Seeking wisdom as I stood on shaky ground
that rolled beneath my feet, presenting too many choices
Desperate to find the learned man standing among false prophets,
I examined each face, longing for answers
The air was ripe with expectation as I searched for green pastures
in an abandoned world smothered by smoldering grasses
A sage among fools takes many forms
In my youth, life’s path was clear,
a journey marked by landmarks of my own design,
I followed feelings unencumbered by the trappings of experience
until all that which was familiar faded in a puff of smoke,
birthed by fires I had carelessly set along the way
Almost consumed by flames, I leaped blindly
in pursuit of safety and much-needed serenity
Peeling back layers of burnt skin, I questioned each decision that brought me there
A sage among fools takes many forms
Swathed in gauze, I licked my wounds
and wondered which direction I was meant to take
Needing guidance, I sought advice from those who came before me
I peered into a pool of crystal blue waters, an oasis in barren fields
The face staring back at me was my own, a woman who held each answer
I am the learned man
A sage among fools takes many forms
photo: Flickr
prompt: #OctPoWriMo2018 – Day 21, Sunday’s Whirligig 184
Writing and Reflections 
Wow! And I love the repeated line.
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Thanks!
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A wonderfully insightful poem Michele, and your last stanza is so relevant and you could’ve been writing about me. An outstanding piece….
“Swathed in gauze, I licked my wounds
and wondered which direction I was meant to take
Needing guidance, I sought advice from those who came before me
I peered into a pool of crystal blue waters, an oasis in barren fields
The face staring back at me was my own, a woman who held each answer
I am the learned man
A sage among fools takes many forms”
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Thanks! I loved that it spoke to you.
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Ha!
Yes, though we tend to forget all the knowledge, love, happiness we hold within!
Well done 😊
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Thank you!
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I like the way you got to the end. Evocative!
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Thanks!
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The peeling back layers of burnt skin really had an impact on me. Great writing! 🙂
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So happy you connected with the poem. Thank you!
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