Reflections: An Old Man Revisits His Life. A Poetic Odyssey

Writing provides me with a way to release pent-up emotions. Through poetry, I express my feelings, dreams, and gratitude.

“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.

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

© 2018 Audrey Hunt

Comments

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on March 02, 2020:

Hi Brenda

I want to thank you for sharing my poetry on your facebook page. So nice of you. I seem to reflect constantly. As long as we're living, embarking on a new path is available. Take care.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on March 02, 2020:

Audrey,

Taking time to reflect upon one's journey in life is important. Being able to possibly change the direction of one's life is a path worth taking.

I shared this one.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=120214...

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on March 01, 2019:

Tuna is my favorite ... I, too, eat right out of the can! :)

DREAM ON on March 01, 2019:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on February 28, 2019:

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.

DREAM ON on February 28, 2019:

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.

DREAM ON on February 28, 2019:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 19, 2018:

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!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 14, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 14, 2018:

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.

Dianna Mendez on October 10, 2018:

You reminded me that we all have a purpose and to ponder upon it is worthwhile. Great writing!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 08, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 05, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 05, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on October 05, 2018:

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.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 03, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 29, 2018:

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.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on September 26, 2018:

Impressive lines inspiring even more reflection on the part of the reader. "Have I passed the endless tests?" Your final verse is encouraging.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 25, 2018:

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.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on September 25, 2018:

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.

Nellieanna Hay on September 25, 2018:

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."

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 24, 2018:

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

Ioannis Arvanitis from Greece, Almyros on September 23, 2018:

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

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on September 22, 2018:

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.

Suzie from Carson City on September 20, 2018:

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!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 20, 2018:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 20, 2018:

Mary

Love is what makes us human, it makes life worth living. Thank you for your valuable comment.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on September 20, 2018:

I love that quote, too. And as we move forward, love is all that matters. Thank you for this inspiring message.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on September 20, 2018:

Divine

So nice to see you here. Enjoy your day and the first feel of Fall.

Diviine from Bay Area on September 20, 2018:

Thank you for sharing your poems.

Suzie from Carson City on September 20, 2018:

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

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 20, 2018:

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

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on September 20, 2018:

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.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 20, 2018:

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.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on September 19, 2018:

Your poem is very thought provoking and your drawing is wonderful, Audrey. Thank you for sharing your creativity.

Ann Carr from SW England on September 19, 2018:

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

whonunuwho from United States on September 19, 2018:

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

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on September 19, 2018:

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.

FlourishAnyway from USA on September 19, 2018:

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!

Frances Metcalfe from The Limousin, France on September 19, 2018:

Such a thoughtful article. I loved Søren Kierkegaard's sage comment.

Rinita Sen on September 19, 2018:

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!