navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #23 » The Labor of Self Love
Open Poetry #23
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Labor of Self Love Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California

0 posted 2002-10-15 02:02 AM





This "poem" was written for people
some, or all of whom were cutters, addicts,lost, physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, frightened, worried and ALONE. They had no hope, no sense of being cared about, and saw no light at the end of the tunnel.
At best this poem is only a band-aid but it did touch a few  and helped just a little, giving them hope, love, encouragement and a sense they can get through the maze of self-growth, that they really have the power within to do so. Knowing someone wishes they could help and feeling how you do does make a difference. I hope this touches at least one lost, confused soul.

I wish I could give you
the courage you need
to stand alone.

I wish I could teach you
how to let go and be the
person you are meant to be.

I wish I could love you
in a way that gives you the
sense of freedom
you've longed for so,
and answer the fears
that are etched
across your heart and mind.

The ones that cause you
to think that you are less
than what you are.

The ones that sometimes
~trick you~
into believing you don't
even~exist as a person~.

When you are so discouraged,
I wish I could say a magic word
that would help you remember
you are on your way to
finding your own individuality
every time you stave off
the commonness of those who
would rob you of your self-esteem.

Try to remember we are all
where we are supposed to be,
on a separate level of
living, learning and growing.

You have just acquired and
are still developing new
living skills and attitudes.

Changing takes time and patience.
But, know that soon you will reach
a consistant level where you will
learn to love and trust yourself
more than anyone else.

You will find the place where
your own sense of rightness
overcomes your fears.

Where acceptance of others
and self, opens up a joyous
creativity and a wonderful sense
of ~being a winner~.

So, don't lose faith
in yourself now.
Although changing takes
time and energy,
the ~Labor of Self Love~
is worth it!




..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"


[This message has been edited by regards2you (10-15-2002 03:03 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Patricia L.Thompson - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2002-10-15 06:51 AM



This is a nice effort, and the poem
stands alone, Pat, on its own.

Now...make it personal, see how it sounds
by taking out the wishing...

and make it so.

A   

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
2 posted 2002-10-15 09:01 AM


Thanks for the advice but it is not clear to me to be of any value.




..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"


[This message has been edited by regards2you (10-15-2002 06:31 PM).]

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
3 posted 2002-10-15 11:03 AM




..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

[This message has been edited by regards2you (10-15-2002 06:36 PM).]

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
4 posted 2002-10-15 01:10 PM





..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"
  

[This message has been edited by regards2you (10-15-2002 06:34 PM).]

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
5 posted 2002-10-15 01:24 PM




..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

[This message has been edited by regards2you (10-15-2002 06:40 PM).]

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
6 posted 2002-10-20 07:54 PM



Ah Pat, pursuant to a note you left on one of my poems, I did a little searching and I believe I found the poem of yours that you were referring to.

Just to make a clarification, I did not receive a personal e-mail from you, so I did not know you had asked a question of me in your own poem - there was no way for me to know.

As far as what I meant, you are correct, I did not leave a very clear impression on my comment.  Your poem here says that you "wish" you could do something for someone by a word or an action.  My intent in saying "make it your own" would be to make the wishes reality...what happens, when you do say that word that changes a person's outlook; when an action from you has the ripple effect on another, and its subsequent outcome.  That is what I meant when I said "make it your own."

I have been enjoying your work, and I am very sorry that you may have felt that there was some miscommunication between us that I did not come back to see your comments, here.  For that, I apologize for my recent lack of time.  I'll continue to watch for your writings.  Thank you!  

Karilea
If I whisper, will you listen?...
I would rather be silent and write, than speak loudly and be bound

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
7 posted 2002-10-20 09:07 PM


My dearest sweet lady, you still did not leave a very clear "impression"
of your comment.

What I do not comprehend is how one can make "wishes a reality" without being God....or, without changing the entire purpose and meaning of the message of this writing.

Maybe because I personally was with this group of kids and we discussed
the aspects within it,  with many, many long, loving hugs from me, I am simply unable to clearly view your meaning.

To change the meaning, or the intent, or even the purpose of posting this
piece, would be a sham, no matter how much better it might be with your corrections. Robtm1965 has posted some excellant lessons for the novice (me)
poetry writer. Like you, my time and mostly energy, for me, is limited.
Honestly, my reason for posting this was not to recieve accolades from fellow poets; almost didn't post for I
feel guilty taking space that the true
master poets, such as Wells, Seymour, Magnus, Santos, and a few others might have had. I also said I didn't know if this was the correct forum for this piece. I know there are ~aching~ kids
posting here. I do not expect comments from them, only "wish/pray" they feel a hug...

In the other poem "To Spend A Day With You", you suggested I remove the
"I only wants", which would have ruined the entire poem

My battery in keybd. is going dead
so can't finish this.

I have the highest regard and respect for you, a loving, well-meaning fellow
poet. Thanks, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

Auguste
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953
By the sea
8 posted 2002-10-20 09:07 PM


Pat, I found this very moving and heartfelt.  It is not often an easy task for one to rebuild his/her self-esteem.  I feel it's important to let our friends know how we view them, how they impact our lives and what it is in them that causes us to feel they're so special.  

The stars will shine when I am gone,
the earth will turn on as before,
the gulls, still race along the shore,
the morning star, still kiss the dawn

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
9 posted 2002-10-20 09:15 PM



No, Pat, it was not to change this poem.  It was simply a suggestion toward writing another.  Sorry that this has been such an awkward conversation.

regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
10 posted 2002-10-20 10:30 PM


Michael, am glad you responded, and that this was heartfelt. Thanks.

Sunshine, thanks for clarification about writing  entirely new poems,
but, to me, they then would not be
'the essence', of me, but counterfeit, no matter how well I incorportate
your ideas, or others'. I'd rather have a lousy poem than a cheap rendition of trying to copy someone else. I am afraid I would lose whatever innate gift I might have.

Thanks, appreciate your effort in helping me to be a better poet.

Lovingly,
Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
11 posted 2002-10-20 10:55 PM




(big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, I for one also was deeply touched by these words as I know many young people would need just this to begin to find their own voice and heal from the grief they had to endure! (sigh) My thoughts go out to all the youth who struggle to cope with their sorrows, sweet friend, I send angel hugs to them all, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Patricia, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #23 » The Labor of Self Love

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary