Thoughts of Age – Wyleian Sonnet CCLIII
I seldom sit at table as a guest
for, of my former friends, few now exist.
Those who remain with good health are not blest
for illness and Time’s ravages persist.
I keep in frequent contact with them lest
they fail degeneration to resist
though I would be the last one to suggest
that through senility they’ll not subsist.
But Age provides for all of us a test
though few foresee of what it may consist.
While some may feel they’ve come off second best,
the luckier ones Fate’s worst may yet have missed.
Although at times by aches and pains oppressed,
my thanks to God for each day are expressed.
Hugh Wyles, April 12th. 2009.
Author notes
Ddi8cated to Terry Gibson (DeeCrepit) and based on the rhymes of her sonnet:
” Outsider View.”
Wyleian Sonnet CCL http://allpoetry.com/poem/5232215
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You little beauty! Well done.
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Dear Hugh,
Age caches up with all of us eventually and sadly we lose a lot of family and friends along the way, that's why it's important to keep in contact with those who are left and to find new friends along the way. Very thought provoking poem my friend.
Love Bea
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Hugh epitomized---
always up for a challenge---
always creating to perfection!
Interesting, to observe the Master at play!
M-C
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I'm happy you still with us, writing what you like best: sonnets
They are always rhythmically perfect.
P.s: thanks for the lovely card
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Tit for Tat Tat-too
Inspiring beyond belief!
Dear Hugh, thank you! I never could have guessed
not only rhymes but order would exist!
I checked! They're perfect! I am truly blest
to have your great expression there persist!
I left my work undone and hurried lest
my later duties of the day resist!
Forgetfulness of age assumes, suggests
such careless loss remaining to subsist.
I spoke of it with younger friend, a test
by listing all the freedoms that consist
of personal autonomy that best
are found alone. The right to BE, but missed
before. Misunderstood, he felt oppressed
by truths Advancing Age alone expressed.
Terry Gibson May 27 2009
A tip of the hat to you!
I could not even have thought to do that by myself!
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My grandmother had the ill fortune to outlive all of her friends. She never made friends outside of her age group. She lived to 106. Please keep making friends with all of us. I love the line best "But Age provides for all of us a test". So true!
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Beautifully written sonnet Hugh raising awareness to something a good many people may not consider until they are in the midst of it.
I remember talking to my father about this circumstance and the emotions surrounding it as he became the last man standing of his generation in our family and as he witnessed the loss of many of his friends, some much younger than him, either by passing or to illness. Taking time to be thankful for each day makes a difference no matter what stage of life we are in.
A lovely dedication to Terry. The words of her poem are still with me as will be the words of yours.
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