Life (Inspired By Charlotte Bronte) Poem by john tiong chunghoo

life is like the sea
that reverberates with the waves
in the calm of morn, in the first light
when a breeze freshens up
every cell, builds up
tiny waves the way ink brush
creates ripples in water
the painter dips into
for his next masterpiece
spring of life - childhood
who every minute seeks
a new adventure sweet or sour
happenings that would spring up
from the mighty ocean of the mind
in later years for a poem or two
life is like the sea
when the strong wind
begins to show its force
unfurling the massive calm
which this morning
was a mirror
of the clear blue sky
growing up the innocent child
makes his departure day by day
from its new master
signed to a tough new world
world of the fittest
the waves that toss everywhere
the mind, the physique, ruffling
the once gentle carefree joyous heart
the onslaught of each wave
that soon makes childhood
a foreign element, some treasure island
we leave behind to move to another
this time giving us the angst
a world pulling us from so many angles
making this abode almost an inhabitable world
the strong winds sweeping
the sea in so many directions
trails the wind, builds up a momentum
to let go itself in a sigh, builds up again
to let go itself in a sigh,
our adult life so full new trials and tribulations
we take zealously in our stride
life is like the sea
at dusk as the warm breeze blows
the sea glows, glitters in striking luminuous lines
brings us to a reminscent mood
where we look through, reflect on our life
savouring the ups and lows with equal delight
as the coconut leaves rustling to a collected atmosphere
life is like the sea
old age
the full moon that pulls in the tide
dances over it
wisdom that comes with age
gives the septuagenerian
something to celebrate
shout about
a bottle of vintage wine
in his hands as he dances his way to
church out of the sea of life

inspired by

Life
LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
Rapidly, merrily,
Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly!
What though Death at times steps in
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O'er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
Charlotte Bronte