A Well of Aging

by D.   Dec 2, 2019


Deep, rigid lines will
one day
run horizontally,
vertically,
unmistakably
across my
scowls and smiles.

Tell me, is it wrong
to want more from life?

Before I crack like
hot china: crumple
like clutched tissue,
yet see the bathroom
light still dance in
a dusk of warm hazel.

    report violation
5


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Latest Comments

  • 4 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Ahh, I keep thinking I commented on this, then remind myself to go back and do so :)

    The first word to pop in my head after reading this: fragility. There's such a delicate, vulnerable part of us that still speaks, especially as we grow older. This piece is almost haunting to me, because no matter how few or how many lines or indents grace our skin, how much we visibly look our age, we have stories. We've invested in this life. Yet will there be a part of us that is not fully satisfied, not fully fulfilled?

    Did we make the most out of our life, is it selfish to want what we perhaps can't even bring to fruition. Love the voice behind this imagery, especially as it reminds me that we can live our life embracing every opportunity and seeking every thrill, yet desire more. And I don't see that as wrong at all.

    • 4 years ago

      by D.

      I was actually gonna title it ‘Fragility’! Great minds eh? ;)

      No, you’re right. And I’m really happy at how different the reactions are to this. :) it is not wrong to desire more, but it is not essential either. Fruition, desires, complacency...it’s all relative.

  • 4 years ago

    by Star

    It is something we think about a lot of times. I do agree with Noura I am always taken aback when I realize how old I am, and how little I achieved. I had all those big plans, that of course will never happen how I want them to. It is not only the achievements that I’m looking at, I look at myself, I want more of myself, I want more of life.
    So in other words, we all want more, but as Ben said it is the time we spend looking for that “more” is what we have to be careful about!!

    I love how this speaks to us all, I love how it made calculate all the goals I have in my head. It left me sad, yet reassured that it’s not only me. I am sorry if I rambled .
    Thank you so much for sharing Daniel :)

    • 4 years ago

      by D.

      Well I wanted to speak for everyone and to everyone :) you’re right, we do have to be careful about ‘more’...is ‘enough’ ever ‘enough’? Some people are happy with enough and then have these moments when they remember all the things they didn’t achieve, and reminded of their age. Our self awareness makes us special though.

      Don’t apologise! I love people sharing their thoughts, as you, Noura and Ben have. I apologise for making you sad ahah, maybe it was a necessary sadness. I hope. :)

  • 4 years ago

    by nouriguess

    I don't want to grow old either. I always feel younger than my chronological age, and when I'm taken aback by how old I really am, I always feel a little bit frustrated. Like, I should've achieved more at the age of 25. Ugh. Things are happening fast.
    The last stanza was pretty sad.

    • 4 years ago

      by D.

      My ‘career’ started when I was 25! The years move quick and sometimes you can achieve more in months than years. It’s all relative. :) it’s good to challenge yourself though.

      It is kinda sad yeah, but these moments of self awareness and fragility can spur us.

  • 4 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    But each one of those lines is an experience lived, Daniel. I believe, ultimately, we are lucky we have the chance to forge those facial furrows. As for wanting more, well, people spend their whole lives wanting more - whatever 'more' actually is. And the problem is, if we don't find out, we've wasted a good deal of precious, precious time.

    I would love to see this on the front page, but I am also aware you have written a rather decent piece with Noura again, so I am happily conflicted!

    All the very best as ever,

    Ben

    • 4 years ago

      by D.

      Thanks a lot for the words Ben - it’s not necessarily myself voicing my own fears, I wanted to capture that moment of uncertainty we all have had about it, our frailty. :)

      Hope you’re well, and thanks again!

    • 4 years ago

      by Ben Pickard

      I understand completely, Daniel. As for what I wrote, in all honesty, it's a case of do as I say not as I do. I've spent half my bloody life wondering if there isn't something more...whatever 'more' actually is :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Michael

    Nicely penned Daniel :) keep smiling, M

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