This is my first post in about six weeks. I have come to accept that I can’t post a new poem every week as I did for the past year because (a.) I will eventually run out of new poems; and, (b.) doing so is simply too time-consuming. Truth be told, I’ve also been feeling a bit overwhelmed. I had knee replacement surgery in the spring, and until recently my knee did not seem to be getting any better. Walking with a cane, struggling to get out of a chair, and in general lacking the energy to live my normal life was both physically and mentally exhausting. I got by only with the help of family, friends, lovers (ok, my wife) and kind strangers. Fortunately, a week or two ago I began to notice improvement. It’s still a struggle but I am now confident that this, too, shall pass.
Rather than posting to this blog, my priority has become to whip a collection of poems into some sort of publishable form. That goal has been largely accomplished in the past two months. I worked with a poet/editor in Arkansas and now have submission-ready versions – both electronic and spiral-bound – of the book I would like to see birthed. To add some icing to the cake, a friend recently produced a few illustrations to accompany some of the poems. It suddenly feels as if the whole darn project is coming together. Next is to find a publisher, and I can now begin working towards that end.
So whither goest this blog? I’m not entirely sure right now. I’ll post something from time-to-time and hope to stumble upon a regular format and schedule. But no promises and no expectations for now; ok? Let’s just see where things go. Thanks for visiting and please stay in touch.
This post’s poem is perhaps not a world-beater, just something that caught my attention while I was looking through various folders. God Bless us all.
FOR EVERYTHING A SEASON We pay a price for getting older and when the bill is almost due we begin at last to eat right, we exercise, stop smoking, cut back on booze - some quit altogether. We pray and meditate because we read somewhere being spiritual prolongs life, too. But time takes its toll and at the end of the night, as the lights go down and we scramble for one last dance with that boy or girl on the other side of the gym, it dawns on us all that the time draws near to split receipts with the band.
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Joseph Neely, all rights to original material reserved.
The Occasional Poem 
Happy to hear the knee is improving! Physical disability can be soooo depressing.
Best wishes on your search for a publisher. They’d be lucky to have your works.
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Thanks, Sue. I think of you often.
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Great news on the knee. I will reach out soon to get together. (Sorry I could not make Lopez!)
Also, I note that the title of your blog is “The Occasional Poem” , not “The Weekly Poem”. All is good! Hope the book comes to fruition soon!
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Thanks, Roy. Great to hear from you.
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Keep healing Joe!
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This is one of my favorite poems yet. So truthful & beautifully worded, it brought tears to my eyes. And hip hip hooray for seeing improvement finally in your knee AND for working on your manuscript for publishers – your hard work is paying off & you should be proud!
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You are, as always, too kind. Many thanks, Clare.
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Welcome back Joe! I’ve missed reading your poems on Monday mornings before I scoot out of bed on my creaky knees.
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Thanks . . . and I know what you mean about those creaky knees. Best to you and yours!
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Loved this poem, Joe! It feels so real and important. I appreciate all your words and insights. I’m heartened to learn your knee is a bit better. Progress! Still praying for your complete healing.
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Jane, thank you for your kind words and I appreciate your prayers as well.
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Thank you for this poem. It really spoke to me. In fact, I hope I didn’t violate any copyright rules, but I copied it into my journal (with credit to you, of course), as I do with words that I come across in life that touch me. Wishing you continued improvement with your knee. Just received a disconcerting diagnosis on my knees, that may have me heading down that same path. Be well. Keep writing. Good luck with publishing your poems. Please put my name on your “advanced sales” list!
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Thank you so much, Sue . . . I’m glad my poem is part of your journal. Best wishes with your knee and you are #1 on the “advance sales” list!
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Sue, thanks so much and I am honored to have my poem included in your journal.
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Very wonderful poem young Joe…yeah our aging bodies just transform our spirits… Delighted to hear you are looking for a publisher.
Your poems deserve to be read ,loved and admired.
Especially, these days as we age in a troubled 🌍 world.
Carol Rose Kahn
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Thanks a million . . . it means so much to me that you took the time to leave a comment.
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Great to hear of your healing. We often take so much for granted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as well as your poem.
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Thank you, Brian.
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