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    Headstall
  • Headstall
  • Author
  • 04/22/2023
  • 514 Words
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  • 25 Comments
Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Treasures Found - 3. Chapter 3 Drudgery

As we age we must face different obstacles, but that doesn't mean we are not still the same person. The parameters may change, but the heart still has its needs, and we must find it sustenance.

Drudgery

 

 

It happens well before eyelids part

This quest to locate my joy

There be dreams to rile my heart

And nightmares don’t play coy

 

Each new sun furthers exploration

As weary legs swing to the floor

Wishing cause for celebration

With some nugget within mind’s tour

 

Routine is a comfort and a pain

Oft and too many times repeated

Tasks performed over and again

While apathy gloats undefeated

 

But we’re not meant to fold up and die

As long as we draw labored breath

Enough to power a resigned sigh

And wage war against hope’s death

 

It is a battle as frequent as sunrise

A mission to glean something new

While depression spreads its little lies

Triggering choice as we step into dew

 

For this is real, these liquid crystals

As is the grass drops delicately adorn

Magnifying the wonder of yon pistils

Those stalks where beauty is born

 

And though we may acknowledge such gifts

There exists struggle to find reward in life

Thus granting power to the toll of time’s rifts

Allowing it to nourish our mental strife

 

Challenges oft be self-imposed obstacles

So we must sort out our weapons of war

To rage against invasive tentacles

That tighten their grip on our attempt to soar

 

Joy is not a given in this world

Because in us is where it truly resides

And like a flag that snaps unfurled

We must open up to the wind it rides

 

For wishing and praying is not the answer

No matter how often we try

It’s the giving up that is the cancer

We must make the choice to live till we die

 

Since time began we’ve been explorers

Always looking to the fore

Accepting there will always be horrors

As we push our way through another door

 

To relinquish that path is to accept our demise

Allowing lazy old minds to retreat

So I will face the drudge of each day

Snatching small victories from the mouth of defeat

 

My joy best lies in the wee wonders of nature

And curious questions from rosy cheeks glowing

Both of these blessings deserve my nurture

And a sought-for peace does come with the knowing

 

 

 

Haiku

 

A paw taps my knee

As soulful eyes beseech me

To go exploring

 

 

Haiku

 

A widow-maker

Crashes to the ground ahead

And I have been spared

 

 

Haiku

 

Following hare prints

Is a circuitous maze

Meant to befuddle

 

 

Haiku

 

The wind howls with rage

Tempering that within me

For mine must retreat

 

 

Haiku

 

Red squirrel flits brave

As I flip the wheelbarrow

To spill twice-fed oats

 

 

Haiku

 

The smell of cedar

Still resides in trees long dead

Giving life to air

 

 

Haiku

 

Gently flowing stream

Freed from winter’s icy grip

Reflects its ally

 

 

Haiku

 

If in God we trust

Do we leave it in his hands

To protect children?

Thank you for reading. Please leave a recommendation and review if you found these offerings worthwhile. Cheers!
Copyright © 2023 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 3
  • Love 10
Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

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  • Popular Comment
Headstall
  • Popular Comment
4 hours ago, Albert1434 said:

Very enjoyable Poems which I love, Drudgery a dark and meaningful poem from which no one escapes, Unless you have a team of robots or maids!

Lol. Got no robots... or maids either. Happy to hear you found "Drudgery" meaningful, Albert. It is so easy to give up. Many times I think "What's the point", but I'm smart enough to know that is self pity mixed with depression. Those routines that seem so monotonous and pointless are actually very important. As long as we are doing them, we are engaging, and ready for joy when we find it. You're right that we can't escape the changes aging does wrought, but we can still find our peace through acceptance and keeping our curiosity. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on this whole collection over three chapters. I believe I accomplished what I wanted to, and I hope it was a journey enjoyed. Cheers! :hug: 

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  • Popular Comment
Headstall
  • Popular Comment
35 minutes ago, centexhairysub said:

I actually found Drudgery very hopeful feeling.

Loved the Haikus again, people don't realize how hard they are to do.

Thank you so much for your continued support of my collections, centex. "Drudgery" is a hopeful poem. I'm glad you felt that. There is an acceptance we must all reach in order to get the most from our life as we age. I may not have all I want in life, but I do know what is important to me. :) 

You're right about Haiku. They require great consideration in order to have them say what you want in such a short form. The goal for me is to have readers nod, and say "Yes", that is so true. Appreciate your appreciation for the effort that goes into poetry. Cheers! :hug: 

  • Love 7
raven1

I love the fighting spirit of Drudgery. It feels like a declaration of independence from that which tries to break our souls. The last stanza was a lovely way to highlight a victory over drudgery.  Nature has the same affect on me.  The haikus were delightful as each created different pictures to which I related personal experience.  Orange would love the first one.  It is so like her.  I do love your haikus.

  • Like 1
  • Love 3
Headstall
16 hours ago, Backwoods Boy said:

Oh, yes, I do relate to Drudgery.  Thanks very much for sharing these thoughts.

