.............................................................
I’ve done a lot of thinking lately
Realized I’ve been so wrong
Not just things I’ve done, that’s a given
But in the things I’ve thought I wanted
You see, I’ve always wished I could see
My entire life laid out before me
Like some Cecil DeMille epic
From the beginning to the end
Instead of those little vignettes
Of the past that memory allows us
And all the way to the end
I wanted to know when I would die
And if everyone I love had loved me
Now I realize that getting it all
In small pieces is the right way
I remember sitting behind Jim
At my cousin Ricky’s funeral
Seeing the droop of this strong man’s shoulders
And wondering what it would be like
To outlive one’s child
I remember searching for Deb
In the middle of the night
And finding her sitting by Kevin’s grave
Crying tears no one could dry
seeing them take John back to his cell
knowing the best years of his life
would be spent in that 6 by 10 foot grave
and i know I could not bear all that pain
in one sitting, it was hard enough as it came
I think about the future
Could I love you if I knew when
You would die, living every day
Looking toward that inevitability
Or would I turn away now
Preferring to lose you in an easier way
And if I knew when I would die
Would I run around frantically trying
To atone for the past and all the hurt
I’ve caused, saying I love you and
I’m sorry to everyone I know
Or would I rush forward to make
Many more mistakes in the time I had left
Wanting to live more before I stopped
I don’t know but I’m glad it is not in my hands
Perhaps life is best given to us
One day at a time
This is a gripping part of life. Thank you for sharing. It reminds me of someone. I'm sorry to have been 'away' lately. The last line is the truth, just wish that I could remember that.
Love, Janet xoxoxo
Reviewed by Scada (Reader)
Reviewed on July 18, 2002
I'm SO happy you're back and in one piece. If you're annoyed, then that means you're doing ok... *wink*.
Hi Sue,
Was a bit worried when I read your poem,but you are Sue Hess!
Now a days when I start thinking of how a day has gone wrong for me,I think back to the times when I had to give serious consideration to the fact that particular day could indeed be my last,Think my answer would be yes live each day as it comes but do not to waste them,they are much to precious.
Cheer up.
Morchuis
Reviewed by Ed Lupinacci (Reader)
Reviewed on July 17, 2002
very thought provoking and a tough question.
I prefer neither answer.
Pat I'd like to buy a vowel
can i have an "I" please for Immortality.
Reviewed by Chris Stevens (Reader)
Reviewed on July 17, 2002
a powerful question... and yes... no one would want to know what lies before them... for if they did.. they would live life to its fullest.... that is living... savouring each day for what it has to offer!!!!!
hugs,
Chris
Reviewed by Dark Stranger (Reader)
Reviewed on July 17, 2002
you are alive
and all the best stuff
is still yours to give
to the daily moments you live
I think you have it right Sue.. One day at a time is often more than some can handle. <smile> Look what happens when a doctor gives a death verdict, telling a patient they have X number of months to live. Some fight with every ounce of strength they have to prove him wrong, others simply fade away when that time frame is met.. And I really don't know why I went off on that tangent.. <smile> Sorry. But back to the point. I don't think I couldl handle knowing when I or a loved one will be going.. It would be too much...
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
Share
Print
Save
Follow
This is a gripping part of life. Thank you for sharing. It reminds me of someone. I'm sorry to have been 'away' lately. The last line is the truth, just wish that I could remember that.
Love, Janet xoxoxo
Love Scada
Was a bit worried when I read your poem,but you are Sue Hess!
Now a days when I start thinking of how a day has gone wrong for me,I think back to the times when I had to give serious consideration to the fact that particular day could indeed be my last,Think my answer would be yes live each day as it comes but do not to waste them,they are much to precious.
Cheer up.
Morchuis
I prefer neither answer.
Pat I'd like to buy a vowel
can i have an "I" please for Immortality.
hugs,
Chris
and all the best stuff
is still yours to give
to the daily moments you live
hi/bye..enjoyed it suzz
is good enough for me
josie
Love adn Light
dreamweaver