Respite
Seek not in sect soul’s quest for quick relief
as narrow road leads to, from, narrow mind,
open tracks which back up tacks to find
respite till Search and Way unite as whole.
None need to feed from need to fire fame’s coal,
match flame with aim in game to leave behind
the past, for first IS last, draws double bind.
Reject temptation’s superficial role,
lip-service lending simply to control
disparities that, poles apart, unwind
when tenets tested cannot be combined
with sentiments sustained, coherent goal.
If puzzle pieces of their own accord
can fit, ‘tis writ, - if not, await reward.
22 March 2005 revised sonnet version 1 December 2006
robi03_1517_robi03_0000 SXX_EXX
robi03_1099_robi03_0000 AXX_EZX
for alternative version
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II
AN ANSWER?
Seek not in sect the answer to lost soul
As narrow road leads into narrow mind.
Make most of opportunity to find
A way to join both Search and Way made whole.
None need to feed from need to fire the coal,
To spark the flame which burns the Past behind,
Heed intuitions, harmony, to bind
All pattern parts, let inner knots unwind...
22 March 2005
robi03_1099_robi03_0000 AXX_EZX
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ll
Respite poem © Jonathan Robin
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
An Answer?
An Answer?
Seek not in sect the answer to lost soul
As narrow road leads into narrow mind.
Make most of opportunity to find
A way to join both Search and Way made whole.
None need to feed from need to fire the coal,
To spark the flame which burns the Past behind,
Heed intuitions, harmony, to bind
All pattern parts, let inner knots unwind...
22 March 2005 robi03_1080 20050322 see below for sonnet version 20061201 Respite
Respite
Seek not for quick relief, few sects console
as narrow road leads to, from, narrow mind,
open tracks which back up tacks to find
respite till Search and Way unite soul's whole.
None need to feed from need to fire fame’s coal,
match flame with aim in game to leave behind
the past, for first IS last, draws double bind.
Reject temptation’s superficial role,
lip-service lending simply to control
disparities that, poles apart, unwind
when tenets tested cannot be combined
with sentiments sustained, coherent goal.
If puzzle pieces of their own accord
can fit, ‘tis writ, - if not, await reward.
Sonnet version written 1 December 2006 revised 3 January 2012 robi03_1080 20050322 An Answer?
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I’m or Im-perfect
I'M OR IM-PERFECT
Perfection mirage often seems,
Equity protection needs.
Responsibility recedes
From cul-de-sac coercive streams.
Extrapolating god supreme
Church sectarian worry beads
To contention lead, strife breeds
Further strife, attracts extremes,
Advocates discrimative themes.
Much dogma self-defeats, or feeds
Irrationality. Who reads
Life’s conformist pressures, narrow schemes,
Yearns for alternatives, free dreams.
Acrostic Sonnet Perfect Family
28 February 2005 and 3 December 2006 revised 16 October 2007
robi03_1068_robi03_0000 ASX_EXX
for previous version see below
I’m or Im-perfect
Perfection is not always what it seems,
Equity protection active needs,
Responsibility as tide recedes
From open options when coercive stream
Ebbs from freedom’s tenets, to false scheme
Church led [whatever church or sect] that leads
Too often to contention, strife that breeds
Further strife despite ‘truth’ some say gleams,
Attending 'church on Sunday' here speaks reams,
Much dogma self defeats, resentment feeds.
If 'Freedom' is at stake, awake! Who reads
Life’s pressures on conforming to set themes
Yet seeks alternate avenues, fires dreams.
28 February 2005 and 3 December 2006
I’m or Im-perfect © Jonathan Robin
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Reluctance and Self Acceptance
RELUCTANCE AND SELF ACCEPTANCE
Neutrality is rarely cup of tea.
where intelligence creative and aware
dare not stagnate, can't simply stop and stare.
Open mind needs true transparency,
tunes into wave length seeds so few can key, -
finds answers which should new advance prepare -
to change dimensions as defensive layer
at last can soften, leaving spirit free.
