Oh, what a price to pay is youth
for the ease and grace of age.
Those years, so sweet, yet spent
in struggle, helplessness and rage.
And I can't just say "live while you're young"
to the troubled, angry youth
without recalling all that I exchanged
for my own small share of truth.
So I just give him a smile, step out of his way,
and think of how nice it would be
if he could look at my tired, old face
and know I'm him, and yes, he's me.
For what use is there in growing old
if I can't tell a tale to the young
of what I found on the road they walk
in the warmth of yesterday's sun?
- Mark Rickerby
Author notes
Written December 8th, 2003
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There is astounding TRUTH in every word written here. What a joy to know that you are willing to share these sentiments with our youth. I can remember saying, "boy is she or he old" My grandmother would retort, "you will be too if you live long enough". I will turn 50 this year, and it seems my childhood, and teen years were just yesterday. I am greatful that I learned so many good things from my elders and showed them the utmost respect. I hope the readers of this work of art get the message. It is well delivered. Keep being the advocate that you are.
Much Love,
Renee
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Awsome.
I think I will show them this poem. I am glad you gave me that advice. Somthing happened today that made me see how important this was. I think I am going to make a collection of poems like this, and give it to those who need it. -
I Am No Poet,
I'm going to bug you to change that nickname every time I talk to you (haha) because I just got done reading one of your poems and, as I said there, you ARE a poet, a VERY good one for someone only 14 years old.
As far as your friends ruining their lives, all I can say is example is the best teacher. Maybe you could print out this poem and give it to them. Don't confront them about their problems or they'll just get defensive. Just say, "I liked this. What do you think?" But the best thing we can do to help our friends is to be happy and have positive goals ourselves. The greatest teachers teach by example, not lecturing. When people see happiness, they want some for themselves. So the best way to make your family and friends happy is to be happy yourself. Make the most of your life and others will want to know your secret. Then again, I'm probably preaching to the choir because it sounds like you're already doing that. (Making the most of your life.)
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy New Year!
Mark -
Awsome.
This was cool. I was reading a poem like this not to long ago. I like poems like these because I myself am young and am with other young people and watch them do not-so-smart things to ruin there life. I wish I could let them know of such poems like these, or that they would atleast listen. So they, like me, would know how important it is to not waste there youth. Thanks for such an awsome poem. Great write. -
Thanks PS,
I'm glad you liked this one. Thanks for the encouragement.
Happy Holidays!
Mark -
This was just such a wonderful poem and what a great tallent you posses. I enjoy reading your work and thank you for sharing theese wonderful writes with me.
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Hi Susan,
I'm just rifling through some old poems and responses and I found this one from you. Regarding your son, you're right - all you can do is plant good seeds and hope they take root.
I love to quote Kahlil Gibran, one of the greatest poets who ever lived. In The Prophet, regarding children, he wrote -
"Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters
of life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you,
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts
for they have their own thoughts
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams
You may strive to be like them
but seek not to make them like you
for life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bow from which your children,
as living arrows, are sent forth."
Nice, huh? Just thought I'd share that with you.
I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas!
Take care,
Mark -
Another amazing write!!! I can't wait to read more of your stuff... from imagine27
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LOL
At the Irish coffee table book
But your poem so full of truths
I try to help and teach my son but he has to learn on his own at 28 he still ask for my advise sometime I suppose he uses it other time well uh I dunno
All I can do is be there
Nicely done sweetie
Come see me new ones up
Love ya
Susan~~~~
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To share experiences, but let them to walk their own path. I think taht is thebest way to help the younger ones. We can't hold their falls, we can well ease the pain (or try to).
Very nice poem! Very well written!
Mari
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Hi Becky,
You're right, we all have to take our lumps in life and as much as we want to, we can't even shelter our own children completely from the harsh realities without smothering or alienating them and inhibiting their growth.
Re. the old gent in the photo - I must admit I don't know him and probably will never sit and have a chat with him myself because I stole him from an Irish coffee table book. haha
Thanks,
Mark
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Hi Heather (assuming that's your name by your nickname),
I think it's true that "a picture speaks a thousand words" so I always try to add one to my poems, though some of my poems are so weird, the photo hasn't been taken yet that would fit them. haha Basically, I was looking for a kindly old man for this one since it's written from the perspective of an old guy with the quiet wisdom and peace of mind I hope to have someday. I'm getting there but there's still a wayz to go! lol
Thanks,
Mark -
Thanks, Leanne
It's always nice to hear from you. Glad you liked this one!
Thanks,
Mark -
Nicely done, Mark. We are always telling our children that we don't want them to go through what we went through.. but would we trade what we lived for the alternative? I think not - and what lesson learned is better than the one learned through experience. I can remember saying, before I had my daughters, that I didn't know how I would be to my children, but I surely knew how I WOULDN'T be to them. So many times, I can remember saying to myself, 'when I have kids, I will never do that.' I didn't forget those things, and even though I made many of my own mistakes along the way (don't we all), I didn't do those particular things. All those little life's lessons mean alot more when we have to work to learn them. Interesting picture, looks like someone I would love to sit down and have a chat with one day.
~ becky
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I agree with Leanne... another awesome poem. Keep up the great work! I also love the pictures you include with all your poems... heehee that's a nice touch.
Indeed, keep them coming!
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omg!! ANOTHER masterpiece...you never disappoint me Mark when I come to read your poems....once again perfect flow and rhythm...and an beautiful message within....you are definately one of my very favourite writers on this site....keep them coming....you have a wonderful talent....hugs....leanne xxx
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