Note: please read explanation beneath these two poems --- thanks. I don't know if any you have read these before -- I posted them in January, 2004. Time Will Erase * © Dr. Richard A. George (1957) Wild wind and time will powder into dust The rugged granite and the falling bough, Will tarnish words as bright steel turns to rust Will dry the well that holds its crystal now. Wind will erase and time will bear no trace For earth will blow and hide away the name Will fashion change across the sleeper's face Thus rock and leaf and heart will look the same. How can we move so infinite as time How can we sing the wind's undying song, No woven pattern in a measure rhyme Can outlast these though beauty make them strong. O scatter wind and time leave nothing whole, Still must we write to satisfy the soul. Time Won't Erase © Norman S. Pollack (2004) Wild wind and time will form a mountain strong; On strengthened granite shall your words be saved The metered verse that stayed with me this long Shall crystallize and through this be engraved. Wind won't erase and time will bear the trace For on this earth a poem outlives a name, And though it seems life's journeys go apace, More than a bust on Rushmore is our fame. How can we then be finite since we rhyme Through verse, outlast the elements so strong That woven lives will never measure time As each to each ... a song gives birth to song; O scatter wind and time for they can't sever Poetic souls entwined like this forever. *** *** what about: Poetic souls inscripted now forever * Re-printed with permission of Dr. Richard A. George =============================================== Brief explanation; The first poem, "Time Will Erase" was written by my high school English teacher in 1957 (I was a sophomore, would you believe). It was THAT poem that he read it in class from his book, "Undertow", that got me interested in writing poetry and teaching. He was such a positive influence on my life! Well, lwe were re-united a few years ago in 2004. He is 87 years YOUNG today and is still witty, sharp and recites his poetry from memory. He is very well published in England and was recognized with a special writing award (I'll have to get the name of it) by the Queen. He has never used a computer and you cannot find his poetry anywhere on the Internet. I do still have his book, "Undertow". So after more thanm 45 years, I FINALLY wrote a response-poem/sonnet in tribute to the man and poem that started it all for me. It cannot match his, but it was from the heart. True to form (Norm's), I contradicted him a bit by challenging his titled comment, "Time Will Erase". I read his and then mine together that night inn the restaurant ---it was a beautifully shared emotional moment. As you read both of these, remember the line, "GIVE THEM THE FLOWERS NOW". I was fortunate enough to have this opportunity (and more to follow) in my lifetime. Re-connect with those from your past that have meant something to you ---- I'm glad I did!
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