Words On The Toilet Door

The words on the toilet door

Travellers of the world

Leaving their mark

All amusing, till

Six words jumped out

WAS IT YOUR LIFE TO LOSE

What was he inferring too

Couldn’t have been himself

No, that wouldn’t make sense

Suicide, was it a selfish act of suicide

A surgeon, the impossible operation

Men going to war

Is he asking the generals

But surely you would direct that question to politicians

What the hell is he meaning

Is he asking the ultimate question

The meaning of life

Is he questioning God

The giver of life

The taker away

Who knows

WAS IT YOUR LIFE TO LOSE.

Reviews

[Nate S.]

Extremely interesting and thought provoking. I've seen some pretty interesting and haunting comments on bathroom doors before so I get this. I'm not sure how I feel about the questions posed here, but you've definitely given me something to think about for the evening.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Nate.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Words On The Toilet Door'
Paul Bell,
'Was it you Life to Lose.' Was it indeed? In quiet times when life is quiet the mind is free to wander, ponder. In the simplicity of life...bathrooms, doing laundry picking up whatever. There are important things to consider. As your poem relates someone sure did and I just wonder who, what, when, where, and how.
Great poem,
blessings,
kathy

[Lydia Shutter]

A philosophical riddle....and a thought provoking one. I don't think even our own lives are ours to lose. We have a responsibility to humanity not to mention our friends and family. Very interesting write, Paul. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Lydi.

[Farah Husain]

Ooh I like it, makes you think!

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Farah.

[barleygirl]

This is one of the best messages of yours that I've read so far. This shows a great sequence of thoughts, so unusual, yet so relatable. Who hasn't seen one life clue, whether it's written on the bathroom wall or if we find a note floating on the breeze -- whatever . . . and then our minds go on an odyssey wondering what it could mean? You made some good guesses which provoke more guessing in the reader's mind. There are many living quiet lives of despair, but the clues can be found here & there . . .

[Valentine]

I think of that when they speak of the numbers of babies aborted every day. One could have been an Einstein or inventor of something we all need. Valentine 'Whose life was it to lose?

[Paul Bell]

So true Kathie

[aLittlePain]

Hmm that's pretty hardout, I can't get down with someone checking out like that though, the fall out is devastating! I've never really considered the etched contemplations on toilet doors before but I guess it's the perfect place for it. Powerful Thought provoking write Paul. R xo

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Rach. Stay out of toilets.

[Ana Papaya]

This packs a bit of a wallop. I struggle with this subject for personal reasons. Anyone who is considering suicide really needs to stop and ponder these deeper questions I guess. It's a good poem Paul.

[Paul Bell]

I suppose when you get down to it, the pondering has gone.

[Ted Kniffen]

A sad and startling moment to read on a bathroom wall, isn't it. So many questions and so few answers. Good write, Paul.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Ted.

[Lyn Anderson]

Who knows? Interesting to ponder what someone scratches on a wall sometimes. As always, a clever, thoughtful, observational write.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Kara, working hard.