What is

What is life, my friend? 

What does it mean?

What does it give?

What does it take? 

Is it gift or treasure?

Is it responsibility or load?

Is it fate or destiny?

Is it for only for you or me?

How do we treasure it?

How can we protect it?

Where can it take us?

Why should we care? 

Is there a quote that explains?

Is there a phrase that comforts? 

What is life, my friend? 

What does it mean?

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, the age old question. I believe it will never be fully answered. We are all given a life and we need to cherish it. No, I don't think there is a quote that explains it all. You are waxing philosophical in this one, Emma. Very thought provoking! Lydi***

[emmajoygreen]

I think on and off and often bewilder myself. I ask questions of self too often, have reached a point when need ask others to see if I'm still thinking as I should be at my age! Feel free to ask.. ..

[h d e rushin]

An 88-year-old Robert Frost was asked what he had learned about life. "It goes on", he replied. Not being flippant or the curmudgeon that he was known to be in his older years, there is a certain formality in that statement. We can treasure it, but we can't protect it. And on our sick beds, we treasure it more than when we are well. BECAUSE YOU FRAMED THIS QUESTION IN A POEM, ADVANCES THE SCARS OF LIFE'S REALITY, AND FRAMES IT AS ARTISTIC. You're amazing. dana

[emmajoygreen]

Your visit is one of many over many years, sir, and oh so welcome! Many thanks for your generous words. I hope and pray that life is being gentle with you.

[Paul Michael Kelly]

fruitful questions... what is this thing we've been given?
To be in the middle of so many processes, able to witness them, value them maybe?
What do we do with the time and energy we've been given?
Embody yourself fully. No one else has your voice.

[emmajoygreen]

(lost my words.. argh!)
In answer as best can: ignore force or guile but focus friendly chitter-chat or gentle persuasion! Via honest courtesy one can often find the final corner of both the viewed and described picture!
That could be called embodying. Perhaps?

[andrew mitchell]

Life is the lease given
for one to find love
as a loan.
Enjoyed your write Em.

[emmajoygreen]

How very true, andrew - we can't grab or steal love but, enjoy the heartfelt sharing of it. Many thanks for your understanding words, sir. :)

[michelle buckley]

I love this! Philosophy of life eh. Beautiful thought out words, your voice is clear and concise...

[Betty Hermelee]

Life has different meanings… for some it is fate, for me it is my destiny…. Life is complicated; one has to carefully weave through its intricacies …… it can be daunting or it can be glorious…. I love how you pose a very complex question
My dear Em; t’s a thought provoking piece indeed!
Hugs
B💕

[Samuel Dickens]

Aristotle proposed that the best life involves both intellectual inquiry and virtuous action, with a focus on developing one's rational capabilities and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. (I got that from Google)
You pose several questions about life, and are certainly not the first to do so. From what I know of you, I'd say you fit Aristotle's view on the subject.
What is life? What does it mean? Even the wisest will struggle to say. I think it just "is".

[emmajoygreen]

If 'is' is all we have then, takes only that small word to give us Life and the way we use it - surely? If that is it - then it is what it is. Magnificent,

[Dave W.]

42, the answer is 42........... that and tacos.........and a good nap...........and coffee.....

[emmajoygreen]

Laughing... right, okay, will see what I can do!!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Life is something we experience and as poets write in reaction to where it takes us, how it hits us and we want to do with it.
I love a writing with so many questions. It forces the reader to become part of the process of the poem finding success.
And this one sure did with me.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Good morning, sir Poet! Tis always grand to share another day with your wonderful words and friendship! Hello, never ever before shared 2nd July, 2025! I try to learn something new every day.. sometimes I do - or don't! Please feel free to share the whatever process that arrives to and from my lil mind, dear friend! :)

[Neha agrawal]

What a heartfelt and thoughtful piece — your poem echoes the timeless questions that live in all of us. It’s gentle yet profound, like a quiet conversation with existence itself.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, my new and welcome friend. Sometimes, answers take time to clarify their meaning.. so, we wait and wait hopefully that what appears and whenever.. makes sense or maybe not immediately. One can only wait and see: is called time-wasting at the highest level! :)

[red93]

I really like this Emma, how you pose these rhetorical questions and then just leave them hanging in the air unanswered.

Hope you are managing to keep cool in sunny Dorset. It is absolutely baking here, just up the road in Bristol UK atm !

Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[emmajoygreen]

Is too hot for a blonde gardener whose brimmed hat gets in the way! As of tomorrow borrowing brother's cap and am out as soon as possible - five-ish with permission granted at three gardens, Elsewise evening even tho air will still be hot. Have tracked down battery run hand fans.. the guy at the till when was paying said he couldn't let me have a dozen.. but when I told him my work, he allowed me six. Now of course, I feel guilty. Many thank yous for your kind review. Take great care there, Bristolian (two Ls?)

[emmajoygreen]

Now of course, I have to think and think where. But, shhhh, need think.. if can!

[red93]

Great News about the Fans Em 😁

I am only an honorary Bristolian (1 L). I am originally from somewhere rather further West than Bristol 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[red93]

Welsh Wales Em - although I have been in the Bristol area since 1970 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[emmajoygreen]

Way back I lived in Pontardulais (sp) for six months and bought f*****s from the bakery! Never had a a one since to better them! Ladies would take empty jugs with them to buy the gravy-liquor! You have all sorts of history running through your veins! .

[red93]

Fabulous Em. But I am a Bristol boy now and I call it home - been here for 55 years, and for all Bristol's problems, it is a great City.

[emmajoygreen]

I know it well, have friends who live there too: in fact they were up here last weekend with others in my garden!

[red93]

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