Ugly Side of Chance (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Ugly Side of Chance
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- The Ugly Side of Chance -- by John Herlihy The ugly side of chance Has got to highlight a missed opportunity. Similar to the other side of romance, Fate handling us with reckless impunity. When we know we deserve more, Having struggled and toiled the day long. We find ourselves flat on the floor, With no true sense of where we belong. Life’s coin rises handily into the sky, Flashing sparks of gold in the air. Only to land on the wrong side of why, The answer found in the world of despair. The ugly side smells of retribution, Suffering the brunt in the face of misfortune. The sinner confesses, seeking absolution, Hoping to regain in life a sense of fortune. An opportunity finally to pay off one’s debt, To finally achieve some measure of solace. A process of renewal, leaving behind regret, The other side of the coin there in recompense. Some people carry along bad luck to spare, Such that cannot even be freely given away. Showing its face on the ugly side of a prayer, So many bad judgments in the things we say. Yet a bad chance never too great to surmount, It all comes down to the question of time. Finally, whatever we do, we must give account, Of the state of soul I rightfully claim as mine. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Friday 16 February 2024

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on April 15, 2024

AND WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE...WE'VE ALL TAKEN CHANCES. WITH GAIN AND...WITH LOSS. HOWEVER I DARE SAY...TO TAKE A CHANCE WITH ONE'S SOUL IS A CHANCE SHOULD NEVER TAKE. FOR TO LOSE ON A THIS 'ROLL' ...WILL LAND US IN A PLACE FROM WHICH THERE IS NO ESCAPE. GREAT, THANK YOU. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on March 28, 2024

Great risk can reap great rewards or great loss, depending upon the way the wind blows. For some, life is lucky and falls right into place. For others, life keeps throwing curveballs that bring them to their knees. All we can do, is live life to the fullest while we can, because we never know what life will have for us waiting ahead.

Your poem would indicate that you have suffered some recent setbacks that I hope you can fully recover from to enjoy your poetic retirement.

Ron

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Chance is an elusive part of living and growing, yet, as you point out, the focus is too often on that kind of risk with a heavier downside than up. Simple me, I often examine my diet to make sure I'm not slipping into that area of risk that could, over time, negatively impact the years I want to enjoy. Fortunately, I guess I owe a lot to the Marine Corps as it set me up with a strong set of disciplinary rules when taking risks. Thanks for posting this honest look at an often insurmountable conundrum.