Existence

From time to time I wonder if
It’s truly worth the ride
To live this life I’ve been given
Or trade it for one goodbye…

What good are all these memories, 
Wishful thoughts and dreams 
When the longer I crawl the farther I fall
From blue skies to cold, dark seas?

When they say we should be expanding
Outward towards the stars,
Connecting like particles and molecules 
Near and far.  

And yet here I stand a ‘waiting
The rain to wash me clean
Wondering when the sky is clear 
Will my existence be worth anything?

Does it matter that I’ve loved 
And lost, the battles I have waged 
From childhood tears to present fears
Of a cold, dark, muddy grave?

Will anyone remember 
A hundred years from now
Or even read these words composed
As if they matter anyhow? 

I suspect not a speck of dust or grain 
Of sand will anyone care 
That I lived, breathed, walked, talked, laughed, cryed 
And dared.

To climb the peak of Mount Impossible  
And swim the Seas of Sad Goodbyes;
To race the winds of wishful dreams
And time while flying bye.  

What will become of my travels around  
This tiny blue ball in space
And everyone I’ve ever known – 
Every sad and smiling face? 

And who’ll recite this poem once more 
And wonder, “Who was he?” 
When I’ve turned to dust as we all must 
Return back to the sea.       

Of mother earth and universe 
Womb of One and All
While I wonder sometimes who will find
I existed once and for all.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Baker Avatar
July 22, 2022 at 2:40 PM
Tell us how you really feel Terry. :-) Excellent poem fromyour heart. You touch on many universal fears and experiences, many questions that almost all of us ask ourselves at some point in our lives. You write in a way that is meaningful, yet easy to read. I enjoy reading your poems. I came back a ways to see how you wrote before you returned to posting here at PoetrySoup. Same gift is evident. Write On! my friend, your thoughts and poetry matter. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Nunez Avatar
February 2, 2015 at 7:55 AM
I love the honest expression of fear of oblivion...Your poem reached out to me and i felt it. You do matter my friend, everyone matters. You are a blessing...From my pen to yours, a 7. Warm smiles from the land of thousand isles...Kim :D
Martin Avatar
February 9, 2015 at 8:08 AM
Thank you Kim - with my sincere apologies for taking so long to respond. So glad you and others are able to relate which is what poetry should be...communication between complete strangers. I suppose that means we're less strangers now than we were before this poem....A comforting thought thanks very much in part to you! Cheers your way, Terry
Manassian Avatar
January 30, 2015 at 11:03 AM
Terry....we all feel this way. We all want to know that we mattered. I know this feeling...Oh so well. Your poem matters...You've touched my heart today. That matters....Thank you for sharing so candidly. Lovely write....Makes one stop and wonder.
Martin Avatar
January 30, 2015 at 11:23 AM
Eileen, I'm taken completely by surprise by your lovely and timely reply. THANK YOU for caring enough to remind that our lives DO matter and by touching others in heart, mind and soul. I Owe you a visit soon. Until then, please forgive my work scheule and have a blessed day! Hugs, Terry
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace