Albert Herdianto Widjojo
I really understand
why old age
is not attractive to you.
Yes, I am old,
and it could be old-fashioned, ancient
but I can say from this stodgy for you are
I was young once before
and you have never been old
if your root is courage,
my tree is wisdom
I respect your adventurous spirit
and I’ve come home
from your adventures
a long long time ago
then consider a souvenir
from my adventure
so that your steps
starts from the shoulders of my adventures
and who knows,
you are able to go further
than my farthest steps.
–
Illustration by Albert Herdie – Digital painting from part of The Land of Confusion Series – Shoulder To Stepped.
sometimes the shoulder are ignored until the younger have fallen enough…
they know that even not needed the extra height, the shoulders are always there
The spirit of the young must be strong, brave and explorative but don’t forget that there are true principles working in the universe. We must be wise from all of these experiences and principles or we just become hurt, or spoiled, or useless lives.
Well said…
now for me to check my own… haha
But why?
Isn’t I who borrowed the sentence from you?
You are so profound, and I so irreverent. “Old age and treachery will always prevail over youthful exuberance”. I like being treacherous to youngsters! Sinister grin…
Hahaha … That’s amazing, brother fin! In fact I’m talking about our “old soul”, which does not appeal to those who are “young” or thinks we are silly boobs! Come on, teach me to swim!
Ha! Heavens no! We can’t even dress ourselves, don’t you know? Even if you can find one who doesn’t know everything already, keeping an attention span is a lesson in discipline.
Swim? Swimming is for those who cannot fly. Teach me to fly, perch in treetops and sing!
In that case, there may be two closers; flying fish or penguins. That is also if they are willing to evolve further. Hehehe…
Evolution!? My favorite pastime! I’ll have two please! SpLaSh! >-=^;>
Yeheyhey! That means it will be great!
You are a good poet Albert
Thank you very much, Jamie
Life, on going journey. Good and true words.
Aye, Ma’am. Thank you very much, Pamela.
When I read the title, I couldn’t help but remember Newton’s claim that he was able to see so far because he stood on the shoulders of giants. Even though I wasn’t even a teen yet, I knew exactly what he meant the first time I read it…
Now I better understand why you become a wise artist!
Indeed, I have stood on the shoulders of giants. Such sights I can see from those dizzying heights!
That is true. But that’s the way to become a visionary leader. Hehehe…
Don’t know about being a leader, but as far as visionary… the view is fantastic! I can see my house from up here
Wow! That’s an amazing vision, brother! Hahayyy…
Greeks thought the power of prophecy could strike you blind; you could either see the present or the future, but mortals couldn’t do both…
Am I wrong if I feel or suspect that you disagree with Greeks? Our flesh will certainly rot and die, the container is mortal but not with our soul.
I don’t think homo sapiens can see the future; we don’t have the senses to allow us to observe the fifth dimension nor do we have the structures in our minds to allow us to process non-linear information
Hmmmm… Okay… Thanks for your opinion, brother.
I’m not saying it is impossible because that’s not for me to say, just think it is unlikely given the limitations of the human mind as it currently is…
Heyyy… Are not we brothers who understand each other? Take it easy, brother. I understand what you mean. Thank you
De nada, mijo. Esta bien…
Lovely food for thought. And the artwork is spectacular.
Awh… Thank you for your compliment, Della.
I learn more from you with everyone of your post. Excellent writing
Thank you very much, LaJenna
A beautiful interpretation of life in general. We all age but it truly is only a number.
Totally agree, Carol. Big thanks for the comment
A very good opinion about life in a poem. There is a Bulgarian song in which you sing: My youngest, where do you go? Of life very, very little took. Perhaps you’re going to meet old age, a strand sticks in your hair.
E-eh-eh, young, come back. You old age. Do not make sadness in my heart.
Wow… a very nice song, Elenka. We should enjoy life and be fully grateful. Age is just part of the game.
Thanks a lot for the compliment, Ellie
I love this, Albert! Thank you for this beautifully written post. You’re incredible!
…And thank you for this beautifully written compliment, Kind Girl Gina
Very beautiful poem! It reminded me of this saying: “Youth is an illness and the years are the cure.” Sorry for the bad translation.
Thanks a lot for the compliment, Ellie