Elders

Posted by Rob Kistner | Filed under Free Verse, Poetry, dark drama, homage, wisdom

 

Elders

•

reason’s blaze burned brightly
now nearly spent

insight’s coals cool
grow ashen
yet the core still dances deep amber

your flame of logic
once a vivid light
that pierced the darkness of ignorance
and narrow vision

that flared radiant
sparking inquiry

that shone as a bold beacon
a seeker’s torch
enlightenment’s fire

reduced now to ember

but still warming those
who draw near
and stir your smoldering wisdom

• • •

rob kistner © 2009

 

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Permalink | Comments (7) | Mar 28, 2009

7 Responses to “Elders”

  1. Rinkly Rimes Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 3:42 am

    Wonderful imagery. The amber ember is still glowing!

  2. lucy Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    smoldering wisdom! that is what I am hoping to gain with age!
    Nice to pop in again on u Rob, hope u are well
    (btw.. love this sensual music!)

  3. Fledgling Poet Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 11:29 am

    ‘Insight’s coals cool, grow ashen’…lovely! I really enjoyed this take on getting older.

  4. Joanne Cucinello Says:
    April 2nd, 2009 at 4:36 am

    I love how this poem spiraled downward to deep smoldering wisdom. I like to believe that this trail of age we follow brings us to a place where the young come to warm themselves and learn.
    As always, Rob, the images you paint with words
    refresh the soul.

  5. Jenn Jilks Says:
    April 7th, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    I’m not so sure I appreciate this one! I am finding that the seniors I have been meeting have little fire. Thoughtful…thank you.

  6. Damian Zovaro Says:
    September 10th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    It seems to me that what you allude to is the necessity of “keeping said flame well stoked, well maintained”, early on in life, in order to ensure its longevity and ability to impart… This was my interpretation at any rate..
    Wisdom is indeed a rare commodity, one which your poetry has plenty of… To be able to show the “eyes wide shut” but a glimpse.
    I enjoyed that piece and shall definately return here for a little more warmth. :)

  7. Rob Kistner Says:
    September 10th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    Welcome to Image & Verse Damian… ;)
    If in one’s life one exhibits wisdom, then it only becomes deeper and richer with time, with age — so, in the absence of some unfortunate circumstance by which an elder loses their faculties, they possess a vast store of wisdom… so respect the worthy elders of this world, and seek their valuable counsel…

    The modern world, at its breakneck pace, is losing sight of this remarkable resource — and suffering for so doing… that is the essence of my poem here…

    …rob

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