A Very Old Ode

Today's poem is a very old one, that I dug out of some old poetry journals. I remember writing it at a coffee shop, which was confirmed by the solid coffee ring on the bottom of the page. My junior and senior year's of high school most of my poetry was written on single paper sheets I folded into quarters, I posted a picture under the poem to show how sloppy things tend to be.

Here's an ode to all worriers, soldiers of distress,
If anything holds any doubt, we tend to hold protest.
For any indefinite change holds our stomachs in a knot,
It's the downfall of the conclusion that consumes our every thought.

While "chill out" and "just relax" cannot relieve anxiety,
People still push these words on us to fit into society.
Whether it's a new haircut, an unpaid bill, or a dark walk at night,
The worrying still tends to hold us very tight.

Even though hair grows, you've got enough cash, and you live in a good part of town,
You jump at every creak, holler, or little scuttling sound.



Here's an ode to the brave, the daring and dashing and dauntless.
If anything holds any doubt, we run head first into the darkness.
For any indefinite change holds our stomachs in a knot,
For the excitement of what comes next consumes our every thought.

While others cower and crouch in fear, we are here to help.
Because the unknown answer solving is the best feeling we've ever felt.
Whether it's a cat in a tree, an old enemy, or a dark walk at night,
The bravery still tends to hold us very tight.

Because we've got ladders, and chivalry, and an old flashlight,
So deep in our hearts, we know everything will be alright.



Here's an ode to all daydreamers, pursuers of curiousness,
If anythings hold any doubts, we choose to investigate this.
For any indefinite change holds our stomachs in a knot,
Because the greatness of our imaginations consumes our every thought.

While no one understands where our ideas come from,
Our minds perceive things differently, it's not just all hum-drum.
Whether it's a picture to paint, a new kid in town, or a dark walk at night,
The daydreams still tends to hold us very tight.

For we can be creative, and friendly, mindful
Our brains are always working during sun-up and nightfall.



Here's an ode to the lovers, the kind and caring of heart,
If anything holds any doubt, on passion we will embark.
For any indefinite change holds our stomachs in a knot,
The prosperity of others consumes our every thought.

While often people are self-centered, -indulgent, and -interested,
We find we feel most refreshed when we keep others incorporated.
Whether it's a child, a Wednesday, or a dark walk at night,
The loving still tends to hold us very tight.

Well, we know how to give, and keep up, and keep open,
Our persistence in devotion will never be broken.



Here's an ode to everyone, all across the place,
If anything holds any doubt, together it will be faced.
For any indefinite change, our stomachs should not knot
For this congregation can think up illuminating thoughts.

While some of us will cower, and others think and comfort,
With all our diversities, we will become unnumbered.
Whether it's a great invasion, an ending, or just a dark walk at night,
Together we can hold quite tight.

Because we are worriers and daydreamers and heroes and lovers,
And learners and thinkers and teachers and can assist each other.

Riley Welch
2/23/2013