Sometimes the heart doesn't know it needs healing.
Sometimes the soul just gets used to the pain.
And the path which once shone so brightly before us
Withers so slowly we barely notice the change.
For not every dream of the past can come with us.
Not every wish is meant to come true.
A whole lot of living and loving and losing
Goes into the making of a me and a you.
Not till we're filled can we know we were hollow.
We must cure our own blindness before we can see.
No one's born with wisdom, talent, or virtue.
We must conquer ourselves to be all we can be.
It's not just our triumphs that shape and define us.
It's our failures and fears and shortcomings, too.
Not till your heart has been broken and empty
Can you savor the time when it's happy and full.
We all dream of happiness, fortune and fame
And in the races we run, we all want to be first
But the fact is we learn most quickly and deeply
When our lives are in ruin and the pain is the worst.
So don't regret yesterday for all of its sorrows.
Don't fret for the dark times when you lost your way.
Don't put yourself down for mistakes of the past
For they gave you the insights that you have today.
The path of today is always in our keeping
And yesterday's needn't be utterly lost.
A few dreams survive if only we'll tend them.
The bridge between then and now can be crossed!
Author notes
I commented on a bunch of poems in this contest. Can't recall which. Sorry!
In a list
A contest entry
- Write From Your Soul by fae.
400 points, ended June 16, 2005, 12 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 72 of 72
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Amazing
Sometimes you read a poem and think, 'wow that was great', but sometimes you read one and by the time your half way though, your eyes have opened wide and your thinking 'Oh my gosh... i didn't expect this, it may as well have been written for me' It's like your minds been read and somethings been written for you that you didn't even know you needed to hear.
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lots of easy words for my teeny weeny brains to understand lol...it was very beautiful
...esp the climax
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This is so full of wisdom and insperation and a clear view of what life really is like and how it gets to us all .Fantastic write
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great
simple and truthful. very sell done. -
Very beautiful, and a self-forgiving message that I hope alot of people will take to heart.
Aspiring, and thought provoking, with great flow and resonance.
Thank you.
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Beautiful. Don't know if its just because I can relate to it so well or because it made me think deeply and self evaluate.
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As the contest requires-write from your soul-indeed you did. It this is so loving and touching.. a beautiful writeand is so easy to look at our past failings and low points as forgettable moments-but you in this write teach us to embrace them and let them do the job they can do in our lives. It is a window of teaching and I had never thought of it that way.
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awesome write
this is so loving and touching.. a beautiful write.. thank you for sharing your words with me.. well done
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First, I LOVE your comment! I commented on a bunch of poems! I nearly fell of my chair.... priceless!
Your poem, is equally priceless... flows smoothly. Touches the deepest recesses of memory. And brings to the forefront, everything we are, everything we've done, good or bad. We had to do to bring us to this momemt right here right now. Good luck in the contest Mark... it's been a long time..
~Michelle~
Edited on Nov 08, 5:55 p.m. because ''. -
I see this was one of your older poems..I think I did miss it in the past..Wonderful soulful write..I liked this part so much:
Not till your heart has been broken and empty
Can you savor the time when it's happy and full.
How true that statement is..I know when ever I read your work, I get good lessons ..fantastic poem Mark
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it's so rare for me to come across a poem with a comfortable rhyme and when i do i'm shocked i read this twice to make sure i read it right and yep...excellent rhyme
the message is one i've heard many times but you've chosen your words well...saying so much in a small poem.
if you don't win this contest i'll be shocked again
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simply beautiful, truth rings in each word, good luck in the contest
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As the contest requires-write from your soul-indeed you did. It is so easy to look at our past failings and low points as forgettable moments-but you in this write teach us to embrace them and let them do the job they can do in our lives. It is a window of teaching and I had never thought of it that way. Thanks for the eye opener. Another splendid write!~vj
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other than your philosophical and soul-searching posts Mark, I believe this is the first "serious" poem of yours that I have read--(my bad no doubt). it's a poem for very personal reasons that felt relieving in a way for me to read tonight. sometimes to worry the petty things, like photographs, when those moments are always with us anyway. thanks for reinforcing something we already knew by your very beautiful poem.
by the way, aside of the topic to which I could relate, it was very well-written and flowed. not one bit of rhyme seemed forced or out of place. an excellent piece of writing!
