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Open Poetry #44
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To the Less of More
| Open Poetry #44 |
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To the Less of More |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines 
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To the Less of More I use to have a lilt in my voice, a skip in my walk, a smile for all. Hidden between these words that now fall are the hardest ones, not by choice. I use to know what the future would hold how to measure my day, pleasure to feel. All that's left is the empty, the real of those words that could never be told. Too late some say, or maybe not. What is the worth of what cannot be bought. Friendships develop, maybe more, maybe less years in the making, now to assess. I use to know, I use to feel, I use to have what I thought was real. In my mind's undress, no longer sure, To the future path: now the less of more. M "Love is not blind - It sees more and not less, but because it sees more, it is willing to see less." |
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| © Copyright 2009 Wynter Bliss - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Anniepimm Senior Member
since 2008-12-26
Posts 550England |
Lovely poem I know the feeling of wanting more but ending up with a lot less Excellently written |
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mandamaywhoviay Junior Member
since 2009-01-02
Posts 12 |
Very, very nice. I love the ideas behind it and it's very lovely written. |
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Richy Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050 |
Dear Maureen, I hope this year finds you receiving those things that cannot be bought, and things start to become, the more, of less. Richy |
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HopeS Member Elite
since 2000-12-22
Posts 4596Perth Western Australia |
Maureen I wish the best for you in the year ahead Hope |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
you make me want to be existential after reading this one....hmmmmm....is it the journey or the destination that is most memorable...does the journey make the destination or the the destination the journey...is it the end to the means, or the means to the end...is it the less, or is it the more...or is it the more of less or the less of more? Drifting into sublimation by the process, he leans somewhat consciously upon his upon and drifts into the nothingness of something... |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Excellent way to express it Maureen. Best of well wishes go out from me to you and hang in there I'm sure the more of more is on the way. Take care Eric |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed...James |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Maureen - I feel the words you have written. Wish you the best in this coming year. You are aware of my inner thoughts... BC |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Annie sometimes you just have to go with the flow..even when it gets dammed up. Thank you mandamaywhoviay, sometimes you just have to release...was one of those days  Thank youRichy its those things that can't be bought that have the most meaning to me. I wish you a HAppy New Year  M Thank you Hope, I will always treasure my first poet friendships. steavenr, you make me smile...the journey has been tough...but I am still here  Eric, " hang in there I'm sure the more of more is on the way." I hope so Thank you M Thank you and Happy New Year,JamesM Bill, as always I hold to those inner thoughts~~ and thanksM |
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threadbear Senior Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 817Indy |
Hi, Maur! I really like your writing in this. Strange how paths are seldom what we expect, but things have a way of working out. I understand your feelings of missing those we met as we first started writing. I will always consider you a close, sweet friend. Been my fault, buying a house, starting my business, etc. and haven't kept in touch as much as my heart asked me to. Distance has a way of blurring friendships and even families. Maybe the problem is that we just live in too large of a country! LOL Love ya, sweetheart, and you're always in our thoughts, and sewed permanently into our hearts Jeff and M |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Love you both, Jeff... you can bring tears to my eyes. I have sent you a hotmail message~~ well I would have if you left one behind send me one back so I can keep in touch with you...I am not sure if I have your email anymore.M |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
M, a smile is a precious gift...you wear it well |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
HelloPrettyLady~ You express yourself so well in your pennings~ 'In my mind's undress' Originality always flows from your ink~ Friendship that goes back a loooooong way ... Yeppers, I treasure the friendship of you~  *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Maureen, I believe that your less of more is what is left after life has peeled away your outer layers, leaving your inner core - the inner beauty, strength and character that is you. Just think back, haven’t your heartaches and your difficulties and the crosses you have had to bear, made you grow? Enhanced the You in you? Don’t you feel stronger, cleansed, more at peace? Doesn’t that less have more value than the more? From childhood, I have been elated by what I now regard as the Heidi mountain-goat cheese syndrome - the part I remember best, more than any other part – of the book, Heidi, is when Heidi and her grandfather go up the mountain with the goats, and drink goats milk and eat bread and goats cheese. Something about the stripping away of all but the basics, thrills me in an inexplicable way - like the simple, straight lines of all that is left of the Temple of Poseidon at Sunion against a perfect Greek-blue sky. When I have gone