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About This Poem

Just Two Things Before I Go

Tucked away in my mind is a long list of things
that will forever be an aching inside my soul…
I long for many wonderful life experiences
that I know in my heart I will never behold

Like walking in a thunderstorm in torrential rain
while exploring the streets of Paris all alone
Or being kissed on the lips by a handsome stranger
Taking risks, feeling alive, feeling vulnerable

Am I crazy to want to feel my hair being blown by the wind
while I observe a tornado a safe distance away,
my body shuddering  as I witness powerful forces -
Natural forces… things created… not man-made

And how I’d love to pick up my guitar and make it sing
Expertly strumming something soft and beautiful
Pouring all of my feelings and passion into a song
Melody coming from me… my fingers, my voice, my soul

Yet as I ponder these things and search my heart
I realize all of these are but meaningless dreams
with no lasting value, and nothing remembered
Like dust in the wind and the emptiness it brings

I long to do something that could last beyond my life
And complete my journey knowing I might have made a difference
I want my list to be things that could make the world a little better
Something to give meaning to my temporary existence

I want to lift someone up who is feeling like a failure
Help someone who has faltered to begin again
Encourage someone to make it through a rough day
Show someone that they have true beauty within

I want to love someone who feels they can’t be loved
Be a friend to someone who feels friendless and alone
I want to write a song that might reach somebody’s heart,
And preserve my love in a story or a poem

As far as witnessing tornadoes and other natural forces…
The most powerful force known is what I’m writing of
So my list can be boiled down to just two things:
Number one, “live life”… Number two, “live love” 

©Becca Lucas 3/1/2013 
Note: I had posted this poem earlier today, and then my insecurities got the better of me and I deleted it...  A friend has encouraged me to repost it.  It's so long, so if you've read it this far, thank you!     Sorry I'm such a flake :/

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  1. Date: 3/29/2013 1:03:00 AM

    I'm blown away by this poem!! <3 congrats on your win :)

  1. Date: 3/22/2013 7:13:00 AM

    This is an amazing write in so many ways and one of the reasons you write with such honesty is the questioning of self! Well deserved first!!

  1. Date: 3/22/2013 6:17:00 AM

    Becca, you had nothing to worry about...this is excellent. And if you wanna ride a tornado...come to Arkansas...haha. Congrats!

  1. Date: 3/22/2013 6:16:00 AM

    This is a touching story that definitely digs a little deeper from the heart. Way to go on the win, too!

  1. Date: 3/21/2013 7:18:00 PM

    This is a wonderful list and well deserving win Becca....Donna

  1. Date: 3/21/2013 5:53:00 PM

    no flakiness found in these here parts. Congratulations on your win and on the blessings of a true friend.

  1. Date: 3/21/2013 5:37:00 PM

    Congratulations Becca, I knew this would be a first place for you. The two things are spot on, and beautifully told. Take care, Regards Richard

  1. Date: 3/16/2013 3:20:00 PM

    A flake? I'm not sure what you mean by that... this was a really spectacular piece! I think we all wish to be in these certain scenarios at some point... but life is too short to even do a fraction of those things. To prioritize, and realize what's really important... that's great material to write about (and live with)... thanks for sharing Becca! Enjoyed reading it today...

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/19/2013 8:42:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    aw I just saw this! Thank you Timothy... I hope you're right! :)
    Hicks Avatar Timothy Hicks Date: 3/16/2013 8:30:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    I can understand that... when I first started writing I wasn't at all good (some of the stuff I wrote was actually quite embarrassing). Pretty often though... it's the least confident people that are at times the most talented... so perhaps it's a good sign? Lol...
    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 5:45:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you, Timothy! :) well... it's just that, I have a tendency to let self-doubt talk me into deleting poems... and then I regret it... I'm growing. Thanks dear for your comment.
  1. Date: 3/16/2013 5:51:00 AM

    I'm flooded with emotions not easily expressed. Did I witness the same windstorm? Do gentle summer rains bring memories so sweet? Was I that stranger there on that lonely Paris street? Your words bring life to a haunting reverie. Magnificent writing, Bec..... You know I love ya..... Jake

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:28:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    My dear Jake, your comments are poetry.... and my heart melts. Thank you. Love ya back!
  1. Date: 3/15/2013 10:25:00 PM

    Thanks for your encouraging visits today. I always look forward to hearing from you. Check out my new contest if you have a chance.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:36:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    will do! :)
  1. Date: 3/6/2013 12:04:00 PM

    I'm going to ditto those below because this is not only perfect for the theme but perfect in its own right--I've had a lot of trouble coming up with one for this, but you nailed it--awesome in thought and form and poetry!!

