To See the Sun

An old Chinese proverb: Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

A precious little palm,

Soft and unblemished.

It bears no scars,

Recalls no pain.

All of two years old,

It already clasps a glistening key.

 

Beady little eyes have stumbled upon

A secret that eludes grown men.

And this sweet little child,

He wasn’t even searching for it.

 

He is born knowing"

We are all born knowing"

That to find happiness you must smile

Even when the rain comes.

You must dance

Even though your feet hurt.

You must love

Despite the hateful hail besieging your soul.

 

To see the sun,

You must be the sun.

 

Somewhere along the way,

The light flickers in those youthful eyes.

That gold key slips from his growing fingers

And he doesn’t even notice its absence.

No, not until much later,

When his soul slips down a cavern of despair

And depressing poetry provides a flimsy ladder.

 

Then he realizes that he once held that key,

So why the hell did he uncurl his fingers?

How will he ever stumble upon it again?

The key does not sail in with his sweeping words

As he reflects eloquently on the failures of humanity.

He sits in the dark, searching for the light

And he can only find his computer screen.

 

So many complaints,

So many theories.

It is all so complex,

So empty.

 

Happiness is no Quadratic Formula.

You must smile as the rain pelts your face

And dance pretending that the melody cures your tired muscles.

You must love as if your heart is pure and soft

Even knowing that you have been cut before

And will be cut again.

To see the sun,

You must be the sun.

Author's Note

I feel like there are so many poems about how the world is such an awful place nowadays, and I can't help but think that it's kind of a circle. The people who think that the world is a depressing place and ruminate on humanity are, themselves, making the world more depressing, even though that's exactly what they're complaining about. Did I just group myself among the people who think the world is an awful place by saying that? I'm not sure, and I'm confusing myself. Anyway, please give your thoughts. :D

Reviews

[Kenneth The Poet]

I can't but help think I inspired this poem, but I think I might be a little full of myself here. I love the reference to the quadratic formula for sure.

Seriously, you have a point. People like me might bring you down, but don't let that inhibit your work at all. Have a bright day, and let the world shine. This poem is officially favorited.

[Ivy]

This is inspirational, moving, and fantastic. I love the message, and how clear it is. Your word choice is amazing, and the it flows really well. Great job!

[MS. BABy]

this was a beautiful work very structured...

[Muse]

I like your perspective. We all have the responsibility of trying to put some sunshine into other people's lives. My poetry tells another view, only because I'd rather let it out in writing, rather than tell it in words and hurt somebody's feelings.

[Gomer LePoet]

Ice Cream, you have hit the proverbial nail on the head for most of us. Oh to be sure there are certain people that it seems unfairness in life is their destiny, but for most of us, we make our own happiness or our own hell. I like to wake up every morning and think, what new wonderful thing will happen to me, for me today?

[xSummer'sPatient]

I like the way you changed the line, it worked and it wasn't weird at all. It's more powerful, less distracting and creates and a much more evident picture in your mind. Much better, in my opinion

[joshua deathdealer]

Bravo on such an inspiring write. I also agree with Kenneth in saying don't let the darkness in world hold you down. Beautiful write.

[Dushyant Thadani]

This is very inspirational... It showed me a lot of hope... Beautiful work....

[An owl on the moon]

Tis interesting to see the glimpses of your words into our own nature.. to know that some of the poorest can be filled with joy, and those with so much can only hunger for more.. never satisfied.. It is complex and yet simple at the same time.. and your writing confesses our place to stand.. in sunlight...

[Judas Hammer]

You must dance
Even though your feet hurt.
You must love
Despite the hateful hail besieging your soul.

I could personally relate to so many lines in this work. Very well done

[Becky C Strukamp]

I loved this poem. A very real good feel good and gets one to think about the positives rather than negatives.

Excellent poem!!!