Life's Laments

My granddaughter Payton and I contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

Winds of change follow where I go

sirens cry o'er the sea

For what I wished I'll never know

songs they sing all speak to me

 

Had I missed a chance at ardor

to play, to run or to roam

Perhaps if I'd traveled farther

somewhere else I might call home

 

These the thoughts of a selfish heart

from love I could not render

Once loneliness had torn apart

all feelings that were tender

 

The hallowed heart I’d wished to find

most this life spent running to

Was never known to be too kind

longed for what it never knew

 

I spent this life a burning flame

forged eternally on the run

I have only myself to blame

For the things that I have done

 

These truths of life come slow to some

lessons I learned the hard way

It’s not the night that one runs from

it’s light of our darkest day

 

My wife has settled me a bit

such a handsome girl is she

She has my heart and well knows it

a better man lives in me

 

Author's Note

I am forever looking back upon the road I traversed. I don't always like what I see. But I have for reasons unknown to me always been able to see the better angel of my nature. I look into the hopeful eyes of my granddaughter and see the beautiful soul of innocence. It is for that hope that I strive to be a better man.

Reviews

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Beautiful heart felt words of a powerful journey of life and lessons!

[Becky]

Beautiful write. Emotional and heartfelt. This has a powerful message and I like the style in which you wrote it. Wonderful job!

[Brittany]

Why are we humans never content? I really liked the message of this poem and I really appreciate your rhyme and flow.

PS - Thanks for the blue host fix

[An owl on the moon]

There are such reflections and hopes that live in us... looking back over the years and wondering.. examing the day and our existence now... and looking ahead to the life to come... You've beautifully expressed this all.. pains and pleasures.. and the love that has ever transformed you and your future. Wondrous, my friend.

[Kristallo]

I love this, such genuine and open honesty is so humbling and poignant. "I spent this life a burning flame"-- extraordinary line, very moving. I can relate so much to the feelings you've expressed here, of a hungry heart always yearning for more, and of the displacement felt when the hum of life pales to mediocrity. I find this to be very accessible for any reader, as it so humbly captures the eagerness of the human soul. Inspiring and thought-provoking write, I so enjoyed it, and after three reads commit it to my favorites for future inspirations. Thanks for sharing.

[.]

I love it ,Tate. I admire your honesty:)

-Cord

[Cole Hayley]

Beautiful journy you took us on Tate. A poem filled with memories and heartake I can tell. I love your writing, and I consider you an ispiration. Amazing work

[Becky C Strukamp]

You manage so beautifully to compose your lifes journey and its lessons as well as where these lessons landed you. Excellent write!

[Helena]

Don't look back Tate, it can't be changed. But if we learn from it and hopefully we do, then it was all worthwhile. We don't start out saying "I'm going to mess my life up", we must always remember that we do the 'thing we thought was best at that time ". Wisdom comes with age, and how many of us wish it had come earlier in our lives, I for one are one of them. Your little Granddaughter Payton is a sweetie and I just bet she adores you Tate. Gorgeous poem!

[Mockingbird]

i also look back upon my life and question my choices. it's hard to move on from mistakes, but i believe we make up for it in our presence and futures. there are regrets but we should be grateful for where we are now. very thought-provoking poem. excellent work.