Re: Gumbud's poems

the mantle wears heavy ! sigh sigh

Re: Gumbud's poems

We just thought we’d be doing it for ever
Never thought there was a beginning nor an end
We’d been together start of time, I suppose blood makes ya blind
And how come you got to go before my time?

I suppose we always thought you were the ‘baby’
But you caught up; passed that long time ago
Perhaps you thought let’s run together, go all out ‘hell for leather’
And then they said ‘you’ll have to let him go’

I keep lookin back to see if you’re still runnin
But they tell me you given up the race
You’ve thrown in the gloves, hit a six and soared with doves
Now relaxing; retired in heavenly place

Re: Gumbud's poems

The man who lived forever?

I woke one mourn and lay awhile
As I usually did
Just savoring early morning sounds
Wondering if I was still ill

Then it dawned upon me
As I lay there in the ‘cot’
Not a single ache or pain could I feel
I had not one single jot!

Just lay there little longer
Not believing what I felt
Could this be really true I asked
Still here or crossed the veldt?

No – clock still ticking on the wall
Cat purring next to slippers
Yes I was alone, but felt refreshed
Didn’t even miss the missus!

I lay there for a minute more
Then slowly into slippers
Stood straight upright, and felt alright
I’d never felt so fitter!

Walked around, ran on the spot
Could have sworn I’d aged to twenty
I know I’d prayed for some release
But this was more and plenty!

The days went by, visited old haunts
And called on mates a plenty
Then the strangest thing occurred
Funerals came up plenty

The family all were so amazed
I led all their celebrations
I danced away the night with young
And left them tired and empty

But then the funerals never stopped
Me old mates gone before
I felt so young and full of zest
But no one to yarn and jaw with

I waved the last one fond farewell
I was just left with all the photos
The youngsters said yes let’s have more fun
But I was surrounded by the “ghosters”

I couldn’t stay on being young
No memories to share or savour
I’d have to start life all again
With those I didn’t favour

So then I made the final choice
Give me back me the aches and pains
And let me die when time says now
And cast away the ‘gains’

Re: Gumbud's poems

Running out of steam

We’re running out of steam
Long gone the American ‘dream’
The harbingers of ghastly wars
Expose our dreadful sores

There is no brave new world
The war flags still unfurl
The homeless on the move
Dance to a forlorn tune

Babies cling to mothers breasts
As they march through nights no rest
They’re look for a promised land
Drawn by lines in some ancient sands

Some cling to books of hope
From Allah to the Pope
I’ve seen no respite there
Just more weapons, death and fear

We’ve followed ancient seasons
Customs that have changed
But now we follow ‘dogs of war’
Some we will take to our grave

There once was painted future scenes
Of holy wars played out in fields
Across the central plains of earth
Belzebub will scorch and burn

But there’s another ancient scene
Of pleasant pastures, green; serene
Where the last battle may be cast
And evil banished all outcast © gumbud

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of Fire!

I will not cease from mental fight;
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Til we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
© William Blake

Re: Gumbud's poems

Stirring stuff D.

Re: Gumbud's poems

Re: Gumbud's poems

many thanks my trusted friend!

Re: Gumbud's poems

nice one M - modern example of the ancient Japanese haiku - welcome to the samuri club!

Re: Gumbud's poems

Thanks for that Gumbud, although it's not that modern mate....I wrote it about 30 years ago !

Re: Gumbud's poems

My God not only is it ancient but also prophetic - animal farm heh?