ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Trying to get myself back into writing, but it isn't happening!!
But did write this last year - returning to work in aged care must have stirred the creative juices just a little!! Just wish it would do a bit more!

Each Mans Book
© Irene Conner
02.09.13

There’s a tear within each weathered crease,
a smile and laughter too.
There’s worry born of troubled times,
And yes, there’s been a few.
There’s pain within each furrowed groove
Carved by a cruel knife;
By God’s crayon, they’re etched upon
The canvas of his life.

There’s a strength behind those shrunken eyes
Belied by frail form;
Resilience that’s bent and swayed
Through lifes’ chaotic storm.
There’s courage as he’s mourned the loss
Of his once active role –
You can’t subdue what’s peeking through
The windows of his soul.

There are loving hands that cradled once
A daughters broken heart;
A font of wisdom always full
Of knowledge he’d impart.
There’s history that lies within
His shattered earthly shell;
A lovers face; a fathers grace;
A spirit age won’t quell.

There’s a thousand men like him, I know,
Lie broken in their bed;
A thousand men who walk the path
That no man wants to tread.
And each man has a gift to share
with those who care to look;
At any age, there’s still a page
To read in each man’s book.

A sad fact of life Irene. Beautiful lines which place us in the moment. Well written Irene.

Sue

Beautifully crafted Irene - written with a tender touch as well as displaying the dignity and strength that lies behind those faces, something that is often IMO overlooked.

Thanks Irene what you have written tell of many an aged persons history thanks once again

Bill the old battler

Thank you Irene.
Your compassion is quite evident.
Val W

As already Mentioned elsewhere Irene - A great poem.

Terry

Beautiful Irene ... as always. I especially like your final verse ...
And each man has a gift to share
with those who care to look;
At any age, there’s still a page
To read in each man’s book.

For those who care to look.
I love that line. It is telling of so many of us.
Love it ... love it.
Wazza

Thank you everyone
I find the flow of words is much better when I write on topics such as this - as I have been involved in aged care for many years over my working life, and it is a field that I love.
I remember early in my time as a poet being told 'write about something you know well!' so that is what I try to do.

Although my few poems lately are quite short, I am really loving feeling the flow again! It just doesn't happen often enough!

Catchya
Irene

Love this poem of yours Irene - there's no substitute for experience eh? congratulations!