Two Back, One Forward, Three to The Side

My actual life is a fact, in view of which I have no occasion to congratulate myself; but for my faith and aspiration I have respect. It is from these that I speak. - Thoreau

don't ask where i've been

don't follow where i go

don't look for a ticket to such an unruly show

rather

ask me who makes the wind blow

the flowers grow

the moon glow

puts the white in snow

raises the tide from a sullen low

forgives this uneven row i hoe

tears and blood leave no trail

they dry in the sun

with remnants of a tattered faith slung over my aching back

i whistle his song as i go

a gentle, loving reminder of

these things

these things

i know

Author's Note

“If we cannot sing of faith and triumph, we will sing our despair. We will be that kind of bird. There are day owls, and there arenight owls, and each is beautiful and even musical while about its business.” - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a well-balanced poem with strong wordplay (rhyme & rhythm pop) plus deep meaningful reflections. I love this line: "forgives this uneven row i hoe"!!! People, in general, are too hard on themselves & this poem conveys immense self-gentleness, which is very appealing. V1 reminds me of how people usually interrogate upon first meeting, discussing statistics about each other's lives that don't matter. Then V2 & V3 go on to show the anti-typical way of sharing, without it feeling like an interview. Just chewing the fat about whatever flutters by (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

i'm the poster child for those too hard on themselves. i'm learning not to be too hard on myself. i know such things as in the poem but knowing, believing and walking/living them are different things. why is it so damned hard to change? coming face to face with my own mortality surely was a wakeup call. i currently live in a place with a lot of people with hard luck stories - very eye-opening. i put my own troubles aside and try to help them / love them and this helps me to love myself again. this one wasn't easy to write - it hurt. thanks margie for sharing ... :)

[barleygirl]

Thank you for this heartfelt share (((HUGS)))

[Poetic Beauty]

Sounds like someone talking about faith and their journey along the way. It’s a deep thought and one to ponder on.

[Pete]

we learn and grow and are tested on the hard road. there's no victory or answers in smooth sailing. being lost can be a good thing ... :)