Time Elapse

It's a mystical world. 
Sometimes on Discovery TV, 
there's time-elapse to teach and dazzle us.
We might see that naked jay (before he's turned to blue)
in just mere moments transforming!
He masquerades in feathers and quickly grows. 
Maybe we will witness the feeble endeavors
which finally propel him into flight; 
as the camera follows him, he goes. . . 

Time elapse. 
On some enchanted tropic isle
is the species of a tree
that some of us have never seen.  
The camera's eye might focus
on a random bud among its glossy leaves.  
Soon it blossoms pink petals 
and if we watch some more, 
perhaps we'll see the purple of its star apple emerging.  
Then we'll see it grow,
and if left not plucked, shrivel up and go. . . 

We are but mere ions
in the spectrum of a universe 
we've entered through a magic door.  
Miraculously born, we grow.  
But at first it all seems so slow. . . 
Then one day we try our wings.  
Some of us may soar. 
Others, like an apple never tried, will fall. 
But all of us will look back before we go,
and we'll think how much it seemed a dream.  
Time elapse. . . 
and then we're gone.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Horsman Avatar
November 16, 2012 at 8:46 AM
This is a very clever poem, Andrea, just love this, a poem of today for today....
Puddifoot Avatar
October 5, 2011 at 4:56 PM
congrats on your win with this profound and lovely poem andrea, but do we really want to be winners in a contest for losers haha ALL the poems in this contest are winners in my eyes :-)
Brown Avatar
October 3, 2011 at 7:20 AM
Congratulations on your win Andrea. Love, Carol
Minardi Avatar
October 3, 2011 at 1:43 AM
wow... congrats, Andrea... very thoughtful... left me to ponder...hmm.. :)
Lucas Mcclure Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 8:40 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful win!!====Lori
Sweetheart Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Congrats Andrea on a top ten sweet success with dynamic words of poetry my friend..luv..
Jones Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 2:23 PM
I felt like I was reading a painting hung solo on an infinitely vast museum wall with this one, Andrea. I like to feel like that, thanks!! And preesh the support :) Beauty day, Namaste~N
Johnson Avatar
July 24, 2011 at 4:58 PM
A spectrum of an outward view. Turns inward to show something personal too. A fanciful description of a journey's flight. Times endless joy comes into sight.
Georges Avatar
July 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Kind of a funny thing, as I read this I just keep thinking "If I could just get in the head of a poet like this, I'm sure i'll know what her secret is!" because I just couldn't help feeling like every line read itself to me, and I couldn't tell why. Think it's that thing.. what's it called? Talent, art.
Devonshire Avatar
July 22, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Indeed, we are just specks in the universe, Andrea. When I feel one with nature -- fishing or hiking through the woods -- I realize this even more. I hope you did well in Catie's contest. And what you said about doctors -- you bet I agree. At least the chiropractor provides hope and relief. Dadgum doctor says there's no cure and just wants to medicate. Love, Carolyn
Susan Avatar
July 21, 2011 at 5:03 PM
a very sad ending, reminding us of our immortality, but well said. I found this very insightful. i like how you started with something so simple and took us deeper and deeper, until the truth of it hits us in the end.
Mister Roboto Avatar
July 21, 2011 at 2:25 AM
I am a huge fan of nature documentaries. This poem is right on with some of the interesting titles I feast upon. I hope you are doing well andrea. nice work again!
K. Avatar
July 21, 2011 at 12:02 AM
I really liked how you related time elapse to life, Andrea-- I think you ended this just wonderfully-- sure left a lasting impression on me :) hugs to you sweetie
Horne Avatar
July 20, 2011 at 9:11 AM
I love this thoughtful piece, Andrea
Ball Avatar
July 20, 2011 at 4:49 AM
What terrific insight here. Beautifully worded and well expressed. I loved this. God Bless, JB
Peranteau Avatar
July 20, 2011 at 4:26 AM
A flowing Freeverse Andrea ! I'm a Nature channel man, so you've wowed me with this great entry ! Thought provoking ya know ! Have a wonderful week....much love, james
Poet Avatar
July 20, 2011 at 2:52 AM
An interesting write here Andrea.....wonderful poem.Best wishes:)
George   Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Check your soup mail Andrea. Lainie
Mehta Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 7:17 PM
What a lovely write on the occasions and events that fade away, Andrea
Anish Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 3:45 PM
I like nature shows a lot myself. And you give a haunting portrait of life and exsistence here as well! Love & Peace Matthew Anish
Neels Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Wow Andrea, I just love this awesome write, all the best for Catie's contest ;)lfde Wilma
Brown Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Lovely entry Andrea, the best to you in the contest.
Babcock Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 9:23 AM
enjoyed this poem and good luck on Catie's contest. love phyl
Culverhouse Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 5:29 AM
enjoyed reading your work....amazing world we live in. these magical events usually go by unseen by us. Thanks for the looksee.
Long Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 4:09 AM
this was awesome good luck in the contest. cory
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace