A septuagenarian’s ode

Seventy years — the memories unfold,

A tapestry woven with ribbons of gold.

From childhood whispers and gossamer dreams,

Life was pure joy — or so now it seems.

I lived in the “now,” in the sun’s steady light,

With no looming shadows, just simple delight.

Now at this milestone, surrounded by cheer,

I’m grateful for love that has always stayed near.

My dear ones have gathered with wishes so true —

For health, deeper wisdom, and moments anew.

Your kindness and care are treasures so rare,

Etched in my heart beyond all compare.

To Ann, Shinto, Shaun, and Nevin — my crew,

Gracias, amigos, for all that you do.

At this new day’s sunrise, I’m blessed and I’m free,

Thankful for you — and for all that will be.

   A Call To wisdom 

The sun at zenith, veiled by clouds,

Peeks down on waters, calm and proud.

Patterns dance, ephemeral and bright,

A fleeting beauty, a wondrous sight.

This transient life, we often forget,

In hectic pursuits, we fret and regret.

We chase anxieties, neurosis, and strife,

Instead of joy, peace, and a meaningful life.

Let's pause, reflect, and breathe,

In solitude, find peace that heals.

The beauty of existence will unfold,

A revelation that touches the soul.

How beautiful the world can be,

If we coexist in harmony.

We, the crown of creation, can make,

A utopia of peace, love, and bliss that partakes.

To achieve this, we must shed our flaws,

Megalomania, dogmatism, and ignorance's laws.

No mea culpa can undo the past,

We must take up the duty to make it last.

Our goal is truth, reality, and wisdom's might,

To solve life's puzzles, and shine with new light.

We'll face challenges with courage and cheer,

And victory will be ours, year after year.

The threshold beckons, let's step ahead,

With determination, and a heroic thread.

We've overcome predators, and darkness will fade,

As we strive for a brighter dawn, a new shade.

Let's not be swayed by superstition and fear,

But forge ahead, with love, compassion, and cheer.

For in the end, it's not prophets we'll need,

But our own strength, and a heart that proceeds.

George. 

 Emerging Wonders"

Close the texts, and look around

An open mind, a world unbound

The universe evolves, ever new

Emerging wonders, for me and you

From basic elements, life took flight

A miracle unfolding, in morning light

Peace and happiness, life's gentle breeze

A symphony of joy, in harmony's ease

We're part of a cosmos, vast and wide

Connected threads, in an intricate design

Life's beauty shines, in every form

A dance of wonder, without a norm

Let's shed our preconceptions, and gaze anew

The world's magic, in all we do

No boundaries, no limits, just the present's thrill

Emerging wonders, our hearts can fulfill

In this ever-changing, evolving space

We find our place, with a peaceful face

Life's not just living, but living with glee

Embracing wonder, wild and free

George. 

 

"Wisdom's Gate"

Boundaries are doors, controlled by me

Not forts, but gates to serenity

I say no with wisdom, not with spite

Protecting my mind, time, and energy's light

Desires abound, but few I pursue

For happiness lies in focus, not in chaos anew

Peace and joy, life's ultimate goal

Mundane achievements, just a part of the role

Respect to others, a key to my soul

What I give, returns in abundance whole

Authenticity, my unique design

Not replicable, just mine to shine

Dogma's chains, I cast aside

Open discussion, my heart's pride

Smile when I speak to those I adore

But wisdom guides my words, evermore

Let go of the past, its weight I release

Not the future, but the burdens that freeze

Life's hard enough, I seek comfort and peace

With those who make life feel like home, my heart's release

A calm mind, my guiding light

Accepting the past, present's confidence in sight

Facing the future, without fear's grasp

Wisdom's knowing when to let go, and why it lasts

Don't wait for tomorrow, joy's today's claim

Wisdom's gate, I open, and peace is my aim

George. 

 Enough and Beyond

Satisfaction isn’t found in a world without desire,

But in knowing deeply what your needs require.

To pause and say, “This is enough,” with grace,

Is wisdom that no riches can replace.

It’s not the absence of want that brings peace,

But the knowing where to stop, and let seeking cease.

To know what’s enough demands a quiet might,

Still more wisdom to give up a fight.

And greater strength, beyond compare,

To walk away in silence, not despair.

To ignore with courage, without rage or pride,

Is to let truth and dignity be your guide.

Let not your deeds be swayed by gain,

Nor by hopes of returns or worldly acclaim.

Do things for others, not for who they are,

But because your light shines like a steadfast star.

Be true to yourself, don’t seek applause,

Live your truth, without a cause.

Your character is not a passing flame,

It is your word, your deed, your name.

When you speak with honesty, act with care,

People will be drawn to the truth you bear.

You don’t need praise to know your worth,

Your value is rooted deep in earth.

Don’t waste your time in vain compare,

Each soul unique, beyond all flair.

Though eyes are small, they may see the grand,

Yet a humble heart takes a wiser stand.

Greatness lies not in towering pride,

But in the gentle steps where truth will bide.

To forgive is noble, a freeing art,

But trusting again— a cautious heart.

Wounds may heal, yet scars remain,

A lesson in love, through joy and pain.

Beware the crowd that always agrees,

Their praises blow like hollow breeze.

When sycophants your circle fill,

You lose the sense of right and will.

Truth becomes a whisper low,

Where only honest hearts will grow.

Relationships aren’t bound by time,

But by roots that dig beneath the grime.

It’s not the years that make them strong,

But the foundation built to last long.

Stone by stone, and word by word,

Not fleeting flattery ever heard.

Communication, a bridge we build,

With silent gaps it’s slowly killed.

Speak with warmth, and listen more,

Only then can hearts restore.

Without the key of honest speech,

No love or trust can truly reach.

To live in peace with those around,

We must let many faults unbound.

And to make others happy, we must concede,

And sometimes curb our pride and need.

But never lose yourself in trying so,

Let balance be the path you go.

George.