Reflections: An Old Man Revisits His Life. A Poetic Odyssey
“The journey into self-love and self-acceptance must begin with self-examination… until you take the journey of self-reflection, it is almost impossible to grow or learn in life.” – Iyanla Vanzant
Introduction
The old man sits alone, lost in his own reflection of weakness, sealed by sorrow for the lost years he longs for. Has he lost the right to claim the moral high ground? In spite of misguided choices that still ravish his consciousness he still carries hope.
You and I can never go back. We can't correct or change the past - or can we? Can we alter our past? Einstein thought so. But, even so, what's important is how we grow and learn from the choices we make.
If the truth be known, each of us will identify with the old man in one way or the other. As you unravel each line of the old man's reflections, you may discover a bit of yourself hidden between the lines.
An Old Man Reflects on His Life
He walks alone his time is short
He basks in memories of the past
Innocence, naivety, choices, mistakes
Serve a fools fairy tale
Reflections of another time
Weave lost cobwebs in the mind
Have I served my purpose here
Doubting clouds run rampant
Seeds of greatness are within
All have entered without sin
Seeking virtue conducted by nature's voice
Mentoring mankind walking blind
Transparent life its ups and downs
Lay before me patterns bold
Have I passed the endless tests
Will my soul be laid to rest
Have I Served My Purpose Here?
Examine memories days are ending
Begging for another chance
Repentance struggling to forgive
Others and himself
Tears longing for his loved ones
Pierce his wrinkled, leathery cheeks
Friends and family went before him
Reflections of another time, lived long ago
Search for the young boy living deep within
Ignited memories pierce old eyes
Inviting youth to join once more
Relive, re-dream, a new King Arthur
Wrapping up mind's endless chatter
Evolves the capacity for understanding
Viewing the past through maturities lessons
Stepping stones to self-actualization and fulfillment
'Tis not the end but the beginning
Lifes scars turn into stars
Reflecting bonds with gratitude, all is well, all is well
The message is clear, love transcends all
I am ready.
Life's Message: To Love And Learn
Take Time to Reflect
As we reflect on how we have lived, thus far, let us turn our attention to how we have loved others. Think back to the endless times you have shown unending patience as this is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate love. And let's remember to love ourselves as well. It is difficult, if not impossible, to love others when we ignore self-love.
Reflecting on our lives is a healthy way to assess where we've been and where we want to go. Taking a few moments to do this regularly helps us discover a greater connection to ourselves.
How Often Do You Reflect On Your Life?
A Video Worth Viewing
One of my Favorite Quotes About Reflection
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Søren Kierkegaard
Questions & Answers
© 2018 Audrey Hunt
Comments
AUTHORTuna is my favorite ... I, too, eat right out of the can! :)
I often go back and read your follow up comments. I am deeply appreciative for all that you say and do. There are many complicated issues that can develop in one day. I try my best to break down my day in smaller chunks like eating tuna out of a can. So good and yet I haven't made my tuna sandwich yet. I taste it again when I mix it and by the time I'm done, I could easily eat one whole can of tuna. My father didn't understand the way I ate it. He said it wasn't right. He thought there was enough tuna for 3 sandwiches, not just one. I enjoyed eating tuna my way and I didn't want to have tuna later or the next day. It never went to waste. My father thought I was also being a pig eating so much at once. I wasn't taking tuna away from anyone else. The tuna was for me. If someone wanted some I would share. Was he right and me wrong. I don't know. But the memory stays with me to this day. He was mad at me and I couldn't change his thinking. Maybe I should have given in but I felt I did nothing wrong. When I eat tuna today I hesitate to eat it thinking what he would say. My dad passed away in 1991. These are little things I like to share that mean something to me and not necessarily anyone else. Unless I can make it into a funny tuna sandwich story or poem. Thank you so much for being a friend.
- AUTHOR
Dream On
Tears welled up in my eyes as I read through the comments from 8 hours ago. How I do love your analogy of the building blocks and your view of life. And I will join you anytime, my friend, as I am so inclined to live each day exactly like this.
My skin burst forth with "goosebumps" with another surprise visit from you 2 hours ago. You mention the above video with James Schmidt. My grandchildren lost their father in much the same way. I've been impressed upon lately to send each of them this same video. The importance of leaving a legacy is not reserved for just the old...even the young must live in such a way that in the event of death their legacy will be inspiring to those who are left.
