Gershon Wolf Poet Rhyme

Driven Out - the Story of My Life

A man's destiny is in his name
   Matters not how he plays life's game

My name is Gershon,** which means driven out
   Time and again, I've been put to rout

First by my father, when I would not be an attorney
   He said, 'Good-bye and good luck' -- You're on your own journey

Then by my first wife, on a frozen winter's night
   Locked me out of our apartment when finances were tight

And although I've remarried, raised a new family
   I'm always on guard ~ my name Gershon haunts me


                                        **In Hebrew, 'gorush' means driven out
                                            (My name is a Hebrew name)

              October 1, 2019
    Story of My Life in Ten Lines Contest
             Sponsor: Silent One

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Anne-Lise Andresen October 6, 2019 at 12:09 PM - Congratulations Gershon, on your 2nd place in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Hello There October 4, 2019 at 10:23 PM Oh no, Gershon... Sorry to hear you feel like your name haunts you. Maybe it drove you away from those places that were harmful and allowed you to 'journey' to your true destiny? Perhaps more of a blessing than you might have realized? I hope ~ Congratulations on your win!! :) Gershon Wolf October 5, 2019 at 10:15 PM What a remarkably perceptive comment, HT! Thank you so much! You are so right: Everything that happens is for the good, even though you can't see it at the time. I have certainly landed very well after a rough first half of my life. Not only do I have zero complaints, but I always say 'Never better,' when asked about my welfare. Thank you again. Warmest wishes, Gershon

Alexis Y. October 4, 2019 at 4:52 PM Hi Gershon, I'm just coming back to say congratulations on your win. It was well deserved. Enjoy the rest of your day;-) Alexis Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 5:50 PM Thank you so much for noticing my placement, Alexis. Happy Friday! Best wishes, Gershon

Ann Gilmour October 4, 2019 at 4:12 PM Gosh Gershon, such a sad write, thankfully you have risen above it and found a haven within PS. Congrats to you Gershon on your placement! With kindest thoughts Ann xx Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 5:49 PM You are right, Ann. When people ask me how I am, I simply say, "Never better, thank G-d!"---no matter what. Good old PMA works (almost) every time. Warm wishes, Gershon

Heidi Sands October 4, 2019 at 3:56 PM I am sorry to hear about your difficult times and wish you the best Gershon. Congratulations on your win. Well expressed :) Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 5:48 PM Thank you for the support, Heidi... I know that you have been through the wringer emotionally as well. We are two survivors!! :) gw

Silent One October 4, 2019 at 2:58 PM Two very sad incidents in your life... are they both true? Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 3:22 PM Both are all too true... and there's more just like those two, but let us not dwell on them! Thank you so much for your generous evaluation of my ten lines, and thanks for the great opportunity that your contest afforded, Silent One! Cheers, Gershon

Panagiota Romios October 4, 2019 at 2:34 PM I see you won.....way to go! Panagiota Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 3:21 PM Ha, ha. My wins are so rare, they come as quite as a surprise. :) Thanks for noticing, Panagiota. Warm wishes, Gershon

P.S. Awtry October 4, 2019 at 9:29 AM Wondering if there is a possible translation that would be “sent”? As in a Godsend? Provocative work... Gershon Wolf October 4, 2019 at 3:20 PM You've raised such a sweet possibility! … But, alas, 'tis not to be! Other meanings: l'garesh = to drive out; l'hitgaresh = to be divorced... You get the idea. Once again your suggestions are so very, very nice. Greatly appreciated, P.S Thank you so much!! Warmest wishes, Gershon

Panagiota Romios October 2, 2019 at 12:34 PM I like this one, Gershon. Life has many head boinks for many of us. Yet here we are! I am pretty much like a Woody Allen character~ always wondering if I belong, yet..I don't want to belong. A conundrum! I know too many victims to count! But had mentors who picked me up. If not...I would never be here. And faith is the biggest of all that keeps me fearless. Panagiota Best wishes my friend. Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 1:13 PM Ha, ha: 'Head boinks' -- What a great phrase!! You could incorporate it into a limerick or something, methinks. I guess we've both had our share of those boinks! Cheers! ~ Oink, Gershon

Robert L. Hinshaw October 2, 2019 at 12:15 PM It is a distinguished name, Gershon! I found that name in the Old Testament which I'm sure you are aware of. Good luck in the contest. Glad to hear life took a more positive turn for you. Thx for commenting on the Angel/Bootlegging write. Soup used to sponsor international poetry contests and I got lucky for the win. Best on you - Bob Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 1:11 PM You are so right, Bob. As you probably know, 'Gershon' was the first born of Levi, the third of Jacob's 12 sons. (The others were Kehat and Merari. From Kehat came Amram, the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam). Thank you for your continued encouragement. And congrats on that international contest win 'back in the day.' Best wishes, Gershon

Judy Ball October 2, 2019 at 9:44 AM WoW Gershon. I guess that would bother some people. I think I would try to make it not apply to me. I can understand you being "gun shy" after being turned away by both your dad and your first wife though. However, I never felt really accepted in my family either. I think that was mainly because my mom had problems. Anyway rest assured you will never be driven out here. We love you and your poems. God Bless, JB Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 10:33 AM Well, thank you for such an encouraging comment, one that is really on-the-mark, Judy! Looking forward! Cheers, Gershon

Alexis Y. October 2, 2019 at 6:44 AM WoW! Gershon, All that you've gone through, builds strength and character. Powerful write and message. I'm so happy that I've met some one like you through your poetry. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Have a great day:-) Alexis Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 10:32 AM Thanks for the spirited response, Alexis. And as far as meeting, the feeling is mutual. I feel that you've been through some pain as well, as I see from your poems... Thank you again so much, Alexis. Best always, Gershon

Winged Warrior October 2, 2019 at 6:29 AM Well, Gersh... you're always welcomed in my kingdom...and we love you for who you are...dark clouds hover over me as well...your not alone my friend...and I love your Hebrew name...I just hope you don't mind me calling Gersh lol...great entry...^WW^ :o) Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 10:31 AM Actually, I like 'Gersh.' Many people, in fact, call me just that. So please continue. Thanks for the support, WW. Cheers, Gersh

Bobby May October 2, 2019 at 6:07 AM WOW! Brother I thought I had it bad, bless you my friend! GREAT write!!

Tom Cunningham October 2, 2019 at 12:21 AM This is a powerful write Gershon, a weaker man would have given up at the first hurdle. Those painful memories are best left in the past where they belong. Thankfully youre firmly on the ground now and may that continue for you. Tom Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 10:28 AM You are correct! I look forward instead of backward, although occasionally I have to deal with never-ending fall-out. I make to sure to minimize that, however. Thanks for the support, my friend! Best wishes, Gershon

Brenda Chiri October 1, 2019 at 11:32 PM Wow my friend this was amazingly great! Lol not that all aren't but this one stands out! Love it! Oh you might like my newest post!;) Queen. For a day anyway!;) Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 10:27 AM Okay, 'Queen.!' I will be looking forward to seeing your latest! And thanks for the enthusiasm for this ('it-is-what-it-is') poem, Brenda. :) gw