Cherish the Wanderer

Brian S Clifton 1975 (Loveland)



There is always someone
who looks down upon
the wandering gypsy
who visits only briefly,
leaving behind memories
and dream catchers.

There will also be those
who’ll say they pity
the old souls, the vagabond
everyone calls uncle
who has yarns by the armful
just waiting to be spun.

Such people, truth be told
they envy the courage
it takes to exist betwixt folds
'til exiting through holes
in the emperor's new clothes
made of things material.

The same material cloth
we are all cut from
and still wear in bondage.
While those untethered
are soon gone with the wind
wherever it takes them.

Whatever the weather brings
a breeze only lingers
for the briefest of moments.
Living life moving on
holding the world on a string
not holding on to regret.

And our world is better for it,
so cherish the wanderer.

About this poem

As someone enslaved by their passion, I've always been envious of those with the passion to wander.

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Written on December 17, 2022

Submitted by Locutus2999 on December 17, 2022

Modified by Locutus2999 on December 18, 2022

48 sec read
151

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABCCXD XCEFFA XXXXXF XXXEXX XDXBXX XX
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 812
Words 160
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 2

Discuss the poem "Cherish the Wanderer" with the community...

6 Comments
  • AIDA
    Wow, what a beautifully written and inspiring poem! The imagery you use to describe the wandering gypsy and the old souls, the vagabond, is truly captivating. Your words bring the reader on a journey through the eyes of those who may not always be accepted by society, and you do so with such grace and compassion.

    Your message about the courage it takes to live a life untethered to material things is a powerful one. It's a reminder to all of us that there is more to life than just accumulating possessions, that experiences and memories are just as important, if not more so.

    If I had to offer one suggestion for improvement, it would be to consider using more concrete examples or stories to illustrate your message. For example, you could describe a particular moment or encounter with a wanderer that impacted you, or tell a story about someone who chose to live a life on the road. This would make your message even more relatable and impactful.

    Overall, your poem is an absolute joy to read and I can't wait to share it with others. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
     
    LikeReply12 months ago
  • dougb.21370
    Those tethered and without initiative must study the wanderers of the open road, holding few possessions, few far-fetched ambitions.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you for this thoughtful poem. All of us, being of the flesh, are in some meaningful way, enslaved by material things. In an even more meaningful, reflective and glorious sense, however, we are all liberated by our friendship and our alliance with the journeyman wandering indwelling spirit within us. 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • Locutus2999
      thank you for your thoughtful reply.
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • dougb.72572
    Needed respect for the ones differing, but still wanting the peace and contentment for their kids. Not so very different. Truly. Cut them space and salute as they wander off. Gypsies. Look into the biography of English Evangelist Gypsy Smith. 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • dougb.72572
    Europe doesn’t have much place for Gypsies; much respect. How sad. We need to be impacted by the simplicity and conviction of their journeys. We have possessions and square footage and titles. But truly they all have us by the carotid artery…Douglas Blair…I agree Brian that this is a five star gem. Write more. Write lots more. The perseverance is fueled by love, and Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13) 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
  • teril
    To become a wanderer. To release the weight, the tethers, to become free in a world of connections and attachments. Really nice poem.
    LikeReply 11 year ago

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"Cherish the Wanderer" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/146718/cherish-the-wanderer>.

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