Draw The Curtain, Turn The Page....Close The Day.........
Clear th' Stage
Draw th' Curtain
Down th' Lights
Turn th' page
Close th' Day
Ther' be nothing in this World to help me understand
Some shapes of Life that cast-out imperious shadows
Saw black crows, wings stretched...pointing skyward
Perched upon a gangly autumn tree branch......dying
Seven crow's, alas, but one was just a strange illusion
Leaving six, th' number etched upon Abbadons Beast
Watch a clock upon its wall...moves like snail on sand
Look away to savor life.....Time beats like Arrhythmia
An' what would you like to see in stone as yo'r epitaph
A Poet....A Muse.....or perhaps just a Soul of Gratitude
Then again, all in time...does it really matter any at all
When time does take us all.........to th' very same plane
This Game, this Rubics Cube........of understanding Life
Like a Passion Play with ballerina's...falling to the wood
Dark masques of pale white skin an' pink-lipped frowns
Over flesh........of pale white skin an' pink-lipped frowns
Sometimes our disguised visages, are reflecting mirrors
Yet, in th' end, when time an' we.....have far long passed
What does it matter what masques we wore....in passion
When time it comes, our time...ther' be no time to lobby
for more time to orchestrate a more auspicious outcome
Today should be th' Tomorrow we planned out Yesterday
Lifes' precious, ev'ry moment, still we need to know when
To Clear th' stage
Draw th' curtain
Down th' Lights
Turn th' Page
Close th' Day.
P A X
_+_
_fjr_
nimal dunuhinga
you see the slice of life through the iron curtain!
you see the slice of life through the iron curtain!
Raj Arumugam
good form, great technique - and the grandest subject of all, the mystery and depth of life, so well-captured for us all, fjr...
good form, great technique - and the grandest subject of all, the mystery and depth of life, so well-captured for us all, fjr...
robyn selters
Wow! Such mastery... I'm in awe of the way you draw this poem together... the closing lines repeat the start... the fine imagery... the sobering thoughts about life's ephermeral nature... and the questions that linger... what really matters when time 'Time beats like Arrhythmia.' Outstanding work, much enjoyed
Wow! Such mastery... I'm in awe of the way you draw this poem together... the closing lines repeat the start... the fine imagery... the sobering thoughts about life's ephermeral nature... and the questions that linger... what really matters when time 'Time beats like Arrhythmia.' Outstanding work, much enjoyed
Ravi Sathasivam
An excellent write . A classic poem. I enjoyed reading this poem. tfs
An excellent write . A classic poem. I enjoyed reading this poem. tfs
Lauren Marie Ryan
Looks to me like you closed more than the curtains and the day. What happened to all your poems ?!
Looks to me like you closed more than the curtains and the day. What happened to all your poems ?!
Blissful Anonymity
Nothing.. I can say nothing else, but that this makes me want to read more. Well written!
Nothing.. I can say nothing else, but that this makes me want to read more. Well written!
Bob Blackwell
Frank, this is a classic poem, I read once every day we rise we should expect to die today. I live only now and leave the black crows to haunt themselves. I believe both life and death are new beginnings, we can only experience life in the moments as they arrive. A really brilliant write, Frank you rock as well. A poem to reflect on, thank you.
Frank, this is a classic poem, I read once every day we rise we should expect to die today. I live only now and leave the black crows to haunt themselves. I believe both life and death are new beginnings, we can only experience life in the moments as they arrive. A really brilliant write, Frank you rock as well. A poem to reflect on, thank you.
Elena S
An amazing write! I got used to the richness of your poems. Volumes spoken, imagery, music, dance, an entire play from start to end, but what I loved the most was the clock with the time moving as slow as a snail on sand ,wow, how I wish to have it on my wall. Thank you dear friend through your poems the world is certainly richest .
An amazing write! I got used to the richness of your poems. Volumes spoken, imagery, music, dance, an entire play from start to end, but what I loved the most was the clock with the time moving as slow as a snail on sand ,wow, how I wish to have it on my wall. Thank you dear friend through your poems the world is certainly richest .
