My life is filled with platitudes
that people say are true;
an oft-recurring vision
with a rosy filtered hue;
such wondrous tales of magic,
that when the story's told
still makes it seem impossible
that I could ever hold.
It seems they never understand
the limits in my way,
the blocks and rocks, frustrations
that I find in every day.
They tell me to keep smiling
and the world will smile along;
they're not with me in the evening
when I'm sure that they were wrong.
I seldom ask for sympathy
because it comes too quick,
with rosy coloured platitudes
that never do the trick.
I want to know they listen
and I'd do the same for them,
but the world is short on patience
when you really need a friend.
Don't say that I'm courageous
or admire the way I cope,
'cause I don't need your praises,
I just need a bit of hope.
So give me hugs and happiness,
or better, lend a hand,
and the magic that is friendship
will show you understand.
Author notes
Ballad meter, with thanks to Carole King for the inspiration in her song, Tapestry.
For Cheryl, MagicLady ((hugs))
In a list
A contest entry
- New Beginnings by Vickie J.
1900 points, ended September 21, 2007, 13 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think.
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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I still love it
reading this again, and it is like reading it for the first time. Thank you so very much. -
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Thank you Cheryl, best wishes to you.
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How well you met the meter! It really does sing well. And it is so obvious you know our Cheryl, you have said so much about her in your song.
Lovely and truly worthy of a Gold.
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Thank you Susan.
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i like it
very optimistic about the magic, and i say it is good to hope but i rather think of being strong and well enough by myself and also might have to need magic to share not to give or something...
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Thank you mengistuw, that is the point. If we do not need help, then likely we can give it, sharing our gifts of health and strength.
That is magic too.
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Margaret, you are one to lend a hand and so see the truth of a situation. How much truth this poem holds when it comes to friendship. Words are easy for some, but action speaks louder, even when all one can do is listen.
I see this is for Cheryl. I send her a hug, too. ~ Karen
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My friends are so far away, their chief function is listening!!
But how grand it is to be understood.
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Wonderful
Thank you so very much for this lovely poem. Carole King's Tapestry has always been one of my favorite songs of all times. Your meter was right on (as always), and I found myself singing your words to her song. Thank you, I love this!
Cheryl
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Thank you Cheryl
I did not know that Tapestry is your favorite Cheryl, what a happy coincidence. I'm glad you like this, because I was doubtful. Though I have been in the place of receiving sympathy, I would much rather have fun. This didn't go all the way to that end, but showed why it is so. 
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Your words left me speechless-it was a poem that Cheryl could have easily penned herself-one that even admonishes us our behavior as friends. It is so easy to say you are a friend to someone-but the doing part is the true test-the "magic" as you so correctly addressed it- Wonderful contribution to the contest-thank you.
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I love the rhthym you have here. I really enjoyed reading your poem
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Platitudinously Playful!
You shall have happiness and hugs
when we lend a hand, or better
send you bouquets and pressed blooms
in a silver-lined letter.
Your poem is clever, tongue-in-cheek, wise and wonderful. Ron.
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Let us share the hugs with MagicLady, for whom this is written! (I had better add a note.) Thank you Ron, you have needed hugs and know how much better you feel with them.
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"I seldom ask for sympathy
because it comes too quick,
with rosy coloured platitudes
that never do the trick.
I want to know they listen
and I'd do the same for them,
but the world is short on patience
when you really need a friend"
This really hits me today especially. At times you feel so lonely and you are right, the world is short on patience. -
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Dear Paulette, thank you for your comment - I know it is lonely when people are depending on us to be strong.
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This is so beautifully poignant, Margaret. It is easy for us to see the beauty in some who seem to handle things with such grace and bravery never realizing what their inner struggles.
As always, your writing takes my breath away. Hugs, Patricia
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