Best Infirmities Poems
With the heavy load you suffer
a substance not needed
yet drags you
cushioning your efforts
and deterring your pace, forgetting that
the Train is already moving
with passengers determined
for this journey.
Why get so distracted
by passers-by focused to catch up?
Why are you tossed side to side,
putting you each time,
a step backwards?
Can't you realize that
the Train is already moving
with passengers determined for this journey?
It seems you are the only one left
and this is solely your doing
with no one to blame
and the rest,
definitely have no added advantage over you.
So stop acting weak
cos the Train
is already moving
with passengers determined for this journey.
Wake up oh Africa!
you get your independence
just to become a volunteer slave.
You live in a Mansion
yet have no place to sleep.
Stop acting like a bucket of Crabs
killing each other
just to get out
and copy the ants
united and networking
for a common cause.
You fight for just a coin
underneath the Table.
When on it is a box
full of this same treasure.
Despite knowing how to reach out
to its top,
you neglect such knowledge
and accept conflicts, violence and wars.
Settling for good enough
is worst than being bad
you blow your trumpet
when you make a step
out of a thousand more.
You show unbelievable contentment
to mediocrity and under-achievements,
but remember this!
Half a giant is no giant at all.
You have the breast plate
of protection
and all the arsenals to battle
yet you dine with the helms of poverty
and embrace the ambassadors
of all kinds of infirmities.
You walk around naked
and seem not to bother
oh Africa!
Do you exist to actualize all these negativity?
An expert of imitation
and a professional in copying
no wonder no matter your trys
you end up as number 2 at best.
Because you've neglected
the sweetness of your originality.
You milk your cattle
to nourish the west
you harvest your crops
to feed foreign stomachs
you stand on abundant humus
yet your leaves are yellow and dry.
Exactly what will happen to the ants
if their Queen puts
their fate on the lizards
is what will befall you
not until you wake up oh Africa!
Categories:
infirmities, africa, dark,
Form:
Epic
I feel I have appendicitis,
Or a bad case of bursitis,
And I think I need another tonsillectomy.
I'm sure I got a staph infection
From a tetanus injection
While I was prepping for a hemorrhoidectomy.
I've got cataracts and shingles,
When I cough my kidney jingles,
And my muscle tone's diminished due to entropy.
I have a lower disc displacement,
I need a knee and hip replacement,
And I'm scheduled for my umpteenth colonoscopy.
With my doctor's full compliance,
I will donate my corpse to science
To see if reasons can be found for all my maladies.
No doubt that when they disconnect me,
Vivisect me and inspect me,
They'll find a host of medical irregularities,
As well as hitherto unheard of abnormalities
That may account for part or all of my infirmities,
And might help to explain my PCP's enormous fees.
Author's note: After reading Ilene Bauer's delightfully insightful "A Certain Age", once again I delved into my archives and disinterred this bit of nonsense from 2017. I apologize, dear readers, if any of you who might be suffering from medical conditions find it insensitive. It is certainly not intended to be so. Although I don't think it's been scientifically tested or doctor recommended, I firmly believe in the homeopathically therapeutic value of humor and laughter. And I know that after writing this piece, I felt better about my own health issues.
Categories:
infirmities, health, humor,
Form:
Light Verse
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Never in oblivion could I bury
Such upholds my hope for heavenly high
Leaving me with adieu of victory*.
With his legacy of love and faith’s zest
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Testifying God’s blessings of great best
Marked by thanksgiving no one can deny.
His infirmities propped my trust to fly
As I begged for miracle health's fullness…
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Since divine will is eternal wellness.
Midst reminiscence of fatherhood bliss
Valuing heritage money can’t buy
So that next generation will not miss…
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh.
*Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces…
September 1, 2021
3rd place, "This or That, Vol. 6" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh; judged on 9/8/2021.
Categories:
infirmities, blessing, christian, dad, death,
Form:
Quatern
LIFE'S END
So they think you are old and shouldn't live alone,
maybe you're too frail to be left on your own
Can't manage your own money or live in your own home,
apprehensive you give up and take up the tossed bone
So many years spent taking care of them,
it's your turn they'll tell you and move you right in
Deep inside you hope to turn back the time,
your life's work was them sure it will be just fine
Your full of anticipation life is going to be easier now
Soon feeling like a relic lifted up and knocked down
You have so many stories memories of days passed,
feel like every story told could soon be your last
They have no time to listen they heard it all before,
tell you they'll talk later as they rush through the door
Feeling like a burden wondering what to do,
no one seems to care about the trials you've been through
To them, you're just repeating things already heard,
but if they'd stop to listen your words are not absurd
Everyone keeps talking about the day you will die,
and who gets what & how your property will divide
Not wanting to wait they reach out with dirty hands,
to take what's in reach they can't wait for the end
You start to feel decrepit and feel your life's a sin,
its a bad situation that no one wins in the end
You find yourself weaker something isn't right,
don't talk to old friends feeling like a fright
Every day grows longer you can't wait for the night,
no one even gets it it's such a dismal plight
You sleep and sleep and sleep to escape reality,
your youth is long faded along with vitality
Closing your mind eye reaching for your partner's hand,
but alone in your bed, this was not the master plan
The dream realm is all you see through the haze,
you lift your eyes up & meet your lost love's gaze
But please don't go too soon to that alternate reality,
there are those that still need to hear the words you speak
Stop dwelling on real or perceived infirmities
or without warning, it will drain your remaining vitality
When you think of death or of the dying that they speak,
hold your head up high and breathe life into the scene
Change your attitude don't die it's not a dream
the younger generation you still need to lead
Hold onto your life and sow a precious seed,
life is worth living don't lose it in a dream
Categories:
infirmities, age, angel, beauty, bereavement,
Form:
Free verse
I wonder our world should it beat with one heart
The variance found would not tear us apart
In words formed of love bid to meet each new day
Together in one breath, we’d sweep hate away
Intelligence summoned by thinking in tune
Transforming the winter to springtime in June
Inside of what looks like a shiny blue orb
The water that flows through our lives would absorb
Infirmities fashioned by weakness of mind
To forge a new armor, our strengths well defined
I wonder our world should it beat with one heart
The tragedies requisite for us to start
Categories:
infirmities, hope, how i feel,
Form:
Couplet
You love me, even when I am wrong
A sinner, frail and weak, in search of a song
Reaching out to the joys I sometimes see
In hearts who give without condition or plea
You love me, and it is such a sweet mystery
Knowing that this hope will go down in history
For the wonderous inspiration that fulfills
Imagination and purpose that enlivens and thrills
You love me, in spite of all that I have done
To discourage your love, the embrace homespun
With my worries, struggles and cynicism
All those things that assure my criticism
You love me, although I’m not always endearing
Leaving me with hope that won’t be disappearing
Creating a wellspring of compassion within me
That fills me with assurance that I’m finally free
You love me, and give me grace everlasting
Always securing me so that I never feel contrasting
But always know the beauty of my dreams
Will hold me in a embrace like the soft sunbeams
You love me, calming my worst sorrows and pains
Soothing away the trials that leave me in chains
Breaking away pieces of anguish that destroys my best
Reminding me that I am most assuredly blessed
You love me through the troubles and adversities
Coloring my ideas with passions and diversities
Reflecting on all the faith I have known because of You
The Jesus who taught me to give, live and pursue
Goodness, acceptance, gentleness and meekness
Which come from Him who gives strength in weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Categories:
infirmities, blessing, christian, faith, god,
Form:
Rhyme
My wife is a woman who never complains
She's up before five to make the 6 a.m. train
When I spill food on my shirt, she removes the stain
Her feet always hurt, but she handles the pain
She's raised two teen-agers without going insane
She puts up with my infirmities, life in the slow lane
Her wardrobe's modest; she's never been vain
Eats reasonable portions, fruits and veggies and grains
And unlike 'Lady Luna,' who waxes and wanes
The smile on my wife's face ~ forever's etched in my brain
Categories:
infirmities, smile, tribute, wife,
Form:
Rhyme
(written, not from experience – but from hearing the screams of the voiceless)
a letter from home, the womb where I grow…
2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Torn from the sanctuary, without one breath
my story begins… will she regret?
My limbs are all growing,
the silence in here, calm and serene
like a song – her melody, gentle heartbeat
growing, each cell a mystery…
oh, I can’t wait to see her, this woman,
expecting someone – perfect,
a flawless poem written by her hope,
a seamless beauty unspoiled by the past,
this is my beginning and my soul cries out
for the wonder of her touch,
the kiss of her lips on my brow,
this blessing of a mother’s love –
oh, how she will smile when I arrive.
But, wait…
Torn from the sanctuary – my story is so brief
I feel the darkness settling in – oh, this grief?!!!
Torn from the sanctuary – pulled from the dream
of a love that will never be
a love that still believes –
she was meant for me.
