, a fav for me Keith!
O.J. Hunt Avatar
August 22, 2017 at 8:50 AM
Thanks brother, and many more thanks for faving;-)
Marie Avatar
August 19, 2017 at 1:34 AM
Hauntingly beautiful with poignant insight to the core of 'aloneness' as others see only title and position. Your words convey the stark and desolate path that brings one to despair, regardless of bloodlines or station. A most riveting read, desperately sad, penned with great heart and care. Wonderful writing, wonderful to read:)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
August 19, 2017 at 11:45 AM
You are so kind to say Lynn, and your take on this piece is bang on, your visits are most welcome:-) God bless
Andresen Avatar
August 17, 2017 at 1:37 PM
- "Though they called him king", he was a regular man - Gold and glitter, give no happiness - He will leave the earth without wealth, like everyone else - Excellent written, Keith - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
O.J. Hunt Avatar
August 17, 2017 at 1:41 PM
Thanks sister:-) I always feel graced by Norwegian beauty;-)
Lindley Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 6:52 AM
I am in awe of the writing and imaginative talent displayed in this magnificent piece my friend. Every verse a gem building to that perfect closing!!!! A fav.....
O.J. Hunt Avatar
July 19, 2019 at 12:32 PM
Many thanks brother:-)
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