Questions

Answers required

Some things we do with all our love

and they are filled with beauty.

I ask what should our feelings be

when driven by our duty?

What should we feel when deeds we do

are done with little pleasure?

Confessing here within these lines

am I reduced in measure?

But honesty is what you'll get,

my early counsel spoken

and I for one won't waiver now,

my standards won't be broken.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

"feelings" do run dry ..and often mislead ... but duty bound responsibility lends us a hand up in integrity, pride (the good kind) and a more real selflessness ... "feel good" is not always being "good" eh! ... i feel proud of your speaker for standing strong ... i hope it is for a just cause ;)
E.
ps. strong closing ... i like the rhyming

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for your thoughts. Always appreciate your visits.

Chris

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

do you think the things we do is outta respect or because we are women or caretakers? I know I know...im suppose to be answering questions not asking more.lol I stand firm in my positions as well and even when it's not fun or even good for me, I often do what is asked. I love them often even when I dont like them and many times i have no idea why...I just feel the need to love them and make them feel happier then when they felt less happy before....does this make any sense? Anyway I like that this is making me think...i need to think to clear these foggy thoughts away and get the healing more motivated.ty Chris

[Chris Shaw]

I hope CQ you find healing soon and appreciate your thoughts. I am a natural carer, the eldest of five kids, I was the little mother as a child myself caring for siblings. Some of the stuff I do is out of respect. Caring is always there even if on occasions I wonder if what I do is appreciated. I am talking about older more distant relatives here, not my immediate family. Meryy Christmas and take care dear friend.

Chris

[Lanny]

This is such a choice piece of self-reflection! I loved the rhyme and metre, but the plumbing of the depths of your reflective thoughts is what really stirred me. Life lessons indeed . . .

A wonderful read, and thanks for posting it.

All the best,

Lanny

[Chris Shaw]

A very thoughtful review Lanny which is most appreciated. Merry Christmas.

Chris

[Lanny]

A very Merry Christmas to you as well.

All the best,

Lanny

[Coyote Poetry]

Life is a fine teacher. Hard to be kind always. But we must try. I liked your words and thoughts. Made the reader ponder and think. I don't know. I believe if we led with concern, kindness and we listen to each other. A better world we shall know. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your thoughtful response. Thank you also for all the times you have commented on my work. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Happy New year dear Chris and you are welcome.

[john l smith]

I think in those less enjoyable situations you can take pride in the fact that you still willing enough to slog through the mud
Some deep concerns there?
Hope things are good
Dave B

[Chris Shaw]

No deep concerns Dave just a few niggles and me questioning myself. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Eilis]

Tough questions, really, because when we do things we would prefer not to it is often for people we care for, and our duty is driven by something deeper in us. Of course sometimes we just don’t want to say no, haha.

In my personal experience, there’s a line where a person’s sense of duty can be taken advantage of and maybe when that line is crossed it becomes necessary to assert oneself. Of course, I’m not very good at that and will just keep saying yes!

It is difficult. It sounds like the sense of duty and honesty are integral parts of the writer’s personality, so it’s not so easy to delineate. I sympathize, but also offer praise for the act and the expression of frustration which, in itself, can help to alleviate the negative feelings associated with the act of duty.

Thoughtful poem, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughtful and helpful comments are very much appreciated Eilis. Thank you.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Fine and thoughtful questions, Christine, written in your usual positive and elegant manner. They need careful thought and perhaps, that much more at this time of year.

I think, for me - the answers could be: Duty shows respect to and of people, no matter what or who. Deeds done with little pleasure show unselfishness. Honesty is only honest if it comes from a gentle heart and a head that shows kindness without arrogance. Can we generalise when it comes to human need?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em and good morning to you. Maybe we can:t generalise when it comes to human need. "Deeds done with little pleasure show unselfishness" that somehow makes me feel a little better. Wishing you seasons greetings for Christmas in what has been a sad and difficult year for you. I hope 2019 brings you happiness.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Many thank yous, Christine, truly, thank you. I'd like
to think next year would bring everyone happiness, but guess that would need a billion miracles, don't you!

[Chris Shaw]

I think that might be stretching the miracle elastic a little too far :))

[emmajoy]

Oh come on, let's go a little crazy - after all, it's Thursday, a day to kick heels, click fingers and act like the children we once were :)

[Chris Shaw]

ok, you got that elastic at one end, I've got the other. Start walking :))

[emmajoy]

It might end up being like pinggggggg pong!

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Suhd]

This is very thoughtful and expressive poem. The questions are the ones almost all of us ask and we can't find answers but I hope you find em.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Suhd. I ask but the answers don't come. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[DIVYA]

I related deeply to your words here Chris. One shouldn’t try too hard especially if the task at hand gives little pleasure. Let the voice within be the guide without relinquishing our stand. Awesome message in elegant, well chosen words and effective rhyming. 💕

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA for your understanding and advice. All good wishes

Chris