Well We Might

There once was time to sit and spin

The dream without, the light within

When young ideals like creed and rote

Would wreathe their blue tobacco smoke!

 

When wine was certain at each sip

When answers leapt at every lip,

Such were the days, when we all knew

If we were asked, what we would do.

 

But life began to call us in

And time, as such, has grown so thin,

We rush to do the things we must

While dreams, ideals, are things of dust.

 

And soon we turn our backs on them

Those shadows that were once young men

Who never dreamt hypocrisy

Would spill their dreams, philosophy;

 

And rule them with a rod of steel

And teach them well how not to feel,

And lead them blindly through their days -

They spare no thought for younger ways.

 

And where that dream, ideal, that once

Was held to spell deliverance?

Well we might ask, and well we might;

It’s life, not death, puts out the light!

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[joshua deathdealer]

I'm speechless as I should be in the face of such great poetry. Amazing stuff..
I've been reading through your works after having been led here by a friend and I have to say that you sir are the best in my mind. Your rhythm schemes are usually flawless even when they are offbeat and your wisdom and heart shines through very brightly in your works. It is an honor for me to even be able to review works such as yours. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us here at Writers Cafe.

[Michael G.]

An enjoyable read. Thank you for the privilege.

[Coyote Poetry]

"It’s life, not death, puts out the light!"
I like the thoughts in the poem and I agree with the ending.
"We rush to do the things we must
While dreams, ideals, are things of dust."
When we lose our dreams. What do we have left? Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Manpreet]

An Awesome write that takes you back in the past and links you to your present and makes you aware of the things that are no less important even now. It is my immense pleasure to read David Lewis Paget thank you Tate for always sending me to read

[Revery]

Inevitable truth that we find or finds us. Excellent.

[Tate Morgan]

Beautiful beyond compare

[Emerald Seas]

A truly exquisite writing, David.

[Shelley Holt-Lowrey]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this... About the third stanza I felt the direction this was going. Suffice it to say I am at an age where this has sadly become part of my reality...as much as I fight it. And we used to say never trust anyone over 30. Great illustration as to the why of that here. Thank you. EDIT: after reading your bio realized the over 30 reference may not read the same down under. The flower power generation in the US 1960-70's.

[icaros13]

Brilliant, profound, and true. The last stanza is incredible. Written with remarkable skill and wit, as always.

[Clayton Bardwell]

"It’s life, not death, puts out the light!"...yes.