Youth and the Journey
Youth…
the journey’s a swagger
then a stagger
and a dagger
cutting through to
the heart of the matter
what spatters is
a smattering of truth
diluted by
a well of self-doubt
All too soon
the new moon wanes
giving way not to sunrise
nor to hope
nor surprise
but a wisp of wisdom
too late to impart
as the last truth
trickles from the heart
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
georgefloreswrite
Beautiful, Amy! Been there on the “diluted by a well of self-doubt”.
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, George, we go through so much turmoil AND so much being stuck in the mud. I’m amazed we all survive as well as we do! Thanks, my friend, Amy
Debbie
wow Amy! I loved the rhyming in this, how it was placed not at the end of the line. A really powerful effect! God bless!
Sharp Little Pencil
Dear Debbie, thanks for seeing that in the formation of the poem. It was meant to be a bit disjointed, just as most people’s youth is disjointed! Peace, Amy
vivinfrance
Delightful word play, and a lotta sense.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Viv. And yes, one word seemed to run into the next with internal rhymes and alliteration. Peace, Amy
Penny
LIfe’s story told cleverly and sparingly. I love this poem. penny
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Penny – especially because my poems are often TMI and quite chatty at times. Depends on whether the manic or the depressive side is in charge! Peace, Amy
Roger Green
Ain’t THIS the truth.
Sharp Little Pencil
Preachin’ to the choir, buddy! Thanks, Amy
Tino
what spatters is
a smattering of truth
diluted by
a well of self-doubt
That is not just confined to youth. Still some good insight here blended with the sadness of a lost youth.
Sharp Little Pencil
Tino, you’re right – it’s not confined to youth, and yet the character standing in front of my mind’s eye was so young… more food for thought from you, Tino. Great comments, always, and thanks. Peace, Amy
Altonian
A very moving and profound piece Amy. I don’t know if you intended it, or not, but the mood is rather more Tennyson’s ‘Man dies, nor is there hope in dust’ rather than Robert Browning’s ‘Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be’ – or am I wrong?
By the way, I have joined your blog for e.mail links direct. There, that pleased you, didn’t it?
Sharp Little Pencil
Leigh, EVERYTHING you say pleases me. And to tell you the truth, I am not so well-versed in the classics, but I believe you are right with the quotations above, since there is that tinge of cynicism intended. Thanks for the observation… I should be STEEPED in classics, as my dad (who would have been 101 this week) could recite numerous Kipling and Service poems by heart! Peace, Amy
Kim Nelson
Amy~
Lots of wisdom packed into a few stanzas that wittily and lyrically sing life’s song. Nicely pulled together and presented. I miss being here! I’ll be around more often. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Glad to have you, Kim. Miss you, too!
About the poem: It simply began to hatch itself right before sleep. SO glad I keep pencil and paper at the bedside! Peace, Amy
brian miller
woo this has a hot flow…wicked piece…love the sentiment in it as well…one i would love to hear you deliver….wisdom too late….ack!
Sharp Little Pencil
Brian, I’ve just upgraded this site, so I can start adding readings like Iain does. I’ll see how to go about it soon! And yes, ain’t the wisdom always too darned late?! Ack, indeed, Bill the Cat! Amy
Sherry Blue Sky
“a smattering of truth diluted by a well of self-doubt” – perfect description of youth’s bumbling journey.
Sharp Little Pencil
Sherry, thanks for picking that line. It was my proudest moment in the poem. You know me so well! Peace, Amy
kaykuala
Amy,
Yes,it’s often a tragedy of youthful foolishness to be too engrossed with distractions. Eventually wisdom came too late to make amends! Excellent verse!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
Appreciate this, Hank. What’s the Amish saying? “Too soon old; too late smart.” Peace, Amy
Lindy Lee
Wise reflections…
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Lindy. Been there, is all… peace, Amy
Debbie
Well, sorry, most of it is at the end of the line, but it is still powerful and reads so amazingly!
Sharp Little Pencil
I felt I had to give a bit of a warning. I’m glad you took the plunge. My early life was ugly, but only insomuch as I was able to survive and forgive did it turn around! Peace, Amy
ladynimue
so well said ..
You always are right on mark !
🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
How sweet of you to say that, Nimue. This one was a tough subject but it fell into place so easily… Peace, Amy
Voyages Vistas Vino
Well done. This journey left me staggered.
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
Sharp Little Pencil
Mark, thanks for stopping by! I believe the real journey through youth, in each one of our lives, left us all a little worse for wear – and a bit wiser, too! Peace, Amy (and now off to see your blog!)
Lafemmeroar
This is beautiful, tragic and wise. Sharing it on my CC FB page.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you so much, LaFemme! That’s a high compliment indeed, o CC o’mine… we all live it, but so few remember it – they run headlong into their parents’ lifestyle and wonder why they are so disappointed in the outcome… Peace, babe. Amy
Mary
You’ve captured youth here, Amy. Thankfully, most always wisdom DOES arrive though….and it’s amazing how wise parents have become at the same time in the eyes of their youth.
Sharp Little Pencil
Ah, Mary, how did Twain put it? Being amazed at how, as he aged, his father got smarter and smarter?
It’s true; even the dullest folks I know have learned a little something along the way. And the powerhouse poets and writers who check in here? Fuhgeddaboutit. Gifted with many lives in each mind… Peace, Amy
Laurie Kolp
This is great, Amy. At least the new moon does rise and we open our eyes… hopefully a little more wise.
Sharp Little Pencil
God willing and the creek don’t rise, you’re right, Laurie. Thanks! Peace, Amy