A Poet’s Journey
Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Free Verse, Image, NaPoMo 2009, Poetry, art, courage, dark drama, homage, mystery, suspense, tragedy, wisdom
NaPoMo poem #30
This is the thirtieth and the final of the poems I will write this April, in honor of National Poetry Month, as proclaimed by the Academy of American Poets.
As this poem marks the end of my poetic journey through National Poetry Month 2009, I’ve decided to do a rewrite of a poem, the first draft of which I wrote many years ago, and which I’ve edited and rewritten a number of times. I dedicate this to all poets who have been on this NaPoMo ‘09 journey.
• NOTE: these poems will all essentially be early drafts, so edits may occur after their initial posting.
A Poet’s Journey
•
this poet’s lot
is cast to wander
in search of life’s
splendid unknown
step by step
day after day
uncertain fate unfolds
this journey
filled with wonder
joy
and awe
fraught with sadness
pain
and tears
it’s carried me
‘cross boundaries
borders
mass of lands
‘cross time and space
it’s shown me mysteries
marvels
magic
good & evil
the best
the least
it’s brought me pleasures
fame and fortune
to claim them back
with no remorse
I’ve known satisfaction
adulation
a woman’s love
a child’s passing
it’s been true and faithful
genuine
to turn away
and break my heart
it’s been fact
fiction
and contradiction
fantasy
and harshly real
I’ve been ignored
I’ve been betrayed
honored
as a man of standing
then left behind
to cry alone
I’ve traveled light
traveled fast
stumbled burdened
weighed with grief
I’ve lead and followed
lost my way
regained direction
to lose belief
I’ve walked hand in hand
with fear
and death
stared down depression
to be consumed
then arose again
to venture forth
without a clue my destination
with no regard the fated outcome
nor consideration of my plight
long ago I abandoned worry
having learned it’s of no use
I’ve realized
despite our difference
at the core
we’re all the same
this realm we entered all alone
and here we’ll leave alone again
but all of this is of no matter
foolish so to dwell upon
of no concern
of no regard
most certainly not worth the measure
in reflection
this poet’s learned
it is this journey
that is the treasure
• • •
rob kistner © 2009
___________________________
• you can find other NaPoMo offerings at read write poem
April 30th, 2009 at 2:59 am
It has been such a treasure this month to have met poets like you and to have walked along the road with you. What a trip! Congratulations on thirty wonderful poems!
April 30th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I am so pleased to have discovered your poetry. I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve read this month (which is nearly all of them, I believe). Kudos!
April 30th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I enjoyed reconnecting with you this year for National Poetry Month. I hope all is well in Oregon!
I love the stanza,
I’ve lead and followed
lost my way
regained direction
to lose belief
I feel the same way!
April 30th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
likewise rob..very happy i discovered all your writing…will continue to read
May 1st, 2009 at 6:04 am
Beautiful! This journey has indeed shown us mystery, marvels, and magic!
May 1st, 2009 at 1:29 pm
This is a good one to finish the month with. Congratulations on 35 in 30 days and the journey goes on…
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I’ve been ignored
I’ve been betrayed
honored
as a man of standing
then left behind
to cry alone
wonderful lines
it’s been sometime since i have been around, and i missed it much.
great work,
superb journey
May 5th, 2009 at 4:37 am
I can’t pick out a favorite part because I love all of it. What a wonderful description of the ebb and flow and sometimes incomprehensible journey we are all on - this is a gift.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I can only say I recognize your journey. I am 70 years old. While burdened with the biblical 3 score and 10 I too have found my art a way to illuminate my trip. And your words give extra light to my steps.
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Hi, I saw your comment at Rinkly Rimes page and I came over to say hi. I love your music here. And this poem you wrote, well, it was fantastic! I am going to bookmark you and come back for some more! : )
June 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Oh Rob,
I’m crying equally at the beauty of your words and of those life’s journey’s you mention. It’s been a treasure to know you in blogland, reading your poems and I’m one who also has greatly admired your craftsmanship for that furniture you created! BTW, this is “GeL.” I’ve been out of blogland for a few months and returned with this name and a new blog.
I see your current post. Happy Anniversary to you and your wife!
June 8th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I’m crying from your poetic words for several reasons. How I wish you hadn’t traversed parts of this journey. Your generous spirit shines through here and in every post I’ve read when you used to know me as “Gel.”
Your poems are a treasure as are you. You craft them with art like that beautiful furniture of yours. Happy Anniversary and many more to you and your wife!