Taking Things for Granted (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Taking Things for Granted
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Thursday, September 28, 2023 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- Taking Things for Granted -- By John Herlihy We criticize others for taking things for granted. Do we ever criticize ourselves for doing the same? We expect flowers to bloom if their seeds planted. When a different outcome ensues, who is to blame? We act without thinking of the consequences of things, Not expecting that our world may turn upside down. We assume we are entitled to all the good life brings, Once we swam happily, now making ready to drown. Beware the person who says that ignorance is bliss, Going thru life impervious to lure of the unknown. Until we wake up one day longing for what we miss, Taking for granted only those things already known. We know not the value of water till the well runs dry. With age-old truths abandoned, upon what do we rely. We live in an era when we can take nothing for granted. Lies, falsehoods, and deceit, these the seeds now planted. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Wednesday 23 August 2023

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on October 22, 2023

THIS IS SO TRUE, JOHN. WE TEND TO FORGET HOW TRULY BLESSED WE ARE...SOMEONE CAN TAKE OUR ROCKY ROADS AND RUN THEIR LIFE'S RACE...TO VICTORY! ENJOYED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by E Phillips

Reviewed on September 28, 2023

Yes, ignorance is the enemy of all that is good. Well said, as usual.

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

I don't look at it this way. I think it is good to be taken for granted, like my children taking me for granted that I will live forever and that they enjoy my company while I enjoy theirs. Like the time my husband was sick and he took me for granted that I would be there for him to his final days because he knew all of his life that I loved him no matter what happens I would not abandon him.

Some of my friends took me for granted that I would have the money to help them out when in need, which I didn't mind at all because helping others in need made me happy. I don't consider myself a perfect person, but I am always trying to better myself and be a better friend.

The problem is that we should not be too calculated on everyone and everything. If you are a calculative person, you would dig out others' bad points first before you see their good points. For me, I would rather see another person's good points first before I even take note of his/her bad points. Holding grudges against someone is not my cup of tea, I would rather forgive and forget, and move forward myself.

Life is too short, we should never think ill of another person when we go to bed, for you would never know if you would wake up the following morning; or if you wake up the following morning that person would still be alive for your grudges. I would rather go with peace in my heart whenever and whichever happens.

That's just my point of view.

Sandie

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

A topical subject that, as you say, most take for granted the enrichments of Nature and the kindness of true friends. For many, that well is going to run dry in a very big way if respect for the planet's natural ways are ignored, taken for granted. BTW, I think you have a typo with the first line of 2nd stanza. Thinking, instead of think, or perhaps thought instead of think. Good write, John.