The Fool

I am not a fool…

 

I learned to, “put away childish things”

to see clarity within my mind

when my eyes could only, “see through a glass, darkly”

suffering the loss of childish illusions,

stiff chinned

with a resolute heart

 

trying the gold of my character

in the fire of repression,

filling the lamp of my soul with burning oil

pressurized in the vacuum of sanctified facts,

until the black coal of my humanity could shine

as a hardened crystal of diamond purpose

 

hovering above the passions of life

this ghost longs to fall ~

dancing the wind

as an unstrung kite

to tumble in the surf of living,

to strip naked…

blushing not as gooseflesh thrills

hellish fires of judgment chilled

 

filtered in acceptance

a spring of persistence

dribbles forth purity,

until the harsh light of interpretations

evaporate … this brooked song

transformed into dark clouds

above a dry desert

 

dunned  mountains of “grown up” abstractions

longing to discover the oasis of a little child

born again into vulnerability,

unafraid of being a fool…

 

Reviews

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

I have read quite a few poems where the poet is plunged in the memories of his childhood and I must say each of them is unique in its own way- so is yours. You express that it is possible to be childish once again- or to live like a child; enjoying life without any worries. Being a child again- rather like a child again- is a wonderful feeling and lovely thought which runs throughout your poem. Well-written. Keep writing.

[David Scott]

This is a common theme I'm afraid. Ha. Living "child like" takes courage. Yet, I believe this is our happiness or even our destiny. ???
Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Mary]

We grieve the loss of our childhood ways, because it a real loss. The overlords of society have deemed them inappropriate, But if we look a little closer, I have found that our childhood has not really gone away, just underground. It hides behind our favorite tree, invites us to skip a stone on the lake, sometimes it sparkles in the eyes of our children, coaxing us to come out an play just once more. Beautifully penned poetry, full of heart.

[David Scott]

Thank you Mary. I read your bio... You are full of heart yourself. your words echo my heart, "I have found that our childhood has not really gone away, just underground. It hides behind our favorite tree, invites us to skip a stone on the lake, sometimes it sparkles in the eyes of our children, coaxing us to come out an play just once more."
A lovely thought to read and a blessing to my day.

[Pete]

Ah to be a child again. I wish I could go back to those carefree & innocent times of simplicity. Many beautiful lines here. Stunning imagery & analogies. Reads very beautifully and flows very nicely.

[David Scott]

Thank you for reading Pete. I think we can become the good part of our former child. It is but a choice I am learning... I am happy to be an adult and have adult reasoning as well. Why not enjoy the wealth of our experience rather than focus on the undesirable aspects? Again, this soul is still learning.
Thank you again.

[Pete]

"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool." - William Shakespeare

[David Scott]

Yes indeed! Thus the conclusion of the poem. To live fully and accept my foolishness, without acting foolishly. Oh the fine line we tread in this life. :)
Thank you again for the time and energy to comment.

[AprilRN1210]

To love is to open yourself to being hurt, to being rejected, to being made a "fool".. how our hearts and minds are "conditioned" throughout life is a tragedy. Ahh the innocence and fearlessness of being young again, is something that we have all longed for I think. I did stumble on "as a hardened crystals of diamond purpose"... not sure if "a" should be there, as crystals is plural. nicely done David.. That light can be harsh but it can also be effervescent and beautiful.

[David Scott]

Thank you April. Thank you also for the editing help. I meant a singular "crystal". I will edit when I'm on a desktop. Great to have you visit me.

[AprilRN1210]

You're welcome, it is always a pleasure.

[andrew mitchell]

A most in depth write David. Poetically perfect in imagery, format, and so well spoken!

[David Scott]

Thank you very much. I'm not sure I will ever do anything perfectly, but your words are very encouraging.

[andrew mitchell]

fantastic David! to say the least!

[Lyn Anderson]

Well spoken, and eloquent use of language to get the point across. I enjoyed this one.

[David Scott]

I'm glad you enjoyed the write.
Thank you.

[Einstein Noodle]

love the reflections of the Bible and this old fool mirrored ... ;) almost too many very strong lines ..this one hangs the dog of millstones to the neck:
"dunned mountains of “grown up” abstractions"

and equating them as abstractions just cuts to the quick ...one fool to another of course! ;} really gald i read this today .. packed and racked says i!
E.

[David Scott]

I am not sure a simple thank could suffice to show my gratitude for the generosity of your words. Still, I will nod your way and offer a sincere, "thank you".
Still in Thailand as I am typing. On a dive vacation with my son... Yeah! Will be back around more properly in a few weeks.

[Einstein Noodle]

sounds exciting! stay safe! :)

[Ruth]

Something so precious about that childlike energy....the turn of the tides inside mask that too often...the innocence palpable but pressed down...fool is not always a bad thing...acceptance can make us let of such notions and return to such an innocent state...a beautiful walk through the flips of life...

[David Scott]

Thank you for your thoughts. One of the most challenging aspects of being in relationships is vulnerability...

[Sami Khalil]

This is neither stultiloquence nor folly but the words of a wise man who has been in the purity of childhood with all its vulnerability and in the fire of struggle so called life. I like this a lot , David...:)..................

[David Scott]

You are ever the teacher Sami. I knew the meaning by context, but I must admit I had to look up the vocabulary for "stultiloquence". (smiling)
Thank you kindly my friend for your thoughtful comment.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly ....:)))))

[Lydia Shutter]

The years mature us and make us cynical. They harden us to a certain extent....because we must protect ourselves. We are pushed and pulled by Madame Fate till we become hard as diamonds....and that is if we are fortunate. Being grown up is not all it's cracked up to be.....but can we ever be as innocent and vulnerable again as we were when we were children? No, I don't think it's possible. An introspective and reflective write. The past needs to stay in the past. Lydi**

[David Scott]

Hmmm? Maybe we can choose to be vulnerable even though we do not have the innocence? I hope so... I believe so... I think then the innocence may find us again. What do I know? ha.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts Lydi.