E N I G M A (upon the path)

BALLAD in 8/6-count: The Universe of time is ours to travel …

E N I G M A

⊰----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⊱

Upon the road, we look both ways;

such wonders to behold.

What came before and lies ahead

is said to be foretold.

When gazing back at times long past, 

some great, some not so good,

each thought is turned to lessons learned,

more clearly understood.

Then, glancing fore, t'ward that to come,

the vision ends quite near …

not yet revealed, what shall be found,

beyond that veil so sheer.

With earnest hope and smiles intact, 

on each day we embark;

by faith we seek, with every step, 

to cancel out the dark.

No doubt, it's faith that lights the way,

held high by wisdom's hand;

we're drawn toward a nearing gate,

into uncharted land.

Then, forward strive and not surmise 

we've lived our lives in vain;

if faith we keep, rewards we'll reap,

with lasting peace our gain.

Tho, peace be rarest treasure, true ...

one wonders, yet, as-well,

"What was it the foretellers told,

and to whom did they tell?"

⊰----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⊱

Richard W Jenkins

©2015

Author's Note

BALLAD Form
Syllable count:
8/6/8/6
Rhyme scheme:
abcb, defe, etc.

Constructive critique is always welcome … it is the way we learn and better our skills! : )

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

This is poetry my friend.
"Then, glancing fore, t'ward that to come,
the vision ends quite near …
not yet revealed, what shall be found,
beyond that veil so sheer."
I loved the above lines. I could write a epic tale from. I believe, what we do today. Matters. Life is a wild ride and we hope. We can land on our feet. Not our a*s. Outstanding poetry shared Richard.
Coyote

[Richard🖌]

A most beautifully laid review, John ✍

I thank you most heartedly for reading this rather intrinsically directed piece, and for sharing your appreciation, enjoyment, and keen words of wisdom … a poem in themselves.

Blessings, My Very Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Strawberry Evil]

Your way to write makes me go silent, making me have a huge respect to you. I'm not a great writer, nor a good reviewer, but I love each and every poem I have now read from you.
The choice of words, the mood, the feelings, over all the way you write, it impresses me over and over again. I also like the pictures you use, they always fit the capturing moods of your poems.
I have a great amount of respect to you, Richard, and I look forward to reading more of your poems.
Good job, keep writing, as long as you possibly can, and maybe a little after that too.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Strawberry!
The things you've said tug me toward you, make me want you to read all of my poems, because you make me "feel" You, your likes, dislikes, understandings, appreciations, depths and capabilities if feeling the sensations and power of the essence of emotion, desire, bliss the soul of a poem and its ability to reach inside, to touch the heart, the mind, the core.
Yes, I do thank you, more than you know! ⁓ Richard

[Strawberry Evil]

Hahaha you're very welcome :D

[Richard🖌]

I wonder at your laugh …

[Kimberly Navarro]

wow. What a truly enchanting piece of art work. Yet another masterpiece written with what seems such effortless ease....you are a master my friend and I truly admire your work. My only response to this is being left in that state of awe...mesmerized. The way you put your words together is charming and the message is fascinating. You have a gift, a gift that so many treasure. It is brilliance to be able to capture such state of being: of wonder, of nostalgia, of knowing and not knowing- and express it so beautifully, like music. I find myself in this place all the time Richard and I love how you captured this essence. What mind boggles me about this and life is that in spite of our age difference, though you may be more experienced and more wise because of your age, I guess you find yourself in this same place as much as I do...and I often look up to people like you for answers and guidance, but everyone's journey is different and nobody really knows all the answers, no matter how old you are. I've learned to embrace this moment, this feeling, and just live!
Thanks for sharing yet another wonderful and remarkable piece of poetry!
(I could hang this one up)

And by the way, my book of poetry is finally here!
It would be a true honor to have your support and review.
https://www.createspace.com/5606572
Blessings,
Kim

[Richard🖌]

