Another Rung in Life

Cherry

By Richard L. Provencher

Thu, 24 May 2012
  • 2696 reads
11 comments
 

Clinging to the ladder
he reaches for another rung

like a child mewling and puking
in the words of Shakespeare,
cautious fingers
grasp at this new direction
up and away.

Each upward rung like steps
in life, mobility
a single directive, now
for the next perpendicular
strand of aluminum

he becomes a person with teenage
fingers
dancing with excitement
respite from the iPod
knowing the rungs lead somewhere
a braggadocio of muscled body
moving up the ladder
sureness in a hurrying step.

The rungs represent his climb in life
each reach a testimony
of faith where stages of living is
in the climbing --

older age slow in its reach
tooth and limb an arthritic ache
got to keep going, a
poke in the ass from his
wife spurs him on.

© Richard L. Provencher

Certificate PG
Poem
POETRY - A Passage of Motion 3
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by jolono on
Rich, this is brilliant mate. Showing life as a ladder, forever going upwards through lifes many fazes and then the twist of humour at the end. Reminded me of my "Keys"

 

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you, jolono. Yes, life is like a ladder, and even if it gets tougher climbing each higher rung, at least we're getting closer to Heaven, eh? The best to you, Rich
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Richard L Prov. Hi! Richard,absolutely agree, with every word of jolono says. Babies start to climb,and learn. Teenagers must too. Then when we are getting on in age! Climb every ladder and rung that is thrown at us so true! "Climb Every Mountain". Every day is a blessing,on a "Long And Winding Road". My great friend of years we know,in wheel chair,used sing that song on Pier Karokee". Still likes to sing now. Voice is a good day! Hope you are both fairly well. Hot! Hot! Day. Well deserved cherries! Take care. julie xx

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you Julie, and kisses back to you from Esther and I. Yes, this ladder of life allows us to rest a moment on each rung, but what is before us must be dealt with. I like the cherries too. Ta Ta, Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Always onwards and upwards, is such a great way to look at life. I loved the bit at the end, describing his wife giving him a poke in the ass, put a smile on my face. I thought of the saying, behind every good man, is a good woman. Really enjoyed this one, and congrats on the well deserved cherries. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
And thank you, Jenny, you are very kind. Yes. YES. Behind every man is a good woman, and Esther is my battery. When my warning light flashes, stating help, she gives me a boost. Ha. Ha. Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by ItsSteveDave on
Richard, I love this. 'The rungs represent his climb in life each reach a testimony of faith where stages of living is in the climbing --' The sentiment behind this is great - I used to think that life was climbing the ladder to the next stage, getting off the ladder, living a bit, and then getting back on the ladder and moving on - which is ok, but in life, as on the ladder, to stay still is to move backwards! Got to feel sorry for the wife though, only a couple of rungs away from her husband's arse... better than a dutch oven I suppose... ;)

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you for your insightful comments, ItsSteveDave. I learned from the Cree Natives I worked with in Moosonee, on James Bay during the year of 1967 when I was the Welfare Officer for the territory. "Deal with the moment, and move forward." To get off the ladder, again and again, one has to keep rehashing old stuffing on each rung, over and over, and it can drain a person. And my precious wife has stood 'behind' and beside me for all of our 37 years of marriage thus far. Everyone should be so blessed to have a soul mate like Esther. Thanks again, Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by ItsSteveDave on
You are a lucky man, Richard, soulmates are hard to come by. You also seem to live in a place rich with life and in touch with the earth. 'Cree Natives' and 'Moosonee' sound more inspirational than 'Chavs' and 'Slough', but maybe thats just me.

Submitted by Edenfalls on
Another really good piece Rich, the words were so true. Liked this a lot .

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you so much, Edenfalls. You have some very nice work too. Rich
Richard L. Provencher