Once
I blocked the sun
shaded everyone
now
but a shadow
once
my voice
shook the ground
now
gentler sound
once
fair of face
strength and grace
but not strength
to halt the chisel
of tenacious time
my beautiful prime
now
just
sculpted dust
*
rob kistner © 2021
Poetry at: dVerse
It is interesting how we seem to gain wisdom in old age rather than in our younger days. I love the contrasts in you poem of sculpted words of wisdom! Very nice.
Thank you Dwight.
Oddly, though, I prefer now to then. Fine reflection, Rob.
I do sometimes Ron, when the pain subsides… 😉
This is true to life – and perfectly crafted.
Sincerely,
David
Thank you David… 🙂
Aging is not the wonderful experience some would have it.
It’s not for the faint of heart, that is for sure.
An eloquent comparison of before and now.
Thank you Ron.
So very true, Rob. We definitely change with age.
Yes, but the journey, frustrating as it can be at times, is never boring.
Life can be a bitch, then you die–to transfer to what? Excellent quadrille with gentle rhyming and well earned wisdom. So many after life scenarios to choose from. I opt toward New Age & Zen, hope that pierces the veil.
I have no damned idea precisely what is next — but I am most certain it ain’t heaven/hell. Whatever underlies existence is far more complex than that B/W bullshit.
‘Once my voice shook the ground’ , I can see you singing in your band in your younger years. I am sure the vibrations shook the room. Time has a way of changing ones voice but, through the pen one is still able to shake, rattle and roll.
A reflective piece ,perhaps, the chiseling redefines a person, after-all, true art is always a work in progress.
How are you my friend?
I am fine True, and thank you for your kind words. 🙂
You knocked it right! But it is not just comparison. The ‘now’ incorporates the wisdom brought by experience absent in the ‘before’. We are now blessed in an environment all the more richer to face up to challenges. Good thoughts, Rob!
Hank
Thank you Hank! 🙂
A powerful take on aging
Thank you JYP… 🙂
“The chisel of tenacious time,” “sculpted dust”: aging ain’t easy, is it? I have banished sunlight from any selfies I may take. Beautifully written, Rob.
pax,
dora
No it is not Dora.
Ah, Rob, truth be told, we’re all just dust in the wind.
Yes we are Bev! 🙂
Rob, what a wonderful telling of the truth about aging.
Thank you Linda… 🙂
Truth there..
Yes Ain. 🙂
Love that first line, especially!
Glad that resonates for you De!
I hope to age as gracefully as you one day, Rob! This is a deeply poignant write 🙂
Thank you Sanaa. I hope you age far better than this grouchy old man — and more beautiful!
Great desciption of aging process.
Thank you Arcadia? 🙂