is what is best to do
with the time that is given us.”
— J. R. R. Tolkien
“Folding Time” by: rob kistner
As turns a minute to an hour
and an hour to a lifetime
lived mindfull and well invested
as turns the blossom to the pulp
that hangs sweetly in the orchard
ready to be tasted
as turns a breath into a tone
that turns that tone into a song
upon the singer’s lips
as turns a step into a mile
and a mile into a journey
back to a cherished one
as turns a reach into a hug
that wraps gently around the shoulders
of someone lost in grief
as turns a grin into a smile
and a smile to healing laughter
on the face of someone lonely
as turns a thought to imagination
and imagination into a vision
in a child’s fertile mind
as turns a seedling to a sapling
and that sapling to a tree
giving breath of life to this earth
as turns awareness to intention
and intention into an action
that makes a difference in this world
so too time has turned my heart
into a cresting wave
that breaks upon and sweeps the world
deep into the ocean of my love
*
rob kistner © 2021
Poetry at: dVerse
~ I offer this song in peace & awareness of the eternal energy that is existence ~
Hey Rob, You got a great device here – “as turns a … to …. ” that you make work brilliantly – also really liked the thread and where it was going, with a great close too… Bravo! My fave of the night so far
Thank you very much Scott…!
Oh, sigh, Rob! –that last stanza! ??
I was feeling love this morning Merril… 🙂
As turns the phrase into poetics, you trumped the darkness, infirmity and angst of disability into an anthem of Love. No mean feat, brother. I teared up with “as turns a reach into a hug/ that wraps gently around the shoulders/ of someone lost in grief.” Homelessness confounds me, as Shanty towns of yore sprout like mean mushrooms around every corner.
So very gracious are your words, thank you Glenn. I was feeling for the whole world today brother!
Beautiful. I read along as I listened to the youtube.
Thank you Lisa. You should join us each week, though I miss occasionally.
This is such a gorgeously epic poem, Rob! I especially admire; “as turns a seedling to a sapling and that sapling to a tree giving breath of life to this earth.” 🙂
Thank you Sanaa…! 🙂
I’m very glad you posted this one Rob. When I heard you reading it tonight, I was blown away by its logic and its fluidity, and merely hearing it didn’t completely do it for me; I KNEW I’d have to read it to fully Grok… which I do. Thanks for this mond-blowingly good work.
Thank you very much Ron, I appreciate such kindness from a fellow stranger in this strange land… 🙂
your reading of this was great. will have to come back for a re readto catch all that is here
Thank you Rog, please do visit again, tour around the site — lots here my friend! 🙂
So full of hope, Rob, I love this poem! Especially:
as turns awareness to intention
and intention into an action
that makes a difference in this world
We can still make a difference!
Thank you Ingrid. I am an old nobody, but the young among us must get damned inventive snd creative, or this island earth will be fucked. We old fucks need to admit we blew it, and become part of a authorized movement to get everyone over 45, out of any and all positions of control in government, industry, education, technology, and environmental sciences — and then have a new go at it all, with fresh broadly diversified perspectives — apologizing profusely on our way to retirement, or for the best of us, non-voting, unvested, powerless, advisory and consulting positions. We might just have a chance then. But we know that ain’t happening. We’re just looking fucked!? 😐
Gosh Rob this is beautiful. I listened to the OLN video last night and heard your reading of it. You had said you had been feeling down in the dumps and reflected on all things good. These are words we should all live by. Well done.
Thank you Christine. I needed to write something that might lift my spirits. I am pleased this spoke to you… 🙂
Beautifully done (and read), Rob.
Thsnk you Ken… 🙂
So beautiful! Loved listening to the recording.
Thank you Punam! 🙂
The Tolkien quote at the beginning is great! I enjoyed listening to the recording earlier and appreciate the hopeful piece. We’re all on this ride together into the beauty of your last stanza!!
I am pleased you enjoyed this Tricia. 🙂 This is the result of the up side of my spirit.
Wonderful poem Rob, so beautiful and flowing. It’s lifted me this Sunday morning!
Thank you Kim! I am pleased. Read my next one, “Moment Man”, if you get too high and need to come down… 😐
I can see the growth here. The turns made me think of the hands of a clock which is indeed the most important factor for change
I am glad you picked up on the progressive vertical elevation Bjorn, that is the mindset from which I created this piece.
I like the flow and cadence of this poem.
Thank you Imelda.