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:29:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you very much, Craig :) It was from the heart.
  1. Date: 3/5/2013 3:23:00 AM

    sentiments are sometime sad but bring a smile non the less...you have made bare some life lessons...cheers dear

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:33:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    :) thanks!
  1. Date: 3/3/2013 5:46:00 PM

    I think this is a wonderful poem. We all have a list of things we want to do, before we bid this world adue. We will never know if we can do it - if we don't take the first step. Thanks for sharing. Great for contest. Lucilla

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:34:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    thank you Lucilla! :)
  1. Date: 3/3/2013 7:55:00 AM

    Thank you Becca thats very kind of you. I'm still wandering around this site with little idea what I'm doing lol. I'm pleased you put this back on its a wonderful write, glad I did not miss out on it,take care. Regards Richard

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:35:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    thank you Richard :)
  1. Date: 3/3/2013 4:49:00 AM

    Bec, welcome aboard the insecurity train, I have a lifetime pass! This is an excellent write, nothing insecure about it, we should all take a good look around us and seek out those who need our help but are helpless to ask, very well done....David

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:30:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    thank you David, it's nice to be understood
  1. Date: 3/3/2013 4:27:00 AM

    Had to get my 'Becca fix' this morning, (Ahhh, thanks, got any more of that stuff on you?) Insecurities?? What the...

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:31:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    <3
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 10:45:00 PM

    You are no flake, all of us have insecurities. The fact that this poem holds such meaning it is understandable that you would feel vulnerable posting it. Your poem is heartfelt and meaningful, I am thankful I am able to read it. Hugs Rick

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:32:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    thank you Rick, your comment means a lot to me. I always feel you understand.
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 7:05:00 PM

    This is a beautiful poem and a wonderful bucket list Becca....just your smile alone touches people.:-)

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:32:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    aw thanks Donna! your smile does too!
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 8:42:00 AM

    Is it for the bucket list? Quite a list it is, something only a flower could very rightly wish for from those around..How tender-hearted and loving one should be to make a wishlist!!! Jag

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:33:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    aw, thank you Jag!
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 8:00:00 AM

    Glad you reposted. I've deleted poems before myself. This one is crafted beautifully though and the words speak to this reader. So much I'd like to do... but don't do. I try to live love, but often not of self as much as I should...dang insecurities !!! Life is nothing without LOVE though...this I know to be true.

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:35:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    So true Debra. Thank you so much for your comment. :)
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 1:13:00 AM

    Excellent. Beautifully crafted. Enjoyed. Tfs

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:34:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    thank you!
  1. Date: 3/2/2013 12:23:00 AM

    Oh Becca! SIMPLE PERFECT POETRY AT IT'S VERY BEST! Therese (below) Has said it better than anyone ever could!!! Just Brilliant!

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/16/2013 6:33:00 AM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    :) thank you Frank
  1. Date: 3/1/2013 9:33:00 PM

    I was wondering what happened and if you had made any changes. I read the first one and I thought I had commented on that because it it was so profound and deep and I could related to so many parts of it....I'm glad you reposted! If this is the definition of a FLAKE...then..I'm in that club too, my dear!

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/1/2013 10:40:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you Eileen :) Glad to have a fellow flake friend :D haha try saying THAT three time fast! Really, thank you for your sweet comment.
  1. Date: 3/1/2013 9:28:00 PM

    It's ok, I've deleted a poem before here on the Soup, it's no big deal! But it's nice to see you post it back up again because it's an awesome poem, I like for others to see it and read this glorious piece! You've done awesome in creating this write and it deserved another comment from me! Great Work!!

    Lucas Avatar Becca Lucas Date: 3/1/2013 9:32:00 PM Block poet from commenting on your poetry

    Thank you for your kindness and understanding Russell... and as always your comments are very much appreciated :) hugs