These Are My JOTtings...

The Glory Days of Later Years

The days of age are dreaded stage 1. Internal Rhyme
when hopes of youth are gone,
But days of glee now let them be
with Death our lasting dawn.

So full of years we can't enjoy. 2. Linked, or run-over, rhyme
Employ we hope of latest bliss
to bring our thoughts with grace in line.
Fine days of play we thrill to kiss.
Great days are more in last than first.
Thirst drives the heart to long for this.

Perspective is my sainted friend, who shows me things to do. 3. Interlaced rhymes
The days of loss we quickly mend by letting joy shine through.
Though lively dance of youth be dim, the songs of age are full.
New glasses sport a shiny rim their weight the eyes still pull.
"The best is yet to come!" we've heard. "The best is yet to come!"
We write our thoughts down in a word. The work makes greater sum.
The whole of days be lately stirred. "The silver chord" we strum.

What we've lost is in the past! 4. Initial, or head, rhyme
Shut the door and move ahead!
Future days are filled with gifts!
Suture cuts and walk in Light!
Making new the days we face.
Taking through our lasting skills.
Hope to finish well we will.
Cope with end of life with grace.

The day of the end may seem big to loom, 5. Compound rhyme
but when it has come the light bursts through gloom.

How the worthiest soul wears a smile on his face, 6. Apocopated rhyme
though each line of his days greatest character traces!
Heaven's ferry is docked at the port as she waits,
while the servants of grace bus their tables as waiters.

The days of life all fully lived, 7. Amphisbaenic, or backward, rhyme
though buffeted so oft by devil.
The crown at end be fully won,
while ev'ry day be lived as now.

In days of youth the cradled bough 8. Sight, or eye, rhyme
did break when weight was full enough.
Throughout this life the time it flies
when chased in fear by enemies.
Oh, that my heart would sweetness have
as I am faced with bier and grave.
What blessedness to freely move
in realm of One, Whose Grace is Love!

by Jay O'Toole
on June 27th, 2018