Remember when we were in school; when we graduated; and after serving two years in the military. Remember how after each milestone, we dreamt of what we hoped to accomplish; what we will be; where we will go; and, how we will treat the people around us – our parents, our siblings, our spouse, our children, our friends and colleagues…strangers and enemies?
Remember all that?
For those of us who are now well past our fifties, sixties and beyond, what did we discover at stock take?
Have we cleared the markers with smiles or with regrets?
Do we wish to start anew?
Careful now, as you never know – you might just get your wish as Damien discovers in the forthcoming novel: Fallen Grace – The Return, due first quarter 2012. Scary for most but for the discerning, it speaks of hope.
DESTINY by Eric Alagan Copyright @ 2011 by Eric Alagan
Sportsman he, mobbed by
Squealing schoolgirls, envied by friends.
Scholar, feted by
Government, fawned by family.
High-flyer, blessed by
Out-of-box, helicopter views.
Trail blazer, sought by
Newshounds, framed on magazines.
Consummate lover, gentleman.
Caring father, a filial son.
Mountains a dozen to conquer.
Rivers to fjord, records to break.
Kind and considerate, is he.
Pious and charitable, they say.
So much to accomplish in life.
Where will he ever find the time?
Twilight reveals, his
Disappointments, disillusions.
Twilight reveals, his
Goals unrealized, failures met.
Twilight reveals, his
Station in life to reconcile.
Twilight, reveals, oh
My God, is this my destiny?
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Feel free to leave your comments here. Thank you, Eric
I am aging, gracefully I hope, and looking back I see my failures as small places where I stopped along my life’s journey and tried to reconcile myself to myself. In the end other things count more: Memories of children playing along a beach on Lake Michigan, the moments of love we felt for family, the good I’ve done for students and others. There have been moments of fear and accomplishment and depths of despair that still mark every day at some point, but living life and realizing we are blessed to be able to know we enjoy the sun on water is what is important. You are an accomplished man, having already climbed to heights many never know exist: Engineer, family man, poet, writer… You will have small places along the way, but as you age you will turn back and see a long journey, not a short one, filled with experiences and glory as much as failure and defeat. Good poems cause reflection, at least in some cases, and this poem obviously caused me to reflect.
Hello Thomas,
You are so right. As time rolls away, we realise that what we cherish most are the memories. I am very sure you have touched the lives of many, and not only your students. You might want to read my post later today – due out in a few hours – it says how I try to gather only blessings. But like everything else, there is a wide chasm between knowing and doing.
You touched me, with your well thought through words – if these had been spontaneous, then there is a poet in you 🙂
Eric
What a beautiful Blog and ‘Destiny’ is a powerful post. Thank you Eric. Love David
Glad you liked it, David. All good wishes, Eric
A haunting, but beautiful piece of writing. Thanks for sharing
You are very welcome and thank you for stopping by.
“…Metallica and Phil Collins…” I am still trying to figure that one out. Cheers, Eric
beautiful…
Thank you and all good wishes. God bless.
Dreams/hopes are drivers…failure teaches humility and propels us to success. But true failure is not when one fails – but when one has realised one’s failure. Many don’t…and they remain failures.
Many a choice we made on the route to our destiny. When you stop and listen, you’ll know your station somehow. As the poet says to reflect – believe this should help us to re-direct and with it comes hope.
Wow! You are not far out here – most of us to settle and reconcile.
Scary huh! But we still need dreams to propel us.