Thank you, Backwoods Boy. "Treasures Found" took me on a journey I hope many relate to, and "Drudgery" is mostly about acceptance. We trust the blows are coming, we absorb them, and we persevere. All in all, I wanted each of the three main poems to bring peace of a kind. They did for me. The Haikus, a favorite form for me, are about our connection to the world around us. :)  Appreciate you taking some time to share your thoughts. Cheers! Gary. :hug: 

  • Love 4
Headstall
3 hours ago, raven1 said:

I love the fighting spirit of Drudgery. It feels like a declaration of independence from that which tries to break our souls. The last stanza was a lovely way to highlight a victory over drudgery.  Nature has the same affect on me.  The haikus were delightful as each created different pictures to which I related personal experience.  Orange would love the first one.  It is so like her.  I do love your haikus.

I love the way you see "Drudgery", Terry. It is as you say, a declaration, one we all need to make for ourselves as we age. The world and our experiences can test us, and we have choices as to what we can do. It's all about accepting the hard times for me. 

As far as the last stanza, when my granddaughter asks Papa those questions, serious to her, that make me smile, I know in my heart what really matters. :) 

Haiku are wonderful expressions of the world around us... observations in a pure and concise form. I'm pleased you found them delightful. Cheers to you and to Orange. :hug:   

  • Love 4
Headstall
2 hours ago, Aditus said:

For me, Drudgery conveys the same spirit as Lesson Learned,  hope within the daily grind that inspires us to walk on.

As in the other chapters, your haikus are sparkling gems; this is my favorite: 

If in God we trust

Do we leave it in his hands

To protect children?

Yes, that same hope lives in "Drudgery" that lives in "Lessons Learned". As hard as it might be for us to understand sometimes, coming through hardships, emotional and otherwise, are "Treasures Found"... in my opinion. I have learned many things the hard way, but I carry the patina it leaves me with some important sense of self. It can take a  while to get there, to accept such trials, but I/we must learn to treasure each day. That was the point of this entire collection for me, and I hope that comes through for readers.

Love that you chose that Haiku. It is not a traditional one, but it reflects me in so many ways. Thanks for all the support, Adi. Much appreciated. G. :hug:  

  • Like 1
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Headstall
2 hours ago, dughlas said:

Drudgery, mayhaps and yet there are moments of hope and joy within.

And that is the point of this entire collection, dear friend. You know me well, and the angst I can experience for the world around me. All three of these chapters are reminders that there is good even in the bad. Thanks for coming on the entire journey with me. I have come to rely on hearing your thoughts, bro. :hug: 

  • Love 5
ReaderPaul

Once again, Gary, you have amazed and aroused my sense of wonderment with poetry.  However, an analysis of the scope of the above would be far longer than what you presented, so I will just say --  Very well done indeed, @Headstall.  Not only the scope, sir, but the sensitivity, the seriousness, the steadfastness, the valor, the victory, the valiant verve and vitality, vanquishing the sticky syrupy, sometimes slog through the times of life when loose languid lax -- lumps -- of living appear.  

Thanks.

  • Love 3
raven1
8 minutes ago, ReaderPaul said:

Not only the scope, sir, but the sensitivity, the seriousness, the steadfastness, the valor, the victory, the valiant verve and vitality, vanquishing the sticky syrupy, sometimes slog through the times of life when loose languid lax -- lumps -- of living appear.  

Thanks.

Hey Paul!  I gave a heart for the comment, even as I laughed my way thru this part!  Well done, if a bit overdone. :2thumbs:

  • Haha 3
Headstall
10 hours ago, ReaderPaul said:

Once again, Gary, you have amazed and aroused my sense of wonderment with poetry.  However, an analysis of the scope of the above would be far longer than what you presented, so I will just say --  Very well done indeed, @Headstall.  Not only the scope, sir, but the sensitivity, the seriousness, the steadfastness, the valor, the victory, the valiant verve and vitality, vanquishing the sticky syrupy, sometimes slog through the times of life when loose languid lax -- lumps -- of living appear.  

Thanks.

Wow. Thank you, kind sir. I write poetry to connect with people and express what I am feeling, and I must admit the way to my writer's heart is lots of alliteration, and you deliver this grandly. :D   I absolutely love your final sentence... it is brilliant... and a little humbling. I have to repeat... Brilliant... and you made me laugh. Well done to you too, Paul. :hug: 

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  • Popular Comment
ReaderPaul
  • Popular Comment
1 hour ago, Headstall said:

Wow. Thank you, kind sir. I write poetry to connect with people and express what I am feeling, and I must admit the way to my writer's heart is lots of alliteration, and you deliver this grandly. :D   I absolutely love your final sentence... it is brilliant... and a little humbling. I have to repeat... Brilliant... and you made me laugh. Well done to you too, Paul. :hug: 

1 hour ago, Headstall said:

Lol. Not overdone at all. It was masterful, and funny as hell.  

11 hours ago, raven1 said:

Hey Paul!  I gave a heart for the comment, even as I laughed my way thru this part!  Well done, if a bit overdone. :2thumbs:

Terry and Gary -- I am much better at alliteration than poetry.  On GA I am finding possibly the best poetry I have ever read.  You two and @Backwoods Boy and @Aditus  and @Cynus and @AC Benus have written poetry equal to or exceeding the classical poets taught in school.  The reflectiveness, root reactions, real riveting rhythms, and remembrances triggered, all add appreciation to an interesting and intelligent examination within myself.  Thanks to all of you I mentioned. 

