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This is Who I am…

a man
negotiating life’s
rigorous maze
that seemingly

never ends.

In the beginning,
I started crawling and 
feeling my way around

until necessity

forced me to get up and

run blindly

sometimes head on
into the cold
hard walls.

Now,
I look ahead,
cautiously
feeling my way and

never forgetting
the pain
buried somewhere
deep inside

whispering
to my soul
like an invaluable  
esteemed sage.

Author notes

"To know the road ahead, ask those coming back."

I like this quote as it speaks a very real truth to me, because my life has been like a long journey through unknown territories. I grew up essentially without a father to shape and nurture me, he was an alcoholic, and my mother was barely able to raise (9) children, me being the oldest. So, for most of our young lives, we lived hand to mouth by the grace of God, and a few sympathetic relatives. I think you can imagine for yourself what my life was like growing up.

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Comments

1 - 10 of 10

  • icyrose
    November 5, 2007

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    Sometimes we are forced to grow up too quickly, when we are not ready we are blundered into the harshness of adulthood. The feeling of regret and longing for a peaceful childhood is evident in this piece, and I hope you will be able to find the child buried deep inside you, even as an adult.

    The poem isn't long, but it gives powerful images, it gave me a sense of despair and rush at the same time, confusion and a strange feeling of bliss. I certainly enjoyed this very much.

    Good Luck!


  • Everwind Rising
    November 4, 2007

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    A thoughtful and introspective piece. There are universal truths that you hit on here. I really like that last stanza especially.


  • HeavenScent4U
    November 2, 2007

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    I think all of our lives have been journeys into unknown territories. All we can do is go down those dark roads with a little reassurance from ourselves from past experiences that that run in with the cold, hard wall has loeft us cautious at best. I have a similar story although there were only 3 of us. When I was 10, I had to help with my grand mother who was living with us who was beridden after school because my father was eother working 2 jobs or on the strike lines at the Ford Motor Company. Hand to mouth there I tell ya with no money coming in. My mother left when me and my brothers were 3, 5 and 8 and we were raised by our father who was a great man but being a girl, I never got taught things I needed to know by my father, dealt with crappy babysitters, and the story goes on through the years.

     

    We start by crawling, then eventually learn how to walk and feel the walls next to us through the darkness and if we are fortunate enough, we learn from our mistakes and come out better people. It took me my first 45 years in life to find my way to be independant, the last 4 years of my life have been the best ;) Thanks for sharing this with us. Be well and be blessed*rose* 

    • Yvette Champ gold member
      November 5, 2007
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      Dear poet,your comments touched my soul,I am so pleased to read that you learned to stand straight despite the need to curl up in a ball,many blessings to you,Yvette


  • daviscth silver member
    November 1, 2007

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    WOW11 This poem spoke volume's about who you are. I really enjoyed this and admire you all the more for the journey you have been on. Cathy

  • goalsv
    October 28, 2007
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    Very beautiful and very interesting. Nice imagery!


  • butterflywriter
    October 28, 2007
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    great quote, good job on the poem


  • Nature Song silver member
    October 28, 2007
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    Hard to imagine that kind of life style. But for the grace of God he gave you the gift of words that fill our pages today with your words. One should never forget their past, it is a part of us that makes us move on to strive for something better in our lives. To know you my friend has become a blessing...keep penning and good luck in this contest ~Sie


  • michichoeret
    October 28, 2007
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    very good

    easy to relate to the sentiments


  • Georgia La Mariposa
    October 28, 2007
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    This is a fantastic poem the imager and symbolism in the last few verses were amazing great work

1 - 10 of 10