((((Summer Of My Life)))) Poem by Theodora (Theo) Onken

((((Summer Of My Life))))

Rating: 4.1


It was early summer
... Before the full green set in
When the lawns de-winterizing
Awoke
To a Yellowish Brown
New floor had not been formed
Not yet ready for
The Tropical Palm;
The white cloud days
Pushed at the Baby-Blue constantly
While the circular Tangerine Sun,
Peeked out surreptitously;
Back in the Era -
When days grew long -
Where the light shown -
The Mud and The Flower -
Yesteryear in the Summer -
Of my Okay and ugly ways -
I remember the good and bad -
Of my many, Summer hours;
Early green splashed -
With Hazy Sides of Gray -
Me, living, off of the sweet land -
Breathing in -
But always, waiting for -
Something better -
To come along -
Something better in-
My life to begin.


Footnote***
Oh, how childish those days were. I had
My life, and my health for the most part.
No suffering, physically or mentally.
Now, with my health going to the dogs, i
Can so easily reflect back, on what a
Silly, selfish human being i really was.
Because i did have something better.
I had my health...and having your health
Is the greatest wealth we can own.
Without health, we have and are nothing!

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Lawrence S. Pertillar 14 October 2007

I admire your wit and personalized sharing. You write with such a clarity seen. Yes, our health is 'thee' most treasured gift we have. In our youth we take it for granted. As we age, we realize the value of health more. We most forgive and love our ailments away. I know it sounds crazy. But love is the cure 'all' for everything. We just don't do enough of it to recognize the benefits. Be well.

13 1 Reply
Melvina Germain 28 October 2007

A beautiful poem indeed Theo, picturesque, descriptive words. As young people we always want something better, nothing seems good enough but as we grow older and more wiser we appreciate the gifts that we took for granted. A truly wonderful poem Theo with an excellent footnote.--Melvina--

13 1 Reply
Theodora Onken 06 December 2007

Melvina, and Sonnet, Thank you so very very much. Blessings and hugs, Theo

12 1 Reply
Patricia Gale 14 October 2007

Stunning imagery, yes the youth and health we take for granted. But Theo your heart is as big as any I have had the pleasure of reading.. Blessing of health to you my dear! Patricia

12 1 Reply
x... x... 14 October 2007

Theo, Your heart is larger than all the seasons put together [including the ones we've missed like this year when summer goes on and on {yes! ! } and when there never was a Spring but rather snow and rain through June] We are always looking for something better, wishing things were a little different, life was a little less harsh and mostly for love...Health, yes, we do take it for granted but there's a reason for every stumble along the way, the largest included. Why, we ask, WHY? ? ? Well, because this is life and it's the cards we're dealt and some are dealt harder ones than others and their is no reason or fairness to it...Perhaps the man in charge chooses those who are most special to carry the heaviest burdens....We're taught that we'll never be given anything harder than we can bear and then when it happens we just fall down and apart but SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY, we manage to hang on and get back up. Summer of Your Life, a beautiful and contemplative write and you dear one should be very proud. There will be better days. I know easy to say not so easy to believe. God isn't ready for you yet Theo, we need you here with us.........God Bless, love, marci.xox

12 1 Reply
Dr Antony Theodore 24 May 2016

I remember the good and bad - Of my many, Summer hours; Early green splashed - With Hazy Sides of Gray - Me, living, off of the sweet land - Breathing in - But always, waiting for - Something better - To come along - Something better in- My life to begin. all the wishes of summer and when we are fully alive, and healthy our dreams are really different...... now when all those days remain a dream and in the present context when the health deteriorates and when we think of saying goodbye slowly to this world our thinking and vision of life changes. you have wonderfully captured it in this poem.. a poem which is spiritual and philosophical. love this poem. thank you poetess Theodora.......oh i am theodore.. thank you again. tony

5 0 Reply
Pamela Sinicrope 10 May 2016

I can relate to this poem. I too like the imagery of the de-winterizing lawn. We get a vivid picture of that in MN. I can also relate, in my middle age, to the feeling of regret or loss of what I eschewed in my youth...health, looks, abilities, young babies that tire you out....Love those early summer hours. Thanks for sharing.

3 0 Reply
Susan Williams 02 May 2016

You certainly know how to begin a poem! This is a snapshot of what we all have seen every year of our life- - - ] It was early summer ... Before the full green set in When the lawns de-winterizing Awoke To a Yellowish Brown- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ] de-winterizing is a priceless word! ! ! ! ! ! and yes the grass awakens to find itself a yellowish brown and given rain will turn itself green! These images, these words, show the care taken in choosing them. Then you turn from the optimism and enthusiasm of youth, of spring, to this- - - -] Yesteryear in the Summer - Of my Okay and ugly ways [- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - a shattering contrast here snaps your reader upright but your poetic heart is determined to examine the truth and not the myth. Then the summer doldrums that often get us into the worst trouble of our lives- - - - - - - -] Me, living, off of the sweet land - Breathing in - But always, waiting for - Something better - To come along - Something better in- My life to begin. Excellent piece, Theo, excellent.

2 0 Reply
Vincent Bayer 30 January 2016

true on so many levels

6 0 Reply
Susan Lacovara 15 November 2013

Funny, as we age, the something better we searched for...we then, come to realize was well within our grasp...in those carefree, if not wasted days, of youth. And oh what bliss to recapture a glimpse of it now. I wish you better health. A lovely trip back, provided by your poem. PEACE

11 1 Reply
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