Pace Maker

Pace Maker is a poem of reflection on the fragility of life with heart disease and existence

Pace Maker

They say fortune, favors the bold;

my portion… came to me unsold.

Staring out the train car window;

into disregard’s back yard shows;

of the places, no longer facing the tracks.

Shifting rumbles, rhythmic click clacks;

lulls my mind and tickles my back.

These old arteries tired and cracked

squeals evidence of times, impact;

cast by the wheels, like ghostly siren chimes. 

I wonder just how much more time

Does this passenger have, to grind?

The conductor walks down the line…

To punch my ticket and replied,

Looks like you still have, some more miles to go.

I watched as the sun rised bestow. 

To warming my face in its glow;

and bracing my pace, of heart throws.

The grace of a single tear flows…

at the embrace, of another days stroll.

© 2023 Robert Trakofler

Robert · Pace Maker

Author's Note

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Oh my goodness, where to begin...I have so much to say...
First read of yours and your last lines made me cry.
Loved reading all about your life before reading your wonderful poem.
Loved each and every line.
We are probably around the same age with so much life behind us and wanting more ahead of us.
Personally I want to continue with my watercolours, my piano and my writing. When one is creative I believe the quest to live longer is even more evident.
May I make one small suggestion...
To...drop your title down a bit more from your image and to make the font just a bit bigger.
I seldom make suggestions so just ignore me if you do not like it.
Lisa, from California, now living in Spain

[Robert Trakofler]

Hi Lisa I'm so sorry I missed this review this site can be a bit clanky for me:/ I have been having trouble when I cut and paste my work sometimes the site changes my layout and font selection at this point I'm just grateful it puts words on the page and not numeric code:)

[Lisasview]

I often have the same issues... Mainly with the layout.
Hope you liked my review.
Lisa

[DIVYA]

Dear Bunny,
This is one of your best poems for me and in it, the 3rd verse is my absolute favorite!
The conductor and what he said gave me goosebumps reading it. I sense such gratitude for every living day of life. It touched me so much.

[Beccy]

Love the journey you took me on Robert. Such a clever way to portray the ageing process, which when faced with your clearly upbeat take, seems far less a bother to one who now is a good halfway or more on the journey of life.

Oh, and give my regards to jacob and wish him a speedy recovery.

Beccy.

[Coyote Poetry]

In a family of 11 children. I am the only one still healthy. Maybe the 15 years in the Army and working in retail 60 hours a week for 20 years as a night manager kept my body healthy? Good health is a blessing. Sickness is always near. Hello Robert and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Robert Trakofler]

well thank heavens for that Coyote the alternative stinks LOL

[Ken Simm.]

Is it me or are your poems becoming richer, more layered and remarkably complex but with a flow that attches itself to the reader. Especially and you will have to pardon me here. The reader with just that more experience. That little bit more nounce, perhaps. Who has lived and now understands. But also knows that we are always moving, learning and aprreciating.
In short, I like this one a lot.

[Robert Trakofler]

I am not quite sure where that voice came from it just sort of happened some times after I read something after I come back to it I became kind of surprised. I think it might be a product of my rearranging my mind post rehab and surgery

[Einstein Noodle]

there are pace makers and then there is the Pace Maker ;) wonderful metaphor with the train .. really like the clicks and clacks and those places not facing the tracks .. you weave a great mystery says i .. best to leave pasts behind and trusting the future to the Man ... find peace in one moment then another ... we wear down .. its basic as hell isn't it Sir ... so enjoyed ready and the inspired thoughts your poem brings to me ... funny how it takes us so very long to stand up ... and so much longer to just begin to learn things ... maybe ... luv on ya Mr. Robert ... wishing you well .. hope the restaurant is back hoppin' and you remain mended and full in the moment
E.

[Robert Trakofler]

the business is doing great Einstein:) I thought this time I would turn the old cliche on its head and make getting my ticket punched mean a few more miles to go:) it is so strange how a little device inserted above my left breast is kick-starting and regulating my heart beat:/ I never liked the Borg in start trek but now that I am one of them I suppose i will have to change my tune:)

[Einstein Noodle]

your the man sir ... keep it up! for many many more of those miles

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Robert... Congratulations... I love a Heart that beats
with renewed Vigor... gently, Pat

[Robert Trakofler]

It does and it beats with a side of gratitude and joy

[Chris Shaw]

When we are young, we take our good heath for granted. As we age we don’t know what’s in store. Your situation was a wake up call. A near miss. I love your poetic expression here and I am so pleased you are back on track with miles to go Bunny. Every new day must be a blessing. Keep well and happy.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Oh, Chris I honestly don't have the words to express just how right you are my dear! Dying and coming back not only makes you just grateful it makes you so very much more keenly aware of what you experience and feel and I notice in particular what you feel for others in empathy

[Chris Shaw]

I am so pleased you are stronger and thankful with every passing day. May it always be that way 💐

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The uncertainty of life and our own mortality stare us in the face daily. When young, we are too carefree and reckless to notice. As we get older, we cannot disregard father time as he stares at us through our own eyes, noticing all the things that are tick-tocks, the hands slowly winding down until finally they cease. We must never take a day for granted. Write from the soul whenever it speaks. God bless.

[Robert Trakofler]

Linda how nice to hear from you:) Write from the soul sounds like a poem in and of itself:) after having had two dress rehearsals I am not at all afraid to die anymore the mystery is gone for me LOL:/ but for some reason, I came back so there must be something im supposed to do:)

[Betty Hermelee]

As we age, many of us will probably have pacemakers, it's just the sign!!! I like the structure of this poem rolling along on the old tracks, seeing what's changed and what's not; the familiar conductor who knows you well, but probably says the same thing to everybody.... didn't catch the miles on your life... you seem peaceful with your life at this stage.... bittersweet with a tear in your eye.... memories to ponder
Best, B

[Robert Trakofler]

LOL as long as he keeps coming back around to punch my ticket and doesn't throw me off the train:)

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome Robert
Best,
B