The Wisdom of the Old Man

By Liz Picardal, October 24, 2024

In a quiet retreat, where the mountains stand tall,

A young man arrived, feeling lost through it all.

With a heart weighed down by unspoken fears,

He sought solace, hoping to dry all his tears.

He wandered the paths, his thoughts in a haze,

Reflecting on love and its intricate maze.

“I wasn’t mad; I felt the ache,

A quiet hurt that love can break.”

Memories of laughter now faded to gray,

The lies he had whispered, the words gone astray.

“You lied to me about your heart,

Hiding feelings, tearing us apart.”

As he pondered alone, an old man appeared,

With a gentle demeanor, his presence revered.

“Why hurt the one who loves you so?

Why let fear turn warmth to woe?”

Startled, the young man looked up with surprise,

“How do you know of the tears in my eyes?”

The old man sat down, his gaze steady and wise,

“I’ve walked this path too; I see through the guise.”

“You punish yourself with every wall,

Sabotaging the love that could have it all.

What do you fear that makes you retreat?

What shadows linger that you can’t defeat?”

The young man’s heart trembled, he felt so exposed,

The truth of his fears like a river that flowed.

“I fear the rejection, the pain of the fall,

To open my heart feels like risking it all.”

The old man nodded, understanding the plight,

“For love’s true essence, you must be brave and bright.

This great love you cherish is meant to be bright,

It deserves your truth, it deserves the light.”

“Let down your guard, let the honesty flow,

Together you’ll heal, together you’ll grow.

No more deceiving, no more despair,

Just a love that is real, laid open and bare.”

With each word spoken, the young man felt free,

The burdens of silence began to flee.

“Embrace your vulnerability,” the old man said,

“For love flourishes well where the heart has been led.”

As the sun dipped low, casting shadows that danced,

The young man felt hope, as if given a chance.

With gratitude rising, he looked to the skies,

Thankful for wisdom that opened his eyes.

The old man stood up, his journey not done,

“Remember, dear child, your heart is the sun.

Let love be your compass, let honesty lead,

In the garden of love, plant the truth as your seed.”

With a warm smile, he turned to depart,

Leaving the young man with a lightened heart.

In that quiet retreat, beneath the vast sky,

He vowed to be open, to let go and fly.

For love is a journey, a dance through the night,

Where honesty flourishes and shadows take flight.

So, he walked from the retreat with his heart set aglow,

Ready to nurture the love he would grow.