Jo -
Thanks, Adrienne. I've entered quite a few contests but much less frequently than many. There's a contest ending every hour on the hour so I guess someone could really stack up the trophies if they wanted to. I usually write a poem I need/want to write, then see if there's a contest it might fit in. lol
Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Hope you find your muse. The little suckers are really good at hiding sometimes. haha
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Mark, I came here to read this again. I can't believe you've been here so long! Surely you should have a hundred trophies by now seaching for my muse....
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evlclown,
Thanks for the suggestion. I meant to change this and forgot so I appreciate the reminder. Glad you liked this one.
Mark
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Hello Rhia,
Thank you for the kind words and suggestions on this poem. I know what you mean. The first letter of each line is usually capitalized, but sometimes it isn't, so I have never really been sure which is correct. I think you're right, though. I have made the corrections, and it does look better this way.
Thanks again.
Mark
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Excellent write, thought provoking and strong...
I'd have to agree with Adrienne regarding the capitals of some of the lines. It does somewhat portray that these lines aren't as important in a way... and they very much are, but Adrienne is right, it is up to you.
Thank you
Edited on Jun 16, 8:26 because ''. -
OVERALL
I love this poem! Excellent presentation and form. The verbiage you use is perfect and allows the reader to easily identify you and to follow along with your feelings. Not just about love, this poem is about life and as such is quite SOULFUL. I love it! Especially these lines:
No one's born with wisdom, talent, or virtue.
We must conquer ourselves to be all we can be.
How very wise they are.
Thank you so very much for entering the WRITE FROM YOUR SOUL contest Mark ~ Rhia
SUGGESTIONS
The last three stanzas have some uncapitalized lines. I would capitalize all lines in this poem but it’s up to you!
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Wow. Wonderful poem. Makes you really think about everything. It makes so much sense....Would you believe me if I told you that your poetry is actually helping me turn my life around. You put so much wisdom into your poetry and what you say that it really helps me.....Wonderful poem...Loved this one too.
~Sharon~ -
This is so true, I love how deep your poems are, very inspiring, touching and I can't get enough of your work. See, I told you your niece would be commenting on quite a few pieces, I'm still looking for "Common Valor" but until then, I'm enjoy your works Wonderful Job Uncle Mark, as always *kiss
Love You!
Sara
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Adding this one to my bookmarks. It is so full of the knowledge of life's lessons. Only someone who has been through
some of those things you describe could write of them so deeply. Each stanza is a true gem. And it is so true that we
can't really understand or appreciate when our life is full, unless it has been empty.
Thank you for this one.
Maddie -
Mark...Thank you so much for giving me the link to this piece...Truly it is touching and so full of meaning and as you suspected...It was something I needed to read...Your writing is so thoughtful and has such a warm flowing feel to it like a soothing waterfall...It often feels as though you are sitting talking to me when I read some of your pieces you have written...Truly this one is a masterpiece in itself.
All my best to you
Victoria Lin -
beautiful reminds me of things my father has said to me
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wow this was really good. i can totally relate. thanks for writing this. it really says something. keep it up. Angelbaby47
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Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your contest.
Mark -
wow! this is so awesome! i especially love the first stanza. soo cool and very well written. thnx for entering and goodluck!
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excellently stunning work!
this piece is very uplifting, dazzling, and beautifully crafted together -
wow this is beautiful, i'm glad I clicked on it- it is very thought provoking and inspiring, it makes you want to face the day because if something bad happens it just makes you appreciate the good things more.
Not till we're filled can we know we were hollow.
We must cure our own blindness before we can see.
No one's born with wisdom, talent, or virtue.
We must conquer ourselves to be all we can be.
