Footprints on Earth

Poetry speaks

What's the difference, between a man who's alive, and one who's dead. Is there a difference, between one that is rotting, and one who draws breath. Can you be alive without living, and die without disappearing? Can we walk without footprints, and influence without presence? You may still walk this earth, for you may still draw breath. But if you don't leave footprints,

then you stand as a statue of death.

What's the difference between life then death, And living then leaving. Your footprints, you leave behind.

Reviews

[AliciaB]

This poem is awesome! It is a deep and intriguing look into (as cheesy as this may sound) the meaning of life... and of death. Ironically enough, we can live without making any difference to the world, and we can impact people even after we have passed on from this life. I love love love the image of "footprints" throughout this piece - it is so perfect for illustrating the idea of influencing other people and the world, and contributes to the neat effect of ghostliness you create by pondering the influence we can have after death. I really like the lines "Can you be alive without living, / and die without disappearing?" (and I would say a definite "Yes" to both), as well as "You may still walk this earth / for you may still draw breath, / But if you don't leave footprints, / then you stand as a statue of death." That stanza is beautifully put together in terms of rhyme and rhythm, and the message of having to do something with our lives in order for them to be useful in any way is very cool. Excellent work!

[unspokenpain]

thank you. im glad you liked it

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

This is so profound and engaging. Life and death have just one difference- when we are alive, our souls are caged inside flesh, and when we die, our souls are freed of this piece of flesh. One can immortalize himself by leaving his footsteps behind. Now there are two ways of doing so- either be so bad that people remember you as a devil forever, or be so good that they remember you as a great human forever. The latter, of course, is what you meant to express and what one must choose over the former. A heart-touching piece. I'd be looking forward to read more of your poems. Keep writing.

[unspokenpain]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it