A Wise Old Man
James Johnson 1952 (Algoma, WV)
A Wise Old Man
I sit here lonely and gray,
While I watch you pass me by
with a frown or sigh today.
There are no thoughts or concerns.
Yet, one day you will surely learn
to replace me if it's your turn.
It's nice to stop and chat with an old fellow.
Like a baby you can learn to be mellow.
Just looking into those eyes,
You see he knows what you can't disclose.
Just like babies gifted surprises.
He explains, “You are now but a seed,
And as time passes there is many a weed.
There will be moments of sadness.
There will be moments of gladness.
As you choose, you will learn to doubt or sprout.
Until this day no one cares or notices,
Why I sit here lonely and gray.
Oh, it's not because I'm in disarray or dismay.
It's because my Angel is strong to this day,
And attract others of the kind for His motives.
Stay strong and wise young man.
Then when it's your day, you will not be lonely or gray.
He tells me this to let you know.
Now we both can go!
I place my grin upon your chin – not sin!”
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Submitted on December 04, 2015
Modified on March 05, 2023
- 1:03 min read
- 12 Views
Quick analysis:
Scheme | A BXBCDD EEXXX FFXCX XBBBX ABEEX |
---|---|
Closest metre | Iambic tetrameter |
Characters | 973 |
Words | 203 |
Stanzas | 6 |
Stanza Lengths | 1, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5 |
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"A Wise Old Man" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/65030/a-wise-old-man>.
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