Speaking of inspiring...you have written passionately about life, its struggles, and its beauty. Through your poetry, you have spiritually and emotionally enlightened us.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words of wisdom.
Bless your heart and soul.
I came back to tell you how moving the value of self-reflection by James Schmidt fit into your hub. In life, we all move in so many directions at any one time. It is hard to know what is right at the present moment. We make choices and later have to live with the consequences of our decisions. Some decisions are as easy as making lunch or taking a shower. Then others get more difficult like leaving early for work to make sure we drive safe and arrive on time. Still, other choices get harder to stay at our current job or to move on. We all make mistakes and also have many good things to be proud of. I am happy to spend my time reading and writing. It keeps me out of trouble and makes my brain work in ways I didn't know it could. Thank you for giving back in so many ways. Have a pleasant night.
What a beautiful and fitting poem. We all can learn from. There is not a time that I do not wonder if this was the last day of my life will it be the one I am the happiest with. I keep building on the day before. Like a three -year- old with blocks. One block stacks on top of the other if it falls I get another block. If it stays I grab another colored block. Each time I make my way to the top. Designing, planning, perfecting, reorganizing and let's not forget dreaming. If I am happy with what I have done. I tear them down and start all over again. I often look for other people to join in the fun. If they come they are more than welcome and we can have lots of fun today and tomorrow. If I am alone I can still enjoy my day and think of all the good times and my struggles. It might be a very simplistic view of life but it works for me. Thank you so much for your wonderful writings and view of life.
- AUTHOR
Pamela,
Thank you for taking time to read my poem. I appreciate your kind support and comments. "So then the end can be the beginning." is such a powerful phrase. I'm glad you included this. Peace be with you, my friend.
Linda,
So nice to see you here. Thanks for your comments and the time you spent here. My best to you!
- AUTHOR
Eric,
We think alike. I often ask myself where would I be today if not for the mistakes I've made in my life. And one reason I turn to your sermons often is that each one helps me to stay on track and inspires me to always try and make the right choices.
Thank you.
- AUTHOR
Dianna
Bishop T.D.Jakes said something I'll never forget: "If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose."
Thank you, my friend.
You reminded me that we all have a purpose and to ponder upon it is worthwhile. Great writing!
- AUTHOR
Nellianna,
You are an artist with words. I've enjoyed your writings and been amazed by each piece. Thank you for being here and sending hugs your way.
Chitrangada,
Thank you, dear one, for your kind words. I can relate to you being an over-thinker to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. It's a good and kind way to be. Blessings and love to you.
- AUTHOR
Dora,
Your kind comments mean so much...thank you. I appreciate your support. Reflecting on life seems to be on my mind lately. I suppose it's natural when we approach a certain age. My best to you.
- AUTHOR
mcbirdbks
Thank you, Mike, for sharing your thoughts. Reflecting on one's life appears to be a natural part of aging. It certainly is for me. :) Sending you hugs and wishes for good health.
- AUTHOR
Rajan
Yes, I agree that reflection on the past comes more often as we age. I'm doing more than ever before. The quote pack a punch, doesn't it?
In the end, it's all about love. Thank you, my friend.
How true, Audrey! I think one tends to reflect more on the past as one gets older. The quote about reflection is so difficult to live by.
- AUTHOR
loannis Arvanitis
Thank you, my friend, for writing such beautiful comments. I love your motto and try hard to live it. I believe that if anyone action could heal the world and bring peace it would be to love each other. Blessings to you, Sean.
Impressive lines inspiring even more reflection on the part of the reader. "Have I passed the endless tests?" Your final verse is encouraging.
- AUTHOR
Rinita Sen
Thank you. So nice to see you here. Best wishes to you.
Frances,
Thanks for being here and for your comments. Take care.
Hello Audrey - This is a good piece of writing. The human condition strikes all of us. Some harder than others, as we all approach our lives with somewhat different standards. Many of us will have few regrets.
Sorry I am late.
This ending says it all:
" 'Tis not the end but the beginning
Lifes scars turn into stars
Reflecting bonds with gratitude, all is well, all is well
The message is clear, love transcends all
I am ready."
- AUTHOR
Bill Holland
I believe reflecting is a good thing to do. I suppose as we age, we reflect more often. How beautiful that you love your life! You reflect gratitude...speaking of which, we are all so grateful for you.
Thank you, dear friend.
Love
Audrey
An Amazing poem and a life lesson for all ages! Yes, my dear Audrey, I believe that Love can put everything in place, past, present and future. My motto is:
"Do the best you can with Love in your Heart, and that's always enough."
