Connie Gildersleeve Poet Free verse

Bucket List

Facing my own mortality,
Paralyzed from the neck down,
If I didn't have surgery.

I couldn't absorb what the doctor said.
Oh how I panicked, I couldn't breathe
And likely to faint right on the floor.
"Kick the bucket" entered my mind.
Time taken or time remaining-

A bucket list is a list of the "to dos"
To be checked off, marked as complete.
A wake-up call was in order,
To reclaim my life and to live authentically.

This only emboldened me to go on.
It inspired me to write poetry.
Four months ago I penned my first one.
Still wearing my neck brace, I continue to write.
 
I now experience in the here and now.
It's easy to regret the roads not taken.
Creating a better ending is what I'll do.

I've reconsidered my notions of time.
Waiting is risky, the future is always uncertain.
Time is truly precious to me.


Connie Gildersleeve
02/20/2013

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Poet Destroyer A March 22, 2013 at 4:13 PM Connie, Congratulations in the "Bucket list" contest. always~ Linda

Donna Jones March 21, 2013 at 7:33 PM Congratulations Connie.....wonderful....:-) Connie Gildersleeve March 22, 2013 at 9:30 AM Your comment means a lot. Thank you for the congrats. Warm Smiles, Connie Donna Jones March 21, 2013 at 7:36 PM Future is always uncertain and we need to live as though every day is our final list...blessings

Debbie Guzzi February 22, 2013 at 12:50 PM Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today ;) Light & Love Connie Gildersleeve February 22, 2013 at 3:11 PM You can say that again. Warm Smiles, Connie

Andrea Dietrich February 22, 2013 at 12:40 AM wow, a very powerful entry to the contest, Connie. You have gained a real appreciation of what life is all about. this is an awesome entry into the contest. Connie Gildersleeve February 22, 2013 at 7:18 AM Thanks Andrea for your much appreciated comment. My motto: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I should be as strong as the Haulk by now. Lol, warm Smiles, Connie

Seren Roberts February 20, 2013 at 9:11 PM Well done Conne both to you as a person and to your poetry.....Seren Connie Gildersleeve February 21, 2013 at 9:57 AM Thank you for your lovely comment and for stopping by. Much appreciated. Connie Seren Roberts February 20, 2013 at 9:11 PM Connie*

Isaiah Zerbst February 20, 2013 at 7:55 PM God perspective. Seems like there is always a way to become a better person. Connie Gildersleeve February 21, 2013 at 9:58 AM Thanks Isalah for your comment and for stopping by. Warm Smiles, Connie

Russell Sivey February 20, 2013 at 7:49 PM This is so touching my friend, I really enjoyed reading this amazing poem this evening! You have enthralled me with this creative piece, what a fantastic poem, Great Work!! Connie Gildersleeve February 21, 2013 at 9:59 AM Thank you Russell for your lovely comment and for stopping by. Much appreciated. Warm Smiles, Connie

Donna Jones February 20, 2013 at 4:23 PM Time is..........wonderful poem.... Connie Gildersleeve February 20, 2013 at 4:41 PM Thank you Donna for your comment. Much appreciated. Warm Smiles, Connie