Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

[Return to Poems and Thoughts index page]

Some Thoughts. I am older now--coming on 82 years! I wonder how, with so many dropping dead around me, That I have made it so far. The ones close and still around me--many--ignore me Or are short, and only text--seeing that they Have such 'demanding' pressure to exist! I remember the (Newton, MA) neighbor children Across the street banging their kitchen pots-- The end of WWII of which I was not really cognisant Nor of its horrors. I did learn later how my father designed The Army Aircorps oxygen masks to fly--freeze free-- Higher above the Axis powers' aircraft. I timidly was involved in the Civil Rights movement, But when Vietnam loomed into our lives, I was strongly involved in protests and countering wherever I could. The planet is now challenged with our neglect of the air and sea. The remainder of my life will be towards staving off this disaster. But as I age, there are those who respect my efforts And those who do not yet recognize my worth: Strong statements to put me in my place. Loving outreach which I wish for; Lost because of the new communication-- Little talk and only the cold world of texting and emails. I am not sure of what will become of me or my conservation attempts. I feel helpless in the looming of inevitable death. I will be in eternal darkness and powerlessness. No longer able to care nor help nor act. Will someone reach out with a soft, warm, loving hand? Frank Maurer 3 to 4 April 2023 Midnight.