Although the quest for self discovery
lends hope to scope to answer inner prayer
though self acceptance may not dare to dare
respond to feelings in the first degree,
Never content within the status quo,
you “why' and 'wherefore' therefore need to know.
Need to feed, reluctance to be fed,
is paradox where intellect attracts -
comb[in]ing 'cause/effect' for hidden tracks
opens patterns which help think ahead.
Leaving double bind behind, mind's led
defeating ‘déjà vu's’ stark whites and blacks.
Where harmony, transparency one lacks -
trust may be spurned though earned - dark path to tread.
Though years past cost counts spread crape mirage b[l]ed.
one must look forward, sow, life interacts
with feeling flows emotions mesh, - no cracks -
reactions to response tune heart to head.
Nourished, open sentiments take root,
then flourish where their boughs may bear full fruit.
12 September 2005
alternative non acrostic version to robi03_0711
robi03_1296_robi03_0000 SXX_EXX
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Reluctant
RELUCTANT
Much need to feed, reluctant to be fed,
A paradox where intellect detracts.
Unlocking former fears dulls doubt’s attacks,
Desire draws trumps, lumps crumple, heart instead
Exposes double bind behind mind led
Combatting déjà vu's stark whites and blacks.
One wonders why self-confidence she lacks
Regarding sensuality two thread -
Rough past perhaps cost counted, mirage bled.
Idyll awaits as life's flow interacts
Exchanging sentiments, repairing cracks,
Response, reactions spurned, tunes heart to head.
As nurture helps true sentiments take root,
Seed sown may blossom, fair boughs bear full fruit.
Mediocrity can’t be her cup of tea.
Alert intelligence seems well aware
Urge to expand won't simply stop and stare,
Doubts must flout through shared transparency
Exploring wave lengths to which few can key.
Control, when role-reversed helps heart prepare
Open options, sloughs defensive layer,
Refutes old walls, heeds shackled spirit’s plea.
Renascent quest for self-acceptancy
Inhibitions shed is inner prayer -
Emancipation, self-fulfilling dare -
Requires heart’s hopes stir mind’s integrity
Affording comfort outside status quo,
So happiness may shared emotions know.
21 July 2004 revised 15 October 2008
robi03_1044_robi03_0000 ASX_MXX
for previous version see below
Reluctant
Need to feed, reluctant to be fed,
Is paradox where intellect attracts.
Comb[in]ing 'cause/effect' for hidden tracks
Opens patterns which help thInk ahead.
Leaving double bind behind, mind's led
Away from déjà vu's stark whites and blacks.
Transparency and harmony she lacks
As trust now's earned - a narrow path to tread.
Years past did count the cost, by mirages bled.
Look forward, sow, as life's flow interacts
On feelings fresh emotions mesh, - no cracks -
Reactions to response tune heart to head.
Nurtured may true sentiments take root,
Then flourish there, their boughs may bear full fruit.
Neutrality is not her cup of tea.
Intelligence creative and aware
Cannot stagnate, won't simply stop and stare.
Open mind needs visibility,
Links in to wave lengths very few can key, -
Answers which should new advance prepare -
To change dimensions, while defensive layer
At last could soften, leaving spirit free.
Yet though the quest for self discovery
Lends hope to scope to answer inner prayer
Only though self-acceptance may one dare
Respond entirely with integrity.
Never content within the status quo,
The 'why' and 'wherefore' one must ever know.
21 July 2004
© Jonathan Robin
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Poetics
Some from within some from without
without a doubt flow true
as soul-song spins tale which begins
to glow, then grows anew.
Through weaving in and weeding out -
touch intuitions cue -
from phases past fair phrases spin
through threads which more threads brew.
Thus in and out and round about
rhyme climbs as curlicue
expands ideas, wins interest in
both content, form, will woo
the readers who fresh insights scout
both options chosen, those fates glue,
into life's sins, its losses, wins,
would revelation view.
