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


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Date: 9/28/2017 12:51:00 PM
Very powerful imagery. Awesomely crafted. Beautiful work.
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Date: 8/20/2017 9:15:00 PM
Such beautiful prose, loved this poem, a fav for me Keith!
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O.J. Hunt Avatar
Keith O.J. Hunt
Date: 8/22/2017 8:50:00 AM
Thanks brother, and many more thanks for faving;-)
Date: 8/19/2017 1:34:00 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:)
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O.J. Hunt Avatar
Keith O.J. Hunt
Date: 8/19/2017 11:45:00 AM
You are so kind to say Lynn, and your take on this piece is bang on, your visits are most welcome:-) God bless
Date: 8/17/2017 1:37:00 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 :)
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Keith O.J. Hunt
Date: 8/17/2017 1:41:00 PM
Thanks sister:-) I always feel graced by Norwegian beauty;-)
Date: 8/15/2017 6:52:00 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.....
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O.J. Hunt Avatar
Keith O.J. Hunt
Date: 7/19/2019 12:32:00 PM
Many thanks brother:-)
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