Autumn Blues
When we are young, we just don't understand,
That life is something which we should treasure,
We hold the world in the palm of our hand,
And we think that youth will last forever.
As a child I loved going out to play,
And knowing that the world was at my feet,
And I didn't think that I'd see the day,
That doctors almost daily I would greet.
Oh to be that young and naive again,
Wild and free, when the world was one's oyster,
To once more be at that youthful age when,
About one's life, one still had a choice, sir.
But as time goes by, choices disappear,
Along with one's youth and vigor and drive,
And it becomes harder year by year,
To keep trudging on, and to work and strive.
But life teaches us as we grow older,
That slowly we lose our vitality,
And as our autumn years grow colder,
We often think of our mortality.
Life may have been one hell of a ride,
And many a song we may have sung,
But sadly old age retires our pride,
And we seem weak in the eyes of the young.
Of course it's nothing to be ashamed of,
And in due course it happens to us all,
But we'd all rather be young and in love,
Than just a name on some aged home's roll call.
And sadly what happens to those of us,
Who for some reason can't afford to pay,
For the carers who over us will fuss,
Or for people to pass the time of day?
If I die, my love, and leave you alone,
I do hope it's not on a day like this,
When the autumn wind chills you to the bone,
Not nice when there's a much loved one you miss.
Copyright ⓒ Chris Ryall 2012
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The Specter of Cancer
I found out last week that my older brother has prostate cancer. My eldest brother also had it. My other older brother (I have/had three older brothers and four older sisters) died at the age of 35 from cancer in the form of a brain tumor when I was 21. A few days ago, I read on the internet from various experts on the matter that if two or more of your siblings have/had cancer, then there's a very high risk that you'll have it, too, especially if you're over 45. I turn 49 in February, so today, I had a PSA test for prostate cancer, and I get the results back next week. The thoughts that have been circulating in my mind about this produced this poem. Take care and best wishes. Warmest regards, Chris
We travel together same path
Leaking Pen
Dear Chris
Amazing how we think alike, like you said in your insightful passionate comments on my poem"Who weeps for me when I am gone" first I pray that your test in negative, and that you live a long and happy life, you are a blessed human being and there are angles watching over you, I love your comments on my poem, you and I have the privilege to live in other societies where getting old is cherished, I too once lived in a society where grandparents are part of the nuclear family, they are respected for their dignity and the wisdom of ages harnessed under their belt,they are considered a blessing, a house that does not have elders considered cursed , now that I live in the West, table has turned around, I wrote this poem to a situation in a restaurant where I witnessed a disrespectful incident to an elderly couple by the waiter, while he was buzzing around like bees to honey on another table of a young it seem well do flashy appearances, he completely neglected the request of the old women for more refill of coffee and service, as I look around as see how my new society worships youth in all it forms spurred me to write this poem, thank God I am still healthy and have vigor for life and don't look my age, I try to stay fit and engaged with life, I thank my parents for my genes, I look 20 years younger than my actual physical age, but regardless respect is respect, what if I was in that elderly women shoes? I wonder how I would have reacted instead, she was patient , persistent and polite after her coffee, God bless her heart, she did get it at the end, lessons to be learned from this incident , to kill them with love and patience, I read your poem several times amazing how some stanzas mirror each other, as if two poems came from the same source, same well , let it always be...please forgive me Chris...I get nervous when I write a long feedback, I want to write more, but then my true color will surface and mistakes in my adopted language "English" show their true color, I wanted to dwell on the merits and bones of your poem itself
and the beautiful metaphors you have composed
Truly
Paul
Changing Times, Constant Lessons
Dear Paul,
Sorry it has taken me a few days to reply to your wonderful comment. It's been a 'long weekend' here in Japan, and I've just had three days of weddings! Phew! LOL. But now that it's Monday, I have a few hours of breathing space again. I really loved reading your response, my friend - it was so very kind and thoughtful. Thank you very much indeed. I'm also grateful for your concern (and prayers) regarding my PSA test - much appreciated. I get the results back this week - I'll let you know how it goes.
Yes, sadly, the situation in the west with regard to the attitude of young people towards the elderly, and the disrespectful way in which they treat them, is dreadful. Can't they see that they too will be old one day? Can they not put themselves in the elderly's shoes, so to speak? I guess what is missing is empathy, manners, morals, ethics, and most of all, kindness. More and more, every time I read the Aussie news on-line recently, I see elderly citizens targeted by young thieves and burglars, especially in home invasions. They tend to seize upon their vulnerability, like vultures on a meal in the desert. It's horrible. My wife and I are seriously contemplating staying in Japan.
We have peace here, respect from young and old alike, low crime rates, beautiful nature, cheap cost of living (as it's the countryside, not the city), and good friends. Like you, the Japanese people look 20 years younger than they are, whereas Mandy and I look every year of our age! Ha ha. But in this country, that's a good thing, because age is admired and respected. It was sad to read about the incident you witnessed in the restaurant. I'm glad it inspired you to write a poem though. Your poem was marvelous.
And mate, please don't worry anymore about your English - it's great, really. There are lots of other people who have not mastered it as well as you have. Written English, literary English, poetic English is really quite challenging, and you have shown excellence in that. Good on you! Lots of Aussies only speak one language.
Well, thanks again for your generous words. Have a great week, take care, and best wishes.
Your good friend always,
Chris