Sands of Time

Winner of the Bronze medal in the NY Literary magazine https://nyliterarymagazine.com/contests-for-poets-and-writers/winners-of-the-ny-literary-magazines-august-2016-poetry-contest/

We meet many men of sorrow

so much deeper than our own pain

Wisdom and strength they all borrow

washed by waters of life's own rain

Each of us ponders life's reason

looking deep within our own soul

We follow each path and season

that vainly we seek to control

The sands they burn up like cinder

that has trickled our fingers through

Each hope, our time does now hinder

what wasn't, we find is now true

Chase not the rung of the ladder

that will place you above the rest

When alone what will it matter

if a loveless life, you attest

So small the pain of his distress

whose earnings don't tell of his worth

An honest man, this life will bless

no matter his fortunes at birth

 

Author's Note

I meant this to be an endearing piece to honor the struggles of life. It has been an observation of my own life that the men I valued most seemed to own the least. This is so true that I cannot deny it. I imagine it was true life struggles that gave to them their great nature. I simply wish to shine the light upon our own misguided ways. The worship of the almighty dollar has never tucked a child into bed. Nor held the hand of a grieving woman. Money cannot buy love. Nor can it manufacture it. The reason the son of a rich man can wreck a 50,000 dollar car and think nothing of it is simple. To him that is what his father was willing to pay to placate the son. In the mind of the child the car is what the father is giving him to replace the time he doesn't have for him. So since the child's life is not important to the father neither is the car valued by the son.

Reviews

[AprilRN1210]

I love the messages in this piece... Life isn't about how much money you make, how many things you achieve, it is about the relationships you have made, the lives you have touched.... We struggle through life, searching for meaning, for answers, for worth, yet never realize that it is in that struggle an the lives we touch that shows our worth... it is priceless, and should treasured.. take the time to share and learn the wisdom with others, cherish loved ones, and enjoy the simple things.. The sands of time will pass you by in a heartbeat if you do not take advantage of those hidden opportunities to learn, grow, appreciate life and pass this precious gift on to others... As always I love your work.. this is one of my favorites..

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Time is our most prized possession as it cannot be replaced and runs out like an hour glass.As I tell my son "Tate the value of a man is not held by what he owns but lies in what he gives to others."

[AprilRN1210]

exactly.. couldn't agree more:)
you're more than welcome.. always enjoy your work..

[Chirinos20]

It is true what you are portraying in this peace. A man is not value for what he has but for he gives. Material possessions are not everything in this world. Love is! A great write as always! Great job!

[Niki Wilson]

Extremely liek this poem..

[Shelly Braen]

Very honest and humble are your words. The trials man must face yet rise above. I say the richer man lacks the favored capital and has all the more in heart. you have hit the nail on the head here.

[Priyankaabhilaashi]

Truth well revealed..!!!

[Christian Adriaensen]

Awesome write here,
great work Tate!

[Fabian Franco]

Wow this is just amazing.

[msharma]

Great penning .Strong thoughts woven. The bitter experiences really make men hard in terms of others thinking.It is a reality we think others our own ,they really differ,they are mere illusionary supports.

[M.Babu]

"No man could be called a lost soul
whose help to another, he lends
The shoulder he gives, to console
will earn him a life, full of friends"

What powerfully true words have you woven throughout this piece my friend. What is the purpose of life? the age old question...and the age old battle between love and material...what is it that really matters in the end? A house full of material or a life full of love, appreciation, friendship and personal satisfaction?

The words are wise and the flow of the poem really adds onto the wisdom compounding it into a magnificent piece to be learned from and passed down generations to come. Brilliant thought to this and well put down my friend!!

~M.Babu~

[Droll Prole]

Without the struggle for success there is no real appreciation. My mother was telling me just today that when your up and you help someone out, they will be there for you next time your down. People should always help each other. I love what this poem stands for and the song was cool too :)

[Bryan Micheni]

good write. very good appeal...