© Jonathan Robin – robi3_0778 written 30 March 2005 revised 20070619 and 20081112 for previous version see below
Poetics
Some from within some from without
without a doubt flow true
as soul-song spins tale which begins
to grow, and then glows too
through weaving in and weeding out -
touch intuitions know
from phases past so phrases last
through threads which more threads sow...
© Jonathan Robin – written 30 March 2005
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ars Poetica
Some from within, some from without,
without a doubt set to,
as soul-song spins tale which begins
to flow, grow, glow. Thereto
through weaving in and weeding out
touch base with Nature, cue
time, place, as twins defeat and wins
ignored are through and through.
No need to shout, run roundabout,
use artificial glue,
scribe’s violin tunes, underpins,
technique as heart rings true.
Sensations scout, don’t beat about
the bush, tout false virtue,
The poet’s string must second skin
become, ne’er dumb, askew.
Words work their way by night and day
from phases past, to light
through threads at play that more threads lay,
reeled phrases feed fresh flight.
(30 March 2005 revised 9 June 2007 and 1 February 2012)
robi03_1128_robi03_0000 XXX_IXX
see below for previous version entitled Poetics
Poetics
Some from within some from without
without a doubt flow true
as soul-song spins tale which begins
to grow, and then glows too
through weaving in and weeding out -
touch intuitions know
from phases past so phrases last
through threads which more threads sow...
(30 March 2005)
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Narrow Your Eyes
I dont want to change your mind
I dont want to think about your mind
They say love is blind
I dont think youre blind
You dont want to understand
And I dont want to shake your fathers hand
And walk in the sand
And act like a man
I get on the bus
And ride past our stop
And though Im late
I cant get off
I just cant bear to tell you some lies
And narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Well take back every thing we said
Split up all the things and move ahead
Forgot how you said
Well split the side off the bed
I get on my bike
Ride down our block
Ride through the world
Through the green lights
But when I think of all your advice
I narrow my eyes
Narrow my eyes
I dont want to change your mind
I dont want to think about your mind
They say love is blind
I dont think youre blind
I get on the bus
Ride past our stop
And though Im late
I cant get off
I just cant bear to tell you some lies
And narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Now lets toast the sad cold fact
Our loves never coming back
And well race to the bottom of a glass
So narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
Narrow your eyes
song performed by by They Might Be Giants
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Key Change
When rhyme scheme frames dimensions few suspect
then climb dream flames, intentions true, respect.
No boundaries, no limit locks the mind.
so sound are these, throw spirit blocks behind.
Reach out, think, skein, words hidden blind reject,
speech doubt, ink vain, chords bidden bind, select.
Avoid inconstant compromise unkind,
a void-spin instant, dumb surmise. Unwind
extrapolations lazy, circumspect,
examinations mazy. Reconnect.
Free frequencies from spectrum fee assigned,
see sequence, seize connections realigned.
Sell static short, key change, unbattern hatch,
elastic thought, free range, fun pattern match.
11 December 2005 revised 3 October 2009 robi3_1354_robi3_0000 SQX_EKX for previous version see below
Key Change
When rhyme scheme frames dimensions few suspect
then climb dream flames, intentions true, respect.
No boundaries, no limit locks the mind.
so sound are these, throw spirit blocks behind.
Reach out, think, skein, - words hidden blind reject –
speech doubt, ink vain, chords bidden bind, select.
Avoid inconstant compromise unkind,
a void-spin instant, dumb surmise. Unwind
extrapolations lazy, circumspect,
examinations mazy. Reconnect.
Free frequencies from spectrum unassigned,
see sequencies, connexions, realigned.