I love these lines especially, but it's all wonderful, keep up the good work! thanks for sharing this piece.
~Autumn
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The really strong rhyme scheme made this poem work so well. It read so beautifully too. A really great piece of poetry, well done.
pinkxxx -
Of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, where are we? Nothing more, nothing less. We do exist, yesterday and tomorrow don't. I like a write with thaught. Nice write.
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Inspiring. This really brings up alot of good ideas and... I don't know the word I'm looking for here... In any case, it makes you think. I suppose looking through old photographs would do that for you, it does for me. I'm glad I clicked on this. Amazing work.
Cathy -
The paths we tread are made by walking ... so someone once said. And walking may lead to stumbling and stumbling leads to falling ... And: getting up. Carrying on. Lifting. Soaring. HOME!
Mye -
Nostalgic...
Very good, such wonderful advice given. The past...
The path of today is always in our keeping
and yesterday's needn't be utterly lost.
A few dreams survive if only we'll tend them.
The bridge between then and now can be crossed!
This line I particularly liked, it ended the poem with hope...
good write, even better read,
thanks,
~telepathy666~ -
Awesome
It's good. Wonderfully written -
Worth It
This is a really thought-provoking poem. It is a great expression of your thoughts. -
this is a stunning poem. it's descriptive and i love the optimistic tone. you express so many valid points about human nature. this is a truly unique piece and you are an extremely gifted writer. keep writing and thank you for the opportunity to read your piece.
xo Pessimistic Optimism -
wow... i love it. there are no words to describe this poem, and what it made me feel. it was great. thanks for sharing. - kristie
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Excellent
A very talented piece penned, and uplifting indeed, makes me think I'm really learning alot as of late, for I spend alot of time in darkness, lol... Thanks for inspiring those who need it, don't we all....
Keep up the great works, and once again, very nice job!
*Timothy The Poetic Weaver~
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There's not much to say other than what has already been said...This poem was truly inspiring and beautiful and wonderfully written and OH all the other positive comments in the world! Haha..I enjoyed reading this, it shows your wisdom and poetic ability. Wow. Fantastic job.
Edited on May 15, 11:23 because ''. -
its all i need to face my day brighly
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This is a wonderful poem! You are so right with your Write! The past is important. We shouldn't dwell on things.We should always remember and learn from the things we have done. If we just take the time, it will make our lives richer. Thanks for the poem!
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great job
this is a great poem...i like the way you explain the feelings...great write keep it up -
AWESOME WRITE
dadadadamn... this poem is awesome, i absolutely love it, it is so inspirational to me in life, all about the good n bad and how we grow from it. This piece is so great i'll be reading it e.v.e.r.y.d.a.y.
awesome work
-mell
many claps -
'For not every dream of the past can come with us.
Not every wish is meant to come true.'
No but it's sometimes the wishes that keep us going in this cruel world.
Well done, this is utterly amazing.
xx -
I do not highlight things I was not intended to see otherwise.
Judging by the number of applauds, this is something special.
Be happy. --Dee
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Such a though provoking write,very nicely done. Great write.
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This is wonderful. I really understand your message, and I think it's very nice. The positive outlook is great.
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We must experience all faucets of life, good and bad to learn what is for us. We must not always learn by trial and error personally. I know this sounds just as confusing. Good luck in your contest and God bless you
Rose
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I like your attitude, your outlook expressed in this poem. it says to me learn t be content with what is happening because it's all part of growing and progressing and getting there. and I like how you turn the negative into positive. good strong ending to this poem.
I wish you luck in the contest. -
This is a poem filled with wisdom and visions.I agree with almost everything you express in here.It really is so that our losses can help us to do better things in the future.An excellent poem and my applause goes for you for this one.
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Masterpiece
WOW! Truly beautiful poem!
All, so true... Especially:
"...It's not just our triumphs that shape and define us.
It's our failures and fears and shortcomings, too..."
Thanks for sharing your amazing talent!
One of my favourite reads on this whole site!
