Jim Slaughter | + Follow Poet |
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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.

Copyright © Jim Slaughter | Year Posted 2024

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Karen Croft Date: 8/11/2024 11:19:00 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. Login to Reply Jim Slaughter Date: 8/12/2024 9:34:00 AM Haven't we all? Thanks, Karen.

Valsa George Date: 8/8/2024 10:53:00 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. Login to Reply Jim Slaughter Date: 8/9/2024 10:06:00 AM Valsa, thank you.

Hilda Greenhough Date: 8/4/2024 4:33:00 PM Lots of hope and some regret it seems. Only when it runs out does time have limit. Good thoughts. Login to Reply Jim Slaughter Date: 8/5/2024 10:42:00 AM More remorse than regret, I think, Hilda. Thank you.

Ilene Bauer Date: 8/4/2024 1:18:00 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... Login to Reply Jim Slaughter Date: 8/5/2024 10:41:00 AM Especially if we try to write about them as well. Thanks, Ilene.

Silent One Date: 8/4/2024 12:26:00 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.. Login to Reply Jim Slaughter Date: 8/5/2024 10:40:00 AM Thanks, S O...and absolutely I agree it's almost always about the choices we make.