Alone he stands:
The wisdom of ages given flesh and life.
His ancient eyes have seen all
Of happiness and strife.
He once was formidable;
A pillar of strength for all to behold.
But now his shoulders sag from his burden;
His experience makes him wise, but old.
He watches the sprouts of youth and hope
Wither in the blistering sun by the score.
Witnessing their sorrow, he moans and grieves,
Though he has seen it all before.
Restless nights forever haunt him;
How could he possibly sleep?
Horrors of war, pain and poverty
Leave him awake to weep.
And yet...he smiles.
His face a lonesome portrait
Of gladness and despair,
He laughs through his tears for he knows
That anguish is not all that is there!
Because for there to be such sorrow,
There must also be great joy.
Clapping his hands, he sings as he sobs,
For only so many dreams can go awry.
Memories of prosperity and love
Belie those of pain and woe.
In knowing this, the old man totters on,
Allowing his wisdom to grow.
His experiences have been many,
His hurts and tears not few.
But the Wisdom of Ages sallies forth,
Hoping to see, in one of us...
Something new.
Author notes
I have to admit, I am kind of proud of this one, and I am pleased with the way it turned out, despite my pitiful lack of rhyming skills. My biggest inspirations for this piece were the Giver from Lois Lowry's novel 'The Giver' and another character from a different series by the name of Dheghinsea. Besides, I have always wanted to write something with the phrase, 'wisdom of ages' in it 
Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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I was well attracted ...
to your poem and en'joy'ed the philosophical theme that created it. I felt that you could polish up the following verse by having lines # 2 & 4 keep with the rhyme scheme of the others and that would help it be complete. Since my name is 'joy' my eye immediately was noting the imbalance. Hope you don't mind me sharing suggestions!
"Because for there to be such sorrow,
There must also be great joy.
Clapping his hands, he sings as he sobs,
For only so many dreams can go awry."
My suggestion and feel free to use it:
"Because for there to be such sorrow,"
Great joy there must also be
"Clapping his hands, he sings as he sobs,"
and those tears balance harmony ...
Keep writing as it's good for the soul! joy
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I don't mind at all
I appreciate every word and I will keep your suggestion in mind
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Yet another great piece from you very inspirational writing, and the imagery was great, I could just imagine what this person or aura would look like standing before me.
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Many thanks!
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So Meaningfull!
I really like this one. It is written very well. Great job!
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I was really hoping that people would like this one. Your comments are are appreciated much
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LOVE IT!!
What can I say?? -- PERFECT!! It's really that good!! I love every bit of it! It's captivating and also sad and inspiring! A huge well done! Sincerely wonderful! Bravo *clappps*
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Wow!
Your comment is overwhelming with kindness! Thank you so much!
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the personification here is textured and visual. nice write!
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Thank you much!
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Of course I love it....
you are a deep and perceptive soul, I love all your poems, this one seeps into my very bones; I see my own life's journey reflected here...no presumption intended, thank you for your thought provoking words
John
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I was so hoping you'd like this one. And you are quite welcome. I am so happy with this piece
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