Live life joyfully

Dedicated to survivors of trauma and abuse, who include people i know IRL

Live life joyfully

 but be strong as well.

Live life lonvingly

 but be brave.

As much as you can,

 as often as you can,

 be kind, generous, graceful.

At the same time

 be strict with yourself,

 speak the truth,

 stand up against injustice, 

 and

 do not give into the temptation

of abandoning all hope. 

Live life beautifully

 so every cell in your body

 cries out in ecstasy.

But never leave your post.

You are a warrior.

The world needs you. 

Author's Note

Dear readers, sorry i've been absent. i love reading your works and leaving comments. i love this community. but there is A LOT going on right now, and i can't focus. but i'll be back again soon as things settle down. i look forward to that time i can focus, read and enjoy your poetry and stories, and share my thoughts with you.

On the poem: usually, i do not like to write dogmatically. but, this is something i have been thinking about recently and i decided to share what i have learned. artistically, i hate this piece. but i hope the message resonates with some people.

Reviews

[Snow_]

I had something close to trauma. But not really trauma.

do not give into the temptation
of abandoning all hope.

I think, I had survived is what matters really, over everything.

To give up hope is truly tempting. But do not forsake your only lifeline. It was what had carried us this far. Right?

Just because it may had been "over". We still need to cherish our hope. thank you.

Thank you. Can you tell this to your friends.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

trauma is something that prevents us from living fully. it is not about how "bad" it is. suppose you know someone who has had it worse than you. doesn't make your hurt go away.

so, i wrote this poem for you as well. read it again if you like. i mean every word of it. --Ern

[Snow_]

All right thanks

[Eilis]

Speaking clearly and directly has a special place in poetry. When we want to reach or inspire others sometimes it’s the most fail safe way to speak. Your poem is inspiring. You say you aren’t thrilled with it artistically but those who suffer need to know they are not alone. So there’s something noble in stepping outside the normal creative comfort zone to speak frankly and with compassion.

I need words like this but don’t seek them out. My natural tastes lead me towards things that inspire existential contemplation or deep spiritual questions. And I miss something. The head-heart balm of reading words like these that remind me I am not alone. I think I’ve said that about your last two poems I’ve reviewed. That something there reminded me I’m not alone. So that is a truly positive thing. Thanks for the supportive message to all those who might cross its path.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thank you so much Eilis. if there's one thing that keeps me writing, it's the desire that someone might read it and feel less alone. for me, reading has always done that. it is mysterious just how powerful fiction and poetry are. squiggles on a page that can brighten your heart or take a load off your chest. it is real alchemy.

[In Em's Wonderland]

Trauma is always a difficult subject for some to digest...but you're right about one thing--we are survivors and no one can take that from us. It comes in many various forms, both mental & physical, one just as bad as the other. I've survived through some rough stuff, but it just matters how we're able to bring ourselves back from it...build ourselves back up, we are not broken things, but warriors! Thank you for this powerful piece...it was nice to read something so relatable...

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is a battle call to truth, honor and justice; things that all good people should seek and wish for one another as well as upholding them in our personal character. A great write with greater meaning. I enjoyed. F.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thanks Fabia. im glad this work spoke to you. it's less flowery than my usual writing, but i just wanted to state this plain and simple.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I think sometimes things are best served plain and simple. I'm a big fan of simplicity and forthrightness.

[Neville]

The message is great & the principle wholeheartedly agreed with .. as is your motivation & dedication .. in practice tho' don't things just so often tend to get in the way .. neville with a small N

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

they certainly do. and i feel that not enough people have the confidence to face problems head on. it takes so little encouragement to get people to fight for themselves. i tried to do my part.

[Neville]

I would suggest you have accomplished your mission

[Chris Shaw]

Fighting talk. A warrior’s words. Face the challenges that cross your pathway on your journey through life, whatever difficulty comes your way. Sound advice and inspirational too. Much strength in your words Ern. Thank you for sharing.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thanks Chris for your comments. i always enjoying reading them.

[Chris Shaw]

You are very welcome Ern.

[Samuel Dickens]

These are wise words. Life is challenging and as you say, "never leave your post". Stay in the fight and don't check out. Some Aren't strong, so encouraging words such as these may help.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thanks Sam. i'm glad you found a bit of inspiration here.

[Sami Khalil]

Words of inspiration and uplifting the human spirit. We need all the encouragement we can get in this mad world of wars, money worship, moral declines, mental illnesses, political rumpus.
You write excellently!

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thanks mate. i am glad you found even a little bit of inspiration through my work. hope to hear from you again real soon.

[Sami Khalil]

Yes siiiirrrrr. You are welcome Ern.

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

Artistically, the piece is human.
It’s a delightful reminder that life is indeed worth living.
Ern, our real lives takes a chunk out of our virtual lives, but our writing lives for ever.

Thank you for sharing this piece of eternity with us.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

merci bien. i'm not sure this work will survive the end of the week, but i am glad that you had found it.

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

It’s a blast of fresh air

[Gee]

A powerful message Erm but more often than not it is easier to write this message than live it.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

alas, that is so. only love and presence can lead to true healing but words can give closure. i can not be there fr the person who needs me, so this is the second best i can do.

[Sapphus]

What an invigorating poem! Love it..

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

thank you sir. i'm glad i made even a slight difference to your day.