Best Centenarian Poems
Happiness is a world at peace
without crime or disease
where everyone is a vegetarian
and lives to be a centenarian.
A baby is born
Dawns a new morn
A centenarian passes away
Sad close to a day
A new life arrives
An older departs --
Transmitted, the flame
~ of a human heart
Note- These massive turtles live in the Galapagos Islands. They are herbivorous
creatures eating prickly pears, cactus, grass, and ferns. The Geochelone Elephantopus
species have been known to grow to 500 pounds and live to 170 years. The Galápagos
archipelago is a Province off the coast of Ecuador.
A herd of turtles slither down
The Isle of Galapagos.
One huge centenarian
Was quite cantankerous.
Elephantopus was his name.
Six feet long, his moniker matched
The enormous frame
Dragging by in slow dispatch.
He stopped to eat some prickly pears,
A real reptilian feast,
Swelling out his shell of bone
This mammoth tortoise beast.
One-hundred-seventy-years old,
With five-hundred pounds pantomimed.
He gave me no quarter;
I gave him no dime.
God is the cardinal creator
He is the generous giver
He can rise a dead to life, being the grantor
He can create a thing that existed never
He gave what you have
He knows whatever you know
Your deeds drive Him to decide what to give
As you deserve, He does sow
From you, He has nothing to get
He may test you before giving
To test your devotion, test He may set
To adjudge your faith and to ordain your living
Divine dream driven to sacrifice his dearest son
Candid command relates, not to a materialistic thing
One that can’t be a supplant or substitute being beyond season
Rather very well one, from his own being
Being the one and only son,
who was born of the Spirit, by the will of God
for a centenarian father, with a divine reason
as Abraham always adored Allah, for the overall good
Yet his faith on God as the Judge of the universe, was not weaken
Nor he took it as the biggest bitter pill to swallow
His trust over Allah was not shaken
Bewildering but bemused Abraham chose his dream to follow
His wife too accepted the sacrifice, with pleasure
She knows him as a man of noble character and an ‘apostle of Allah’
He was obedient to Allah and upright by nature
He never knows then, he too shall stay in history as messiah
Farewell kiss in the forehead of son, she gave
Son too set forward amusingly unto the altar
Execution was about to happen but Allah intervened to save
To proclaim the faith of Abraham as an ever shining star
This a terrific trial to test the deepness of devotion
Act of Abraham is an exemplary example of selfless surrender
Upholds the unity and understanding of a family, with a mention
Obedience to God opens gates of riches, grace, kindness and wonder!
His firm faith is famed as the holy ‘Muslim festival of sacrifice’
Eid-ul-Adha ever confirms that God unfailingly rewards those who do right
Faithful obedience to God like Hazrat Abraham, is suffice!
Even in dark and dungeon, God shall give you then, hope and sight!!
Above Poem is adapted from the eBook "BIRD OF PARADISE AND OTHER POEMS" by Mr.V.MUTHU MANICKAM. Copyrights reserved.
Months ago my centenarian grandmother passed away, leaving her beautiful smiles with us forever...
Life has tested her a million times. Cuts & bruises - still exist, but hidden in some secret chambers. Memories of rain drenched pathos and falling leaves of winter are there, but kept aside in an unknown island of her own - as if, those incidents never happened. Uphill tasks could never make her exhausted.
Her smiles - like the eternal spring flowed incessantly from her angelic heart - were the only visible expressions we have experienced so far. She shared love with love all through her life.
Shall we mourn or make merry?
Centenarian -
body might have stopped breathing;
you made your smiles fly...
(C) Anindya Mohan Tagore (Bobby)
Amorous is the tingling touch they feel
Blooming kisses as flaming as red bells
Convey passion in their glowing eyes
Directing fantasy-filled thoughts outside
Enamored by the heavy snowfall on the elms
Farther they vanish into the hushed hills of night
Gorgeous and calm is the scenery of pure white
Dashing sleights plunge downhill as screams rise
Ensuing the feeling of glee in the northern sphere
Gorging on almond cookies is heavenly delight
Hot chestnuts steaming on logs are tempting
Increasing their aroma in rooms and nostrils
Jugs with hot chocolate take away all shivers
Kettle whistles for grandma's black tea
Leaner than anyone she'll be a centenarian
Mother prepares a lavish tray of appetizers
Neapolitan superb cuisine in every delicious bite
Overjoyed by the compliments she has received
Pours Asti Spumante* in thin and tall glasses
Quetzal in cage watches and chirps for some
Raging is the fluttering of wings being ignored
Sinking in somber mood he becomes somnolent
Time for a caffe macchiato with Panettone*
Ultimatum for those dozing off on the sofa
Vibrant is the response invigorating their thrill
While outside lampposts give off their gleam
Xenophobe of a massive storm seems insidious
Year is ending in a festive house that loves Christmas
Zealous faces look up and ask Jesus for His blessing
* Asti Spumante is an Italian white sparkling wine.
