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Open Poetry #47
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Acceptance
| Open Poetry #47 |
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Acceptance |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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Acceptance I don’t ask for another chance, My choices have been made. As I choose to sit out this dance – No emotion displayed. I forgave myself long ago, But that don’t erase the pain That I will carry – I will know Till nothing else remain… For nothing else have I ever held, For nothing else rings true… Watching hope and misery meld In memory of you. I raise the chalice to my lips, In toast to dreams well fed… And pretend not to notice the drips That damn the soul, instead. Acceptance is reality When one’s left without choice… But why press for neutrality When I still have a voice? Could some not learn from my mistakes? Am I self-aggrandizing? Or is it love, itself, hell forsakes In all the compromising? My penance be this life, alone – I will not choose to grovel. For it’s not to me I must atone, Though I find that concept novel. But my forgiveness, well in hand, Accepted from God, above… ‘Cherish pain you’d not understand, That in this life, I knew love. Michael Anderson But dreams — of those who dream as I, Aspiringly, are damned, and die EAP |
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| © Copyright 2011 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
Heart wrenching. Too true about knowing love and pain. Lori |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I am glad to see, Michael, that you have started forgiving yourself, but if you are still doing penance, there are many more steps to go. Sorry for meddling, but it is just so sad that you are so weighed down. Happiness doesn't depend on another (though, yes, I know only too well, that another can increase one's happiness). It comes to those who seek it in themselves and in the world around. No it isn't self-agrandisement to teach others to learn from your mistakes - it is love in its purest form - that of agapé love. I am glad you could see that. Owl |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
There is always another chance, Michael. If anybody knows that I do. You can forgive yourself from now until doomsday, and that is good that you do, but the pain still lingers, although it get dimmer each succeeding year. As some great philosopher once said, "Hang in there." ~~ Those who are silent are the first to be shot. ~~ |
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
There is no light without darkness; and you have a bright, shining silver lining. You explore this side of life so thoroughly - it is through this ever thoughtful exploration that understanding, and yes even acceptance, occurs. Thank you for sharing your journey. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
very nice...acceptance is important...James |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Lori, truly the pain is worth it. Owl, one’s own happiness should never depend on another. That is to set yourself up for disappointment in the worst way. I get the feeling you derive that I am an unhappy person, which my poetry could definitely lead anyone who doesn’t personally know me to believe, but truthfully that is not the case. While I might not be overjoyed with all the facets of my life right now, (those I have no ability to change being foremost), I accept them and have a positive prognosis for the future. I will concentrate on what I can change for now, and wait, for that is what I am charged to do. JP, I’m hanging buddy… but at least not literally.  Nicole, ‘tis a pleasure. James, it all starts with acceptance. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Michael, You ARE the Serenity [and serenity's] Prayer. We love you, but you know that! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
‘Cherish pain you’d not understand, That in this life, I knew love. And it truly is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all... though there are times when the agony of loss robs us of all but short-term memory. *S* Could some not learn from my mistakes? Am I self-aggrandizing? Yes to the first, no to the second. *S* I think one of the things that draws us to poetry is recognition of shared experience... someone else has walked the paths my feet now stumble on, so to speak. *S* Heart-touching and excellent! |
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ebonygirl Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000California U.S.A |
Heartfelt Michael, appreciate your sharing, ms. e |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
K, thank you so much. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the love from everyone on this forum… my true family. I’ve always found peace here, no matter what I’m facing outside. Ruth, as much as “better to have loved and lost” is cliché… Having never even witnessed love for thirty years, to then have ten years of love in overabundance in a near-perfect relationship; I see it as a resounding truth. No matter how difficult the pain of separation, I was/am truly blessed just by having experienced this. ms. e, Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed. |
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