What If...?

What if I can't?

What if… I am just not cut out to be

All those things that you expect of me?

 

What if… I fall into that endless abyss,

Or I jump in, unable to continue this?

 

What if… I already reached my forte,

Audience cleared out, nothing more to say?

 

What if… my candle burned down too fast,

Confident light fading into the past?

 

What if… I fail and let you down once more?

What could a disappointment like me be good for?

Author's Note

Reviews

[Avanthika]

This reminds me of a blog i had written on What if ...? indeed its a topic to be discussed, because every now and then we often think what if .... i had done this , i had done that ....The what if question never ends , this piece of yours inspires me to post my blog in writerscafe. thank you Ashira.

[Ashira Macy]

Wow, thanks so much Avanthika, I hope you do post it!

[Lady Glitter]

Questions, questions, questions; and often no answers. This is a gentle, fear-filled poem that, nevertheless, leaves the future open to positive possibilities. It ends on a hopeful note.

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks so much Sandi. =)

[John Ryan]

i know about this all too well
expecting to be perfect in an imperfect world

[Ashira Macy]

Very true, no such thing as perfection.

[Wandering Minstrel]

Very good. I think this has a deep meaning under many layers.

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks Minstrel.

[Blake Fodor]

well written and loved the descriptions

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks Blake.

[kublakhan27]

It's already been said by many here, but I will say it as well...boy do I relate to this...it reads like a soundtrack to social anxiety, or any mental disorder really...'What if… I already reached my forte, Audience cleared out, nothing more to say?' I think that was the part that resonated with me the deepest though...it sounds like a writer, particularly one like me who carries that albatross of a relentless inferiority complex, and an obsessive need for constant propping up...thankfully I have a few friends such as yourself that do a great job of it, and it's a full-time job really ;) Yes, this one definitely affected me...I hope this isn't how you're feeling my friend, for that would sadden me, but you've written an incredibly powerful piece, which is going directly to my library :)

[Ashira Macy]

Haha, soundtrack to social anxiety, I like that. You know, I have noticed that more and more people are developing social anxiety lately. Think that reflects badly on society? =P Unfortunately it is how I have been feeling as of late, though I am trying to get help with it. I don't care too much about what the majority thinks, it is a specific few that frighten me. Glad you enjoyed it though Steve. =)

[kublakhan27]

Oh I have a lot of things I could say about it, but this isn't the place...I have a fascination with 'the majority' that drives me insane cuz I don't want to be fascinated with it...anyways yeah, I just said I wasn't gonna say much right? ;P I'm not a preacher but I would definitely look into it if that's how you feel...in the meantime, keep writing amazing stuff :)

[Ashira Macy]

Haha, no worries, I know how that is. Sociology is a fascinating topic, and one that should be given attention since it helps us understand major problems going on in the world.

[Kelly Scheppers]

A deep, evocative write, Ashira. It reminds me of when I was younger, and fought so desperately to make my stepfather proud. There's an abyss to those words - "what if". Well done!

[Ashira Macy]

Thank you Kelly, I am glad you liked it!

[Skai Rain]

Very relatable. I think everyone has this go through their mind at some point. Thank you for sharing.

[Ashira Macy]

Thanks so much Brit.

[Chris McGrath]

You seem gifted in sensing possibility and railing against the possibility of failing to achieve potential. More people should ask more questions of themselves, their friends, and whatever essence shares our existence.

What if is a game we all play each time an opportunity presents itself. Time is a thief in the night with no past and the slimmest promise of a future. What if there were only now?

Your poem provoked all of these thoughts, Ashira! Thank you for being so provocative!

[Ashira Macy]

Brilliant insight Chris, I hadn't thought of it that way, but what you say makes sense. What if doesn't have to be negative.

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem told a real story. We must be careful what we say and do. I lost two brothers to suicide. Death was better than life. Better to be the kind voice and open door than add to the disappointment. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Ashira Macy]

I am so sorry for your loss Coyote, that is an awful thing, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been and must still be for you. I agree, it is best to be encouraging, lest we stoke and unwanted flame.

[Kringefest]

Sometimes it may be difficult to see what really makes life seem worth going through. But if life is easy, you aren't doing it right... It all might be worth it in the end. Wonderful... and thank you for penning this.

[Ashira Macy]

Very true, thank you Kringe!

[Kringefest]

No problem.