Edited by ReaderPaul
  • Love 6
AC Benus
41 minutes ago, ReaderPaul said:

Terry and Gary -- I am much better at alliteration than poetry.  On GA I am finding possibly the best poetry I have ever read.  You two and @Backwoods Boy and @Aditus  and @Cynus and @AC Benus have written poetry equal to or exceeding the classical poets taught in school.  The reflectiveness, root reactions, real riveting rhythms, and remembrances triggered, all add appreciation to an interesting and intelligent examination within myself.  Thanks to all of you I mentioned. 

A toss up if this comment was going to get a "love" reaction, or an all-reaching alliterative "LOL" 🤣

  • Like 1
  • Haha 4
Headstall
45 minutes ago, ReaderPaul said:

Terry and Gary -- I am much better at alliteration than poetry.  On GA I am finding possibly the best poetry I have ever read.  You two and @Backwoods Boy and @Aditus  and @Cynus and @AC Benus have written poetry equal to or exceeding the classical poets taught in school.  The reflectiveness, root reactions, real riveting rhythms, and remembrances triggered, all add appreciation to an interesting and intelligent examination within myself.  Thanks to all of you I mentioned. 

Now that is pretty perfect poetry praise for a 'preciative poet to ponder. :P  Thanks, buddy. You're right that there is great poetry on GA! Cheers! 

  • Like 1
  • Haha 4
raven1
8 hours ago, ReaderPaul said:

Terry and Gary -- I am much better at alliteration than poetry.  On GA I am finding possibly the best poetry I have ever read.  You two and @Backwoods Boy and @Aditus  and @Cynus and @AC Benus have written poetry equal to or exceeding the classical poets taught in school.  The reflectiveness, root reactions, real riveting rhythms, and remembrances triggered, all add appreciation to an interesting and intelligent examination within myself.  Thanks to all of you I mentioned. 

Wow @ReaderPaul! I loved you comment, but can't believe you favorably compared me to these great poets and writers.  I'll have to be careful not to scrape both sides of my head at the same time going thru doors for  the next week.  I did love your alliteration and laugh it gave me.  You also have a way with words, and I suspect that we may soon see you as an author or poet.  I didn't fall in love with poetry until I started to read it here. All these guys are masters of poetry.  They are also a great group that provide me both support and encouragement. 

  • Love 2
Headstall
27 minutes ago, raven1 said:

Wow @ReaderPaul! I loved you comment, but can't believe you favorably compared me to these great poets and writers.  I'll have to be careful not to scrape both sides of my head at the same time going thru doors for  the next week.  I did love your alliteration and laugh it gave me.  You also have a way with words, and I suspect that we may soon see you as an author or poet.  I didn't fall in love with poetry until I started to read it here. All these guys are masters of poetry.  They are also a great group that provide me both support and encouragement. 

You're a poet, Terry, and readers have responded to that. Believe them when they tell you they like your offerings... believe me. :) As far as loving poetry, what it takes is connecting with a single poem. It all starts there, in my humble opinion.

  • Love 3
raven1
3 minutes ago, Headstall said:

You're a poet, Terry, and readers have responded to that. Believe them when they tell you they like your offerings... believe me. :) As far as loving poetry, what it takes is connecting with a single poem. It all starts there, in my humble opinion.

You're always there for me good friend! :hug: I'll remember your words of wisdom as I continue to write.  I honestly started out afraid that no one would like my poems, but with comments like these and others I've received, I am gaining confidence.  I do agree about connecting with a single poem.  As a reader I connected with one poem, then started to read many.  As a poet, after I wrote my first poem, I suddenly found inspiration everywhere for the others I wrote.  I'm chuffed! 😉 Thanks, Gary!

  • Love 3
Headstall
1 minute ago, raven1 said:

You're always there for me good friend! :hug: I'll remember your words of wisdom as I continue to write.  I honestly started out afraid that no one would like my poems, but with comments like these and others I've received, I am gaining confidence.  I do agree about connecting with a single poem.  As a reader I connected with one poem, then started to read many.  As a poet, after I wrote my first poem, I suddenly found inspiration everywhere for the others I wrote.  I'm chuffed! 😉 Thanks, Gary!

You're welcome, Terry. Enthusiasm and paying attention to the world around us goes a long way. I write what I feel, and I write honestly, and that seems to work for the most part. :) 

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  • Love 1
Headstall
9 minutes ago, Bill W said:

It was very easy for me to relate to Drudgery, because I've been fighting that battle all of my life and it never seems to change, although modern devices have lessened it somewhat, but still those same chores are there to perform. 

I loved the haikus again.  Very well done.   

Hello again. :)  Drudgery might not be the happiest of poems, but there is hope within it. Life has it challenges, and getting older is one of them. I try to dwell on what's good in my life, and I hope you do too. :hug: 

A couple of my favorite Haiku are in this chapter, so I'm pleased you thought well of them. Cheers!

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