Middle Age Revelations

 

 

Lately I've become aware
of the sockets of my eyes
(how they hold in place my memories)
the bones still strong
under my thinning skin
the joints and tendons
so vulnerable to breakage.

Lately I've become aware
of the softness of my flesh
and the reckless beating of my heart
and the miracle of my spine.

Lately I've become aware of the wrinkles
near my smile
and the smoothness of my skin
 the tension in my jaw.

Lately I've become aware of the miles
my feet have walked
and of where they have led me
and of how many times my knees
have knelt in prayer.

Lately I've become aware of my hands.
How many they have nurtured
the tears they have dried
 wounds they have healed.

Lately I've come to appreciate
all of these parts of a whole
and when I am still enough
I can feel the warmth of my blood
pulsing through my veins
so reassuringly.

Reviews

[Roy L. Pickering Jr.]

This is such a lulling piece, a rockabye baby sung to oneself, acknowledging and reassuring and contemplative and accepting, the latter quality bestowing it with self-assured serenity. I suppose another way of me saying this would be "Great poem - Nicely done". :-)

[THE BLACK SEAL]

the realization of mortality nicely portrayed...it is quite good. it leaves the reader with an expanded self awareness.

[Tim McGovern]

Being a middle age man I can relate completely.
One gripe:
of the softness of my flesh
and the smoothness of my skin

Not exactly the same but made me look back thinking " didn't she say skin?"

A well written look at the introspection and, if we are lucky, the stillness that comes with age.

Thank you
Namaste'
Tim

[J.P.O.et]

I found myself reading this aloud to myself, and it actually brought a tear to my eye
Your hands that have nurtered, dried tears and healed wounds
move me to my soul
I only wish I could look at my own hands with such
pride and conviction in what I have done
You made me think, and isn't that what it is all about
J.P.O.et

[ambur]

Nice use of repetition. I really enjoyed this piece. The tone was excellent, and the overall feel was great. Nicely written.