If this Temporary Life

if this temporary life
I call my own
requires a realization
that it could end
at any moment
if it means
nothing more
than a breaking of the
circular hate and
searing dysfunction
I was born into
if it means helping
my fellow human beings
who are oppressed
become free
if it means being a solace
and a bridge
for my children
over the canyons of their
inevitable heartbreaks
if it means having
the woman I married
see my love for her
in my eyes
then let the warmth
of the summer rays
fade from my face
let the red, yellow and orange
hued leaves whirl up
and fly away
let my breaths that hover
in the chilled air
dissipate into eternity
and let the annual
rebirth of existence
that so enraptures
forever disappear for me
because I have
fulfilled my purpose
here on this earth

 

Photo Credit: Sam-H-A Flickr via Compfight cc

John Michael Antonio

John Michael Antonio is a freelance writer, photographer, poet and screenwriter. He claims his Midwestern roots while at the same time admitting his incurable and insatiable love and addiction for all things New York City. He has been the husband to his wife, the love of his life, for almost thirty years and is a father of three wonderful children. He is an unapologetic male feminist as well as a passionate lover of fashion, art, movies and music from all eras and genres. An endless dreamer, John Michael is also an avid historian, ex-punk rocker and a legendary Internet surfer who sleeps, on average, about four hours a day. His main personal website, The World of John Michael Antonio, can be found at www.johnmichaelantonio.wordpress.com

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John Michael Antonio is a freelance writer, photographer, poet and screenwriter. He claims his Midwestern roots while at the same time admitting his incurable and insatiable love and addiction for all things New York City. He has been the husband to his wife, the love of his life, for almost thirty years and is a father of three wonderful children. He is an unapologetic male feminist as well as a passionate lover of fashion, art, movies and music from all eras and genres. An endless dreamer, John Michael is also an avid historian, ex-punk rocker and a legendary Internet surfer who sleeps, on average, about four hours a day. His work has also been featured on The Good Men Project.

8 thoughts on “If this Temporary Life

  1. So beautiful, in both content and form. Only someone with a beautiful soul could have written this. Thank you John.

  2. Dear John,

    Your poet’s soul is loving, deep and so beautifully sincere.
    Agh, sigh, oh…I read this piece several times and loved it a little more.

    Thank you, dear friend.
    Jackie

  3. Ahhhhh…..so beautiful.
    “if it means having
    the woman I married
    see my love for her
    in my eyes…”
    John John John I never tire of your poetic words.
    xoD.

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