* Panettone is an Italian sweet bread
with candied fruit and raisins.
Entered in Shadow Hamilton's contest,
" Christmas Abecedarian "
Written on 12/ 30/ 2015
A few years ago, I was privileged to attend a birthday party for a centenarian.
During the ceremony, there was a procession, and each of us greeted the honoree. When I greeted her, it did not appear that she recognized me, but I was ok with that, because I had met her many years prior. I was simply honored to be in her presence.
About a year ago, I visited a lady in the nursing home who was 104 at the time. She has since passed on, but I felt something special about meeting her.
I have always had a special connection in my heart toward older people,
and being acquainted with a centenarian does something special for me.
I sense that God shares such ones with us for his own loving purpose, and
if I can consume something from them, I am blessed and the better for it.
Another centenarian that I have known most of my life turned 100 this year.
It has been 50 years or more since I last saw her, but I remember her well
as I was growing up in the community less than ten miles from her. Her husband was a kind and hard working gentleman, and they had lots of children as did my parents. I saw her on occasions when she visited my mother, and I was very observant of her active community and school involvement. I noted that she was dedicated and active in matters pertaining to the betterment of people. As I look back over the years, I now see her as a gentle giant and a lady of peace so fitting of the name she bares.
It's just past 4 AM as I write this, and I'm writing because after awakening for a bathroom visit, I could not return to sleep. Such as endearing lady, a countenance most beautiful and gentle. Having known Mrs. Peace since childhood, I feel honored that such a one aided in my sleeplessness and
took charge of my memory this early Wednesday morning. I am inspired by her life and enriched by her longevity.
120220PS
Seems love's a very good topic for a poem
People know the subject really well
We all have separate thoughts about love
Those that are obsessed, you can tell
Women as they age can take-it-or-leave-it
With men, it's a real different ball game
From puberty to the age of a centenarian
Their loins are constantly aflame
So how do we solve this obvious disparity
This age old problem that exists
The only time it gets to be a real problem
Is when she says no and he insists
Arguments ensue and nothing gets solved
Both go to sleep feeling angry
We must understand the needs of the other
Been going on for centuries, frankly
This is not exactly your typical love poem
An anti-love poem so to speak
It will never be like a fairy tale happening
But it still can bring you to the peak
© Jack Ellison 2013
Having an obvious proclivity for story-telling,
the old man leaned forward in his chair,
eager to impress the grey-haired men gathered around him
while he continued with the saga of his most peculiar life.
With each slight nuance of his speech
and with every twist in the plot of his tale,
he was able to hold them all spell-bound!
I can attest to this, for I watched him
as he cleverly mesmerized the group of men
for a little over an hour!
There seemed to be no aperature through which
any one man could slip into inattentiveness,
for that old storyteller would gesture wildly in one moment
and then – in the next- - he would pause for dramatic effect,
and then he was immediately back to his fascinating narration.
I wondered as I listened to him -
how did this wizened centenarian
still show the marrow to continue at such a pace?
At last, I could tell that he was winding down.
His nursing home peers, hanging onto his every word,
leaned forward in their seats
as he, at the same time, leaned into them – his adoring audience -
and delivered the climax!
I myself was inwardly chuckling, knowing
that the story he told was not his own!
He had ripped off the plot of the most engaging movie
which I had seen recently at a local theater.
But how were the other old men to know that?
In this barren place, they never got out to see movies.
The storyteller was the new kid on the block!
I marveled to think this man now 100 years old
had recently seen a contemporary movie still in the theaters!
For sure, nobody else in that group had seen movies
inside an actual movie house for at least the past decade!
I had to hand it to the guy; his temerity was epic.
He was -after all -
one to tell stories!
