This Mortal Truth

A look at what lies ahead.

I know not what awaits me on that distant shore,

though I know that’s where I’m headed, hoping for more.

I am bound both to physics and limitations,

I view my sorry state, a bad imitation.

God, will I really be forced into an abomination?

Inspired by others, I'll take e'er what life hands,

Make the most, and worry no more, where I land.

For I read of those many warriors lost on other shores,

I'm humbled to think of them, so strong to the core.

God, can you aid me in not walking a narcissist's floor?

And as well, I know not of what waits for me there,

where perhaps Angels line pathways, tall and fair.

Why must not knowing the "when," be like battle fatigue,

what's this I'm fighting for, and why must I act pleased? 

God, why is it I am left bare, victim to such disease?

'Tis true, I'm in this for the long haul, fighting for my life,

For I've so much to lose, child of the Cosmos, mother and wife.

I don’t know if my sins, this mortal truth will sway,

to invite me to what is Heaven, paradise of warming rays.

God, won't you help me to see truth until death's reaping day?

Author's Note

"Distant shore," is an abstract way of referring to heaven or some afterlife...I see it used a lot in poetry.

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Barbara,

I see your heart-felt lament, here. Would that we knew what lies ahead. But we can't. Still, we know what is likely, unlaundered by what we might wish. It's a hard fact. I don't think most are willing to embrace this, but seek a different message. And how welcome that message must be. But we must determine if this is true, sorry, I mean likely to be true--there is no knowing!

Reality is a harsh mistress. She cares not if you are hurt or marred by the reality of her truths. She simply is an unhearing mistress.

Now, let's talk of human strength. My dear, you are our model of this. I salute you. There is another in my acquaintance that numbers in your group, and that is Blane, recently fallen to an aggressive brain tumor. He was never sad to my knowledge--but he must have been. Yet he was alway so upbeat! Such bravery is the highest achievement of Mankind. You are like this, Dear Lady. I am honored to be your friend. May you always triumph over life and its challenges! You are always in my heart.

And you must know that I also have a poem by the same title. It's amazing, isn't it, that this title inspires us so!? The mystery of the "distant shore" tugs at our heart strings. It makes us seek more, to strive more.

My very best regards! I enjoyed this very much. Highest marks and Kudos!

Rick

[BLBrown]

Rick - you always seem to be able to grasp what I am trying to convey. One of the ways I "deal" with cancer is to work it out on the page. Only then do I free to be brave and not have Cancer fill my world all the time.

It is such a relief to write and get these emotions out. I am a happy and optimistic person by nature, though I know much of my work here is dark. That's a big reason that I can find a way to shine in the lightness of life. I'm also very aware of my family and I want so much to have strength for them, as I know my many conditions and diseases worry them so.

It's friends like you that make my world a better place. Thank you again for the review and encouragement. As always, I value your critiques the most!

All the best,
Barbara

[open ended]

wow. totally amazing. the idea is presented linearly and clearly, cleanly tackling each idea in each paragraph. moving stuff. very lyrical and touching