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Open Poetry #44
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gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA

0 posted 2009-02-08 05:47 PM


Now that I’m old---
how old? Not too old
to be on an undiscovered road,
to listen to the silence of the sky,
to ponder all in the shadows
of mountains, to disturb the waves
of the sea with a wee, mortal toe!
to follow the paths of rivers,
to stand amid the solace of trees,
to lean against the bark of a stark
oak bereft of leaves in winter,
to converse with the stars, and be
quiet when they speak to my heart,
to manipulate the calculus in the exploration
of quantum mysteries---

All is Beauty against the darkness!

“Oh, Death, be not proud.” I have lived!
You can’t take away my storied history!
You are forbidden to enter and see,
the place where I shall forever be---
the boundless habitation of the infinite Spirit!



© Copyright 2009 arthur chapman, jr - All Rights Reserved
gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
1 posted 2009-02-08 05:48 PM


Every now and then I write a little ode to echo my faith. I believe in a higher destiny than ashes and dust. There is more, I think, to this wonder and madness, than meets the perusal of the clinical, empirical eye.

art

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
2 posted 2009-02-08 05:56 PM


With honor, goes the soul of traveler.
Enjoyed this piece.

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
3 posted 2009-02-08 06:09 PM


Thanks Diamond! I recall an old song from my youth---"Got my shoes on, I got on my travelin' shoes!"

art

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
4 posted 2009-02-08 07:51 PM


"to disturb the waves of the sea with a wee mortal toe!" I just love this, Art,
I think this is one of your very best,
                                Ida

HelmutB
Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964
Canada
5 posted 2009-02-08 08:17 PM


Spiritually speaking......Wonderful
Plain and simply wonderful
PS we are never too old, are we???

The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools.  


gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
6 posted 2009-02-08 09:46 PM


You are very kind, Ida. So happy you enjoyed!

art

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
7 posted 2009-02-08 09:49 PM


Many thanks for reading and commenting, HelmutB. To be too old? I think not. The option is to stop being!

My regards,

art

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
8 posted 2009-02-09 02:02 PM


Ithought this was going to be sad, but was delighted to find that it was a celebration!  I read it several times, and enjoyed it more each time.  Beautiful!  This could have been about this South African owl!  

Owl

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
9 posted 2009-02-09 02:04 PM


Hi there, Owl! You bring cheer and sunlight to these aging eyes!  

art

2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
10 posted 2009-02-09 06:04 PM


Hi Art, I appreciate this poem particularly cause it denies nothingness in a very efficient and poetix way...Thank you for the very enjoyable read.

yann

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
11 posted 2009-02-09 06:32 PM


Greetings yann, and thanks for another reading and kind comment. It is always good to exchange poems and ideas with you.

art

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
12 posted 2009-02-09 06:51 PM


Take a bow, dear Art!

This is awesome and so totally after my heart!

Like Diana, I have identified myself with your words and got goosebumps.

My favorite of yours, no doubt, till now!

Love,
Margherita

"Love is the One who masters all things;
I am mastered totally by Love."
(Rumi)

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
13 posted 2009-02-09 07:03 PM


Ah, Margherita, you have made sublime, a mere, quiet afternoon alone, sharing the companionship of poetry and friends.

Bless you!

art

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
14 posted 2009-02-09 08:20 PM


Not too old to do all of those wonderful things is well expressed here.
The mind stays fresh, young and always curious at any age.
I enjoyed the read very much.

Eric

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