Nov. 16, 2018 for John Hamilton's 'Eight word challenge-9' Poetry Contest
Dear Joyce, you've reached a milestone attained by very few!
I reJoyce at this accomplishment and offer my congrats to you!
Joining the elite Centenarian Fraternity is indeed very rare;
I hope you enjoy many more years of writing is my ardent prayer!
Your poetry flows from your talented quill like honey from a jar!
You've set high standards for others and raised high the poetic bar.
Your encouragement and support for me I shall ever treasure;
Reading your inspirational verse has given me many hours of pleasure.
When your work on earth is o'er, God will reward you with a crown,
Saying, "Welcome Joyce, you served Me and My people with great renown!"
Entry for Carolyn Devonshire's "Happy 100th Birthday" Contest
Nascent Eyes
Lost memories of the 80's annoy me
recollections for memoirs are long gone
My tangible sensitivity has decreased
but the emotional kind goes on and on
My senses are faint, weakened by
too many dinners, champagne and new loves
There is no such thing as a superficial centenarian
It's all about the pulse
good rhythm, good blood flow
It's different now, profound and simple
one small rounded fresh face looking up
with nascent, hazel eyes
When the clouds appear so calm,
Glaring golden like glazing metal,
The world sees much less than nothing,
Understanding far less than the paranormal;
Begotten by the surest knowledge
Creeping into the mind with ease,
Ease fathered by urgent desperation,
Borne from torments that trail all paths!
How perfectly can it be shielded?
Dark light is continuously cast on it,
Seeking to hide its helpless hopelessness
Firm as a teenage virgin’s breast to the touch;
It leaves a dark, tenacious trail behind;
Impenetrable by the brightest of lights,
‘Uncrushable’ by the heaviest of weight,
Yet appearing so tenderly bright all the same!
So dashing a darling he appears,
Breaking facades with his thrilling smile.
Like one responding to loud cheers;
He smiles, hiding his dull, dark being;
Drooping like a fragile centenarian within,
Swinging like an old woman’s naked breast,
Holding firmly to him like a long lost lover,
Twirling a heated dagger in his heart!
When at last the heat’s force hits,
And the clouds can no longer collect,
The ball of fire disintegrates
Like a disturbed file of soldier ant,
Or hornets smoked out of their hideout,
Undressing his pains and agony
And from him, all begin to shrink
‘Cos it’s a can of worms beyond his clouds!
Placed 9th in Poet Destroyer A's Perfect Title Perfect Verse Contest.
Twenty years have passed, still, here I am,
in awe that I have come this far and know,
two more, I'll be a centenarian.
Life has been good; I've been allowed to grow
to this old age with health and clear sound mind,
a gift so many friends did not achieve.
I miss them dearly, but each day I find
I thank the Lord above for my reprieve.
But best of all, he is still here with me,
my husband and best friend, here by my side.
As great, great grandparents, we're blessed to see
our family expand and grow with pride.
I lie in bed and think about this dream...
and pray to God my wish is not extreme.
April 22, 2017
I was a winner, so close to the top.
My computer broke! I had to stop.
It's fixed! You'll think me a contrary one.
Its hard since I'm a centenarian.
2/28/19
Contest: I'm a Winner
Sponsor Bobby May
A long long time ago (even not so long ago it sometimes seems),
I used to have what I perceived to be nice, practical dreams.
Not many of my biggest dreams ever did come true,
but there was one I felt so very sure that I would do.
I dreamed that a great milestone I’d one day fulfill.
I never thought to reach it would require too much skill.
I dreamed a centenarian one day that I could be.
At the time I wished for this, I was rather foolhardy.
I still was in my 20’s, so fit and energetic.
I did not know my dad’s side nor their awful stuff genetic.
Each mile since age 30 brought me strange new kinds of trials.
I know by now that I don’t care to make 100 miles!
Big Pharma too destroyed my dream of living many years.
The side effects of one bad drug has brought me pain and tears.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my life, and maybe I’ll live long.
My mother and her kin sure don’t have many things gone wrong.
But knowing what I know today of suffering and of
the many problems I have seen in people that I love . . .
I have no more the great dream to become a centenarian.
Seeing how the world is now, I’m ok with leaving here as an octogenarian.
June 1, 2023 For the Dreaming Poetry Contest of Regina McIntosh