Now That I Am Almost Old

By John Blase | January 4, 2019 |

newer things have littler appeal.

Certainly I yearn to see where my

children will fly and what my life will

look like in the shadow of their wings.

But it is the personal particulars of my past

that seem to boldly buoy hope –

Harrison’s poems I’ve read umpteen times,

the fading photograph of our wedding day,

violins bleeding Ashokan Farewell,

the comforting clack-rattle of trains.

I find myself circling round these again and again,

moving from one to the next like rosary

beads worn smooth by wind and days

narrowing to that stillest point I pray

is yet years and years away.

 

 

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15 Comments

  1. Marilyn Yocum on January 4, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    “…like rosary beads…”
    This is fabulous.

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 5, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Thank you, Marilyn.

      Reply
  2. alice scott-ferguson on January 4, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    “children will fly and what my life will

    look like in the shadow of their wings.”

    this echoes in my heart
    as so much of what you write does!
    thanks for a transparent and vulnerable heart!

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 5, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Hi, Alice. I’m glad it rings true.

      Reply
  3. Janna Barber on January 4, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    Love the sounds in this one. Making good use of those consonants.

    Reply
  4. Diana Trautwein on January 4, 2019 at 8:50 pm

    Yea and amen, brother. On your behalf and my own.

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 5, 2019 at 10:53 am

      Good to hear from you, Diana. Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Ruth Brown on January 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

    At 71 years if age, I love everything about this poem

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 5, 2019 at 10:54 am

      Thank you, Ruth, and a happy new year to you!

      Reply
  6. paula jones on January 7, 2019 at 6:50 am

    Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 10, 2019 at 6:40 am

      Thank you, Paula!

      Reply
  7. Debi Nottingham on January 7, 2019 at 8:44 am

    Always thoughtful. Always worth my time. Glad you are writing and publishing again regularly.

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 10, 2019 at 6:41 am

      Thanks, Debi. It feels good to be posting again regularly.

      Reply
  8. Julia Day on January 10, 2019 at 6:33 am

    Beautiful poem. I just got your book “The Jubilee” for Christmas and I am enjoying it very much- thank you.

    Reply
    • John Blase on January 10, 2019 at 6:41 am

      Julia, thanks for your comment. And I’m thrilled you’re enjoying The Jubilee.

      Reply

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