To Live

To hate, I must first recite the words of love,

To ache, my flesh must first master the ways of comfort

To feel anger, I must first breath the air of peace,

To believe, my soul and I must first unite;

To live, my life must be a painting of all,

To die, I must first be a citizen of the world. 

Author's Note

Have posted a video of this poem on youtube, would much appreciate it if you guys could check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW7laGLn_zg

Reviews

[ANTO]

It reads like a modern day version of the sermon on the Mount.

You're exploring what it is to be human - exploring that within ourselves and then writing our thoughts on reflection must surely be the right path to being a good person.

Well written poem Betty
X

[Betty]

Thank you so much Anton. Your words mean the world to me :)

[ANTO]

Don't doubt your sincerity or your self Betty. I have all my life and it takes its toll. Be yourself.
X

[Betty]

Thank you Anto for the word of wisdom... Better to live a day being yourself than to live for eternity pretending to be someone else.

[Everett DeValle]

I truly enjoy the simplicity of your poem and yet evokes a powerful message of strength, courage, and wisdom...nicely done, Betty.

[Betty]

Thank you Everett :)

[Everett DeValle]

You are very welcome, Betty...I also enjoyed your video...You recited it well...Thank you for sharing. :)

[petah]

Hello dear pal. Your creativity still amazes me. You must have grown under yo grandma; or simpy you have read and read alot of literary books. Such wisdom en insight is very rare wit our digital generation. In this poem, my heart lifted wit joy after reading this poem espe these lines; 'to believe, my soul and I must first unite' AND 'To die, I must be a citizen of the world'. Great work pal

[Betty]

Thank you so much Petah, you have no idea how glad i am you liked it :)

[Will Neill]

A tick box to life, loved it Betty.
Will

[Betty]

Thank you Will, i really am glad you enjoyed it :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

excellent piece of juxtaposition...

for every action there is a reaction or vice-versa.

love the last line...we have to live first in order to die.

[Betty]

Thank you Jacob for kind words.

[zainul]

Wonderful tips for living in the world and then expecting a better place hereafter.
Thanks for sharing the lovely piece.

[Betty]

Thank you Zainul... It is exhilarating to learn that you have liked it.

[zainul]

You are always welcome Betty.:)

[Steve]

Great wisdom shown here! I like this.

The one point of critique i would mention is in line 2. I think this line could be rewritten. "Master the ways of comfort" could be rewritten more poetically....

just a thought.

[Betty]

Thank you Steve for the pointers... I really do appreciate you taking the time out to review my work..

[Steve]

you are very welcome. I only comment when i feel a bit inspired. :0)

[DCT ponderings]

Betty this is fabulous for without shadows we would never known our light.

[Betty]

Wow! For without shadows we would never know our light, that is just BEAUTIFUL.. Thank you so much for the review.

[DCT ponderings]

My pleasure

[Elle Todd]

I'm usually not a big fan of poetry, but this grabbed me. The wording is beautiful, and flows quite well. Nice job!

[Betty]

Thank you so much Elle. I am more that ecstatic it had an impact on you :)

[Brittney]

Very simple, but really beautiful. I'm so glad you shared it, it was an honor to read.

[Betty]

Thank you so much Brittney :)