Purpose

to my grandchildren

Looking back over the years of my life,
so much time was spent on health issues-
tests and pain and waiting,
surgeries, healing and pain
and waiting and tests and surgeries
and just trying to hold on.

So many of the things I thought I would accomplish in life-
so much of who I thought I would be and become
were left in the wreckage of a disabled life
and a wondering of who I was, who I am;
my purpose in life?

Everyone needs a purpose.

Now, I ask you,
as part of your purpose-
live for me.

All that time.
All those hours,
I felt cheated,
except for this...

Because I was in this world,
I brought forth my children,
whom I loved from the moment of their conception,
with a fierceness they'll never know
and my children brought forth into this world-
YOU
and I, purposely, love you fiercely
and if you are my purpose,
I didn't get cheated after all.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

Pain is purifying. If you can take it, reason and purpose always do surface eventually. I think so anyway.

You seem to inherently agree. You seem to be able to take discomfort with a grain of salt. (does that even make sense?)

Good work, mostly because I agree with the essence of your message. Your style is generic but your meaning is excellent, authentic. That means more than style in my opinion.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you very much.

[Davidgeo]

You're welcome very much.

[barleygirl]

WOW! This is the most gut-wrenching self-evaluation I might've ever read! I love it! I love how you show your vulnerabilities & you're so starkly self-honest. I have a similar story, with disability robbing my life ten years ago. My life wasn't one of kids & grandkids, but rather outdoor adventures. After riding my bicycle across the USA at age 32, it was hard to get used to being housebound at 50-something. For me, writing became my purpose & I am indebted to everyone here at the cafe for helping me find my voice & passion. Your poem stirs such a huge significant message in my soul, I apologize for not addressing your own well-voiced challenges here! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Barbara Walker]

So, then you REALLY KNOW...

Thank you for reading

[Gee]

Love this. I feel the same way about my daughter, if I have given the world nothing but her, then I have still served my purpose and left a beautiful legacy of love, if that makes sense...

[Barbara Walker]

It makes perfect sense, Gee. Thanks for reading.

[Emily]

Love the last stanza!
Keep it up!!

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you Emily!

[1]

Wow, Barbara! This just floored me. I was actually coming on to sneak a peek as I am scarcely on this site anymore. My intent was to delete my account and move on. I am so very glad I was able to read this powerful piece before I do so. In actuality I just may stay a while based on what I just read.

Life is a perilous journey filled with pain, whether physical or mental and unfortunately most of us experience both throughout our entire lives, a very sad, excruciating truth. The bright light shines when we realize our pain is not in vain and that we are here for a purpose though at times it's hard to decipher just what that purpose is. Finding peace amidst the storm is a trying thing to accomplish but with faith and much prayer, any of us can see it through, God tests us every moment we are alive.

Press on, dear friend and God Bless you, forever and ever.........................

[Barbara Walker]

My friend, thank you so much! I'm very glad you "tried to sneak a peek", but saddened that you may leave the WC. Won't you reconsider? If you leave, all of your writing will be gone from me!

[1]

This piece you wrote already has me reconsidering. Honestly, I don't feel as though my writing is effective any longer and I'm not just saying that for attention, I sincerely feel this way. I do appreciate your friendship as you have always been genuine and very kind!

[Barbara Walker]

But there will always be new readers to read your work, so you will always be making a difference. Sometimes we can't see it because a lot of people read, but don't comment. If there is a tree in the meadow and no one is sitting under it, does it not still offer shade? And I know you are not saying that for attention, that's not your style!

[1]

Thank you, my dear!! You have great wisdom and I appreciate you! That tree analogy really got me, it makes so much sense!!

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem dear Barbara.
"Now, I ask you,
as part of your purpose-
live for me."
Today I'm older and wiser. My children I need still. Their love, grandchildren give me strength and purpose. I agree with your ending. Love make us strong. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you my friend!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Barbara.

[M P Ramesh]

Barbara,
The passion lies with the search. The writer needs his/hers insight to explore it. The way it turns to him/her is a different manner and case also. However , it is the result that matters. No body........... .means no writer believe that it must be shaped according to his/her will. It will not happen also. We people know it very well. The readers , if any such isolated class exists can not understand it. The question now is who else are only writers ? the biggest challenge with us is to remain a WRITER only always . But it is not that much difficult. It had happened before us and along with us.

Never have a feeling of cheated....

It is after you and with you
as shadow

Dont worry

even death was born with us
isn't it
excellent attempt....

carry on.......

M P ramesh

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you, M P ramesh. All is learning...

[C.R. Fritz]

I like the poem. I think you should put "I feel cheated" at the end of the paragraph, so that when you read the last sentence it will be more powerful.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you!

[Adam Adams]

modern. caring. bewildering. benevolent & absolutely a very fine juxtaposition of words you kinda hoverin' here around your lulled poetry. must say, your homies might've been admiring ya for what you might have done to... for 'em & helping 'em out finding the realistic purpose of life [that's certainly not so easy found]. also, you make me recall (-ing) these panoramic words: "with age, wisdom comes:". & i believe, that's all what you proving right by emphasizing & enlightening the eclipse of vintage life. excellent! well inked! looking forward to reading your work.

[Barbara Walker]

Ah Adams, thank you so much.

[Shannon]

'didn't get cheated after all'.... Lovely. I bet they are the cleverest cutest children in existence, too!

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you so much for reading. Well, I have to admit I may be a tad partial, but yes, I do think they are the best, awesome, rad, intelligent, empathetic grandkids a grandmother could have! :)