Chance it

They tell you that if you run too fast, you’ll trip

And if you jump too high, you’ll fall

And even if you swim as hard a s you can--

No one reaches the other side of the ocean

And you still run too fast and jump to high and swim too far

And you fall

Just like they said you would

Just like everyone said you would

And they are leaning over your shoulder and whispering in your ear

“I told you so”

Over and over

And over

And over

Again and again

And we still keep running and jumping and swimming

And falling

But you get up

You get up even though they say you won’t

But you do

And you keep running

Even though you probably will fall

And you keep jumping

Wishing you could fly

And you keep swimming

Even though it’s stacked a million to one that you won’t reach the other side of the ocean

But we just keep swimming,

Just keep swimming

Because that’s what we live for

The breath that is sucked, like a vacuum from our lungs

The tickle in your stomach, just as you are about to start heading downward

The joy you feel when you look around you, only to see blue sky and sea

So we will never stop even though chance is there

12% chance you will break your leg running

27% chance you will fall flat on your back when you jump

1% chance you will reach the other side of the ocean

But it doesn’t matter

100% your heart will be broken

But-- We still choose to love

Pain comes with the chance to live

And I’m 99% sure

But there’s always that chance…

Author's Note

I wrote this jumping on a trampoline... Boing! Boing! Boing!

Reviews

[dan]

Jamie, The repetition of lines and thoughts emphasize the importance you place on each, over and over. This piece tells the reader that, "You never win if you never try." Innovations come forth when someone takes a chance on failing...can't win unless you try to make a bid. A very nice idea on which to focus. take care...dan

[Tai Ryens]

I read this weeks ago and I have to say, this one has been on my mind for quite some time while I considered how to present my thoughts in the most comprehensive way possible, and still have come up with nothing. Regardless, I have to say this is one of those inspirational pieces that can easily remain on the mind for quite some time.

The first thing I had come to my mind upon finishing this piece many weeks ago was a particular quote by Norman Vincent Peale: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

There's nothing you could lose from trying, and, as you said, there's always that one chance, and that 1% chance can make or break a life.

Well done.

[Mary Bradley]

Beautiful poem ! ... I am 100% agreed to how it's described the life's chances . We never stop striving for chances .

[Elie Marie]

I love it. It's so true. And i'm doing all the falling right now so it was good to read this.

[Olumegbon]

Enjoyed reading it, every bit was captivating. Nice one.

[Daydreamer]

Vibrant writing! It started out in the right sense and the tension build at a perfect pace :)
you're right we out to look beyond what everybody keeps repeating over and over and over

[Cool Girl]

Take a chance! I like the message this poem sends out. Don't be afraid to chance it! I love it! Amazing job:)

[Woody]

never say die! that's the spirit. most of the times the end result becomes secondary. it's the thrill of the act itself that matters. just keep trying! and maybe, just maybe, you'll make it and the pleasure will be immeasurable.
good one, Jamie. keep jumping :)

[Jamie]

just maybe you will get to the other side of the ocean. :)

[Vishuddha]

We really are wonderful beings, aren't we? That one percent is all we need. Great energy. Great poem.

[Jamie]

Thank you! I am really beginning to love that aspect of human nature. God made us to be wonderful beings! I really appreciate this!

[Lizardo]

Ah this poem really speaks to me...
How people always tell you not to do things, but how in the world do they expect us to grow up if they don't let us explore or experiment?
I love the poem, I really love this poem
You did a great job writing this one!

[Jamie]

thank you! It just came to me. I didn't really have to think about it... Thanks soooo much!

[Lizardo]

You are welcome!

[Lizardo]

You are welcome!