through the direst financial straits – sure I hated the terror of the possibility of losing my house – which I never did - and not being able to pay my accounts on time, and the like - but I felt a strange Spartan satisfaction about limiting what I ate to almost nothing and managing to be happy and satisfied and have better health than anyone I have ever met, or have more energy than people half my age – and of simply not buying (or even wanting in the least little way) any of what I called luxuries but most people regarded as near-necessities. I know these things are not what you are talking about, but also I have learnt (I think . . . well, most of the time!) to enjoy the stripping away of all sorts of psychological and social needs that others regard as necessities, and still being . . . well, genuinely happy and content. Somehow, it seems to enhance colours and sounds and the smell of the rain, the smile of a friend – and yes, I know this sounds saccharine-sweet and Pollyanna-ish, but that is how I feel, and it would make me very happy if you could find relief for your pain and feel that way too. - Owl |
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Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
I truly understand this, because I use to know, also, Maureen. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I hope this new year brings you peace and joy, Maureen. Ida |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
steavenr, I appreciate your response thank youM Marge, hoping you are healing and feeling better, I will always treasure Florida and am wondering where my pictures are... especially since I had control of the "dark" room. Some day I shall return to Fla. Diana, your words give me a lift this morning ( something I need while subbing once again for the 5 yr olds I taught last month. I have no idea where their energy comes from.) I am not sure I have grown from anything in my life rather than aged from it I haven't changed much from who I have always been, though I am working towards the inner "peace".And yes, when your life brings hard times you do realize what gives you the most pleasure and security rather than those meaningless material things that some think so essential. I haven't reached the viewing of blue skies yet...it's raining here Sue, I know you understand. Sorry I haven't managed to catch you but I am a bit worn when I get home from work. Besides the early winter darkness doesn't agree with me. Thank you, Ida M |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
M this year will bring something wonderful for you H |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
powerfully personal, real, emotive 'write'! "I use to know, I use to feel, I use to have what I thought was real." well ... that about 'sums it up' for me too! [I believe WAY too many folks' lives are devolving similarly these days amid this "Runaway American Dream"] much applause for this 'penning'! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Maureen, I am so glad my words gave you a lift. I have a poet friend in Kenya. Like us, she is (well, in my case it is "was") also a school teacher. I was worried about her safety as I hadn't heard from her for a while and I had emailed her, and she replied yesterday. She sent me the following and I know she won't mind me passing it on to you (and anyone else who would like it): New Year’s Prayer May God make your year a happy one! Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart; Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows; Not by making your life always pleasant, But by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help. God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year. - Anonymous I hope it hels a bit. Owl |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Thank you Diana, that is a lovely message. Helen, I am looking forward to that Bruce~~ you know the story...just trying to keep alive and kickin' thanksM M |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
M, you lecture well but don't follow too good get rid of the downers and move on |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
"M, you lecture well but don't follow too good get rid of the downers and move on" This may get me a reprimand, Dixie but: you have no idea what my poem is about. I have managed to continue on a successful life without using anyone. I have continued to help a person willing to change through his DUI experience that caused significant hardship to both our lives because a marriage of over 38 years, mostly good with some bad, means commitment. Loving someone isn't just a throw away deal when things get bad whether in marriage or in friendship or in family and accepting and understanding is a part of life. I have held onto my life despite what has occurred in it over the last 10 years of my poetry writing and have moved on day by day. That's all one can do... but the important thing is not to use anyone to get what is missing in one's life. And though you think I have been lecturing to you...I have only on here told you truths and tried my best to help you through your Dui experience which you continue in your poetry to dismiss due to not remembering. Many of us on here have had personal problems and are continuing through our words to express our past or present feelings. I am not asking for a deluge of sympathy or attention in this forum. I appreciate, since this wasn't a poem asking for advice that you refrain from doing so. ( sorry Ron... you may delete any of this you feel inappropriate) M |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I enjoyed reading all the responses that this fine, reflective piece engendered! Wishing you all the best in 2009! Linda |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
