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The Sum of a Life

This life we're living Is so unforgiving Reminding us every day Of games that we played Choices we made Dreams that faded away Paths that were crossed Loved ones we've lost Still promising a brighter tomorrow When that promise is broken Our wounds rip back open Leaving hope to drown in deep sorrow From our very first breath We're stalked by death We live our lives in fear Knowing well it won't last So we live loose and fast Look up and the days have become years We add peace, subtract strife Find the sum of a life Discover we've love left for giving Love that goes wasted On the bitterness tasted In a life so unforgiving by Daniel Turner

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Gary Bateman

Date: 6/12/2018 5:17:00 PM

Hello Danny, A very powerful rhyme reflection here on "The Sum of a Life." Death is a topic I have written my fair share of poetry on. Death and our eventual walk into the Great Beyond and the Metaphysical Unknown are part and parcel of the finite reality of each of us as mortal beings in this world. When it comes my time, I just hope I can take a couple shots (or many shots) of fine whiskey before departing this moral coil. Your last six verses say it all. Superb!! A FAVE!! Best Always, Gary

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/12/2018 12:25:00 PM

Whoa! A very rife reflection, indeed--rife with the realization of life's disappointment in the belated knowledge that all we had was time... Sage philosophizing, Daniel! ~ Gershon

John Hamilton

Date: 6/10/2018 3:24:00 PM

Truer words never spoken Danny, I get the sense that you are doing well, glad to see it, and I must say the quality of this rhyme is very good, glad to see you getting lot's of comments on this one. Take care dear poet!

Probir Gupta

Date: 6/4/2018 10:59:00 PM

Philosophical reflection on life ... Nicely penned ... I may not agree but did read with genuine glee ...

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 6/3/2018 7:15:00 PM

Hello Daniel … you summed up the story of life in two verses extremely well. And naturally really well written and rhymed - thank you Daniel;Lindsay

Eileen Manassian

Date: 5/29/2018 1:49:00 AM

Wow...my sentiments exactly. I've always been overwhelmed by thoughts of death and dying. I think it has hampered my ability to live life to the fullest. Thanks for this lovely reminder, so aptly written. Hugs

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/29/2018 8:57:00 AM

Thank you, Eileen. It seems you and I have more in common than a love of poetry:) Death is never too far away. I have come very close more than a few times.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 5/28/2018 7:25:00 AM

This fine, realistic poem made me cry-- my newest favorite, Daniel! Janice

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/28/2018 11:02:00 AM

I am sorry I made you cry, Janice. You have such a tender heart:) God bless and thank you for your support.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 5/27/2018 11:00:00 AM

Oh, this came from your core and it is powerfully raw as well as relatable. A Wow therapy write that spilled pieces of you onto the paper. I could go PollyAnna and remind you to live in the moment, look back never and forward not, but these feelings are real, I've had them and I get them. Changing your channel is a necessary eventuality because perspective is all - but that's not what this poem is about. Well done. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:21:00 PM

Hey girl! So nice to see your lovely icon on my page:) Thank you for friendly visits. Hoping you are well:)

Roy Pett

Date: 5/27/2018 7:47:00 AM

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thought provoking poem Daniel I can certainly relate, so many dreams and plans then we find it’s to late, well written. :))

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:19:00 PM

Thank you, Roy. Just simply isn't enough time. I appreciate your time and your support, my friend.

Susan Gentry

Date: 5/27/2018 1:08:00 AM

Deep writing about real life... expressed so well, making one think and feel. A fave. Well done.

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:19:00 PM

Thank you, Susan. It's always my pleasure when you visit:) Has it been hot enough for you?

Nette Onclaud

Date: 5/25/2018 5:33:00 PM

you seize the day with the glory of your word-pictures, daniel... greeat write!..huggs

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:17:00 PM

Hello nette:) Thank you, Hoping you are well.

Charlie Smith

Date: 5/25/2018 2:46:00 PM

Really, really well done Daniel, look up and the days become years, great line, all my best my friend...

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:17:00 PM

Hello Charlie:) Thank you for dropping by to read and comment. How are you? Is it hot enough for you yet? I think summer bullied spring to leave early, here.

Paul Callus

Date: 5/24/2018 4:13:00 PM

You summed life up very capably, Danny...so many ups and down, so much left undone, so much wasted time...so much pain, too! Regards // paul

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:15:00 PM

Thank you, Paul. I appreciate your kindness. It's always a pleasure to look up and see you visiting:) Be well!

Silent One

Date: 5/23/2018 11:47:00 AM

You are right Daniel, well said.. Hope all is well with you.

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:14:00 PM

Hello old friend. Thank you and yes I am fine. How about yourself? How are the bunnies doing?

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 5/22/2018 9:16:00 PM

Much truth and bitter beauty here, and just a marvelous write ... I so relate to these superbly-crafted words, my friend. Blessings!

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:12:00 PM

Thank you Greg. I always appreciate your time and support:)

Pashang Salehi

Date: 5/22/2018 12:53:00 PM

It seems that you are a little down DT. Have a glass of wine on me.

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/27/2018 8:11:00 PM

Thank you Pashang,old friend. You know I don't drink alcohol but I appreciate the thought:) No, I'm not down suprisingly:)

Winged Warrior

Date: 5/21/2018 6:37:00 AM

Wisely said in a nutshell, Daniel...that sums it all up...love and light...^WW^

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:19:00 AM

Thank you, Wingman. Hoping you are well my friend. It's always a pleasure:)

Ralph Sergi

Date: 5/20/2018 9:58:00 AM

This poem was beautiful, Daniel and my age , I can relate to it, I'm going to copy this for prosperity!

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:18:00 AM

Thank you, Ralph. The highest compliment of all:) So nice to see you again.

Eve Roper

Date: 5/18/2018 10:50:00 AM

A nice timeline of life, Daniel.. I guess we need our downs to appreciate the ups in our time travel into the future … Thank you for reading " The Old Elf Poet Awaits At the River's Edge ".. hugs Eve ~`*

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:18:00 AM

Thank you, Eve. Hoping you are well:)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/17/2018 4:49:00 PM

I loved the analogy to math, what we add and subtract. this is a very clever and well thought out poem, Danny. Keep up the good work!

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:17:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea. I appreciate your kindness:)

Chris Hagy

Date: 5/17/2018 3:20:00 PM

Deep and well written Daniel...I like the flow of the rhyme :) Life may be unforgiving...but HE is not...depending on what you believe of course :)

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:16:00 AM

Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your kindness and your support.

Dean Wood

Date: 5/17/2018 1:04:00 PM

Yes sir, that about sums it up! I love those last three lines!

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/22/2018 8:15:00 AM

Thank you, Dean. Wonderful to see you again.

Heidi Sands

Date: 5/17/2018 6:51:00 AM

I hope you don't mind DT. This poem of yours inspired my muse. I am entering a poem and making reference to being inspired by this one of yours :)

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/17/2018 9:40:00 AM

You know I don't mind. I am honored. Love:)

Heidi Sands

Date: 5/17/2018 6:18:00 AM

This poem is filled with truth. Life brings us through so much and I know that I have seen some of the worst and some of the best. Well written DT :)

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/17/2018 9:40:00 AM

Thank you, Heidi. I am glad you liked it.It's always a pleasure to have you visit:)

Elaine George

Date: 5/17/2018 2:44:00 AM

Yes! Life is a journey of roses and thorns. You conveyed in so well, Daniel. Elaine

Daniel Turner
Date: 5/17/2018 9:38:00 AM

Thank you, Elaine for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate your support.