Cavan Crystal/Windows Publication Poetry competition
Reuben Steenson (18) of Friends’ School Lisburn, has recently been placed joint second in the Cavan Crystal/Windows Publication Poetry competition. The competition accepts entries in Junior, Senior, Adult and Irish categories. Reuben entered the Senior category, and from over two thousand entries from throughout Ireland, was placed joint second. The prize winning poem is entitled: Myself as a Wise Old Man.
What is wisdom? Is it knowing what’s best for yourself and for others? A hard-won experience that comes with the years? Show me a wizened old man, grey-bearded, Holding a splintering staff That’s beaten innumerable roads, Feet stiff and hard with travel, Eyes blurred and burdened with fading images, Mouth tremulous and toothless – A black cavern From which spouts fountains of knowledge. “Do this,” he will say, “And you Will avoid the same mistakes I made.”
I’d laugh right in his face, Throw back my head To laugh about something I know more about. “Don’t you know, old man,” I’d say between giggles, “Don’t you know anything of the world by now? For wisdom is not to know which path most profits, But to see them all And still cast the one aside That others have tramped in advance!”
And off I’d trot, At a casual gait, Leaving the old man behind.
Only after many seasons had passed Would I regret my choice; The wasted years would be easily read On my face, like a brand of shame and folly. “Do this,” I’d croak, to a glowing young man, “It is your only hope.” And then I’d watch him trip away, Heading in the wrong direction, As merry as I once was.
Reuben Steenson (18) of Friends’ School Lisburn, has recently been placed joint second in the Cavan Crystal/Windows Publication Poetry competition. The competition accepts entries in Junior, Senior, Adult and Irish categories. Reuben entered the Senior category, and from over two thousand entries from throughout Ireland, was placed joint second. The prize winning poem is entitled: Myself as a Wise Old Man.
