Lessons

All the things in life

you feel didn't serve you 

were doing exactly that -

serving you

if only to shine a light

on the things in life

which don't serve you

so that you might not waste

the rest of your life

chasing them

so 

you better make sure you listen

for life will keep testing you

until you do

only once you close off

what doesn't serve you

will the doors open

to the things which do. 

Reviews

[Eilis]

Ah, I love this message. Recognition is such a big aspect of growing to understand ourselves. Being compassionate towards ourselves is sometimes the hardest thing to accomplish. There's such wisdom here. It's taken me decades to learn these things, and even still sometimes I forget.

This poem put me in mind of Robert Creeley's poetry. The way he would offer so much in a compact statement. I really enjoyed reading this, Laura. There's something wonderfully enlightening and comforting about it at the same time. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Laura Kate]

It's true, and I often have to remind myself of the lessons I learn too - not wanting anything to go to waste.

I haven't read Robert Creeley so I'll look forward to looking him up.

Thank you so much for your lovely review Ellis.

[barleygirl]

This is the best I've heard this oft-expressed philosophy worded. I'm not a fan of using "you" in inspirational writing becuz it sounds like the writer is talking AT the reader, saying "you should do this" and "you should do that." Usually I prefer for a writer to use oneself as an example, taking a relatable example from life as a story to show, instead of telling people what to do. But despite my usual opinions about inspirational writing, you have captured that commanding tone just right. This doesn't sound preachy becuz you follow it all the way thru a life to show how it can go, as far as making space for the good to flow into one's life. In other words, your argument is simple & convincing (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Laura Kate]

Thank you Margie, I am very happy to hear that you feel conformable with the balance in this poem. It was not my intention to tell anyone what they should do, but to underpin a sense of strength that it is possible to do it should they choose to!

With best wishes,
Laura

[genocide]

this poem says life will keep serving you no matter what you do.sometimes it doesn't feel that way

[Laura Kate]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[Gee]

This is truest when applied to friends, true friends, who are by your side come what may.
Good afternoon LauraK

[Laura Kate]

Good afternoon to you!
That is very true Gee, thank you for offering an extra layer to this one.
Laura

[Lydia Shutter]

YES! We have to weed out and get rid of the the flotsam and jetsam of life....and learning what should be discarded is not an easy task. We learn a lot of lessons along the way. I liked this. Lydi**

[Laura Kate]

Absolutely! Life has a lot of lessons for us, it's up to us to pay attention and learn them, I truly feel we can't move forward until we do. I'm glad you liked this Lydi!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

some are too worried about getting what they can from material things...they just want more and never stop being greedy...take take take...

what about giving?

strong message i see here, Laura,
j.

[Laura Kate]

You're so right, Jacob - such a breath of fresh air.
Laura