Torn from the sanctuary, where there were no tears
I feel my soul is crying without end to the miseries…
Then I see Him – the One who created me
the first grace that pours over my spirit
the beautiful that isn’t wind or sea
the wonder that reaches into my grief
stills the darkness and whispers light to me
Finally, I can see…
even without the mother
who I still love so deeply
I have a hope that will complete me
hope of a love that is beyond explanation
love this alive survives every frustration
love who’ll survive whatever may come
as I struggle to remember…
she wasn’t the only one
who loved me…
His grace is sufficient for the least of us…
for the voiceless, for those who weep
because there is sorrow, so much grief
and abortion? – it claims the weak
the tiny form of one who seeks
unconditional love, love that sees
it is this love that should bring sweetest dreams.
Categories:
infirmities, abortion, baby, birth, cry,
Form:
Free verse
I stand neck-high tall
within the quicksand
of my infirmities.
Green and gaunt,
I hesitantly genuflect.
Ravaged tendons and corpuscles
are barely breathing
within the vacant corridors
of a soiled carcass.
My ardor for vindication
has been abandoned.
I presently refrain from accepting
the consultation of
umbrous soothsayers.
Readers of tealeaves and tarot cards
hurl my infractions towards
the apex of your divinity
and the nadir of my scrutiny.
I espy no Judas rope
(dangling from lofty boughs)
as scores
of unanswered novenas
sleep beneath my fingernails.
Scars flourish upon my skin -
agnate to larvae
and dried leaves.
The density of my marrow
turns moss covered and dank.
Choirs of starving nestlings
bear witness to my afflictions.
Swallowing the last notes
of a disenchanted requiem;
they slowly bind my wrists
with twigs of knotted reflections -
as Harper Lee's macaws
peck my cheeks and
the calculated feast ensues.
A murky blanket
of eventide quilts me
in fibers of remorse.
Lesions burst
underneath my skin;
they herald my inhumanity
as I impishly smile.
Connect-the-dot cold sores,
(not found in children’s books)
entwine a raw endoscope probe -
mocking
my charted results.
Inky woodlands
are devoid of carnival mirrors
and inner deliberations.
Such forms
of bun coed celebration minuet
within another's emptied psyche.
The conduits
to my umbra are blocked.
All exits are closed.
So, into the woods I go,
medicine chest-closed
and matchstick available.
Searching for answers
the starving nestlings
formerly consumed.
Categories:
infirmities, introspection
Form:
Free verse
The human qualities and potential isn’t limited nor territorial
kindness at its peak is indeed interracial
it is brutal to keep this knowledge confidential
b’cos, my experience is first hand and crucial.
Pouring out serial disgusting output, I've been consistent
hence nurturing my friendship is menial,
such a risk is definitely consequential
and it becomes official when a friend’s head is hit
Despite my social status compounded in filth and lots of irritating effect
I've been embraced and kissed by luck
making me believe life is indeed partial
A controversial creature, I am
yet, surrounded by the wonders of true friendship
its complete care, no where near superficial
its love, so congenital
to the point, I feel I’m in denial
My stink spreads across towns
my words attract infirmities
my mind has been the warehouse of lawlessness
and everything bad is registered in my accountability
but the one and only good side of me is you my friends
the day you leave, is the day I join the Dinosaurs
Categories:
infirmities, beauty, best friend, character,
Form:
Epic
“Time and tide wait for no man”, affirm the wise.
Everything should be done in the allotted time n’ space.
Like waves which wait for none, time will advance.
By staying idle, we may never get one more chance!
Each one is granted a fixed quantum of time.
Without notice, seconds pass with a silent chime.
Those who handle time without enough caution,
May later come to regret and land in perdition.
As the moving pendulum of time swings,
Each day, to infinity, steadily wings.
Time is like a diminishing bank account.
Nothing can be added to the existing amount.
Time wasted should be our greatest regret.
It is precious and irredeemable, never forget.
Before infirmities set in, earn what you can,
For life here has only a short stretch and span!
