Jim Slaughter Poet Free verse

A Different Life

How much more different,
And happier, 
My life might have been
If it had only happened to someone else.
But then happiness is a choice, not a condition.
I sit here, now, and wonder how
And by what route I have come to be
Who and what I am.
Old, to some almost derelict,
Unreal at times, even to myself,
A not altogether innocent victim
Of the sheer randomness of living
And that inexorable juggernaut…
Time.

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Karen Croft August 11, 2024 at 11:19 AM I can relate to this feeling. I've sat alone and wondered my life goods, bads and then the oh what was I thinking. Jim Slaughter August 12, 2024 at 9:34 AM Haven't we all? Thanks, Karen.

Valsa George August 8, 2024 at 10:53 PM This is a highly introspective poem, making the reader also think about his life. "But then happiness is a choice, not a condition." So very true! Much depends on our attitude. Time is indeed a force, often going out of our control. I see much sense in equating time to a juggernaut. A poem of depth, dear Jim. Jim Slaughter August 9, 2024 at 10:06 AM Valsa, thank you.

Hilda Greenhough August 4, 2024 at 4:33 PM Lots of hope and some regret it seems. Only when it runs out does time have limit. Good thoughts. Jim Slaughter August 5, 2024 at 10:42 AM More remorse than regret, I think, Hilda. Thank you.

Ilene Bauer August 4, 2024 at 1:18 PM i can very much relate to this, jim! it's impossible not to reflect on our lives as we approach their endings - even if, hopefully, it may take a while to actually get there... Jim Slaughter August 5, 2024 at 10:41 AM Especially if we try to write about them as well. Thanks, Ilene.

Silent One August 4, 2024 at 12:26 PM Interesting.. automatically the grass is not greener came to mind.. but dont you think its sometimes about the decisions we make and the situations we like to remain in or change.... Your poems always make me think.. Jim Slaughter August 5, 2024 at 10:40 AM Thanks, S O...and absolutely I agree it's almost always about the choices we make.