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Thank You my good friend & scribe Philip, you giveth a "H O LE" new meaning to the term "wot"...Eh, wotever!Frank/FjR
Thank You my good friend & scribe Philip, you giveth a "H O LE" new meaning to the term "wot"...Eh, wotever!Frank/FjR
Philip
This is just what Poetry is all about...Know Wot I Meeen Man?
This is just what Poetry is all about...Know Wot I Meeen Man?
Aboo Thahir
Absolutely great,..!
Absolutely great,..!
wombat
Frank, you have done it again. I sit back with a poem such as this beauty and relax, letting the words dissolve seemingly and then return. You have again created such plesant ambience, with not a word in the wrong place, not a syllable while never losing track of the path you are outlining, one that is paved with the truth of philosophy.
Frank, you have done it again. I sit back with a poem such as this beauty and relax, letting the words dissolve seemingly and then return. You have again created such plesant ambience, with not a word in the wrong place, not a syllable while never losing track of the path you are outlining, one that is paved with the truth of philosophy.
Dorothy A. Holmes apwlts2
More than scribbles Frank...Treasures of poetic bliss. Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
More than scribbles Frank...Treasures of poetic bliss. Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
An honour it be, Mr. Howard, for a talent such as thee to come onto this site & visit my scribbles !Thank You...Frank/FjR
An honour it be, Mr. Howard, for a talent such as thee to come onto this site & visit my scribbles !Thank You...Frank/FjR
robertchoward
I love the rush and clamor in this poem. As the saying goes, "Live each day like it's your last and one day you will be right."
I love the rush and clamor in this poem. As the saying goes, "Live each day like it's your last and one day you will be right."
mamta agarwal
Frank, here you explore Man's quest for meaning , purpose of life. I agree with Chaos, the more we explore more confused we get, You too have alluded to the same, for when the time comes, to clear th' stage, then we don't get a second chance. So why not make most of what we have, where ever we are.
Frank, here you explore Man's quest for meaning , purpose of life. I agree with Chaos, the more we explore more confused we get, You too have alluded to the same, for when the time comes, to clear th' stage, then we don't get a second chance. So why not make most of what we have, where ever we are.
Michael J. Gale
You tell her off there Maestro of the written art,directly straight fro' the reasonable heart. Great solid writing.
You tell her off there Maestro of the written art,directly straight fro' the reasonable heart. Great solid writing.
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Thank You, Vidi, and welcome to the Freak Show...lol! I like your analogy in critiqueing this work, young lady....It gives me an idea, (as soon as i have time to post again regularly) as to how i can piggy-back with a continuitive work on this topic....Self-centerdness or Solipsism,as you quite eptly alluded to in your comments below, is the dark downfall of many a wise yet closed-minded person....theres much to be analyzed about that ....thaks for the idea!...FjR
Thank You, Vidi, and welcome to the Freak Show...lol! I like your analogy in critiqueing this work, young lady....It gives me an idea, (as soon as i have time to post again regularly) as to how i can piggy-back with a continuitive work on this topic....Self-centerdness or Solipsism,as you quite eptly alluded to in your comments below, is the dark downfall of many a wise yet closed-minded person....theres much to be analyzed about that ....thaks for the idea!...FjR
Vidi Writes
You reflect an ease with which to close the day . A day you never said how to start… I picked up with that point to note to myself, Begin the day, underlining the “life” of that Day…. Sure would be closed with that ease as you wrote. I recall my reading on the philosophy of mind… “Solipsism- idea that one can only know that one’s self exists”. Don’t go on… after defining this life and its rituals. Live a contentful life which can be counted on a day. Life lived for centuries with definitions of life… Void… before a life of a day that could be closed… Just by pulling a curtain down, turn the page, close day.