Sell static short, key change, unbattern hatch,
elastic thought, free range, fun pattern match.
poem by Jonathan Robin
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Take The Narrow Road
you must take the narrow road
that leads you to freedom
it is the same narrow road
that the camel took to save itself
it the same camel who passed through
the eye of the *needle
* a small, slender piece of steel with a sharp point at one end and a hole for thread at the other used for spiritual surgical sutures
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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The Road to Dohinob
it used to be a narrow road
fit only for the buffalo
muddy during the rain
and dusty during a sunny day
but today
the Road to Dohinob
is the one that leads to
heaven
along the road the flowers
sings
like the angels of his dreams
from where he is now
he imagines the long narrow path
expanding a bit
giving way to more space
for his new life
with her
at the tip of this wider road
he hears
the baby laughing
the skies are lighter than the usual blue
and the sunflowers are brighter than the stars at night
his heart cannot muster a word
for this newly found
happiness
overflowing.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Banking Coal
Whoever it was who brought the first wood and coal
To start the Fire, did his part well;
Not all wood takes to fire from a match,
Nor coal from wood before it’s burned to charcoal.
The wood and coal in question caught a flame
And flared up beautifully, touching the air
That takes a flame from anything.
Somehow the fire was furnaced,
And then the time was ripe for some to say,
“Right banking of the furnace saves the coal.”
I’ve seen them set to work, each in his way,
Though all with shovels and with ashes,
Never resting till the fire seemed most dead;
Whereupon they’d crawl in hooded night-caps
Contentedly to bed. Sometimes the fire left alone
Would die, but like as not spiced tongues
Remaining by the hardest on till day would flicker up,
Never strong, to anyone who cared to rake for them.
But roaring fires never have been made that way.
I’d like to tell those folks that one grand flare
Transferred to memory tissues of the air
Is worth a like, or, for dull minds that turn in gold,
All money ever saved by banking coal.
poem by Jean Toomer
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You March On
You, unknown traveller of untreaded path
march on, march on, march on
will reach your destination
one day
though far off
march on, march on, march on.
Look back, never, even by mistake
forget, never, the hardships you bore
guide, will be your past deeds of life,
full of pangs on the bed of stake
What holds destiny?
Not to worry?
............Just march on, march on, march on.
Adversities make you a fast learner
Desires are snakes, so be a shirker
search the deep sea to find a pearl
get to the shore, while facing the whirl
Think never to be feeble & meek
deliver everyone from the misdeeds
while truth you seek
clear all hurdles regaining your strength
you will reach the destination
march on...march on....march on.
Carve out your name on the horizon
as your stars are on the ascendant
work towards the goal night and day
be illuminated in such a way
sluggish should appear the milky way
You, unknown traveller of untreaded path
march on, march on, march on
will reach your destination
one day
though far off
march on, march on, march on.
poem by Tribhawan Kaul
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Time Trap
Juxtaposition in an active mind:
unstretched potential and a spirit free
seek space to taste then test eternity,
leaving wasted years far, far behind.
Intense the need for speed, choice voice must find,
before too late, - an opportunity
tuned to new horizons’ patterned key.
Before too late... life its own double bind
sees night light follow as Time’s skeins unwind,
as most is swallowed, soon forgotten, - we,
today ahead, tomorrow sped, can’t flee
Nature’s mortal paradox designed.
Whether open, closed, the intellect
self justifies through merge-urge to project...
poem by Jonathan Robin
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Polyacrostic Palimpsest - A Tribute
As tribute paid to time may this come clear
Uniformly in unsought surprise
Pen on paper no pattern spots, these ties
Interactive spinning tight, austere.
A pleasure hand has threaded bright idea
in thoughts using inset input, tries
Simple play pieces, satisfies soul's sighs, -
A startling insight art alone supplies.
None thread and read in one light verse sincere.
Nature set I in merry manner here
Expectant as these rhymed line flows appear.
26 May 2005 see below for alternative version
Anne Aupiais 3 x vertically and twice diagonally
A Tribute_19920721_As tribute paid to time may this come clear ROBIN Jonathan 1947_20xx robi3_0362_robi3_0000 BXX_IXX
A tribute I lay at your door and pray
United we find ways to understand, -
Pen and ink unlimited expand
Interactively in every way.
