Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Feb 16, 2021

Guests, of a Sort

I wake up to find
a few aches and pains
have followed me into the new day;
a stiff joint, an odd discomfort,
from origins unknown

I try to connect the unwanted guests
with, perhaps, foolish exertions
from the day before
that may have caused them

Still, I am grateful
for the parts of my body,
entities really, as I have come to know them,
that give me no trouble this day

Thankful that they allow me to be here
to see you again in morning’s early light
and find the blue in your eyes
that always welcomes me there

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Woke up the other day with some aches and pains, but wanted to focus on my gratitude for all the better things I have. This seemed to capture my feelings, but would be interested in your thoughts on this popular topic, whether written about or not, among our middle aged colleagues, lol!

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Not actively editing

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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More from this author

Comments

Lavender

Hi, Michael,
What a magic pen you have! When reading this, I immediately could relate and felt the generous humor. And then, when reading on, I felt the gentleness and gratitude. With a little change in its first line, your last stanza could be a poem itself - so beautiful!
Thank you!
L

Michael Anthony

So kind, and glad you enjoyed this piece L! I really liked your suggestion about the last stanza, so maybe something like this:

I wake up thankful to be here
to see you again in morning’s early light
and find the blue in your eyes
that always welcomes me there

Thanks for the visit and inspiration!

Best

A

Arrow

4 years 2 months ago

This reminds me of a skill I learned in a meditation group - to acknowledge and welcome these kinds of pains so as not to add suffering to the original pain. There was probably something more nuanced to the skill that I've forgotten. I'd suggest that if you're going to commit to gratitude you leave the title simply as "Guests."

Michael Anthony

Thanks for the visit Arrow! I have never been one to welcome pain, in any of its forms. Perhaps a failing in my personal development. However, I have always valued and understood pain as an impetus for creativity. It's a wellspring I tap into often.

Best

Geezer

said to be a Valentine's Day poem to your body as you look into the mirror! ~ Geez.
.

Michael Anthony

Thanks Geez, I like this thought. Mirrors always tell the truth, but the trick is for us to see it through our eyes. Thank you for taking the time, and I hope to join you on one of your Saturday Neopoet gigs soon.

Best