You reflect an ease with which to close the day . A day you never said how to start… I picked up with that point to note to myself, Begin the day, underlining the “life” of that Day…. Sure would be closed with that ease as you wrote. I recall my reading on the philosophy of mind… “Solipsism- idea that one can only know that one’s self exists”. Don’t go on… after defining this life and its rituals. Live a contentful life which can be counted on a day. Life lived for centuries with definitions of life… Void… before a life of a day that could be closed… Just by pulling a curtain down, turn the page, close day.
Sandra Martyres
A very compelling write Frank..one that I will revisit many times
A very compelling write Frank..one that I will revisit many times
Chaos1214
I had to come back and reread your compelling words. It seems the deeper we explore, the more we succeed in adding to our confusion. Perhaps it's because we're all looking for a common thread when the answer is we are, each and every, one of us, completely unique.
I had to come back and reread your compelling words. It seems the deeper we explore, the more we succeed in adding to our confusion. Perhaps it's because we're all looking for a common thread when the answer is we are, each and every, one of us, completely unique.
Jenny Gordon
Fascinating philosophic discussion of life and living, with the urgent reminder of our transience, lest we yield all our time to vanity and lies.
Fascinating philosophic discussion of life and living, with the urgent reminder of our transience, lest we yield all our time to vanity and lies.
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Thank You, Dorothy....Always like 2-C your sign-off 'neath my work ! Thanks as well for the Bookmarking! FjR
Thank You, Dorothy....Always like 2-C your sign-off 'neath my work ! Thanks as well for the Bookmarking! FjR
Dorothy A. Holmes apwlts2
Frank, it is always a spell bounding treat to read your poetry... Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing...Bookmarking
Frank, it is always a spell bounding treat to read your poetry... Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing...Bookmarking
Meggie Gultiano
umm..now know the reason why you have many readers here, my friend....great is the word!!
umm..now know the reason why you have many readers here, my friend....great is the word!!
Chaos1214
I agree with underlying your theme completely. Which is why I decided to make up my own rules and definitions, long ago. Profound observations.
I agree with underlying your theme completely. Which is why I decided to make up my own rules and definitions, long ago. Profound observations.
nimal dunuhinga
Love the drama with many aspects, Frank's a strange playwright! My gratitude for all your valuable comments on my work.
Love the drama with many aspects, Frank's a strange playwright! My gratitude for all your valuable comments on my work.
jadia4708au
beautiful to read all the stanzas.. lovely
beautiful to read all the stanzas.. lovely
Aboo Thahir
amazing
amazing
Simply Bono Razek
awesome~excellent~stunning....really love this ~~~~Today should be the Tomorrow that we planned out Yesterday Life is precious- ev'ry moment- we should always be prepared ~~~ outstanding Frank !
awesome~excellent~stunning....really love this ~~~~Today should be the Tomorrow that we planned out Yesterday Life is precious- ev'ry moment- we should always be prepared ~~~ outstanding Frank !
Sandra Dodd
DIDACTIC but I really like it! Sorry I could not help it! You could close my day anytime with one of your poems.
DIDACTIC but I really like it! Sorry I could not help it! You could close my day anytime with one of your poems.
Anees Ahmed
superb poetry....
superb poetry....
C. P. Sharma
FjR, as always you have no parallel in composing thoughts, words and images. You are really the poets' poet. Your poetry rises from down to the earth to the pinnacles of spiritual height. Please keep on posting to our delight.
FjR, as always you have no parallel in composing thoughts, words and images. You are really the poets' poet. Your poetry rises from down to the earth to the pinnacles of spiritual height. Please keep on posting to our delight.
Prince Obed de la CRUZ
but i hope every life shall be satisfied of its existence... nice post sir!
but i hope every life shall be satisfied of its existence... nice post sir!
