Platitudes

Literature is the orchestration of platitudes. - Thornton Wilder

Nothing to fear but fear itself

What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger

Buying these trite sentiments

Makes moving on take longer

 

Time, it heals all of your wounds

Good things, if you just wait

So we should just sit idly

Not affecting our own fate?

 

Everything happens for a reason

Always darkest before the dawn

Said in times of hardship,

But joy and hope, still gone

 

It does not help to hear these words

Our spirits not emboldened

When you are at a loss for words,

Try this one: Silence is golden

Author's Note

Heard 'em all - said 'em all.

Reviews

[Aethereal]

This is a beautiful poem, but I would have given it a six syllable cadence if I had written it myself. Here's an example that's close in meaning to your first verse. This verse has six syllables in each line with all accents matching in meter. I overlapped rhyme. You may keep this verse as your own. I won't add more verses because this is your brilliant poetic idea, and not mine. You may sing this verse as a song: (Perhaps I should write songs instead of poems?)

"Nothing to fear but fear."
"Hardships make us stronger."
Quoting words filled with cheer
make us cope much longer.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Aethereal. I enjoyed your verse - I see what you mean.

[carol burgess romance]

Rita I agree...better to say nothing then spout those over spoken cliche's....good write

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Carol!

[Pax]

well said!
fear is a choice
time is moving
situations and events are with reasons
Silence is golden ~ as patience is our vitue...
well done!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Pax!

[SteveB]

Lovely rythmn and rhyme.
Delightful twist at the end.
And as is usual with your work, a delicious wit.

Thank you.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Steve!

[Will]

I love how you turn these common phrases and turn them on their heads. It does grow frustrating hearing this clichés over and over, and this a great expression of that frustration. The flow is very nice, with solid rhyme scheme. Great work, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Will!

[quinfinn]

you took some euphemisms and turned the tables on every one! love it!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Quinn!

[Angi]

Amen! Say that again...or don't.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thanks, Angi!

[SyberRose]

I love all those sayings...enjoyed reading and im glad you got your badge ha..Rose

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks to you! :) Thank you, Rose!

[SyberRose]

When mine didn't pop up I had to go searching for it ha..

[Baby Ricochet]

Nicely woven rhymes out of cliches. Great job.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[Rogue]

I'm going to come in here as opposition.. Cause, you know.. -shrug-
Many times these are things people say when they can't find the words to say, yet they wish to offer some sort of comfort and support to another in need. They are not meant to be pithy brush offs.. Besides.. it's not really about the words, but the sentiment and desire to help behind them.

Well worded poem though.

[Rita L. Sev]

You are right of course, Rogue - and this is why I too have said them. These words feel so impotent when a friend is hurting, though. I would rather a silent hug, filled with that sentiment, than a barrage of words that just fill the void.
Thank you for your comments - I understand what you are saying!

[Sami Khalil]

A lot of good wisdom in those words and I like your whole take on them...Bravo...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami

[Sami Khalil]

MY pleasure...:)