Turning Pages

My wife reads the end of a book before starting to see if it is worth reading. Made me think about that approach to a day or to a life.

Turning Pages:

Morning breaks but doesn’t last

slowly noon arrives on high 

as day ascends the hours bend-

when light abandons the space

night sweeps in to end the race. 

Where then does the story begin-

wishing at the start to know the end 

first chapter or last doesn't matter 

the middle is where life is spent

so keep turning pages. 

 

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

An absolutely brilliant piece, Carl 🥂

I can imagine the huge SMILE on your wife's face upon reading it.

I've also been known to "sneak-a peek," but discovered that it often dampens the surprise substances of a book's essence, too … still, it can be such an irresistible temptation.

In reading this, I thought, "Isn't it wonderful the endless array of poetical sources?" And that, "We'll never run out of inspirational prompts."

Excellent rhythmical flow throughout, Carl, and I envy your sense of poetical syntax. It's almost like Blank Verse, where one expects end rhymes; yet, is surprised that all fits perfectly -- even when none occur.

I really have enjoyed your poems this morning, Syr.
Thank you sincerely! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Ayesha Faiz]

I really love this piece—it flows so naturally, like the rhythm of time itself. That line “the middle is where life is spent” really hit me. It’s such a beautiful reminder that we often look too far ahead or dwell on the past, but real living happens in between. The way you described the passing of the day and connected it to life’s journey is just so poetic and meaningful. And the ending, “so keep turning pages” felt comforting, like gentle encouragement. I enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing this Carl!

[carl]

Thank you for your kind words - your response expresses exactly what I had in mind - greatly appreciated - carl

[Ayesha Faiz]

Warmly welcome...

[John the Baptist]

Indeed, the middle is where life is spent. We too often regret early mistakes or dread the end of the story. The best we can do is to keep turning the pages.

[carl]

Thank you for the read and review much appreciated - regret is a hard taskmaster.

[Jimmy Crapped Corn]

"The middle is where life is spent" I ove this line

[carl]

As I age the end seems to occupy the mind and effort is necessary to focus on the current page and not hurry through it and pay attention to what is unfolding and being disclosed before within and around me- be well, sir. -carl

[Jimmy Crapped Corn]

Very wise words to live by, thank you

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the poetry Carl and I understand the words and thoughts. We keep moving forward. Time goes so quickly. We must grasp time and create some happiness and joy. Thank you my friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[carl]

Thanks for the read and review and the encouragement to go on - the longer I go the faster time passes or so it seems - be well - carl

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Carl. I am pacing my life now. We must keep going and you are welcome.

[Pete]

very nicely said. i prefer to be surprised. we give it the meaning. it's not whether we win or lose but how we ran the race. remember to wet your fingers before you turn a page.

[carl]

yes we must avoid those paper cuts if we can and the surprises seem to appear frequently enough even at the advanced page count. - thanks for the read and review much appreciated - carl

[Lorry]

Yes, keep turning those pages in the hope that you get to finish it before popping off this mortal coil, which is always my fear when starting a new book. Well, that and praying it doesn't mention something that has 8 legs and rhymes with flyders (don't like anything that can walk up walls and across ceilings!
But I do that too, not read the last chapter first, but check it isn't one of those three line chapters, because I always feel a bit ripped off by those. Plus, when I finish the second chapter I'll look at the next five chapters to see their page length, just in case a sneaky one page or less one is added sneakily.
And would you be surprised to hear that I take a star off the review I leave if they do sneak a one page or less chapter in there? 😃
But in summation, I try to think of only now, as the beginning or end will take care of themselves. No matter what order you read them
😃

[carl]

thank you for your read and review It is much appreciated - I agree with you on your point of emphasis - each day is a new page in the book of our life Where that book began or where it ends is much less importance than the turning of each day. -carl

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ... a bit of a conundrum ... where oh where is .... IT? your poem tickles me brain nog
E.

[carl]

thank you for your time to read and review - well received and accepted response and much preferred to tickling your metaphorical sense abilities. - carl

[Kelly Scheppers]

What an intriguing poem, Carl. Validation is due for the caliber of how it is written and the way in which it reads. I must admit, I do the same thing as your wife before I start reading a book. It's an old habit from high school, I used to do it just to see how many pages there were for me to get through before the end. Your approach here is the finest piece of reading I've read in quite a while. Line for line, it makes me wish it were mine!

[carl]

Your read and review is much appreciated and your evaluation is very gracious - thank you for the kind words of encouragement - carl