What Was

I vote for it being the time to build upon what's gone before. Memories are great fodder for writing poetry from a new perspective, so get to it, Mr. Poet! ;-)

Love this Gary. For me, I'm staying and starting anew, building new memories, writing new words, and definitely traveling to those places I dreamt I saw that I haven't seen. Fav. hugs :)

As we are on a planet, and its going round.' What has been.' Again is found..we look with Eyes and listen for sounds.' To some its all Alien.' Uncertain of grounds.? Yes things are Changing.' Yet nothings new.' How to explain? Is there something from you.? Its just like money..Theres little to spare maybe we should Toss up three pennies, you ask swye.? Well to opportuintys dare.'

Masterful rhyming

Congrats Gary, I love it! That is an every morning read to start the day! Like a warm cup of tea, warm and reassuring!

Dear gary, for some reason this kept getting my attention for the depth and seamless flow of your rhymes! And how youv delivered your thoughts just effortlessly in such an engaging manner! Brilliant! This is a fave for me. Congratulations on your win too and thank you for sharing

Gary, these words would be perfect as the lyrics to a slow ballad at the end of an album. Meditative, philosophical, ever-so-slightly melancholy. Along the lines of "And So It Goes' by Billy Joel or "Along the Road" by Dan Fogleberg, or even "A Day in the Life" from Sgt. Pepper. I often ask myself when starting a new poem "what can I possibly say now that I haven't already said"? You've stated so brilliantly what I have often experienced, and what I believe is at the very core of my long dry spell. I especially loved the turn of phrase in "what’s gone before / before it's gone?" Cheers ~ John

The 'eyes' have it, methinks. My eyes today are way, way different than before // So I can see afresh what never was in days of yore! :) gw

Gary, I like the way it flows. I was seeing it as being about how everything in life, after a while, seems to be a repetition, with slight variation, of things from before, not entirely new, like when you're a kid, but that, they are still worthwhile.

Hi Gary! Amazing poem of "been there - done that" but ending with the challenge of "now what?" Each "life" line is wonderfully composed with the challenges of life asked and answered and a reminder at the end of your musings not to let life's opportunities slip away into regret! I love the way you have set up the poem and your rhyme scheme flows like thoughts flowing through the mind! So happy to have you back in the soup! Blessings and cheers!

Dear Gary, Your poem is so beautiful and wistful. It's so true, and so many things and people have already gone. We have to rebuild, even though some things can't be replaced, except in our minds. For some reason, these young people don't want to hear how wonderful we were :) Take care.

A good idea. Renewal is a way to take a second look. I liked this poem.

Hello Gary, Another poem for your reader to mull over carefully. Your final 3 lines convey (to me) an impending loss of whatever has been savoured, polished so it is best to seize those past nuggets while we can + see what we still can build upon. Hopefully our foundations hold. I enjoyed the posting for all its nuances. Best wishes. Brian

Hi Gary. I enjoyed the style and the content of this piece. I like the cadence and rhyme scheme.

Smoothly reflective, Gary. Really nice poem.

Hi Gary.. found this and love it! I think we all (men and women of a certain age..) reach a point of reflection and review. I certainly spend too much time looking back nowadays, even though there is still a hopeful future ahead. All that truly exists is the now. Blessings. Sam.

Your poems truly have a lyrical flow that feels like music, those last few lines so poignant, will have to Fave this one!

I love the smooth flow of these introspective lines, Gary. Turning away from poetry writing for a short hiatus is understandable (and sometimes necessary), but I can't imagine you completely severing the bond between you and your muse! ~ Regards // paul

I always love the rhythm and flow of your poems, Gary. This is no exception. Having read other’s comments I have to say that sometimes ‘time out’ is enforced by one’s own muse taking a vacation. Right now I feel my muse has expired and gone skyward… but, I’ve been here before and in the words of Arnie…

Your "What Was" is a wonderful write. I enjoyed this creative one with the great ending. Last September I took a few weeks off of Soup/life/ran away to get away. I find this helpful from time to time... I wish you would write more. Have a wonderful day writing away.......................

Dear Gary, I found this to be a very reflective read and I slowly read the lines a couple of times. It’s so well written. I love the pondering here. You’re far too good a poet to turn away my friend and I hope you continue to create wonderful poems ( another 100 would be lovely :) ) Absolutely love, ‘ to start anew and use the past to build upon what’s gone before before it’s gone? So clever. You’ve inspired me. Loved it. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day :)

Love the flow and the everlasting message of this poem, Gary. Well done -

An amusing poem that makes me chuckle. It fits like a shoe.

Brilliant Gary, I often ponder just how many configurations can take place before everything possible has been achieved, and what is the point of carrying on into infinite boredom, perhaps human mortality, and new life prevents this scenario playing out, or perhaps I’m overthinking this one, super poem, cheers David