Commentary and Philosophy Poetry posted April 20, 2023

Chapters:

...19 20 -21- 22...

Exceptional

Poem 21

A chapter in the book Seasons of Change

Seasons of the Mind - II

by JLR

Seasons of the Mind               II I am called an old man now, having enjoyed seventy-three cycles of another springtime. Plenty of seasons in which, I have had the opportunity, to express joy and happiness, instead of the bad pill of sadness and woe. Everywhere I go, I try to plant more seeds of joy. Being ever so mindful of the present moment... right now! Surrounding me is this vast land of opportunity. I could spend a lifetime making it a job, to fertilize the soil, killing the weeds of sadness and woe. Simply by sharing a smile. During my elder years, I celebrate having had more days that are richly spent peacefully and serenely. Free of fear and those other unwholesome emotions of hurry and worry. Free, knowing, with a capital K, that this freedom comes from within my soul, and not from those burdensome material possessions, now, too heavy to carry. As I look in the mirror at the old man staring back, I chuckle; for surely the days have long since passed when he frolicked in the fields of new spring flowers. But as I stroll in the park, watching people with children and playful dogs friskily fleet afoot, their very presence is like an elixir. Nourishment that I need to grow more loving, kind, and compassionate further along the cycles of springs, I have left to go. Humbly, I thank my Higher Power for the seasons that interconnect our existence. Remaining mindful of how dependent humans, animals, and plants are on each other. For certain, it has taken me far too many cycles of spring to set aside my beliefs and intuitions and replace all manner of actions, words, and deeds with patience and clarity of vision. Understanding the challenges brought by learning, growing or becoming enlightened so that, I don't waste a single present moment on the blame game. So, before my final spring gives over to winter crippled with strife, I want to harvest the fruits of this life! Ever mindful that my inner peace, inner strength, my inner voice, remembers to say, "Thank you, Abba/Father," for the wisdom that comes to this simple old man.

Recognized