challenged

I'm finding the stories hardest to stomach are the ones that push me to grow.

safety in the known

what use is the familiar?

where is the glory?

 

uncomfortable

something foreign, something real

what could be better?

 

learn from survivors

life forged in the crucible

refinement by fire

 

what an epitaph:

"I never risked anything!"

why bother living?

 

shy away from life?

wearing blinders solves nothing

share and share alike

 

what is your story?

no matter if I like it

tell me anyway

 

seek understanding

refrain from passing judgement

practice makes perfect

 

we will not agree

we are different, after all

at least we'll know why

 

and when we are done

I can say "I know you, now."

and you will know me

 

to honestly seek

to walk a mile in your shoes

that is the challenge

Author's Note

Lest anyone mistake this for preaching - I am preaching ONLY to the mirror, here. To each, his own self-inflicted guilt. ;)

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Mason,

It is rare that I read a poem on WritersCafe that is so captivating. There are a few. I was getting into the groove with your haiku and hoping I would run into a longer piece, and then this. You are so right. On the money. Great write. This is going to get a 98% from me. That's the highest I've ever given. I've given it 4 times before. You are the fifth. If I ever find a 99%, I know I'll go blind and insane. 100% is impossible! So this poem of your is at the tippy-top of my list. Fantastic write.

Very kindest regards,

Rick