I was an alcoholic for 25 years and I know what you've been through Maureen. (We've talked about it before) I wish I'd had a wife like you though I don't blame mine for leaving. She didn't owe me anything after all that time. However, today though not together we are closer than ever as I have about 7 years sobriety to enlighten me to what I was actually missing. We've talked about getting back together but it would be just too hard after all this time. I have read your poetry for years and I know how strong you really are. This outlet of expression is for enjoyment and to release life's tears that we all experience. Anyone that cries freely with such honesty has to be strong. Best to you my dear and don't let those little rug rats get you down.....LOL! Eric |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Thank you, Linda and I wish you the best during this year in both health and happiness. Eric, I so appreciate your honesty and friendship. I didn't mean to rant above but when someone I have tried to help understand their own situation and or help as a friend in giving a small amount of advice (obviously never taken) can make an unnecessary comment about what they think I should do about my life when they no longer know anything about it nor should they, it just "ticked" me off this morning and I apologize to anyone reading this who finds it offensive. Staying married or/and even living estranged as circumstances may be, is a necessary choice of survival for now... It may not be the right choice for others, but I grew up with my husband and have great respect for his recovery and want the best for him as well as for myself. I have often told others in real life that sometimes not divorcing immediately allows tempers to cool and a chance to think sensibly about one's future. We use to tease our friends that the grass may seem greener on the other side of the fence but it still has to be tended to. Oh well, thank you for your kind thoughts. Wishing you a wonderful New Year ahead. M |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
I'm sorry Maureen...didn't mean to give advice where it wasn't wanted....just seems like you always write about this emptiness and I hate that you have it. But I know from private conversations that the pot can't exactly call the kettle black, not with good conscious or even out of denial. I have listened to your advice quite frequently when I didn't ask for it, though you haven't walked in my shoes, nor have I walked in yours. Funny how it's so easy to speak when you aren't in the situation. I'm truly sorry you are feeling so empty. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Friendships develop, maybe more, maybe less years in the making, now to assess. enjoy your CDs while weeding and your sound machine while sleeping...don't say I never gave you anything.... friendships...some things last, some don't |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Maureen, The real is never empty. The real is what we should all think about, and dwell on. This is a very interesting poem. I think it's well beyound me. Bobby |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Bobby, the real is empty. It is. Wherever you are from is good...but 'empty' is a good word for where we are from |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Dixie, you know very little about what this poem was about, just as you say under your own that people may be mistaking the meaning of yours about being stuck in Arkansas. My last and final comment is about those CD's of music you made for me some years ago that I greatly appreciated. If they mean that much to you, send me an address and I will send them back, I am not wanting to be a "throw away" friend. My advice and friendship to you was in personal conversations and chats along with those I am sure of other people who care about you. If you so decided to chat with me that was your choice. I personally, as many on here know of me, do not chase down people to talk to. Our chats were your choice when you needed attention and I, as others I am sure, have only tried my best to help you. I am going to ask you once again to no longer respond to this in public or will ask to have it closed. M |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
..and, should this continue, it will be closed. Dixie, the standard here is to critique the poem, not the poet. You are going over the line in your personal rebuttals and remarks, even after being asked not to. If there are personal issues to discuss, you need to use another medium, not here. |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Dear Maureen, none of us know what the future brings, tomorrow may not even come, I have had friends die over the last month in car accidents, I am sure they had no idea, live on the thought that tomorrow will be better and the next better again, we must think that way, we must make 2009 a good year for us all. Goodluck my friend and take care. Rick |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
liked it |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Bobby, thank you for your response. The only reason why this poem's meaning may be beyond your understanding is that you haven't been here as long as I have to know that most of my poems other than challenges are like a daily diary when I do post. I began when my Father passed away, and then when my husband thought "the grass was greener elsewhere" and then my sister needing a liver transplant for 3 years then dying of cancer as I took care of her those last 6 months...and in the process going back for some teaching credits and then working in the schools again. Although not abused, I guess my life has had its ups and downs as Bones' has. So when I am down in thought I may tend to write sadly, but it does not mean that my life is not a content one. I have really learned the greatest lesson as to what is really important in life and have decided the "less of more" is the answer. Not sure if that is a clear enough explanation Thanks Michael~~ Rick, I am already onto a great start this year. I am working again "long term" with children that bring such joy and innocense to my life. And their little hugs don't hurt either Thank you vandana Your responses are appreciated.M |
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