To Live

To hate, I must first recite the words of love,

To ache, my flesh must first master the ways of comfort

To feel anger, I must first breath the air of peace,

To believe, my soul and I must first unite;

To live, my life must be a painting of all,

To die, I must first be a citizen of the world. 

Author's Note

Have posted a video of this poem on youtube, would much appreciate it if you guys could check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW7laGLn_zg

Reviews

[ANTO]

It reads like a modern day version of the sermon on the Mount.

You're exploring what it is to be human - exploring that within ourselves and then writing our thoughts on reflection must surely be the right path to being a good person.

Well written poem Betty
X

[Betty]

Thank you so much Anton. Your words mean the world to me :)

[ANTO]

Don't doubt your sincerity or your self Betty. I have all my life and it takes its toll. Be yourself.
X

[Betty]

Thank you Anto for the word of wisdom... Better to live a day being yourself than to live for eternity pretending to be someone else.

[Yvonne Remington]

Thank you for your review. Your words are very insiteful. Keep writing.

[Betty]

Thank you Yvonne for your sweet words.

[dicey jones]

Really, all I can say is thanks for sharing this

[Betty]

Thank you for reading it Dicey

[Coyote Poetry]

There is always opposite to all things. I like the flow of thoughts and the reality of the poem. I like the closing lines.
"To live, my life must be a painting of all,
To die, I must first be a citizen of the world. "
Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Betty]

Thanks Coyote for your emboldening words ......perhaps the reality emanates from personal experience .

[Samuel Jack]

I love the last line, I have always believed in being a citizen of the world. The overall sentiment of the poem is true, I end one of my poems with the line "balance is the key, in all things we do" it seems you feel the same way. Keep up the good work!

[Betty]

Thank you Samuel , and I definitely feel the same way . It feels good to know we have the same perspective ,

[Samuel Jack]

Though our words may be small read, we shall bash our beliefs into humanity's thick head!!

[Betty]

True that!! And we shall soon succeed!!!

[Eagle Cruagh]

You have written a littany of truisms and it is good.
Thank you for visiting us---- I hope you will stay.
----John (Eagle Cruagh)

[Betty]

Thanks Jhon.....I am definitely here to stay ....already loving this family of poets :)

[Angi]

So true, Betty. How can you know the truth of something unless you have suffered against it? Angi~

[Betty]

You're right Angie ....we can only speak of what we know best :)