Gosh, Kim!
If I didn't know better, I be inclined (hopefully) to believe you like me quite well. ; )
Yes, M'Dear, it is true, age itself means very little … it is what we are lucky enough to do with our years that adds meaning, wisdom, and understanding to our lives, to our minds, hearts, and souls.
Some believe we are born equal, but I know that some are more equal than others in inherited inherent skills, talents, abilities to feel, express, and enjoy, and by far and large, our "inherent" abilities make a lot of difference in who and what we turn-out to be, not that societal and life's conditioning does not all too often play a major role, but despite it all … some of us are lucky enough to barely escape the clutches.
My age vs your age is non-existent to me, because it is easy for me to fit into yours in whatever way you need me to … I've been there, done that, and understand, but what is more outstanding to me, Kim, is how you can fit so easily into mine. : )

HUgs 'n blessings, and many warm thanks, M'Lady! ⁓ Richard

[Kathryn Smith]

This is a lovely poem!! I really was able to relate to it. Just beautiful!
Poetry is such an amazing thing isn't it?

[Richard🖌]

Yes it is, Kathryn.
After reading your poem, "Poet", I felt you might relate to this one, and I'm glad you did.
Thank you for reading it and for the nice compliment! ⁓ Richard

[marcus]

Ah, the enigma of life, time, and existence, future and past, and what knowledge can be derived from them. Such deep issues to ponder. I really liked this, a very enjoyable read! and I found this form to be very flowing and quite a pleasure to read through.

[Richard🖌]

Marcus,
Again, your appreciative, understanding, and appreciative words have blessed one of my pieces, and your presence blesses me in sharing it for you to read and to receive your inspiration and encouragement.
In as much that you like this form so much, you might consider composing in it, eh?
Big smiles and most grateful thanks, My Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Sancosio]

Beautiful, thank you. Very deep and reflexive.

[Richard🖌]

Sancosio,
I thank you, too, for your time in reading and for your knowing comments and praise.
Blessing to you and your day! ⁓ Richard

[JayceeC]

First of all, let me say that, if the pic is indicative of your music choices, I highly approve! Secondly, I really like the form of bouncing between 8 and 6 syllables that you have been doing lately. I find them to be a natural rhythm to our speech patterns, so they have a comfortable feel when read aloud.

Content is intriguing as always. Faith is a leap into the unknown without concrete evidence, and indeed, who were the wise seers and who did they inform that we now think they are wise and use their guidance? We travel headlong into the future based on wisdom of the past. Will it take us to the destination we seek? Nice thought provoking write and a chance for me to listen to some favorite music as I did.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Dear Jan,
You are a precious treasure … one in whom I derive great pleasure from, when you graces one of my humble efforts, because you not only read them, you let me know we are on the same wavelength, and this is gratification an olde bard yearns for when he sits beneath the dim lamplight, worn and ready pen in hand, hope in his heart to write for those he wishes will come read and enjoy his wares … you do it all for me, and more.
Your grasp of poetic rhythm and flow, your assimilation and grasp of them is uncanny … beautifully so, but is this not one of the aspects that makes you such a marvelously accomplished poetess? That you perceive so much in my writings moves me, and in a truly creative and imaginative way.
Yes, much of Enigma's music I find meditative and easing to the mind and soul, that one of their album covers graces this is due to Wikimedia commons images, and that I thought it most befitting.
One of the captivating facets of you is your depth of understanding, and that you appreciate me, of course! : )
Thank you, Jan, ever-so warmly and gratefully! ⁓ Richard

[JayceeC]

I think you've just inspired me to try to write something based in this music. Some would think that an easy task, but it truly puts me into a relaxed meditative state, blanking my canvas so to speak. I think I'll try however.
As for poets, I find there are those who consistently engage me. I like knowing I'll find polished work, but if I see something I question, you listen, and consider. That is rare in most sites. So consider it a mutual admiration society. - Jan
PS- thanks for the revision help.

