Marking Time |
John
Bagness |
Don't panic! Don't panic!
Shouted Corporal Jones
Fearing bombs might fall
And rattle his bones.
Zeno shot arrows,
Knew not where they fell,
That they should not have moved
Was all he could tell.
He, who raced 'gainst a tortoise,
Could get only halfway.
Now when youngsters run past me
I'd much rather stay.
Stones not placed by chance
Counted miles, Roman way,
Along their straight roads
On each long marching day.
But life's milestones march on
Passing faster it feels,
Big Five-O and youth spent,
Six-O hot on its heels.
Seven-O some way gone?
Eight-O not quite in sight?
I now cherish each day
And welcome its light.
Do we move or does time?
Well, something goes quicker.
Even experts don't know
Though they endlessly bicker.
New friendships and old,
Fading photos and tales,
On wings the years fly
While our ships furl their sails.
No more yawning! Boot up!
Go on yet one more tramp,
Across fells in the morning.
Checked the keys? Doused the lamp?
2009
|
A gentleman, a gentle man
a soft goodbye
with much regret
When a bird sings unexpectedly
on a bright morning
we will think of you
After rain, the sun’s reflections
in a small pool
and you appear
Soft winds that tease the trees
bring echoes of your voice
We have you in our heads and hearts
you live on there
Other people dance to longer tunes
Others change and grow
Your journey ended suddenly
2010 |