Middle age is
being buried alive,
the clock sun ticking
out of sight.

Roots are handcuffs
resisting toil,
feet fondled
by the loamy soil.

Middle age lacks the freedom
of untethered youth,
the absence of aged clouds,
an abundance of truth.

Drowning in dirt,
afraid to resurface
or to dig deeper.
Not knowing which is worse.

Middle age,
the true curse,
Bloom where you're planted 
from birth to hearse.

© 2023 | K. Hartless

Artwork: Adam Oehlers

14 responses to “Middle Age”

  1. Ethereal. 😮

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought so as well. Wrote the shell of this poem and then heard Ailbhe’s new song. It seemed the perfect fit for an ending.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. odinparanormal Avatar
    odinparanormal

    I dig it

    Liked by 2 people

    1. 😉 Yes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. odinparanormal Avatar
        odinparanormal

        Heartless by Heart. I will always think of your name and that song. Lol

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, but you know of course that my name is “Hartless” which is in fact, deer less. Quite bad shots with bow and arrows my ancestors, I imagine. ;0

        Liked by 1 person

      3. odinparanormal Avatar
        odinparanormal

        You are a great writer and I can’t help hearing that song every time you comment or post something. Lol.

        Like

  3. Well done.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Judy. I appreciate your comment.

      Like

    2. I realized I was posting on my music site. That was me, Judy. Thanks again for the positive feedback.

      Like

  4. crisis coming down
    all around

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Does it hurt as much if you’re underground?

      Like

  5. Woah. So many good lines here, my favorites being “the absence of aged clouds,
    an abundance of truth” and “Bloom where you’re planted
    from birth to hearse.” Really good writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I saw this painting and it came to me immediately, this. middle age, heavy buried already feeling. I am so glad you enjoyed these lines of verse.

      Liked by 1 person

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