[Richard🖌]

Oh-MY!
Jan, that I've inspired you in any way lights me all through ever-so nicely … thank you for the warmness.
I know you can compose the most wondrous poem while under the spell of their music, and please, let me know when you have, so I can read and review it for you … I'd not want to miss it.
Yes, Jan, if you admire my work, then the admiration is certainly mutual. : )
That you consider my work "polished", with the others, has me all giddy … I love it!
As for listening to your suggestions and comments, how could I not, when you make such perfect sense, and if I can see your point and agree, I can think of no one better to listen to. One does not become a better writer by not listening to others' ideas and suggestions … after, almost everything I've learned in life came from others, and those who've been here before me.
I thank you for You, and I look forward to your comments from my last review of your poem.
Thanks, Jan … you're tops! : )

[JayceeC]

You are seriously sweet, Richard!

[Richard🖌]

"Blush..!"

[Terry O'Leary]

An insightful work... enjoyed the read!!
Perfect rhythm and rhyme!!!

[Richard🖌]

Greetings, Terry!
I would like to thank you for selecting one of my poems to read and comment on, and this is one of my favorites for its smooth cadence, easy flow, poetic voice, appealing presentation, and meaningful thoughts.
Thank you sincerely for your enjoyment, recognition, expressed appreciation, and praise! ⁓ Richard

[mattavelli]

Hello, Richard. I really enjoyed this one.

"No doubt, it's faith that lights the way,
held high by wisdom's hand;".
-- these two Lines form a great metaphor/image.
"Rascal's Thought Nexus" haha
Thanks for sharing,
Matt

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Matt, for dropping-in for a read and to comment on this unusual, thoughtful piece on the mysteries of where we've been and where we might be headed.
I enjoyed the lines you singled-out to expound upon, and appreciate your insightful praise and expressed value of them.
Your comment, ("Rascal's Thought Nexus" haha), I am not sure if you mean it to be the apex of my poem's essence, of that my thought links the entirety of it all together, and the humorous "haha" part is confusing to me; I must be too thick to get it … what do you think is funny, Matt?
Thank you again, My Fine Friend … blessings to you! ⁓ Richard

[mattavelli]

I enjoyed those two lines. I labeled them, Rascal's Thought Nexus, because wisdom(thoughts of the past) and faith(thoughts of the future) come together here. The haha is directed at my silly label. I'm just not good at leaving comments. Please believe that if I do comment, it's because I enjoyed the writing.

[Richard🖌]

I sure will, My Friend … thanks again.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You have quite a hand for writing these forms. I found myself absorbed, as though it were being read to me only!

[Richard🖌]

What a marvelously sweet and thoughtful thing to share with me, Kelly, as this is exactly how I want you to feel … thank you so warmly! ~ Richard

[The Archon]

I like the idea "and not surmise we've lived our lives in vain". Keeping in mind that rewards will come can certainly help in that respect. However, i would suggest that the reward can always be found in the present moment. Because when looking forward all the time, we never learn to be present with what we have. In other words, when we get those rewards, we're not there to enjoy them fully because we're to busy looking to the future. A habit we tend to create on a daily basis.

[Richard🖌]

Well, Dear Poet,
You and I may know that (in reality) there is no past, present, or future, except in the limited scope of the human mind, but we will find few able to intuitively grasp, must-less live this conscious thought.
Thus, if I am to compose a poem others are able to understand and appreciate, It must be composed on their level of capable consciousness, would you not agree?
Further, to write such an enigma, one on your level of insights would surely be able to recognize this in another.

There are those rare few of us impossible to talk up or down to, and it is quite impossible, as-well, for these to un-know and unlearn that which sentences one to the isolation of becoming strangers in a strange land of masses.

Your reading and review are most certainly appreciated and enjoyed … thank you so very much! ~ Richard

[The Archon]

Your point is extremely well made and valid. I feel that you understood what i was getting at in my comment. And you are correct, there are rare few of us that can see it.