avatarMarla Bishop

Summary

The website content presents a reflective poem titled "Aging Came As Killing Fields" by Marla Bishop, which explores the themes of aging, lost creativity, and the contrast between youthful imagination and the apathy of old age, alongside a call to use specific words in a poem and acknowledgments of related works and influences.

Abstract

The poem "Aging Came As Killing Fields" is a poignant meditation on the decline of creativity and imagination that can accompany aging. It contrasts the vibrant ideas and carefree intellectual pursuits of youth with the sparse and dying dreams of later life, suggesting a transition from empathy to apathy. The author, Marla Bishop, expresses a sense of loss for the uninhibited creativity she once possessed. The piece is inspired by IdeaStream and dreams lost over time, with a nod to Xavier Van Holde for his contribution to the words. Additionally, the website invites readers to engage with a poetry salvage activity, using ten specific words in their own poetic creations, and lists related readings for further exploration. Bishop, who is also a relationship coach and writer, is credited with creating several Medium publications and resides in London with her family.

Opinions

  • The author views the loss of imagination and creativity due to aging as a tragic occurrence, akin to a "killing field" for dreams.
  • There is a palpable sense of regret and nostalgia for the unencumbered intellectual curiosity and empathetic nature of youth.
  • The poem suggests that aging can lead to an impoverished imagination, replaced by apathy, and that this transition is undesirable.
  • The inclusion of a poetry salvage activity implies a belief in the importance of creative engagement and the power of words to inspire and provoke thought.
  • By acknowledging Xavier Van Holde, the author indicates a collaborative spirit and appreciation for the influence of others in her work.
  • The related reading suggestions demonstrate a desire to connect readers with additional content that resonates with the themes of the poem.

Aging Came As Killing Fields

A darkish poem

Photo by Tom Roberts on Unsplash

Is there anything sadder

than an imagination impoverished?

One rooted in apathy

rather than empathy?

When I was young I had

so many ideas and

no concerns about intellect

or how unremarkable they might be

Aging came as killing fields

and now my dreams are

sparse or dying;

fit only for fools

A poem inspired by IdeaStream April 14th and dreams I lost along the way. Thanks as always to Xavier Van Holde for the words.

Poetry Salvage

Use these ten words in a poem!

  • impoverished
  • apathy
  • empathy
  • killing
  • fields
  • dying
  • dreams
  • unremarkable
  • fools
  • intellect

Related Reading

©️marla bishop 2020

Marla Bishop is a relationship coach and writer: On medium.com she is the creator of Lilith and an editor of The Bad Influence, The Get Fit Gang, and The Narrative. She lives in London UK with her husband and youngest two children. You can follow her here

Poetry On Medium
Creativity
Ideas
Idea Stream
Marlab
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