Alison Cassidy
I have to admit that my theatrical soul is nourished by your 'bump out' chorus that opens and closes this magnificent philosophical treatise. You have certainly outdone yourself, Sir with the depth and imaginative brilliance of this narrative. But the thrust of your poem - that life is to be lived in the moment - rings out loud and clear and I endorse it 100%. Bookmarked!!! Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I have to admit that my theatrical soul is nourished by your 'bump out' chorus that opens and closes this magnificent philosophical treatise. You have certainly outdone yourself, Sir with the depth and imaginative brilliance of this narrative. But the thrust of your poem - that life is to be lived in the moment - rings out loud and clear and I endorse it 100%. Bookmarked!!! Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Kamala
A magnum opus of a poem. Your sense of real life is extraordinary, and the zeal you display in the poem, just fantastic.
A magnum opus of a poem. Your sense of real life is extraordinary, and the zeal you display in the poem, just fantastic.
Michael J. Gale
You've always have impressed many poets b'sides Me...Because You be the Master in the land of poetry. Time stood still til You were born...To the poetic land You've predestined to adorn. Like that right decoration on that Christmas tree...Sparkling in all Yon Glory.The day be Merry and New to stage as to All,to show....You D'Man,You and all do know,do know! Nice poem there Master of Mind Hearts.
You've always have impressed many poets b'sides Me...Because You be the Master in the land of poetry. Time stood still til You were born...To the poetic land You've predestined to adorn. Like that right decoration on that Christmas tree...Sparkling in all Yon Glory.The day be Merry and New to stage as to All,to show....You D'Man,You and all do know,do know! Nice poem there Master of Mind Hearts.
Patricia
Fantastic!
Fantastic!
Sana Rose
Frankly, Frank, I read this twice to get a grip... And am glad I did.. "Today should be the tomorrow you planned yesterday..." It caught me off guard because I have been lazing around procastinating my studies for the approaching exams.. And wasting so much time... And yes, to be reminded how precious time is... Well, thank you.. A wise, thought-provoking write.. Not to mention how to trick back the rubik's cube...
Frankly, Frank, I read this twice to get a grip... And am glad I did.. "Today should be the tomorrow you planned yesterday..." It caught me off guard because I have been lazing around procastinating my studies for the approaching exams.. And wasting so much time... And yes, to be reminded how precious time is... Well, thank you.. A wise, thought-provoking write.. Not to mention how to trick back the rubik's cube...
Ency Bearis
Outstanding poem with full of wisdom. Happy New Year Frank and may you have healthy 2011.
Outstanding poem with full of wisdom. Happy New Year Frank and may you have healthy 2011.
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Thank You,Ms. Missy...And a Healthy & Happy 2011 to you... P.S...I moved the stickers to the den....but the damn cube is still in the kitchen....Now, what do ? ~ FjR ~
Thank You,Ms. Missy...And a Healthy & Happy 2011 to you... P.S...I moved the stickers to the den....but the damn cube is still in the kitchen....Now, what do ? ~ FjR ~
Sandra Dodd
Just live and write like you are FJR. Love and do your best. If you cannot solve the Rubiks Cube move the stickers, its your dambed cube. I love this one and bookmarking and printing in case you get in a move and press "publish undo" MUAHS Sandra
Just live and write like you are FJR. Love and do your best. If you cannot solve the Rubiks Cube move the stickers, its your dambed cube. I love this one and bookmarking and printing in case you get in a move and press "publish undo" MUAHS Sandra
PrEmJi PrEmJi
frank, one of your finest poems.... a highly spiritual soul can write like this..
frank, one of your finest poems.... a highly spiritual soul can write like this..
robyn selters
A wise and beautiful poem, wistful and skilled... thank you for your quality poems...