Keep it up. :-) -
"...A whole lot of living and loving and losing...
...We must conquer ourselves to be all we can be..."
I love the message of hope and light in this. Quite lovely.
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WOW ... this was a very touching and moving piece especially
but the fact is we learn most quickly and deeply
when our lives are in ruin and the pain is the worst.
So don't regret yesterday for all of its sorrows.
Don't fret for the dark times when you lost your way.
Don't put yourself down for mistakes of the past
for they gave you the insights that you have today.
i really understand what you are saying here although i dont follow it yet i am working towards the realization that i should .. AWSOME PIECE *licks page and declares ownership over it*
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Mark,
This is just beautiful. When i started reading, the first stanza really grabbed me. Thankf for sharing and this was such a lovely poem
Take Care my friend
Tammy
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A+
The words in this poem ring so true.
"Sometimes the heart doesn't know it needs healing."
"Sometimes the soul just gets used to the pain."
That is so true in my life. This is an excellent poem.
~Amanda~
Edited on May 15, 2:56 because 'none of your beeswax'. -
nice write. it is so true. i would not change a thing about this poem it is perfect the way it is. keep it up. EaRiNe!!!!
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excellent
Mark, you have absolutely outdone yourself with this one. If I didn't know better, I'd think this piece writ by Longfellow...it has the passion and certitude of his "Psalm of Life"...and its undeniable truth, as well, I think. You are definitely one of the "new Masters" in my book, dear poet. Pen on!
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This is a wonderful entry. Thanks for sharing a wisdom that often takes a lifetime to learn. You write very well!
Naena
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This is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with me.
So don't regret yesterday for all of its sorrows.
Don't fret for the dark times when you lost your way.
Don't put yourself down for mistakes of the past
for they gave you the insights that you have today....breathtaking and so true!
TD
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We are the end product of all that went on before this point - and I agree, no regrets, no sorrows, the best lessons are learned through experience. Well done, Mark, seems in a short time you have acquired quite a fan club! We hope you stick around, you have posted some wonderful work. Take care.
~ becky -
Simply beautiful. I love this poem. Everything happens to us for a reason and we wouldn't be at point c if we didn't go through a and b first. Lovely write.
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you really know how to capture your emotions!! i enjoyed this, one of my favorites!!!!
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LoL I think your 'angsty' stuff wore off on me. lol
Destiny -
Mark~~
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This poem has moved me more than you could possibly ever know. Your timing on this is so absolutely perfect, you have written my life in a mere six stanzas and once again you have made me cry. This is a Kleenex night for sure! Your words have a way of reaching right inside and touching the closed off places, which utterly leaves me in awe. This is absolutely my favorite poem of yours so far, it is WONDERFUL and so are you. Thank you again SO VERY MUCH for posting this for me....it is just beautiful. Love and hugs to you! ~Janet~
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Thanks Destiny,
I always appreciate your feedback. I hope you're having a happy Saturday night!
Mark
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Hello Grandmaster!
Wow, you commented on this AS I was posting it! lol
This reminded me of our recent conversation, too. How did you put it? . . .
"Regret is just mental masturbation without the happy ending."
(I will never forget that line. lol)
I wrote this a few years ago as personal encouragement, figuring maybe if I recited it enough times to myself, I'd start to live it - permanently. I'm getting there but the heart can be such a stubborn organ sometimes. lol
I hope all is well with you up there in God's country. I sat in on Tai Chi with Joshua today. Great class. We're all looking forward to having you back.
Your humble student,
Mark -
Very beautiful, again, Mark. I like this one very much. I like the first line, 'sometimes the heart doesn't know it needs healing' very cool. I really enjoyed this.
~Destiny~
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For Silent Poet and also, somehow to yourself!!!! "So don't regret yesterday for al of its sorrows"!!!!? Excellent point..... well place in the poem. And ending.."the bridge between then and now can be crossed!"....... is the perfect ending.
Well done, and that's a fact!!!!!
Monk
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