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Open Poetry #33
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E S West
Member
since 2004-08-31
Posts 116
California

0 posted 2004-09-01 01:30 PM


I have walked on through the darkest night.
Through places of terror, steeped in fright.
I have lived, like none should wish to know,
In ways I would never, dare to show.

I have done as I have been told.
Too many things, have I done so cold.
Duty! The reason given to me.
Though in my heart, wrong, I knew it be,

Now I must live with what I did.
With guilt and pain, I'll never rid.
Always I'm told, the choices weren't mine,
But only self, can cross the line.

© Copyright 2004 Eric Shawn West - All Rights Reserved
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

1 posted 2004-09-01 01:42 PM


Yes, your words ring true, but when it is something that we necessarily can't control we can only do our best and realize that we did exactly that, our best under the given circumstance.  Very well done Eric. I enjoy your writing and am glad that you are here.
E S West
Member
since 2004-08-31
Posts 116
California
2 posted 2004-09-01 01:52 PM


Thank you gentle spirit,

I once believed that I had no choice, that my duty to service and country was a no option thing, that orders were orders and you must obey...unfortunately I learned too late that, that is absurd, and every person has a higher duty, that is to self... you must hold to your own values and morals and let nothing take them away from you.. as I once did, and I will forever pay.  You see we all, always have a choice....

thank you for your kind words....I hope you undrstand my point of view,, it took me a long time to understand it and accept it..

                   E S West  

LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

3 posted 2004-09-01 01:56 PM


this reminded me of a show last night, training navy seals...in bitter cold water...it was hard to believe...and yes, in most cases there is choice...some not...depending on circumstances...

Wonderful write Eric...enjoyed

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

4 posted 2004-09-01 02:04 PM


Oh Eric, I do understand your point of view and admire you for it. Please, don't be so hard on yourself, you did what you felt you needed to at the time, and sir, there is no shame in that whatsoever! Sometimes, we do what we must at the time, and often regret it later.  I am most certainly no stranger to that idea....Thank you, for your insight!
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
5 posted 2004-09-01 03:15 PM


"Always I'm told, the choices weren't mine,
But only self, can cross the line."

Eric, you nailed it, with those words.
Glad you've joined this family.

E S West
Member
since 2004-08-31
Posts 116
California
6 posted 2004-09-01 03:38 PM


Thank you LeeJ and midnite sun..
and dear gentle spirit, thank you again, but do not worry, I am neither hard on myself nor am I ashamed, it is just the way it is...so we go on, but we all must live with pains of past, no matter what they be

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
7 posted 2004-09-01 07:34 PM


Nice writing...James
Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
8 posted 2004-09-01 08:11 PM


Eric, this is excellent.  Always remember, however, that we are not trapped by our past definitions and the wonderful thing about life is to grow and evolve.  We are defined by the here and now, the choices we make at this time.  

  Susan

Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you.  Joy is a state of mind.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
9 posted 2004-09-02 04:19 AM


good write indeed!
BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
10 posted 2004-09-06 12:48 PM


  
Such a wonderful message E S West,
placing the blame is the easy way out.

welcome to the blue pages~

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