A Fool's Gold

dusty musty but seasoned :))))))))))))))))))))

A Fool's Gold

the glow of knotty pine 

grows cold around me.

i've lost my mojo it seems

people look at me as if i were feeble

a child minded grey person

i wonder what race that is??

(one to the grave i suppose) 

how cold               now   i am alone and 

it's fingers and knees that are knotty 

"That will be $10.50 sweety"             (she says with a smile) 

and adds ... (twisting her lips just a twitch)

poor old soul.

E.

03/05/25

Author's Note

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

'people look at me as if i were feeble
a child minded grey person'

Why is age seen as feeble, near worthless? Surely behind the lines and less ability, there's a life that leaves its mark in Experience, not the blandness of still learning and trying to understand - that is, 'if I must.' The more one lives, generally, the more the mind, brain and memory becomes more human, more advanced than the sit and age like a knotted grub dying under a rock.

However our days and their use, we all become what we're obliged to become unless illness hits and there's the terrible crunch. Your characters are both, in their own way, living best they can, neither right, neither wrong. Yours is a sad, sad write yet and lesson in how it can be.. and often is.

Finely put words.. worth re.reading and.. thus, benefitting.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Em! so happy you see those characters as you do ... i have a 1963 Ford pickup and i swear that people instantly think it can not roll down the road with any speed. it actually has a pretty hefty motor in it and will keep up with 70 without a hickup ... but people come up behind me and whip around as soon as they can ... but barely put any distance between us ... oh well ... i am old .. and i am joyful in not caring ... i go as i go and that is all sister ... and brothers ;)
E.

[emmajoygreen]

You always have been a wise man.. Making a note to be as wise a woman as possible, 'like wot you is' as per an ex Brit comedian's wording!

Keep on not caring,, way to go! God bless.

[emmajoygreen]

Just a mention, I see age as walking history. Please think of that - because, it can't be disputed!!!

[Einstein Noodle]

i surely will dear Em .... walking as long as we can ... then standing, sitting and laying it all down ... big luv and hugs on ya

[Soren]

I love the play on words in this where race can be taken two ways then is directed to the grave. (extinction may also be implied) The issue of age I have also written about lately and in this poem falls in metaphor. A most lovely write.

[Einstein Noodle]

i am humbled and gratified by your review, Soren .. i think you gave it a chance in your nog ... let it sift around a bit ... much appreciated sir!
E.

[Lara]

"a child minded grey person
i wonder what race that is??"

These lines are especially affecting. For me, they elicit the cavernous, claustrophia of entering the mausoleum still alive only to watch yourself there, crusting over with cold concrete dust...
Deep bruising stuff

[Einstein Noodle]

dang, Lara! .. yes!! we walk in our graves don't we .. trick is to shed things that blind our hope .. then joy

[Lara]

I think so, noodle... a life's work in every moment to have 🙏

[Einstein Noodle]

[An owl on the moon]

You express so well this "place" of being... of finding ourselves "a year older, but not an hour richer." And everything now fading... it seems... strength... memories... each breath more shallow. Hoping we can all find a cup of mojo sometimes soon to refresh us.

[Einstein Noodle]

old friend Owl!! what a treat, your visit is!! thank you so much .. and thank you for sharing your thoughts on this one .. blessings of peace and joy to ya! yes! just for that freshened mojo .. once more oh Lord! ;)
E.

[An owl on the moon]

Smiling here at sunrise... your words lifted me! Hoping to be back with y'all on a more regular basis. So many good folks here. 😎

[Betty Hermelee]

HI E...
Sometimes I feel the same way you do...getting old and feeble is not what we hoped for, but we have no control over our aging...We have to do the best we can; that doesn't mean we are happy about it...
all of will eventually pass on, hopefully serenely....
Warmly, B

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ... yes ... we do and will indeed! ;) thanks so much for your taking time on my streets ... right here at the Cafe` ... peace joy and love!
E.

[Betty Hermelee]

a distinct pleasure E!
Warmly, B😊🌷

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. You nailed it.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks for taking time, Thomas ... and for the encouraging words
E.

[Arundass TP]

The poem fills with concerns of life. Loved it reading

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ... it is ... thank you for reading and reviewing Arundass TP :)
E.

[Coyote Poetry]

I wish we treated our old people like the Native American. They were appreciated for their knowledge and wisdom. Powerful and needed words written. I hope you are doing well and staying safe.
Coyote

[Einstein Noodle]

yes! we need to emulate cultures who hold age in high esteem ... appreciating the wisdom and experiences gained from living longer .. i guess our responsiblity becomes doing our best to grow in wisdom along with our ages ;) thanks always for your support old friend ... peace and joy!
E.

[Coyote Poetry]

I love your poetry and you are welcome my friend.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks John ... means a lot .. very encouraging for me

[Kelly Scheppers]

We are told to embrace life, the longevity of years that are denied to so many. Both my parents and older sister died under the age of fifty, so I've got some living to do, in making them proud. How wonderful to find you on the boards today, my friend. I have missed you beyond words!

Great music choice, too. It's on my playlist on my phone. Love the words and music!

[Einstein Noodle]

Neil is one of my favorites as well ... and i am embracing the hug inspired in your words .. i hope to be more regular around here ... life had just been busy as you know how it can be ... longevity is in my blood .. funny how i feel the responsibilty to reach passed 109, the age of my oldest Auntie ... i sure appreciate you Legs!

[W. Barrett Munn]

anyone who can make cold/me-mojo/seems work is a fine poet as far as I’m concerned

Winston

[Einstein Noodle]

i am bluching now, Sir W. :) i feel pretty gratified that you found something in this that appealed .. grace and glory today my friend!
E.