Feb.5.2023
Proverbial Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Margarita Lillico
Categories:
infirmities, journey, time,
Form:
Rhyme
Chronic Pain – The Beginning
You snuck into my life in the 1998th of May,
Everything about me wishes that you’d go away,
My whole being longs to feel good strong and well,
But for the last 18 years each day has nothing new to tell,
Chronic pain I hate you, chronic pain I hate you…
My story is I used to be athletic but that changed for me,
Playing sports of every kind enjoying being wild and free,
Your gifts to me were all new forms of aches, pains and fretting,
The simplest things became so hard to do plus deeply upsetting,
Chronic pain my rage, chronic pain my rage…
People see us walk and talk and think deep down this guy is fine,
They do not see the inward battle that is stealing all that was mine,
The real me is gone and he is not coming back for he has died,
Oh one truth is my heart is breaking and I just want to run and hide,
Chronic pain the robber, chronic pain the robber…
Those who have been fighting long now just put on a pleasant face,
Family, friends no longer stop by or care thinking we are a disgrace,
We simply do whatever our bodies will allow us to do each day,
Telling fibs to those who happen to ask us how are you anyway,
Chronic pain my enemy, chronic pain my enemy…
What will you do to me tomorrow trust me when I say I can wait,
Comfort sanity good things to think about to get me through this date,
God give me a silver bullet please restore me to my former self,
I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines watching my life from on a shelf,
Chronic pain please be gone, chronic pain please be gone…
Written by – William Arthur Tell
2Cor.12:10 – Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Categories:
infirmities, death, depression, feelings, health,
Form:
You love me, even when I am wrong
A sinner, frail and weak, in search of a song
Reaching out to the joys I sometimes see
In hearts who give without condition or plea
You love me, and it is such a sweet mystery
Knowing that this hope will go down in history
For the wonderous inspiration that fulfills
Imagination and purpose that enlivens and thrills
You love me, in spite of all that I have done
To discourage your love, the embrace homespun
With my worries, struggles and cynicism
All those things that assure my criticism
You love me, although I’m not always endearing
Leaving me with hope that won’t be disappearing
Creating a wellspring of compassion within me
That fills me with assurance that I’m finally free
You love me, and give me grace everlasting
Always securing me so that I never feel contrasting
But always know the beauty of my dreams
Will hold me in a embrace like the soft sunbeams
You love me, calming my worst sorrows and pains
Soothing away the trials that leave me in chains
Breaking away pieces of anguish that destroys my best
Reminding me that I am most assuredly blessed
You love me through the troubles and adversities
Coloring my ideas with passions and diversities
Reflecting on all the faith I have known because of You
The Jesus who taught me to give, live and pursue
Goodness, acceptance, gentleness and meekness
Which come from Him who gives strength in weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Non-judgmental eye Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Unseeking Seeker
Re-posted: January 18, 2021
Categories:
infirmities, faith, hope, love,
Form:
Rhyme
Once my prime human fortress, indeed great
Now, he's helpless... gripped with paralysis
My father who aided my first step-straight
Needed lifting-up on a constant basis.
His strength, blessed by God's help, became my might
My growing he guided with His wisdom
How I nestled in his caring delight
Around his loving disciplined freedom.
Seeing Dad struggling, oppressed by ailment
Presses me for faith's fervent prayer zeal
Infirmities afflict but a moment
Since the Lord is ever-ready to heal*.
My father's sickness graciously demands**
My heavenly Father's beautiful hands.
*Psalm 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
**The Almighty God called my Daddy Roberto Agustin to His heavenly home where there,Dad is healed completely whole on January 2, 2019 at 5:25PM (Philippine Time), almost eleven hours after this poem was posted. Indeed, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:115). To God be the glory!
January 2, 2019
1st place, "STANDARD CONTEST 163" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 2/18/2019.
Categories:
infirmities, appreciation, beautiful, character, faith,
Form:
Sonnet
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). Today, and when I am old, this precept assured to me by God remains steadfastly immutable. With my trust in Him, I am confident of a triumphant and blissful future. These include the wondrous enjoyment of everlasting life, the glorious worship of the Almighty Creator, the love-filled fellowship with the saints forever. Thus, when I am old, I see myself upheld by the might of my Saviour with my spiritual bio note shining with these divine attributes the Lord endowed me with: redeemed, ransomed, regenerated. Meanwhile, though my physical strength would diminish and natural beauty fade when I get old, my faith’s luster would become all the more radiant. Such truth prompts and prods me now through God’s power to pursue and persevere toward a vibrant and meaningful lifestyle that will never haunt me, and be my miserable regret when I am old.
Faith-anchored champion…
that is me when I am old
because of God’s might!
When I am old, empowered by God with His care, I stay cleaving to His grace, delighting in His mercy, and seeking for His favour. Though afflicted with infirmities and wearied by trials, I would constantly be grateful for His faithfulness, appreciative of His peace, and joyous for His answers to my prayers. Through my heavenly citizenship, I strive to become the cheerful pilgrim and obedient steward He wants me to be while leading others to His light, preaching His Gospel with compassion, and advancing His kingdom. With that, this is my plight, anchored upon Psalm 90:12, “Lord, please teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom, as I work well to present myself unto You with praise, when I am old.”
God’s grace* when I’m old
works best for service-utmost…
wondrous gift to share!
*Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
August 3, 2018
7th place, "For Your Poetry Journal" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Dear Heart a.k.a. Broken Wings; judged on 8/6/2018.
Categories:
infirmities, blessing, faith, god, growth,
Form:
Haibun