We Don't Live

Deep thoughts for a Friday

We don’t live our lives in black and white,

Or at least, we were never meant to.

The world’s alive with a vibrant energy,

Full of people that pulse in every hue.

 

We don’t live our lives inside a box,

Or at least, that was never the plan.

The world’s a kaleidoscope of individuality,

As unique as a snowflake, or grain of sand.

 

We don’t live our lives immersed in hate,

Or at least, love's supposed to conquer all.

Still we bury our conscience and carry on,

Unaware we're headed for the ultimate fall.

Author's Note

Not sure what I'm trying to say here...the words are in my head, trying to get out...this is pretty rough atm. :)

Reviews

[Dave]

I taught U.S. history for quite a few years. I always tried to stress the strengths that are to be found in individuals, no matter what race, religion, ethnic background, that have contributed to our great nation. I always had difficulty with the calling of America ,"The Great Melting Pot."

I felt a "melting pot" reduces all the elements in it to the lowest common denominator. Instead I tried to portray us as a gigantic mosaic where each group brings their uniqueness and through all of it manifests a "work of art" a 'nation' the likes of which the world has never seen before.

[ReedWrite]

Great way to look at it...a gigantic mosaic. Thank you for the read and review.

[Dave]

You are more than welcome. I expect to be reading more of your writing.

[Coyote Poetry]

I like poetry like this one. Had the feel of a John Donne poem. He asked questions and didn't tell.
"We don’t live our lives immersed in hate,
Or at least, it's said, only love survives.
Don't bury your conscience, and carry on,
Unaware…we don’t really LIVE our lives."
The above lines were solid. But I believe. We decide our journey. Bad or good. Good life, good decisions lead to okay life. And follow your mind and heart. Not the sheep. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry. You reached your goal. Made the reader think.
Coyote

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Coyote! Your reviews are always so deeply thought out and touching. You see beyond the words, and hear the heart, my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem and you are welcome my friend.

[Giulia King]

Amazing write!
"The world’s a kaleidoscope of individuality,
As unique as a snowflake, or grain of sand." Love it :)

[ReedWrite]

Thank you Gullia! I appreciate that very much.

[D Connolly]

I think that despite the difficulty you had articulating your thoughts, what you were able to get across was profound. I like how in the 2nd line of each stanza, you've offered some consolation that although too many of us fall into the trappings of living on automatic, or dulling our individual shine, or even relying on hate/ aggression to give us the illusion of strength in an unsure moment, it doesn't actually have to be that way; in fact, it was never meant to be that way. I love your Friday thoughts Rdub. Good job

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, D! I love your reviews. You always look deeper than the words, and nail it.

[Ana B.]

hmm, this makes one pause and listen to the famous sounds of silence. Lovely write, about the true pondering of life. So what is left to do then...are built this way, or we can outgrow our nature....seems we need eons of gathered cognizance to try and grasp the meaning of this ocean of thoughts.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you for reading and commenting, Ana. Quiet a compliment when a poem makes us stop and ponder.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Realism crosses over into the ideals of life ventilating a certain Schism about reality.

Strong!

Regards,
Al

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Al. Appreciate the read and review!

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! i'm surprised by your author's note! the theme seems pretty clear to me .. so i am probably all wrong ;))
not living in a box; not seeing in black and white were anthems of the 60's (my generation) it's a lot of what the "revolution" was all about! i really appreciate the turn in your closing verse .. from a more material aspect in the preceding to something far more important .. and deliver such a positive message in a negative way .."..we don't really LIVE our lives" ... well done says i1
E.
ps. love the pic!

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, E! The idea was there, but I'm still not sure my words did it justice. I grew up on the cusp of the 60s...so maybe that's where I find my aversion to 'boxes'...lol. Thank you for your wonderful words.

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ..................

[Great Aunt Astri]

I interoperate this as the unfortunate truth that things often do not turn out he way we wanted them to. I like the structure of your poem.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you very much, Aunt Astri. Appreciate you taking time to read and comment.

[Paul Bell]

Unfortunately hate is learned, bore out by losers.
Totally agree with you. Life is for living.
Get out there and live it.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Paul.
Appreciate the read and review.

[genocide]

this is a very good poem my dear

[ReedWrite]

Thank you.

[genocide]

hey reed write can you read and review Genocide meets alice