In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate and highlight our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to again offer daily poetry during April.
“Old”
— Leif —
You wonder if “Old” is after you’ve had.. that surgery ..
If you’re not Old when.. someone has to help you dress.. perhaps
Old means you can’t remember what Old
………………means?
…….and then it doesn’t matter
…….so why bother
…….wondering? cuz
………………once Old was your Dad.
….at 25
And always -that -much -older
….always Old
until you’d realized he’d taught you
…..-Old- and you are
old as he ever was,
…..older
……………now and glad you’re not so
………………young as you once were
……………as he was, perpetually
………………twenty five..
……………you remember
…and are five.
in its heartwood
its own sapling
somewhere
……………each tree, its roots
………………its own seedlings’
……………roots commune,
……………a forest of roots
………………..entangle
Old-growth tilth
…And branches
finally
…tangle
with
heaven.
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Really beautiful Leif. Thanks for sharing.
That’s what old is, always shifting always just out of reach until you don’t know it has arrived. Thank you, great poem!
Wonderful reminder of how perspective changes (and sometimes doesn’t)!