Susan Gentry Poet Rhyme

Between All Or Nothing

There is balance in the rhythm of life
A give and take for which we strive
In the middle between all or nothing
We find our own path to survive

Caring for others unconditionally 
An altruistic motive though unrealistic
To want to care for others is generous
For some it can become fatalistic

We must take care of ourselves first
Though to think only of ourselves is wrong
We donate time or money if we have it
If we give all we can't sustain for long

Financial gifts cannot leave one penniless 
Self caring responsibly requires healthiness
Imagine giving time until one is senseless
There is a balance that requires gentleness 

Self care and caring of others is healthy
Even as children learn about sharing
Limits are important also for the wealthy 
Finding boundaries a necessity for caring


July 25, 2018


Take Care Of Yourself First Contest
By Caren Krutsinger
Honorable Mention

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Gershon Wolf August 3, 2018 at 4:42 PM A richly-deserved winner, Susan. The Middle Way/Golden Mean will surely outlast the tenor of these troubled times! Best always, Gershon Susan Gentry August 5, 2018 at 6:24 AM Thank you!

Fauxcroft Wade August 1, 2018 at 3:34 AM This is wonderful, well done, deserved better. Faux Susan Gentry August 1, 2018 at 6:51 AM Thanks so much!

Subimal Sinha-Roy August 1, 2018 at 2:49 AM Congratulations on your placement, Susan. Susan Gentry August 1, 2018 at 6:51 AM Thank you!

Jan Allison July 29, 2018 at 3:21 PM a great message Susan,personally I would love to have seen this place higher. Many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx Susan Gentry July 29, 2018 at 9:25 PM Thank you.

Mark Toney July 29, 2018 at 12:55 PM Susan, congratulations on your win! There is "balance in the rhythm of life" and there is also balance in the rhythm of your nicely written poem :) Nicely done. Susan Gentry July 29, 2018 at 9:25 PM Thank you.

Michelle Faulkner July 28, 2018 at 11:49 PM Congratulations, Susan, on your touching and wise write- Susan Gentry July 29, 2018 at 9:24 PM Thanks, Michelle.

Virginia Waters July 28, 2018 at 7:38 PM well said Susan Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:40 PM Thank you!

Pandita Sietesantos July 28, 2018 at 7:24 PM Big congratulations, my friend, on a well-deserved win! Charity begins at home and it starts with taking care of one's self first! Well done! Love and hugs. Pandita Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:40 PM Thank you, Pandita.

Eve Roper July 28, 2018 at 5:58 PM Susan, congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading the well written verse. Hugs Eve Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:39 PM Thanks so much, Eve.

Anisha Dutta July 28, 2018 at 12:11 PM I agree with you in every respect. Nicely penned. All the best. Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:39 PM Thank you.

Joe Inka July 28, 2018 at 9:53 AM I enjoyed your poem very much. it reminded me very much of a conversation I had with a friend of mine who is a social worker and is finding it difficult to separate herself from the anguish she deals with everyday at work. I am going to recommend that she read your poem. thank you for sharing Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:38 PM Why thank you, Joe. So very nice of you.

Elaine George July 28, 2018 at 6:41 AM Words of wisdom here, Susan. Wonderful writing. Elaine Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:38 PM Thanks, Elaine.

CayCay Godwin July 28, 2018 at 1:21 AM Very well and poetically said, we're no good to anyone if we aren't first good to ourselves. I believe you delivered what Carin asked for (unlike me who went silly, my pen was stubborn about it with no care for consequences.) A joy, Susan, spooned up with truth. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:37 PM Lol you're so funny. Thank you for reading and commenting. Always make me smile.

John Gondolf July 27, 2018 at 12:04 PM Wise words in your rhyme, Susan, best of luck in the contest. John Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:36 PM Thank you.

Eric Boddie July 27, 2018 at 10:53 AM susan, my dear sweet friend....I really don't know where to begin....your heart is filled with sincerity....your mind only shows clarity....which suggests your Soul is indeed pure....in this negative world where we Live, only we can be the cure....Beautiful and profound as always my friend....;) Susan Gentry July 28, 2018 at 11:36 PM Thank you! Such a sweet and beautiful comment. Appreciate you... :)

Andrea Dietrich July 26, 2018 at 7:03 PM this poem is a unique take on the theme and very wise! Susan Gentry July 27, 2018 at 6:02 AM Thanks, Andrea.

Robert Lindley July 26, 2018 at 8:26 AM Truth in the telling my friend. A wondrous gift to read this fine morn!!! A fav... Susan Gentry July 27, 2018 at 6:02 AM Wow! Thank you so much!!

Viv Wigley July 25, 2018 at 10:38 PM How very true, Susan, we can't help share another's burden if we are weak ourselves, physically, emotionally or financially. Good luck in the contest. Viv x Susan Gentry July 27, 2018 at 6:01 AM Thank you, Viv.

Lyric Man July 25, 2018 at 9:47 PM Great and wise truth.. the balance of moderation is key to so much in our lives. You cannot minister to others out of an empty cup.. we must take care that our cups are running over. Caring for others out of the overflow of our lives. Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:08 PM Exactly! Thank you for commenting.

Janice Canerdy July 25, 2018 at 9:13 PM Well-done and realistic, Susan. If I don't take care of myself, how long will I be able to take care of others? Janice Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:07 PM Thanks, Janice.

Alesia Leach July 25, 2018 at 5:34 PM well written you have wisdom in your heart good luck in contest Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:07 PM Oh thank you. So kind.

Tom Cunningham July 25, 2018 at 12:14 PM Well written Susan, full of truth and wisdom. Tom Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:06 PM Thank you, Tom.

Ralph Sergi July 25, 2018 at 9:21 AM Great poem, Susan: There is a pearl of wisdom this prose and I wish you good luck Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:06 PM Thank you so much!

Subimal Sinha-Roy July 25, 2018 at 6:12 AM Great message, fine write, Susan. Susan Gentry July 25, 2018 at 10:06 PM Thank you!