Written for Dversepoets and the prompt given by Stuart McPherson with the theme of ‘Growing Up’
97 years of memoriesfail to yield a single thought.Only the albums of historytell the tale of a manwho has seen it all. From wars that stoppedthe forces of evilto the rose colored blushof the woman he loved,colorful pictures exist. He doesn’t recallthe friends of his youth,but the picture of boyhoodin black & white huesreveals a simple happiness. the faces of his parentsare whispers in the darkenedeyes of his mind.They are long gone, buttheir effect on himshows in how he livedhis life. Strong and proudhe grew from boyto man under hisown terms.Life’s harsh realitybecame mere bumpsin the road tomaturity. 97 years.A lifetime ofmemories are gonefrom a man whoalways remaineda boy.
There is such tenderness and respect in these lines, and a real empathy with this man’s loss.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty and depth….I think there remains a boy in every man. It reminds me of my father…so many similarities. Wonderful piece.
ReplyDeletei used to feel 18…I was 50…now I think I feel about 26….nearer 70….love this post and poem Gretchen.
ReplyDeletei’m glad someone wrote of this time in a man’s life..the ultimate growth, the max, at least as physically possible..yet the mind grew weak and memories faded..so bittersweet
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful write here! It is no small thing to have lived 97 years. You brought him to life with your words, and I do hope you will share this poem with those who know him well. He has seen so much!
ReplyDeleteThis piece reminded me of a conversation between two older gentlemen I heard last week…one of them was like you know what happens as you get older? You get watch everyone and everything around you fade into memories. Nicely done.
ReplyDeletesmiles…a very moving piece….which got me thinking of my own childhood…and growing up …in a sense there are parts of me i never want to grow up…it is interesting which memories do stick with us…
ReplyDeletewow- to live 97 years…you would see so much. I wonder if at 97, you still feel like you are growing up?….very cool take on the prompt
ReplyDeletenice..i like that he always remained a boy…97 years…oh wow…that’s a long time to look back to..
ReplyDeleteWow, this is very deep. My landlady is turning 99 next month and this made me think of her. Very nicely written.
ReplyDeleteIncredible, reading this makes me feel like I should know the subject. Well done Rod.
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