“A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth.”
Percy Bysshe Shelley

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Same Journey, Different Approach

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teodoe_Axentowicz_Pod_brzemieniem_nieszcz%C4%99%C5%9Bcia.jpg

How does one survive
a predicament bereft
of clear solutions?

It shows true valor
to keep moving on despite
unrelenting loss.

We all demonstrate
through smiles or at times with tears
uncommon courage.

Some prove determined
to find cheer despite harsh odds.
Some just feel sadness.

Yet at times courage
may signify admitting
enough is enough.

Answers may elude
easy evaluation
of what might work well.

Admission of fear
may turn out to be
survival's best tool.

Can we just agree
that this rigorous challenge
is formidable?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judy,
As usual you have struck a true chord with your words. Of course, I was especially taken with the line, "enough is enough". Each day, I marvel at George's acceptance of just those words. His essay, "Fear is Not Fair", is a companion piece to your wise and empathetic haiku.
Paz,
Hilda

Gail said...

Hi Judy - this Christmas season I read your bookj of poems that all speak to me - ring true - and so too I agree, "fear is not fair"- and yet - we face it every moment of every day - there s n formula - it is there to embrace - squeeze - resist - surrender to - conquer - cry over - spit at - yell at and fight -
thinking of you this Christmas season
Love Gail
peace.....

Judy said...

George's "Fear Is Not Fair" can be found at

http://www.thegreekfromdetroit.com/2012/03/fear-of-fear-itself.html

Judy said...

In this season, we are faced potentially with both the joy of spending time with loved ones but also the sorrow of loss; the latter, perhaps due to ill health, perhaps due to missing someone.

Rather than adhere to a standard-issue cheeriness, I feel compelled to acknowledge that we actually have a full range of experiences. Some of them are cheery. Some of them are not.

But, what we may have in common is that, however we choose to confront them, the circumstances may be challenging. At least we might be able to agree on that. I value honesty, and while I want to join with those who seek to find smiles, I also want to respect those who want to elude the loneliness of not being able to acknowledge just how hard things are.

May you find what works best for you in this season.

Hilda: thank you for understanding my wish to express the spectrum of experience.

Gail: I am so happy for you that you have such a loving and supporting environment.

A Cuban In London said...

Beautiful words and feelings. May you've had a good start to 2015 so far.

Greetings from London.

Judy said...

Thank you, Cuban. It is always nice to hear from you and especially to hear such kind things. May your new year be a great one.

Laura said...

So beautifully expressed dear Judy.

Judy said...

Thank you so much, Laura.