Obscured Perceptions

Sometimes life is so unfair.

Obscured Perceptions

You may climb the hill,

right to the brow,

legs pumping,

lungs bursting,

and look back

into the heart of the valley.

But there,

you will only see a vista,

a picture postcard view

with pretty cottages,

leafy lanes, hazel hedge

and pastures of silky green.

Within the panorama

no smiles are visible,

no pain,

no hurt,

except in memories,

no beating pulse is heard

and no soft touch felt.

Distance provides

such a fake perspective,

don't you think?

 

06/10/17

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

well ... perhaps my friend! but your poem leaves out the protagonist's smiles, awe, wonder, pain, and heartbeat ... all right there on that mountain top ... ;) but i do understand what your poem is about ...and i agree ... one can't see the real nitty gritty from afar ... we all have to get our hands dirty
https://youtu.be/P2v8IgJdsm4
:)
E.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Nitty Gritty indeed dear poet! Many thanks.

[emmajoy]

No, sorry, I don't think. I guess it takes a little more than a few words to know what lies behind facades.

I live in a village and know full well that there's an old-fashion respect and fondness strong within its all singing, praying and varied content. Looking down on it during a walk one knows who lives where, whether old, young, sick or newly born. It only takes a little imagination and thought to know what that means. Believe me the pulse is very strong!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It depends upon a literal or poetic interpretation of the piece. But it is also true that many who walk in the country (who do not have intimate knowledge of the area) view it with a one dimensional perspective. Many thanks Emma.

[Gee]

It sure does. Up close and personal is where the action, drama is. Saying that it is nice to escape it all every now and again.
Morning John, hope all is well.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Morning Gee. Just recovering from a weekend away at a wedding. Was a small but really nice affair. Getting ready for FEB before checking out. Many thanks for reading. Are you not going to volunteer to be Carols personal trainer.

[Gee]

She would end up training me. Enjoy your brekkie...

[alanwgraham]

I can connect with this as a lot of my life has been spent climbing the hill. Yes, there is the vista, which can inspire but also much of my time is spent on internal thoughts. Life is a journey into ourselves! (that sounds profound but I'm not sure that it means anything!)
I liked this contemplative piece but - just enjoy the view!
Cheers,
Alan

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I do not disagree Alan but this is a parable about one soul who sees themseves abandoned. Many thanks.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

from a distance everything can look like we prefer it to.

j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

exactly Jacob! many thanks