Just like Theatrical Seasons

There is a world waiting for its time to happen.

It waits, attentive to the counterpoint marker,

its turn to enter the scene.

Eyes open, anonymous among the spectators,

an envoy, an emissary, and a plenipotentiary  

of the author of the play, so that each speech,

each act, mainly unkind and wicked ones,

do not become lost.

The author, at home and even more anonymous,

did not want to witness the event, surely regretful

and disconsolate of the rawness at times

he could not avoid in the unfolding of the plot.

And so different worlds overlap on the stage,  

at its due and exact time.

The author, yet aware he portrayed real life,

in his forced retreat, 

his decaffeinated coffee and non-alcoholic beer,

a cloistered five o’clock tea,  

a sad and lonely heart. 

Published in The Galway Review, July 30 2025

Published in The Wise Owl, August 2025

This poem and all others at this blog, authored by Edilson Afonso Ferreira ©

On Speaking of Journeys

I am aware I am part of a great brotherhood,

the brotherhood of the human race.

I know many of us do not consider ourselves brothers,

and also know they make a point of showing this.  

It seems such people think they created themselves

on their own, and are separate beings, not having

to report to anything or anyone.

By chance of fate, or by the route they have taken,

they missed appropriate parents and teachers  

for their upbringing, or, even worse, if they had,

were neither heard nor recognized.

I believe God attributes different gifts to each one,

and uses us to fulfill the common mission, that is

to live and let live, loving and respecting everyone,

as an indivisible group.

Unfortunately, some lack the right conscience, those

who are in fact disciples of evil, that permeates us.

But they are also in the Creator’s Plan, and,

when a strong cry for justice arises, they are used,

by firm divine mandate, as legitimate Avengers.

Lord of justice, God knows and sees everything,

and, in truth, sometimes, does not shy away from

forgiveness and kindness.  

We must believe we are part of a greater plan,

and need to show our best on this journey,

the return to the sixth day of that Saint Week  

of the Divine Creation.

This poem and all others at this blog, authored by Edilson Afonso Ferreira ©

Hidden in the Folds of Time

Suddenly, on any given day, walking up the sidewalks

   became more difficult, it seemed they were higher;

the noise of children and teenagers became louder,

   it started to bother you; 

your children have passed the line of youth

   and you see them as middle-aged people,

   almost elderly;

that book or movie everyone recommended to you,

   and after fifteen minutes of reading or watching it,

   you get bored because you have already guessed

   the ending it is proposing;

you have become different, more reserved, quieter,

   looking suspiciously at everyone around you,

   even old friends;

also, that young and beautiful woman,

   you never fail to notice and you see

   with eyes of rapture and admiration,

   even desire, and she withdraws

   and does not reciprocate;

then you ask yourself – do people think I have stopped

   loving what is beautiful in this world?

despite everything, you maintain your vigor and fullness,

   which they seem to ignore, so you have to learn to live

   with a new status that has been granted to you;

allowing them not to know or suspect that your youth was

   much happier than theirs, and that they will never have  

   one like it, because time and the wind took it away,

   and it is hidden, forever and ever. 

Published in The Wise Owl, May 2025 issue.

http://www.thewiseowl.art

This poem and all others at this blog, authored by Edilson Afonso Ferreira ©