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...inspired by 'A Soldier of the Great War'
   by Mark Helprin

 
The old man stumbles, the young man 
swaggers with assurance. 
Stars of grace and suns of perfect 
promise point to journeys yet uncharted 
on their pathways to fulfillment.

The old man dreams of childhood, 
cherished memories and golden opportunities. 
The young man yearns for sexual expression.

Companions, self-possessed, growing 
in respect for their astonishments and fears. 
The old man a philosopher, 
a master of life's unpredictabilities; 
the young man just a neophyte, 
the world at his behest.

Together, yet alone, storied travelers 
with different versions of the universe.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Peterson Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 8:28 AM
The foibles of youth are so painfully obvious to ones who have some mileage in their resume. The young do not realize that age and guile overcome youth and strength. Pity the young. Nicely penned.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:19 AM
Thanks again my friend... Keith
Vaso Avatar
February 19, 2016 at 11:33 PM
Wow, that my friend is a great poem! A7
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