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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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...

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..

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.