The Pessimistic Character with the Optimist's Grace.A Poem by JohnL
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Why am I sitting under Algarvean eucalyptus trees,
Watching cork oaks grow in evening sun
Breathing in the scent, ancient and health giving,
Listening to honey bees,
Knowing all the time that this year could be the last one
For breathing the scented air, for loving, even for living.
I may never tread this Portuguese hillside again
Or feel its icy earth-spring round my feet,
See the sheets of cork stacked high, or draw one
To release its bottle’s Bacchanalian flow and greet
The sunshine held in Vino Verde’s fresh, young cheekiness;
For I am only fit to lie and absorb the Algarve sun.
What balderdash, what poppycock, for though I’m old in years,
Tomorrow dawns, another day; it’s not to waste in tears.
Though many years to memory have passed,
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow’s life will be,
I’m sure, as real;
Still within the compass of my powers;
Then, even at the very last it will be said,
“He lived his yesterdays, and his todays
And he'll sees still from his tomorrows
But right now,
He's dead”.
© 2008 JohnLFeatured Review
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Added on November 28, 2008 AuthorJohnLWirral Peninsula, United KingdomAboutI live in England, and love the English countryside, the music of Elgar and Holst which describes it so beautifully and the poetry of John Clare, the 'peasant poet' and Gerard Manley Hopkins, which d.. more..Writing
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