Poets Forum by Dennis Patton

OLD AGE AIN’T EASY

Getting old isn’t so bad

As long as you don’t get “old.” Age is only a state of mind … At least that’s what I’ve been told.

The spirit may still be very young Tho the youth of the body is gone. Still many things can be done As long as life goes on.

Life is too short and precious to waste

And some days are gonna be rough. There will be days full of aches and pains

And to survive, you’ve got to be tough.

—Becky Townsend Benton

HAIKU

ant crawling on ziploc sealed bag box of sugar inside

—Cathy Parker Alexander

ANOTHER PLACE

I have not faced the pain of loss that shows on your face,

Or the cold nights waiting for the call that never comes.

The footsteps that echoed on the squeaky boards of the long hall

How can I help when each day dawnsand you awake

To coffee alone, any page of the paper you choose no dinner to prepare

For someone’s return no quiet conversation of mundane events

I have not faced the pain I only know that emptiness

Has taken your smile to another place.

—Sue Watson Benton

NEVER GIVE UP

There once was a ball player named Grimes

Who said, “My self-confidence climbs If I can steal a base

But I feel in disgrace

For I’ve been thrown out fifty-one times.

—Howard Nobles Deceased

UNDER GOD’S EYE

I am touched by the green of the grass, the shade of the tree, the blue of the sky, delicate balance of water and land, and to know I’m seen by God’s eye.

I’ve heard the whisper of evening streams, coyotes calling to a winter sky, summer frogs in the green of June, and it is all good to God’s eye.

I have felt healing when spring snows melt, the softness of a baby’s sigh, a holy place, a moment of grace, and it’s well under God’s eye.

—Dennis Patton Alexander

To submit poems for publication, please send poems of 16 or fewer lines to Dennis Patton, 2512 Springhill Circle, Alexander, AR 72002, or patton_dr@hotmail.com.