tell the stories of lives lived,
raw and unrehearsed.
have granted me the wisdom
to see them for all they are
—and all they are not.
toward the other side
are far richer than wishes,
sealed in boxes,
tucked away on a dusty shelf.
on this tightrope of modernity,
whistling my tune,
hoping for more of the lessons
that only living can teach.
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This is so beautiful and comforting :). You captured the essence of life perfectly!
Thank you!
Keeping one's balance on the tightrope seems increasingly difficult these days.
It is, indeed.
A poem that gathers a lot of wisdom! Those of us who have been “tightrope walkers” know the feeling of emptiness, but also, with time and practice, the courage to return again and again to the rope. Because that is better, to keep our dreams, desires, goals. If on the other side of the rope are our dreams, we go to them, even if we are full of fears and uncertainties. All that is needed is a firm step, concentration, a fixed gaze on the goal. Do not be distracted by the cries of the “dequilibristas” or by the movement of the wind. And so is everything in life. A beautiful Thursday, Eric. Hugs
Creatives, especially, are tightrope walkers. Everyone is, really, but I think the rope is a lot higher for creatives! Lol. After decades of walking the tightrope you become almost like a Shaolin monk, more disciplined than most. Preserving your inner child throughout it all is the real challenge. Thank you, my friend and I wish you a wonderful Thursday!
Indeed, the lines on our face represent how much hard we have gone through life.
Definitely.
Love this one. Comforting and uplifting in very few words. Makes me wanna go out and mess something up.
Thank you @owasco. That's what us creatives do best, throw stuff at the wall to see what sticks! Lol.
Lessons are hitting me quite hard lately. I've been presented with some realities I never thought I would have to face lately and it has been rough.
I'm sorry, that can be tough. I wish you peace and wisdom to navigate those challenges!
Thank you!
Wow, what a beautiful poem that captures the essence of life experiences with the wisdom gained from our lives.
The image of “These lines on my face” is a powerful metaphor for the passage of time, while the reflection on “missteps” that turn into wisdom is both poignant and liberating. Also, I really like the metaphor of “on this tightrope of modernity” it is so interesting, showing the balance we must find in our ever-changing world. Your words resonate deeply, offering both introspection and hope, what a beautiful reflection on the lessons life offers us, no matter how imperfect!
Thank you for sharing so beautifully dear friend.😊
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed this!
Life indeed is filled with lessons of all kind.
Unlike college, which teaches you and then tests you, life tests you and then teaches you
Have a great day Beautiful composition dear friend @ericvancewalton
I like that saying, @jlufer! I've never heard that before. Thank you and I wish you a good day as well!
Those lines indeed are filled with many tales, I think if we knew at a young age what lay ahead, we would fallen off that tightrope long ago. Looking back, I'm sure you're amazed at what you've overcome! Beautiful poetry Eric!
Thank you Lizelle! As my Mom says, "I've earned each one". : ) I agree with you! There's a reason we can't foretell the future. There's no way I could've imagined all the twists and turns I've experienced in life. You have to keep pushing forward and if you get knocked down you have to find the strength to get up again. The strength you've shown this past year is such a good example of that.
Thank you Eric, there are moments of absolute despair, I'm sure your mom must have gone through the same feelings after the loss of your Dad (and still does at times). But, somehow one draws on an inner strength that you did not know you possessed. I think it's the case with many crises in life!
Her hubby was bitten on the head by a Green Mamba 3 weeks ago. He was given anti-venom by emergency services and hospitalized but is still in ICU with all kinds of complications.
She's certainly walking a tightrope at the moment. One of our Hivers, @joanstewart, is going through a torrid time at present, I'm sure you interacted with Joan at times?
Mom has gone through ups and downs but I think her faith has really helped her. My brother and I try to support her as much as we can too. I'm very sorry to hear about Joan's husband! Their family will be in my thoughts. I hope he has a full recovery!
Flailing is an incredible word - or perhaps it's an incredible word in this line! It's very evocative of the desperate motion of arms and legs as we try to balance. Love it.
Thank you! Flailing seemed to accurately describe my journey. : ) Especially the earlier years.
We used 'flummox' the other day and totally flummoxed some French young people.
Lol, now that's a word you don't hear much anymore!
#hive #posh
Life teaches us lessons in many ways, the most important thing is that we keep moving, learning in the process.
A great poem.