TROUBLED TIMES

         Picture by Mitch Zorich

It's not the good times that I am truly thankful for
The easy lessons in life are not enough for me anymore
Life's troubling times have only helped to hone and temper me
Sharpening my focus so as to not lose sight of my reality
Personal conflicts have pushed me to a better understanding
Allowing me greater self-control so as to be less demanding
Hardships and hurt feelings that tend to make others run cold
Strengthens my self-resolve though I am not always so bold
And people who question my powers of reasoning and understanding
Only reaffirm my desire to keep my self-awareness ever expanding
Tested and challenged I strive to be all that I ever can
But the more I see of myself the less I resemble my fellow man
                                      Bear

Author's Note

I leave most punctuation to the reader that they can read the poem in their own meter, mood and motility. I thank you for taking the time to read my work.

Reviews

[bathtime]

Not many people are capable of appreciating hard times for what they really are - the best life lessons. It takes a pretty special person to do that, and be able to hold onto it. Let alone grow from it.

This piece is really nice. Short, effective and great. It took me a moment to realize there was a rhyme scheme in this, just cause the lines are so long. Perhaps shortening them would help with flow and readability.
OVerall I truly liked this. Great job.

[Bear]

Thank you, yes the double meter does through many people off, you don't see it used much. This poem was written as part of a writing challenge and that was part of my specific challenge. If you should happen to read my poem Training Bra, my writing challenge was to write a humorous poem for the somewhat serious picture posted with it. Yes, most of my old poetry group enjoy giving me a challenge then watch me squirm to accomplish it :~)
I will gladly return the read and review favor soon.

[zaisham9393]

I agree.This is so relatable and one of the best pieces I've read and I am so happy that I did .

You're awesome!! Thank You so much for sharing this with me :)!

[Bear]

Thank you and as I said it may not help with the bad day you had but just maybe it can help with any future bad days :~)

[Insight "MH"]

From time to time, I tell my students "If a day goes by and you didn't learn something from living that day, you have just wasted a day of your life" This poem is brilliant, thank you for sharing this masterpiece.

Insight.

[Bear]

Thank you my friend, life is what you make it, even when things go wrong :~)

[Insight "MH"]

You are welcome.

[Philip Muls]

It sounds like you have gone far already on the path to individuation and self-realization. You sound at peace with your fate and eager to grow more. You do not mind to stand out from the crowd as long as you become who you are. Strongly written, well appreciated. I would like you to review my one and only text sofar if possible.

[Bear]

Thank you for the great review. Being very large "6 foot 5 and 375 pounds" and part Blackfoot Indian I stood out my whole life so I learned at an early age to be comfortable in my own skin. Now at 60 I can look back and can see just how luck I have been, coming from a loving family who inspired open minded thinking so all the credit goes to them. Yes I will gladly return the read and review favor soon :~)

[Connie]

I feel like I can totally relate to you, you are a great writer

[Bear]

You are to kind, and I thank you for reading my work. I shall return the read and review favor soon :~)

[Jane Taylor Hardy]

Just read this one to my husband...the last line so very true. Loved the bare (no pun intended) honesty of this poetry and the courageous pen that wrote it. Victim consciousness is a place many love to dwell....but you obviously learned the lessons, did not become bitter and are the victor. And yes...as such I am certain you are far more honed than many others. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these most eloquent words from your golden pen.

[Bear]

Thank you for the high phrase, I shall gladly return the read and review favor soon :~)

[Elodie Thompson]

The poem contains depth and truth about the lessons that one seeks for in life. It was a wonderful read.

[Bear]

Thank you, an obstacle in your path can be overcome by simply going around it unless you see it as a roadblock and a reason to not even try!

[Elodie Thompson]

I strongly agree. Trying is what gets one closer to fulfilling their goals and achievements.