ALL THAT WILL REMAIN

Always searching for the next good time

and what the world can bring.

Always looking for the next big deal and what it’s offering.

 

Never thinking very far ahead

or worrying about the cost.

Never wanting much to understand or caring what gets lost.

 

Always thinking that there’s time to change,

believing that I’m fine.

Always doing what I want to do and taking what is mine.

 

Never listening to friends advice,

for surely they don’t know.

Never going to let them think I’m down or I’m out of control.

 

Always needing more to get the fix,

and more to pay the price.

Always promising I’ll give it up, my own strength will suffice.

 

Never thought that things would go this way.

Won’t let them know the cause.

Never going to let myself admit the damage that it does.

 

Always going through this cycle.

Always starting up again.

Always finding out the hard way that there’s just no way to win.

 

Never going stop the bleeding,

or the guilt or all the pain.

So the shell of me that people see… is all that will remain

 

 

…Jeff Bresee

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Sometimes we have to hit head-on a brick wall to smack a bit of sense into us, but if we will just stop and look about, we will see what is worth living for, and carry on. That cycle you speak of can a very hard one to reverse, or end!! Admired are those who are willing to try!
Excellent perspective about life and its complexities for the hard headed soul!!

[lee von cleef]

And a damn tough honey badger too.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Excellent and full of cutting truth - a reality that is painful to admit and yet it is where we learn precious lessons from. Your words are well chosen and directed toward the theme, a remarkably smooth flow that keeps the reader "involved" in the inner struggle. The poem touches us because it speaks so much of humanity.

[MOON]

Is it not strange sometimes life smacks us in the face and we just dont get it. We keep on repeating the same mistakes. Thats the lesson I suppose . Lovely poignant write.

[Donni]

wow, have I seen this done by people time and time again- I was on that hamster wheel for a while, hope other's can see themselves in this and have an "ah ha!" moment of clarity. Well done.

[Neva Flores - Changeful..]

Excellent poetry Jeff.......you have described poetically how so many of us feel from time to time. Often we think we will never get ahead or we are always running after the next thing. It feels like sometimes we repeat the same mistakes over and over again and just never learn. What a wonderful feeling it is when we shed that old skin and start anew. That would be the reason I have the words Life is Awesome on the top of my profile. I shed that old skin and started anew and it feels good. Love your work.

[bob, small b. aka invs]

this goes along with a concept i've read from different sources that says we change inwardly by changing our behaviors. i guess this works potentially either for the positive or, as in this poem, the negative.
i always enjoy a poem that makes me go hmmmmm. nicely done.

[LJW]

I can so relate and I am sure others can relate on many levels. Doesn't have to be about drugs or alcohol, just about not beng able to let go.