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graham
Member
since 1999-07-31
Posts 60
South Yorkshire, England

0 posted 1999-08-12 04:43 PM


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gift Of Life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I gave for a cause
I was glad I could give
my money and clothes
so that others might live
My donation was borne
of a will to ease strife
but I never gave
the gift of life

I gave up my time
I was glad to be there
for the sake of the needy
I'd plenty to spare
But the thing that hurts most
that cuts like a knife
is that I never gave
the gift of life

I gave up my freedom
and opened my heart
for better, for worse
'til death do us part
But I can't tell my children
they're the gift for my wife
that I never gave
the gift of life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

------------------
I always wanted an edible canoe
but you can't have your kayak and eat it too!

© Copyright 1999 graham - All Rights Reserved
elvira
Senior Member
since 1999-07-06
Posts 936
California
1 posted 1999-08-12 04:59 PM


being childless by choice, i can't relate, but i enjoyed reading your poem, graham
JP
Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343
Loomis, CA
2 posted 1999-08-12 05:01 PM


Personally I'm glad that is a gift I cannot give - nine months of that and then the pain... No thanks. The Gods made women so I wouldn't have to do that.

------------------
Dum spiro, spero
JP


Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
3 posted 1999-08-12 06:25 PM


A poignant poem, well done.
RainbowGirl
Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023
United Kingdom
4 posted 1999-08-12 06:27 PM


Wow!...I'd give anything to give that same gift...

Hugs

------------------
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.



WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
5 posted 1999-08-12 07:14 PM


Well written. The "gift" may be difficult but oh, so well worth it!
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
6 posted 1999-08-12 07:44 PM


Got two daughter of my own, so I can relate to some degree although not fully agree... for they wouldn't be here if it weren't for both of us.
redwriter1
Member
since 1999-07-22
Posts 480
Franklin, TN
7 posted 1999-08-12 08:26 PM


I think sometimes we feel a sense of loss over something.. even if we've never had it.

That's the way this poem makes me feel.

and , it's funny, we seem to miss "those" things.. the most..

very touching..
just remember (it's never too late)..
CARPE DIEM.!... (hope i spelled that right)


Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
8 posted 1999-08-12 08:35 PM


Graham, I like your style! This poem is very good with an excellent message.

redwriter1
Member
since 1999-07-22
Posts 480
Franklin, TN
9 posted 1999-08-13 12:10 PM


wait! wait!.. I need another frame!!

I have thought about it for a few hours now.. and ..was just thinking.
Something sounded wrong..

I'm so used to hearing the line.. a gift my wife "gave me"..

But here.. you said.. a gift you would like to give her.... WOW..

Never even considered it in "those" terms before.. but sure makes me think.
(err I think that's what poetry is supposed to do, isn't it?)

clap clap clap clap.. take a bow..(smile)

Tara Simms
Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244
Honea Path, SC USA
10 posted 1999-08-13 12:23 PM


Graham, that was beautiful. my heart feels your pain. i have two children and will always love my soon to be ex husband dearly for these gifts he's given to me. but my soul will always grieve for the babies i'll never rock again.
Terri
Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 82
Turtle Creek, PA
11 posted 1999-08-13 12:51 PM


Graham, maybe you can't give the gift of life but you CAN give the gift of love. What good is life without love? The poem is beautiful...thanks for sharing!
graham
Member
since 1999-07-31
Posts 60
South Yorkshire, England
12 posted 1999-08-13 08:25 AM


Hmm...mixed reactions prompted by this one.
That's interesting.

I was merely lamenting not having children,
and I see this as a gift I never gave,
though, like many gifts, I also miss the pleasure of giving...selfish, but true!

As for giving love?.....I do my best (grin).

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
13 posted 1999-08-13 08:33 AM


I've never given life... wanted to, didn't happen... and for a long time, I didn't accept my fate graciously. *S* But now I truly believe I've made a difference for the better in some lives... and that's more than some can say who've given birth. A fairly obvious coping mechanism... but a real attitude adjuster, none the less.
redwriter1
Member
since 1999-07-22
Posts 480
Franklin, TN
14 posted 1999-08-14 12:24 PM


still amazes me how we think the gift of life is something a woman gives to a child..

Never thought of it.. as a gift a man gives his wife.. but..

I've just been enlightened....

and so grateful to learn something more about the human nature.. of man...

warms the soul.. and my mind..

------------------
Kay-lynn
**A dream is a wish your heart makes :)


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