A wise and beautiful poem, wistful and skilled... thank you for your quality poems...
mamta agarwal
Frank, this amazing poem evokes so many beautigul images. You have taken and imbibed best from all spiritual teachers. 'there be nothing in this world to help me understand this life' such a simple confession. I whole heartedly agree with you and have given up all attempt to make search for a meaning. life is to be lived, savoured each moment. your opening and closing lines are so philosophical; only way to go through this life is to travel light. amazing work
Frank, this amazing poem evokes so many beautigul images. You have taken and imbibed best from all spiritual teachers. 'there be nothing in this world to help me understand this life' such a simple confession. I whole heartedly agree with you and have given up all attempt to make search for a meaning. life is to be lived, savoured each moment. your opening and closing lines are so philosophical; only way to go through this life is to travel light. amazing work
yelena
Frank, this amazing poem does not only provide much food for any attentive reader's thought, but is also perfect to recite. Especially adore 'Dark masques of pale white skin an' pink-lipped frowns Over visages..', 'Time moves like silverspeed..', and how you connect the poem to the closing four lines.
Frank, this amazing poem does not only provide much food for any attentive reader's thought, but is also perfect to recite. Especially adore 'Dark masques of pale white skin an' pink-lipped frowns Over visages..', 'Time moves like silverspeed..', and how you connect the poem to the closing four lines.
Bob Blackwell
Yes Frank, we should not waste a moment of our lives. Someone wrote....."Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one is watching." A fine poem to close the day.
Yes Frank, we should not waste a moment of our lives. Someone wrote....."Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one is watching." A fine poem to close the day.
robyn selters
Sobering and thought-provoking poem of exceptional skill... Helps one to think carefully how we use time... a commodity so precious...
Sobering and thought-provoking poem of exceptional skill... Helps one to think carefully how we use time... a commodity so precious...
Raju Baruah
skillful write, well depict...worth to read...thanks
skillful write, well depict...worth to read...thanks
emilou g:)emotions in words
A beautiful poem full of wisdom! Thanks for sharing and....SMILE! THE DAY IS A NEW GIFT! ...:)emilou g.
A beautiful poem full of wisdom! Thanks for sharing and....SMILE! THE DAY IS A NEW GIFT! ...:)emilou g.
Anu a
excellent poem..!!
excellent poem..!!
Munia Khan
Very philosophical and full of wisdom...One of your best works Frank.Truly amazing..The repetition of the first four lines in fine makes it more wonderful.
Very philosophical and full of wisdom...One of your best works Frank.Truly amazing..The repetition of the first four lines in fine makes it more wonderful.
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Thanks Little Girl, and thank Yasmine for me ,please.She is a loyal supporter & a good friend to you...Interp. is so key in capturing audience....Interpretation spurs Investigation, and a bonding between the Reader and the Work/Poem....To bring someone to your work is good...but if you can capture them "within" your work...you just might have a Reader for life!Love dad...
Thanks Little Girl, and thank Yasmine for me ,please.She is a loyal supporter & a good friend to you...Interp. is so key in capturing audience....Interpretation spurs Investigation, and a bonding between the Reader and the Work/Poem....To bring someone to your work is good...but if you can capture them "within" your work...you just might have a Reader for life!Love dad...
Frank James Ryan Jr./FjR
Dad, i love this so much. Yasmine does too! I like poems that result in people all getting different takes on the same words.Interpretation is something i am studying in Literature this year. Your comments on this poem prove my teacher is right!Great poem,Dad! Love, Lauren Marie Elizabeth xo
Dad, i love this so much. Yasmine does too! I like poems that result in people all getting different takes on the same words.Interpretation is something i am studying in Literature this year. Your comments on this poem prove my teacher is right!Great poem,Dad! Love, Lauren Marie Elizabeth xo
Raj Arumugam
That's creative style and form in the manner of the presentation. Love the unique qns and phrases in this poem: Does it really matter what masques we wore for passion And really, as I see it, the peom offers the reader that final solution that life is in one's hands; we make of it what we want of it, and its meaning is one's own hands: This Game, this Rubics Cube........in understanding Life
That's creative style and form in the manner of the presentation. Love the unique qns and phrases in this poem: Does it really matter what masques we wore for passion And really, as I see it, the peom offers the reader that final solution that life is in one's hands; we make of it what we want of it, and its meaning is one's own hands: This Game, this Rubics Cube........in understanding Life
Michael J. Gale
Nice poem as per usual Sir Meistro of Thy arted heart,in prose. You be the proes. Were you yet inspired by maybe recently,attending a New York play? Many be many of them to enjoy,I bet? You've inspired me yet again. Them clown lit pages of the face staged right... Beams of laughter and crazed skilled glee,attended to faces strode alight..Gander at Thy startled moon,which orbits freely from Thy heart...Ne'er to startled part,until the mourning of Thy self imposed wreckoning...Wreckoning upon the shores of sandied beats. Lest the beats of once entwined alone.... Alone for such whined atone. Attone for what yet Ye be responsible naught?... Hopeful to ne'er be caught. Or,bribed,or bought. For what sharpened arrows pierce deeply to heart escaped?...What manner of mortal sinning man can escape the Satan's hand which of Thy soul-Hath rapped?
