What if I told you

To my son

What if I said you were mortal

And there was an end to your ride?

And that you’d walk through that portal

And be stuck on the other side?

 

What if when departing this earth

You’ll leave behind your possessions?

Does it bring you sadness or mirth

To have no answers, just questions?

 

So live your life now and be bold

Do good unto others, my son

Today Leave your mark on the world

A sure way your name will live on 

 

 

Author's Note

I'm sure as hell don't know where this came from. I'm as surprised as you are, guys.
if you could improve on the poetic side of this.. thing, I'd be much obliged.

Reviews

[Norman 223]

You have asked the question that many of us have searched for. This is why there are so many religions. They all have different solutions - some banal, some kindly and some vicious. I asked the same questions in my poem "Wholly Unholy".
You don;t need to improve on your poetic presentation, Woody. It is brief ,concise and realistically worded..

Norman

[Woody]

Norman, it must be lack of confidence but I can never admit to myself thatt my poems are passable. how can I when I see wonderfully crafted verses such as the ones you bring here? ok I'm good with the rhyme but scan, rhyth, meter.... too much trouble. that's why most of my poems (such as the lymerics) are kind of "clownish".
ta very much for the review and the boost.
I agree to what you say about religions now let me go take a look at Wholly Unholy.

[AprilRN1210]

wait, what? a poem? have I been gone that long?.. just kidding Woody. This was a sweet, wise write filled with sincere and touching humility. It is funny watching young children with their endless questions, but we quickly learn as an adult we still don't really know anything and each answer brings about another question. Your advice here is honest and heartfelt. I have missed you my friend and I enjoyed seeing this soft side.

[Woody]

this sweet visit certainly made my day :)))))
I was on the point of sending you a PM! missed you, too. but I should've guessed you'd turn up some time during this very month. clever girl!!
thank you, Dear, for gracing my page with those twinkling eyes. must stop. people'll be having ideas.
about this poem? ah well you know me. doctor warned me I'd have lapses and turn serious now and then. No, I haven't changed.

[AprilRN1210]

That "serious heart" is what draws your reader in, because underneath the comedy and wonderful stories you paint with your skill, your warmth and caring soul shines through. you have definitely brought a smile to mine. ((big hugs) my friend. and yes, it is my month :)

[Woody]

big hugs right back atcha. i hope you're here to stay. we've lost so many good ones.

[AprilRN1210]

wandering souls always come home, I have too many precious friends here not to find my way back.

[Leo]

nicely penned and wise..keep it up

[Woody]

glad you like my rare "serious" pieces, stranger. thanks a lot.

[James]

A brilliant message from a father to his son. In the end the only thing that matters is what we've done for others and that we did our best.

I enjoyed it immensely

[Woody]

thanks a lot my friend. that's what I've always believed. Robinson Crusoe managed to live on his own for a while but was happy to have Friday as a companion. so if we're going to live together on this eaarth, it stands to reason that we should interact in a positive way.
mmm. I'm in a philosophical mood, this morning!

[B. Boileau]

Every once in a while fatherly instincts kick in, it can't be helped.
Having said that, this is a beautiful piece giving a life lesson in a rite of passage sorta way. Nice moving peice.... ya done good Woody.

[Woody]

thank you so much, Sir. I believe children need all the guidance they can get in these troubled times, hence this uncharacteristically serious piece.

[barleygirl]

After reading a few of your cornball postings, not knowing what to say in a review, then I come to this sweet gem of a poem! Bravo! I love the writing, the message, & the earnest tone. There are spots of unexpected brilliance thru-out. Now back to reap a few more ears of corn . . . (thanks for sharing!)

[Woody]

thank you so much for taking the trouble, barleygirl. I'm glad you liked this one. my "serious" writes are rare and do not amount to much, if I'm honest.

[barleygirl]

Oh, I beg to differ! I think your serious writes reveal an interesting mind. I didn't mean to slamread moreOh, I beg to differ! I think your serious writes reveal an interesting mind. I didn't mean to slam
dunk your corny humor . . . I know lots of people who love your style of humor . . . but I don't know what to say in a review, maybe just show you I'm smiling or laughing!

[Woody]

arrrggh!!! the site's done it again! it says read more but won't open :(
anyway, thanks a bunch for the compliment.

[barleygirl]

I sent you a message anyway. I hope you can read that.

[boblakin]

In the end, what we leave behind counts the most.

[Woody]

my thoughts exactly, Bob. thanks for taking the time.

[H.S. Moyler]

I like it. Instantly reminded me of something you might see in the book of Proverbs, since that's also framed as a father giving advice to his son. And you rhyme without it being garish.

[Woody]

thank you so much H.S. not being a real poet, I can only be flattered that you find this piece interesting.
thank you very much fo reading and reviewing.

[Abhilash Hegde]

Wow! this is serious piece of work!
I like the depth of the verses and the inherent theme.
I read it again, and felt it like reading it one more time.

Many layers here, on the opening verses

"What if I said you were mortal
And there was an end to your ride?
And that you’d walk through that portal
And be stuck on the other side? "

Great job, woody!

[Woody]

I'm flattered you found this one interesting, too. thanks loads Abhilas.
I don't write poetry but little ideas would sometimes pop up and I try to put them in verse.

[Peter Rogerson]

Impressive, and good advice to boot!

[Woody]

I keep telling readers that I'm subconsciously trying to prove to myself and others probably that I'm more than a jokester here by trying to act my age. don't know if it's working. freak occurrence.
thanks loads for stopping in, Peter.