A great need appears to grow each day
In a soul who uses words at hand,
Simply puts pieces in a jigsaw band,
And, yet, will, in the end, find truth's bright ray.
No other may as much as this display
Noble mind. I in these lines here stand
Expectant as I wait your smile today.
21 July 1992
Anne Aupiais 2 x vertically and once diagonally
poem by Jonathan Robin
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Break Out - 0509 - Current Version
S[h]e's lived protected by strong walls Time's w[r]it
Let stand too long, pride's ride before fast fall,
Ignoring purposefully fact that all
Vain structures tumble, tumbril hypocrite.
EDict: Earth's dust dissolves shawls man would knit.
Protection serves slight purpose overall,
Respite cannot postpone the final call
Of fate, death's date sees puzzle pieces fit.
The time has come to quit false safety, split
Entrenched opinions, narrow minds and small,
Creation hindered, progress held in thrall.
Turn thoughts towards tomorrow, future lit,
Each step to freedom leaves fell past behind;
Destroying bias, locks, unlocks blind mind.
(1 December 2008)
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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All Roads Lead Back To You
Some roads are rough and rocky
Some very narrow to get through
But whatever road I travel
It always leads back to you
You are my beacon light
That shines through every storm
You are there by the fire
That keeps our house a home
You walk with me each day
Through happiness and pain
You are my sheltering umbrella
Whenever there is rain
No matter where I travel
Where ever in the world I roam
I have the inner knowledge
That I will never lose my way
Because all roads lead back to you
And the place we call our home
3 March 2007
poem by David Harris
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In Days to Come
IN DAYS TO COME
In days to come when, dumb, I’ll strum no more
rhymed witness to timed world where butterflies
still dance rare marbled patterns through fair skies -
when I’ll have sunk to rest unblessed before
enchantment fades – who’ll feel one penny poor?
Most, wor[l]dy-wise, ignore one poor demise,
for life continues as before - here lies
our irony, reflections poet pours
in [l]ink think themes on pixel pages’ scores
fade with ambitions one can’t realize,
when hopes unmet forget joy’s first surprise.
Self is both root and cause of fatal flaws.
My memory, wax candle w[e]aned from flame,
may shadow search vain answers to Life’s game.
20 May 2005 revised 16 November 2006 and 25 March 2009
robi03_1257_robi03_0000 SXX_DIZ
for previous versions see below variant of Unjaded Sparkle 6 July 1991
In Days to Come
In days to come when, dumb, I’ll bear no more
to Time rhymed witness, world where butterflies
still dance rare marbled patterns through fair skies -
when I’ll have sunk to rest twice blessed before
enchantment fades – who’ll feel one penny poor?
Most, wor[l]dy-wise, ignore one poor demise,
for life continues as before - here lies
our irony, reflections one would pour
in [l]ink think themes on pixel pages’ score
fade with ambitions one can’t realize,
when hopes unmet forget joy’s first surprise.
Within oneself is found the fatal flaw.
My memory - wax candle w[e]aned from flame,
while others, vain, search answers to Life’s game.
20 May 2005 and 16 November 2006 revised 23 November 2008
- for previous versions see below
In Days to Come
In days to come when I may bear no more
to Time rhymed witness, world where butterflies
still dance rare marbled patterns through fair skies -
when I’ll have sunk to rest twice blessed before
enchantment fades – who’ll feel a cent more poor?
For most wor[l]d-wise, ignoring one demise,
Life bright or boring as before, - here lies
our irony, reflections one would pour
in [l]ink think on the pixel pages’ score
fade with ambitions, one can’t realize,
when hopes unmet forget their first surprise.
Within oneself is found the fatal flaw.
My memory - wax candle w[e]aned from flame,
while others, vain, search answers to Life’s game.
