Reluctantly, I see (revision)

[Benjamin]

Reluctantly, I see

the light of my diminishing days

reflected in your eyes.

With prophesies I cannot change, that

would steal our time away.

But our kites soar up from common ground

to marvel at the trees;

where cherry blossom and laburnum

lay carpets into Spring.

 

And our land of make believe

where you're not young and I am not old

will always be with you.

Though I wonder at the things you'll see

and places I can't go.

For the surge and thunder of future

rules the order of our days.

And life's temple reaches out to us,

so for a while we pray.

[dcmarti1]

where you're not young and I am not old

 

...

 

life's temple reaches out to us,

 

Really liked those! Like a revelatory "a-ha!" moment.

[fdelano]

Like finding a diamond in the rough. Filled with emotion and reality simultaneously. Emotional but thoughtful work, Geoff. Thank you.

Paco

[Benjamin]

I wrote these lines for my now 8yr old grandson with whom I spend much time. Perhaps he will grow to understand the beauty of words and the value of love.

 

Laburnam: (or Golden Chain).. a beautiful tree yet it is entirely poisonous and contrasts in early Spring with the (usually) ornate and benign cherry blossom. G.

[douglas]

This poem spoke to me on many levels and I think it is beautifully observed and expressed.

[dr_con]

A wondrous poem of aging- rather brilliant and sure to be appreciated by your grandson when older after all he is genetically related to your keen observations and insight! ;-)

 

Juris

[tonyv]

I caught it, too --

 

where you're not young and I am not old

 

rises above the author's intent and becomes the voice of a more universal speaker. It gives the poem a wide appeal.