Idleness, a Month into Retirement

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BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Idleness, a Month into Retirement

#1 Post by BobBradshaw » 06 Jul 2021, 22:30

v2:
Idleness, a Month into Retirement

For twenty five years everyone
complained that I was as lazy

as a sodden log. Finally the skills
of idleness that came naturally

are recognized for what
they always were:

a way to savor life. No one
criticizes the starling for singing,

when he could be working. So,
why should I turn my attention away

from that honey locust,
a yellow light washing through it?

The flowers aren't competing
to outdo each other. The poppy,

the delphinium, the tickweed
lift their faces to the same sun

as I do. We wait, and the world
comes to us.


v1:
Idleness, a Month into Retirement

Everyone praises me for my idleness.
Well earned. I’m so jealous….

For twenty five years everyone
complained that I was as lazy

as a sodden log. Finally the skills
of idleness that came naturally

are recognized for what
they always were:

a way to savor life. No one
criticizes the starling for singing,

when he could be working. So,
why should I turn my attention away

from that honey locust,
a yellow light washing through it?

The flowers aren't competing
to outdo each other. The poppy,

the delphinium, the tickweed
lift their faces to the same sun

as I do. We wait, and the world
comes to us.

User avatar
Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: Idleness, a Month into Retirement

#2 Post by Billy » 10 Jul 2021, 06:39

I like it, Bob, I think it all comes together smoothly. I have one nit that may be a misread, but why would everyone say N's idleness is well-earned if everyone said N was lazy for twenty five years.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Idleness, a Month into Retirement

#3 Post by BobBradshaw » 10 Jul 2021, 20:01

Good point, Billy... will change

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Idleness, a Month into Retirement

#4 Post by BobBradshaw » 12 Jul 2021, 06:24

I have removed S1. Thx, Billy

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