http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
While I continue to replace originals in my print collections with any later revised poems in preparation for publishing online at a later date, I have also decided that, once having completed the task, I will first publish a collection of the most popular poems on the blogs; this way, readers will be able to dip into them should Google delete my blogs once I have gone walkies with the Grim Reaper.
I have to confess that I am finding even my early 70's heavy going on a daily basis. I am 74 now, live alone, and seem to deal with just about everything so much worse than I used to. Inclined to get everyday crises out of proportion, to say I am less than happy with my quality of life these days is an understatement.
I used to be happy enough living on my own, but now I often feel isolated, probably because I have so much less of a social life these days. Even so, I have much to be thankful for, especially a best friend without whom my life would be unbearable.
Life could be better, for sure, but it could also be much worse so...as good a reason as any to continue taking my cue from Monty Python, and always look on the bright side of life; well, nearly always... (My cue for visiting nearby Hampstead Heath, where the peace and beauty of nature can always be relied upon to clear even the most dissatisfied mind-body-spirit.)
.
I guess growing old(er) was never meant to be an easy journey. Writing poetry helps; in my head, I can hear Ella Fitzgerald singing 'A Satisfied Mind', and do my best to achieve just that...
STUMBLING
BLOCKS
Stumbling
so, my years
across a shifting sea of sand;
the
poetry of unshed tears
In a
haze that never clears
though
blind faith withstand,
stumbling
so, my years
A sad
heart’s secret fears
expected to make a last stand;
the
poetry of unshed tears
Deafened
by global cheers
at some
false god’s command,
stumbling
so, my years
World, too, nursing its fears,
(failing to stay a logger’s hand);
the
poetry of unshed tears
Peace, it all but disappears,
under layers of dissatisfied mind;
stumbling
so, my years,
the
poetry of unshed tears
Copyright R. N. Taber 2007
[Note: An earlier version of this poem appears in 'On the Battlefields of Love' by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010.]
Labels: age, ageing, culture, Earth Mother, environment, human, life, love, mind, mind-body-spirit, nature, old, Pantheism, peace, positive, religion, society, spirit, thinking
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