Category Archives: Aging

Acceleration Antidote

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Jim Stewart

Rain taps on my window, but I don’t seem to hear. I’m buried in myself again wondering about this year. It’s gone so fast, it’s almost past, and coming to an end. The wind outside is fitful; the wind chime … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Dog, Friendship, Poem, Work | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Grey on the Ground

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Jim Stewart

Your eyes are closed as mine are open. Your smooth unblemished lids hold secrets no one can know. When I blink you see me standing behind you in that upstairs bedroom as we watch the sheep below clustered for shearing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, family, Friendship, Marriage, Oregon, Poem | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Concentration Face

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Jim Stewart

My concentrating face is a frown. This has always been so. When I am deep in contemplation people who don’t know me assume that I am incalculably sad; they worry over my spirit, not seeing how my deep engagement has … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Humans, Poem, Work, Writing | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Growing On

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Jim Stewart

(Note: this poem is from a writing workshop I took with Kim Stafford: “Daily Writing in the Tradition of William Stafford.” It borrows the form of William Stafford’s poem “Growing Up.”–jrs) I travel in concentric circles, it’s just how I’m … Continue reading →

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Road and Synapse

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Jim Stewart

The gravel on this road long unused crackles with unfamiliar noise under my well-worn tires. My elbow thrusts into hot air, bared to sun and desert. Synapses not used in years fire in solidarity with the road, transporting me to … Continue reading →

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Thin Ice

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Jim Stewart

The ice lets me know it’s not ready with a peculiar noise: half crack, half echo. My heart freezes and climbs through my throat into my head, where it tries to look out from my nostrils. My gut stays calm; … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Hope, Poem, Writing | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

A Man’s Best Friend

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Jim Stewart

Sleep is an illusion tonight I cannot afford. I pay endless bills to the dark disquiet I have accepted. Mortality closing in sometimes gets my best, until the dog comes and loves me, wondering why I’m still awake. My gratitude … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Consciousness, Dog | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Haiku–Hair Reality

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Jim Stewart

The skin on the back of my head is warm and smooth. I miss my hair there.

Posted in Aging, Haiku, Poem, Slice of Life | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Haiku–Shuffling to Nowhere

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Jim Stewart

There is nothing more distracted than a tired old truck driver lost.   (from thetruckersreport.com)

Posted in Aging, Haiku, Poem, Sleep | Tagged , | 6 Comments

So Far, So Good

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Jim Stewart

On this day most of a lifetime ago we stood up before family, blood-tied with freely chosen, and declared that we would live together loving each other for the rest of our lives. So far, so good.   (top: otter … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, family, Humans, memory, Poem, Time | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments