Emptiness of Living

The confusion of the living
With its sad and futile passions;
Is wearing out the people
As a woman wears out fashions.

What men have taken from the many
Is now the property of few;
The commandment not to covet
Is what men now love to do.

The dream of being equal
Would give abstinence from pain;
But they counted all the cost of things
That were not theirs to gain.

The landscape of life's summit
That bathed itself in glory;
Has told us what we now can see
With judgment on the story.

All the banal thoughts
Of self-righteous grasping men;
Never found the satisfaction
In truth written by a pen.

The friends we have today
And those that we once knew;
Are not more than the memory
That we once listened to.

Believe the fleeting moments
Find what they never gave;
For the sins of selfish living
Finds no comfort in the grave.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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12
O'Leary Avatar
October 16, 2012 at 3:01 PM
Very insightful, Lizzie! Unfortunately, most people (at least those you refer to) only live for the moment... with only thoughts for themselves, and nothing for others... the 'truth written by a pen' is beyond their horizon... Terry (Great poetry!)
Duncan Avatar
July 24, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Love it ,,,,, awesome ,,,,love the flow ,,,, love the words,,,,, love the truth in your words ;} XXXXXX
Rutherford Avatar
July 7, 2012 at 7:23 AM
In awe of your poetic ability Elizabeth,last stanza is brilliant. Anne
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 28, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Powerful stuff! Your insights, and your ability to convey the truths that many won't see or acknowledge, is the mark of a seasoned poet who will not be compromised. BRAVO Elizabeth! Luv, Keith :)
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
May 6, 2012 at 2:42 PM
It is quite a different world than the one we grew up in. Materialistically getting better but the cost is just too much.
Dietrich Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 10:40 PM
I am not sure If I had seen this one before, but I would think I'd have remembered it. This is really great writing and a most truthful message!
Horne Avatar
April 2, 2012 at 2:04 PM
awesome, as ever, my friend. thanks for sharing your story - a true miracle
Effendi Avatar
March 23, 2012 at 1:49 PM
Hello Elizabeth. I hope you are doing well. I've not been getting time to write lately as I've been busy with work. Although I do visit your poems from time to time as they are so refreshing after a hard day's work. Like this beautiful poem you have written. Never found the satisfaction In truth written by a pen" There is always so much truth in your words Elizabeth. Brilliant write!
Johnson Avatar
March 16, 2012 at 4:34 PM
how much suffering, do i need, for my grasping, nastiness unsung, how much aching payback, 4 word n deed, before me spirit's, sprung, escaping from this pathetic weed, a hell on earth is yet decreed, suffering now getting up to speed, if i preferred, be hung:) song of one bung lung is sung.... thank you Elizabeth Wesley," Emptiness of Living,".... Don
. Avatar
March 2, 2012 at 6:46 PM
powerful poem Lizzie, the mood is somewhat sad yet hopeful.
J.T. Avatar
February 27, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Wow. I am definitely amazed as usual. Very well written. - JH
Johnson Avatar
February 26, 2012 at 2:38 PM
I do not wish to dig a hole just to place my lustful soul. The sun shines to bring light within. As grey clouds try to cover sin. Thank God the air's still fresh enough. To cleanse our soul when it gets rough. The hope that lyes just beyond hope. Eternally glows to help us cope. soup
Effendi Avatar
February 25, 2012 at 5:22 AM
Sad! Yet so true, Elize. How are you my dear. I know I haven't been posting for a while now, but I always love going through your stuff. You've given this one a superb ending.
Minardi Avatar
February 20, 2012 at 9:09 AM
I wish all of people in this world read this poem and take every sip of it inside their souls, they would act more humanly. I can smell politics and humanities here, Elizabeth. Loved this! :)
Sumler Avatar
February 19, 2012 at 6:39 PM
Oh wow. The genious of your pen defines the ultimate dual of life and happiness and the unusual conspiracy of life without living and all the things worshipped and taken for granted. Simply splendid!!
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 16, 2012 at 11:36 PM
What an insightful poem Liz. I am enjoying your book I am reading on my Nook...pretty sappy huh? But, in truth your book is wonderful and I do still want a hard copy too. Haven't heard from you and hope you are not ill, but just busy. Blessings, Connie
Ball Avatar
February 13, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Amen and Amen and Amen. From one to seven I give this a 10. Great job here Liz. Encore. God Bless, JB
Horsman Avatar
February 10, 2012 at 10:07 AM
You are so right Elizabeth, man has lost the plot so to speak, i'm sure they look for sophistication, if only to dupe common folk. yet all we need is sheer common sense. love this poem, you certainly have made us all take note, that there is someone very special amongst us here on soup. buying your book soon. harry
Macmillan Avatar
February 9, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Hey, Miss Lizzie, I know you don't read the blogs often... please take a peek. I've put up a picture of your book, and I speak briefly of the purchasing process, my experience with authorhouse.com and the briefest glimpse into Polished Stones. Big Hug to you, Cyndi. How's the painting going? Do you paint still life, landscapes, portraits?
Horne Avatar
February 8, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Awesome piece, as ever, my friend. I love truths written by your pen!
Peranteau Avatar
February 8, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Powerful words here dear poet ! May I never appear "banal" before you ! *smiles* Really good work here Elizabeth..Have a wonderful day my friend....much love, james
Clark Avatar
February 7, 2012 at 5:43 PM
Yeah yeah those dam men...........Hey wait a minute, just kidding. Nice job
Freeman Avatar
February 7, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Obviously the truth is known by yourself I see by the content of your beautiful poem, Elizabeth. So few will acknowledge, however, the seriousness of the times. The rewards of standing up for the truth will be obvious also, Thanks for your support, Elizabeth, Agape, Moses
Dufresne Avatar
February 7, 2012 at 5:07 PM
Ive read and reread your poem and liked the way you presented these truths about human frailties. Mankind needs black and white reminders like this in our faces to hopefully eventually hit home though it's been like you have written since man first set foot on earth. the last line to your poem is the bottom line of it all.Selfish living finds no comfort in the grave. Nice going Lizzie. Thank you so very much for your encouraging comments on my poems. I enjoy getting comments from sensible, wonderful poets like yourself. love ya - Bob
Northeast Avatar
February 7, 2012 at 4:43 PM
So very true Elizabeth and so well put- thank you it rings of Ecclesiastic warning of the vanity and emptiness without Christ- love and grace and thank you for your loving support, Brenda : )
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