Just Living Is Not Enough

“Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

Just Living Is Not Enough

Living to live

or stay alive,

simply has no grace.

Who wants to

inhabit, eternally,

such a cold and empty space?

We need to feel

sunshine's touch

play across our skin,

for that is what feeds,

and gives rich life,

to our empty souls again.

We need to roam,

feeling free,

to smell the air and taste the spray.

To walk across fields,

through woods and meadows

where flitting butterflies play.

There to see

a little flower,

mother nature's gem,

to wonder at its form

and beauty,

but never pluck its stem.

 

20/01/17

Reviews

[alanwgraham]

It's great to see someone recognise and celebrate the true value and meaning of life. If you could add a verse on the need for friendship it would make it complete.
Good work.
Alan

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Alan. Twas based on the Hans Christian Andersen quote "“Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

[Lyn Anderson]

This is beautiful. And very true. Whether the person "not living" is incapable of doing so for mental or physical reasons, the result is an empty life.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you 'M'

[DIVYA]

There is a difference between living and just being and I see it in the poem. When we die to the goodness of Nature we die to ourselves. So beautifully written.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Divya; you are so very kind.

[DIVYA]

You are welcome John

[Einstein Noodle]

true true and true! tho money is not a goal to strive for with disregard for all else (the rich) we do need enough to allow our thoughts to take time from paying rent, food and clothing ..(the middle class) i tell my kids to keep creativity alive in just such ways as your poem exemplifies ..seems so simple ..
E.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Einstein. I so agree, that is what stimulated this one.