This is the first of four ‘old man’ poems
———-
in this place of repair
he’s a net-mender of sorts
patching where chances slipped through
sealing over a catch almost in the hand
a knuckled stick turns shells
he might be lucky with one worth listening to
a story of cunning theft a lover taken
or fugue from an occupied past
rocks sign how they weather
the slaps and fists tides dole out
dumb and bald they wear no blush or pity
they have loose teeth
air scrapes like an old razor
and water combat ready is the perpetual soldier
drumming in his head
blue boy of paintings blue eye of the winner
birds don’t heed his here
chat’s rarely gossip it’s pirate talk what’s for the taking
but young enough a second time to know
he is for a phrase or two their conversation piece
johnpoetflanagan 
Beautifully poignant, I look forward to your series dear John. Love, Holly
Thank you
Dear Holly
Always there for me
A big hug
john
But of course! Big Hugs!
Nice one. Favorite line:
‘he’s a net-mender of sorts
patching where chances slipped through’
Thank you, Bruce
for your fine response
Always
john
Nice to see you here again,John.
Thank you, Judy
I’m more regularly here these days
health has improved..at least for now
A big hug
john
I’ve read this three times now, John, and each time I read it slightly differently and glean a little more from it. A great perspective on age – I look forward to reading the next three.
Chris, Friend
Thank you for your great interest and fine support
Always
john
LOVE this, John! How wonderful!
Dearest VV
Thank you
and good to hear from you
Ever Your
ss
Oh, oh, your command of the words, the images…
I am savoring Natural Selection!
Thank you, Myra, Great Lady
Very happy indeed you’re enjoying the book
Much love
john
Hi, Mr. Flanagan!
This is Kitiya—you probably don’t remember me, but I took writing with you at Ruamrudee (7th grade), 1993-4. I’m so glad I found you! I’ve often wondered where you ended up, and wanted to look you up to say thank you for teaching me so much about writing. I’m an English teacher now!
Just wanted to say hi and thanks. Hope you’re well.
Warm regards, Kitiya Le Huu On Wed, Apr 25, 2018 at 7:56 PM johnpoetflanagan wrote:
> john flanagan posted: “This is the first of four ‘old man’ poems > ———- in this place of repair he’s a net-mender of sorts patching > where chances slipped through sealing over a catch almost in the hand a > knuckled stick turns shells he might be lucky with one w” >
Dear Kitiya,
What a surprise! A wonderful wonderful surprise, delighted to hear from you, and yes, I remember you well, I never forget any of my students as you all meant. So much to me.
My email is johnwriterflanagan@yahoo.com
Write to me and tell me where you are and where you are teaching. I remember you with great fondness and affection.
Always and Ever
john
This is so beautiful: while every stanza is laced with pathos, they are interwoven with a sense of resurgence, more awareness, appreciation.
Beautiful, thoughtful response, Vera
Thank you
for your attention to the work and for the
excellent support and encouragement
Big hugs
john
Brother John – Intriguing first poem to your “old man” series. So many wonderful lines to quote:
“patching where chances slipped through”
“he might be lucky with one worth listening to”
“dumb and bald they wear no blush or pity
they have loose teeth”
“air scrapes like an old razor”
“he is for a phrase or two their conversation piece”
I found myself wanting to quote the whole poem. Look forward to reading the series!
So generous and kind
Bother David
Thank you
Love to You and Diane
Always your brother
john
Love this poem John I watch many fishermen here in Crete repairing their nets and I am always delighted that they mostly look happy. I think they enjoy their outdoor life.
Best wishes to you.
Thank you, Rita
for the great response.
Your being in Crete makes me envious
and makes me remember the good times there,
and the exceptional sunsets
A big hug
john
Beautiful poem to begin this wonderful series, John. One phrase that stood out for me is, “patching where chances slipped through.” Looking forward to the next poignant take on aging…
Happy Friday, and sending hugs,
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren, for this fine response, I appreciate it deeply.
A big hug
John
nice start to what looks like a wonderful series John ❤
big hugs and keep on keeping on ❤
Kim
Thank you so much
Always with a big hug
john
Loved this, especially since I knew some men like this when I was growing up in Plymouth.
Thank you so much, Noelle,
and I’m glad it rang a personal bell for you,
when that happens it’s always meaningful
Big hugs
john