Nice poem as per usual Sir Meistro of Thy arted heart,in prose. You be the proes. Were you yet inspired by maybe recently,attending a New York play? Many be many of them to enjoy,I bet? You've inspired me yet again. Them clown lit pages of the face staged right... Beams of laughter and crazed skilled glee,attended to faces strode alight..Gander at Thy startled moon,which orbits freely from Thy heart...Ne'er to startled part,until the mourning of Thy self imposed wreckoning...Wreckoning upon the shores of sandied beats. Lest the beats of once entwined alone.... Alone for such whined atone. Attone for what yet Ye be responsible naught?... Hopeful to ne'er be caught. Or,bribed,or bought. For what sharpened arrows pierce deeply to heart escaped?...What manner of mortal sinning man can escape the Satan's hand which of Thy soul-Hath rapped?
mistycalpoet
I enjoyed reading this FJR... An excellent piece! BM...
I enjoyed reading this FJR... An excellent piece! BM...
Dorothy A. Holmes apwlts2
Wonderful emotional write...Certainly gives pause to reflect... Beautiful versing my friend... Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
Wonderful emotional write...Certainly gives pause to reflect... Beautiful versing my friend... Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
Simply Bono Razek
Great write ! loved .."Today should be the Tomorrow that we planned out Yesterday" awesome thought Frank !
Great write ! loved .."Today should be the Tomorrow that we planned out Yesterday" awesome thought Frank !
samanyan
the hard reality...we do leave behind something as poets..wonder how many humans will still be made for his perfection...lovely poem
the hard reality...we do leave behind something as poets..wonder how many humans will still be made for his perfection...lovely poem
Susan Jarvis
An admirably crafted piece of first class poetry with a repeating chorus of a stanza that will sing in my heart long after leaving the page...wonderful. :)
An admirably crafted piece of first class poetry with a repeating chorus of a stanza that will sing in my heart long after leaving the page...wonderful. :)
Sandra Martyres
An excellent write Frank....Bookmarked
An excellent write Frank....Bookmarked
PrEmJi PrEmJi
An' what would you like to see as your epitaph in stone/ A Poet....A Muse.....or perhaps just a Soul of Gratitude / 'neither born nor lived'.... very deep philosophical poem... thanks frank...
An' what would you like to see as your epitaph in stone/ A Poet....A Muse.....or perhaps just a Soul of Gratitude / 'neither born nor lived'.... very deep philosophical poem... thanks frank...
Fay Slimm
Frank this is a winner hands down - it takes Time by the skin of its clenched teeth and shakes out the very last meaning of what wasting it can do to our chances of reaching some sort of satisfaction. Written with skill and empathy this beats us into a re-look at the preciousness we hold in the hands of our few meagre earthbound years. Bless you for this. - - Bookmarked.
Frank this is a winner hands down - it takes Time by the skin of its clenched teeth and shakes out the very last meaning of what wasting it can do to our chances of reaching some sort of satisfaction. Written with skill and empathy this beats us into a re-look at the preciousness we hold in the hands of our few meagre earthbound years. Bless you for this. - - Bookmarked.
Back to read this gem again...why not! It only gets better! Dorothy Cynthia Singing Still