20 May 2005 and 16 November 2006
for previous version see below
In Days to Come
In days to come when I may bear no more
to Time fair witness, world where butterflies
aloft dance marbled patterns in the skies -
next May, when I’ll have sunk to rest before
enchantment fades – who’ll feel a cent more poor?
Life will appear to who these verses buys
as bright or boring as before, - here lies
the irony, reflections one would pour
in ink upon the pixel pages’ score.
Ambitions fade, and libido, too, sighs
when hopes unmet one cannot realize, -
within oneself is found the fatal flaw.
Life will for me be candle lost to flame,
for others, search for answers to its game.
20 May 2005
© Jonathan Robin
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Every Road
There you go making mountains
Out of such a little hill
Here I go mixing mortar
For another wall to build
Theres a struggle in this life we lead
Its partly you
Its partly me (but)
Every road thats traveled
Teaches something new
Every road thats narrow
Pushes us to choose
And Id be lying if I said
I had not tried to leave a time or two
But every road that leads me
Leads me back to you
Here we stand in the middle
Of what weve come to know
Its a dance, its a balance
Holding on and letting go
But there is nothing that we cant resolve
When loves at stake
When loves involved
song performed by by Amy Grant
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Progress
Progress
Progress expresses courage, leaves behind
All unhappiness as heart can start
Making up time lost. Each puzzle part
Eases into place within the mind, -
Light the touch, much tension may unwind
Allowing scope for hope, new worlds to chart.
Problems solved, and walls dissolved with art,
Augur pastures green, set scene to find
Magic harbour safe, serene, assigned, -
Excluding pressures in a world apart.
Life takes on fresh colours à la carte
And offers fair reflection unconfined.
PAMpered past to self acceptance cedes,
ELAtion follows as vain pain recedes
17 January 2005 Acrostic Sonnet robi3_1363_robi3_0000
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Polyacrostic Palimpsest - Ses Mots Sont Ici II
Notes on Polyacrostic Palimpsests
Acrostic: Verse in which certain letters form a word or message
Polyacrostic: Several acrostics within the same composition
Acrostics to be found below
Ses mots sont ici [vertical acrostic from 1st Line S of has] [French – his/her words are here]
Susan Sellers SS [1 vertical external and 2 diagonal bottom up acrostics keyed as above to the 1st line S of has]
Palimpsest:
A manuscript on which more than one text is written with
earlier writing, or one level of meaning, partially visible.
Ses Mots Sont Ici II
Sweet friend has Time Time conquered in your heart,
used no successes’ superficial glow
somehow as jest so settle life as though
all fades, - a dream's drawn ready to depart?
Not in the years of age should these thoughts start!
So often sleep steals laughter, ends Time’s flow,
expels old love, sends slight grace, - then we go.
life dies away as cold evenings chart
Life is a song whose chorus sings: Depart!
Even now cause and effect knock, so
reward each instant, Time shan't wait, you know.
So seek within, till safe your soul, then part.
Surrender true choice not, return trust's song
Sure to evolve, find Way, may soul stay strong...
16 May 2005 revised 6 January 2007
robi3_1254_robi3_0000 BQS_DZX
for alternative version see
Susan Sellers
Sweet friend has Time Time conquered in your heart.
Used no successes’ superficial glow
Somehow as jest so swift adopted though
A glued remora’s maw right hard to part.
Not in the years of freedom should one start!
So often sleep steals laughter, and, Time’s flow,
Expels old love, sends slight sursis. We go.
Lives leave ere summer’s eves grow long, ends chart.
life as silence soon falls stricken by Time's dart.
Even now, while in fame your name may grow,
Ribald critics try, false praise bestow.
So seek within, till safe your soul, - spurn mart.
Surprises will chains burst, turn tables, - you’re
Sure to win, and find Eve’s apple’s [s]core...
© Jonathan Robin – written 19 January 1992 revised 6 January 2007
robi3_0529_robi3_0000 BQS_ZXX
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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