Sunday, November 5, 2017

2017 Pad Chapbook Challenge November -- Writers Digest -- A Matter of Self-Destructruction / Poets United Poetry Pantry

A MATTER OF SELF-DESTRUCTION

perhaps it the lifestyle              staying out late                                   gettin’ crazy

eat too much                            drink the same                                    foot in the mouth

or step into the traffic               before the light turns green                we forget

we are fragile creatures             come with specific instructions           for care and feeding

and once over the line              it is hard to find the way back              best to mind instructions

so much like                            holding the torch to a firecracker         “up in smoke”

we are here                              one moment                                         gone the next

but that is life                           isn’t it                                                   a matter of self-destruction

we can’t be too careful             it is a destination                                  we all reach in time


November 5, 2017     

15 comments:

Thotpurge said...

Once over the line, it is hard to find the way back.... so true Annell.

Nicholas said...

Bravo to you Annell for such a wise poem as this. True and it's sad to think about. Good day!

Blogoratti said...

This is life indeed. What a solemn piece that touches deeply. I hope you are well. Greetings to you.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love "we forget we are fragile creatures." We do, especially when we are young and think that strength and health goes on forever.

colleen Looseleafnotes said...

Ah, this is such a great "other take" on the poem I posted this morning. I love the pace, the foot in mouth and the stepping into traffic before the light is green.

Namratha said...

So true Annell! Every word of that.. We all do reach in time to our only real destination

Magaly Guerrero said...

What Sherry said. We can break so many things--in us and in others--when we forget what we are and how we are made.

Donna@LivingFromHappiness said...

I was thinking recently how lucky I am to be alive given the close calls I have had, and reckless behavior with not too devastating consequences. But I have learned this lesson and thankfully not too late. It is an important hard lesson for me....your words are impactful and one of your best Annell!

X said...

Life does seem the path of self-destructions. We do not always make the best choices. If only life came with easy instructions but much of it is figuring it out as you go along, which means you will fail. Hopefully learn from it. Do better the next time. As long as you don't make the fatal mistake. From some there are no second chances.

tonispencer said...

I like this. We do forget how fragile we are, that we are not coated in Teflon and bullet proof. Very wise.

Gillena Cox said...

I suppose we do contribute someway or other to our passing out of this world, But then, given the state of being, do we have a choice

much love...

Mary said...

Indeed it is a destination we all reach in time. We can't fight it. We are here one moment and gone the next. We have to take it in stride, but live each day as best we can live it anyway!

Wendy Bourke said...

Great poem - designed to give pause. You have captured an instruction manual 'care and feeding' vibe in this piece, that is compelling.

Jae Rose said...

Such an insightful write - so very wise

Sumana Roy said...

Lucky ones learn it the hard way that we are fragile creatures & some don't get a second chance. Wise lines.

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