Thank you for the blessing of this piece of your kind Heart!
Admiration and Gratitude!
Sean
Beautiful and thought provoking poem, so nicely expressed!
I do reflect upon my life, my words, my actions quite often. May be an over thinker, because I don’t want to hurt anyone by my words or actions, and try my best to avoid mistakes.
Your poem is beautiful, your sketch excellent. An artist at heart with a loving soul. God Bless You Audrey. Thanks for sharing this.
Awww.....thanks for remembering my hubbie award! Yes, my Hubbie was for Best Commenter. I was so proud! LOL.......It's sad we don't do the awards anymore.....but "Oh well." Have a great week-end Audrey!
- AUTHOR
Paula
I remember when hub pages were giving out the rewards for "Best this and best that" and included in the categories was "Who is the best for leaving comments" (or something close to this.) You were voted the best on hub pages. You still wear this honor well!
My eyes filled with tears as I buried myself in your words. Your comments are poetry in itself, sweet Paula. I am truly touched and humbled.
I can tell that you relate to my poem and this makes me so happy. As you may have guessed, this was written from my heart and about my struggles in life. I've been doing a considerable amount of reflecting these days.
Thank you, my friend.
Love and hugs.
- AUTHOR
Mary
Love is what makes us human, it makes life worth living. Thank you for your valuable comment.
I love that quote, too. And as we move forward, love is all that matters. Thank you for this inspiring message.
- AUTHOR
Divine
So nice to see you here. Enjoy your day and the first feel of Fall.
Thank you for sharing your poems.
Audrey, my beautiful, smiling lady friend...is there no end to your massive talents? You are a bouquet of so many lovely flowers, tied with silk and decorated with pure gold. You share your voice in music, your artistic skills in sketches and you touch our hearts with your moving Poetry.
The finishing touch to all of this, comes through in your loving nature.
This poem moved me to tears as I read and related. Hugs, Paula
Allow me to state the obvious: this is simply beautiful. One of your best pieces of writing in all the time I've known you.
Does it speak to me? My goodness, I spend a lot of time reflecting these days. I suppose it is only natural to do so, and I find it very comforting. I absolutely love my life, I love my friends, and I definitely love this poetic gift you have given us all.
love
bill
A well done piece indeed. I love my life. So when I reflect i see those mistakes I have made and thank God I did, otherwise where would I be.
Audry, This is a lovely, thought provoking poem. It covers the doubts we may have over past choices, the forgiveness we need to live our older years with peace. Reaching self-actualization, so then the end can be the beginning. Thanks for the art and sharing those thought in poetry.
Your poem is very thought provoking and your drawing is wonderful, Audrey. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Love the quote at the end.
You've penned a lovely piece here, full of reflection and philosophy. You're right, there is much of everyone here; certainly it reflects many of my own thoughts. I regret much but try to move forward and make amends if I can.
If we learn from experience we can change the past a little or make amends, I believe. If we do learn and love as we go, then that shows wisdom and a certain grace of spirit.
Lovely words with a great message. You make us think deeply with this one. I salute your verses and the rhythm of your thoughts.
Ann
Nicely done Audrey. I often reflect upon my past life and would change many things that I had done or said. The life we live now is most important and we will do so until it is our time to leave, Hopefully we will leave a good legacy for our family to take pride in and to inspire them to go on and meet challenges faced each day.I so enjoyed your work. Many blessings my friend. whonu
Audrey, your poem is wonderful, thoughtful and the sketch looks so very much like a dear friend who turned 100 in June of this year. At this age he has lost his wife and most of his friends. He has lived his life well and says he has no regrets, but he wants to go home and be reunited with his loved ones.
I try not to think to much about the grander scheme else I become depressed but I loved your poem. I do believe I have a very specific purpose on this earth. Your art is as beautiful as your poem. You are very talented...writer, singer, artist!
An intelligent and reflective poem, Audrey. Life is so fleeting and we often sit back and contemplate how we have lived it and if we have done anything worthwhile. Like Rinita, I also like the sketches you included.
Such a thoughtful article. I loved Søren Kierkegaard's sage comment.
This is deep with a powerful ending. Totally loved this stanza
"Transparent life its ups and downs
Lay before me patterns bold
Have I passed the endless tests
Will my soul be laid to rest"
Oh, and that sketch in the beginning is beautiful!
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