Edge Of Life

Born in place where pain was ablaze

Where everyone was striving to be great

The coat of my size I got from my father

Dripping hope, smelling survival.

 

Life haunted me with its mysterious songs

Sang straight to my feet to be danced by force

It's steps forward isn't something to trace back

Leaving all my paths with so many blunders.

 

The best I can is what I've always been doing 

Scribbling these riddles in my fading memories

From these clamors I heard life whispering

"Go! Go!! Boy. You need to keep moving."

 

I wobbled on and on to see what lies ahead

And till now, I see ahead still lying ahead

I told my weary legs to never smile at relent

Maybe I can see that end before my last breath.

Author's Note

Feel like sharing this.
what do you think?

Reviews

[barleygirl]

First, I'm glad to see you back writing & posting poems here (if you have been posting all along, I'm sorry I missed it). I always enjoy reading you becuz you tackle in-depth topics about human nature, saying things most poets never think about. I love your intelligence & thoughtfulness about humanity. This poem made me think back to when I was in my 20's & I didn't know "what I wanted to be" -- expected to pick a major in college, for example, but having no idea what it would be like to work at something, anything, for years & years. Now that I've done that (30+ years of technical writing), I have to say that, even in our most confused state (back in the 1970's & 80's), we were never as baffled as today's youth must be, as far as trying to find a way forward thru the mess this world has seemingly become. Back in the old days, we were confused & stumbling along (as your poem suggests) but it was only becuz there were SO MANY OPTIONS! Now I get the idea there are not so many options & many more problems to overcome, as young people try to find themselves. You've painted us a powerful & thought-provoking word picture of how this might go (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Afterthought -- love the analogy of wearing the father's coat . . . that says so much!

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I really appreciate your powerful review, Margie.
I'm glad you found this meaningful.

Hope you've been doing well, BTW.

[John the Baptist]

Has the sound of one who has attended the school of hard knocks. The first verse seems to describe the attitude of the speaker in youth, when anything seemed possible. Subsequent verses allude to mistakes along the way. The last verses, however, show an unquenchable spirit, a determination to continue on, "bloody but unbowed." Well spoken. We don't start dying until we quit on life.

[Ted Kniffen]

There was a slogan back in the 60's ... "Keep on keeping on" ... it's what we do.
Your poem reminded me of what Satchel Paige (look him up) said ... "Never look back, something might be gaining on you."

Well done Kay, nicely stated.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Thank you so much, Ted.
Those quotes are great.

[Coyote Poetry]

I know the feeling my friend.
"Go! Go!! Boy. You need to keep moving."
I live, by the words above. If I stop moving. Maybe I can't get up? I will keep going forward and thank you for sharing the amazing and powerful words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I'm glad you can relate with this.
Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Kay and I hope you are enjoying the days of September.

[Kari Rakitan]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem. It helps me appreciate life and the short time we have to enjoy it.

“It’s” is a contraction for “it is.” If you want to make it possessive, drop the apostrophe. This is the single most common grammar mistake I see among beginning authors, so you’re not alone in this.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I can see that, Kari.
Thanks for sharing your thought here.

[Chris Shaw]

Some people have such a difficult start in life and it never ceases to amaze me how some can ride above it, determined to make the best of things. A poem of survival Kay.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Thank you so much, Chris.

[Lydia Shutter]

You speak of a difficult childhood, but one filled with love and guidance. Obviously the lessons learned at a young age have helped you go places in life. A tale of survival and of reaching for goals. Well written. Lydi**

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Thank you so much for this wonderful thought, Lydia.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The opening line captures the reader's attention as you provide some context as to the protagonist's life and origins. The overall impression is of someone who has risen from a difficult background and who is striving to do better but finding life tough. The impression in terms of tone is one of weary acceptance and trepidation.

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Thank you for your powerful point of view, John.