deepundergroundpoetry.com
learn and love and do and be
i am not
this body, old,
these rusty joints
that bite and scold
but spirit, young
and bright and free
who yearns to
learn and do and be
and finds his spark
in soil and sun
and verse
that greater minds
have spun
thus quelled
are voices
in my mind
that whisper
darkness
from behind
to bind in chains
of woe and pain
o'er circumstance
i cannot change
and i am free
to turn my eye
to cherish sun
and endless
sky
and dwell
in possibility
of learn
and love
and do
and be
this body, old,
these rusty joints
that bite and scold
but spirit, young
and bright and free
who yearns to
learn and do and be
and finds his spark
in soil and sun
and verse
that greater minds
have spun
thus quelled
are voices
in my mind
that whisper
darkness
from behind
to bind in chains
of woe and pain
o'er circumstance
i cannot change
and i am free
to turn my eye
to cherish sun
and endless
sky
and dwell
in possibility
of learn
and love
and do
and be
Published 18th Jul 2022
Author's Note
Rhyming is good for the soul.
I've been reading from a book, South Carolina Literature, discarded from the local library and purchased at Goodwill. All the poetry is from the late 1800's and early 1900's, and all of it rhymes. I love this book.
We are what we eat and also what we read.
I've been reading from a book, South Carolina Literature, discarded from the local library and purchased at Goodwill. All the poetry is from the late 1800's and early 1900's, and all of it rhymes. I love this book.
We are what we eat and also what we read.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 5
reading list entries 4
comments 10
reads 442
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
18th Jul 2022 1:45am
18th Jul 2022 1:49am
18th Jul 2022 3:16am
I love your rhymes. There is such a lightness in this, and I appreciate the acceptance of aging with a vibrant spirit still underneath. It was the perfect thing for me to read tonight. I think you crafted this beautifully.
18th Jul 2022 1:33pm
Thank you so much.
Rhymes seem odd in these days of absolute poetic freedom, but I've been enjoying reading and trying to write them.
I'm happy this one touched you.
Thank you again.
J.
Rhymes seem odd in these days of absolute poetic freedom, but I've been enjoying reading and trying to write them.
I'm happy this one touched you.
Thank you again.
J.
18th Jul 2022 9:09pm
Dear J,
This was lovely and you really captured the sound and meter of poetry days gone by. I really enjoyed and appreciated the picture of having to grow old (if we’re lucky enough) but deal with the genetic break down of the body all the while still able to bask in the glory of nature and take on new learning experiences. Absolutely lovely piece. H🌷
This was lovely and you really captured the sound and meter of poetry days gone by. I really enjoyed and appreciated the picture of having to grow old (if we’re lucky enough) but deal with the genetic break down of the body all the while still able to bask in the glory of nature and take on new learning experiences. Absolutely lovely piece. H🌷
19th Jul 2022 1:14pm
Thank you so much, Honoria.
I've owned this book awhile and every time I take it off the shelf it inspires me.
But I think I love to rhyme anyway.
Thank you again for reading and your thoughtful comments.
J.
I've owned this book awhile and every time I take it off the shelf it inspires me.
But I think I love to rhyme anyway.
Thank you again for reading and your thoughtful comments.
J.
29th Jul 2022 10:19pm
Thank you for your amazing competition entry, and a well-deserved runner-up spot in an extremely strong field. I loved them all, and will definitely read them again when I need to borrow a bit of someone else's hope. The things I enjoyed most were the rhythm and rhyme (am a bit jealous, TBH), the timeless language (no doubt influenced by your recent reading) and the feeling of joy at being alive... even though life is dark in parts. Congratulations - this is wonderful.
30th Jul 2022 1:56am
Thank you, Ellie. It was a great competition topic that inspired many good efforts.
I'm honored.
Thanks again.
J.
I'm honored.
Thanks again.
J.
30th Jul 2022 11:52am
This is more than poetry for me...this is the mindset aspired. This could easily win a poetry competition called "describe stoicism without saying the word stoicism." Great rhythms & high vibes, J.
30th Jul 2022 5:37pm
Thank you for reading and commenting, Benjamin.
I'm glad the poem touched you.
J.
I'm glad the poem touched you.
J.
