John Watt Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Hanging On For Dear Life

I was pulled from a swimming pool when I was 7 years old
   gasping, frightened, cold
   must learn to be water safe before I go in over my head

I was struck by a car when I was 9
   bruised, shaken, embarrassed, but very much alive
   must learn to look both ways

I was told my pneumonia was touch and go when I was 14
   I'd never seen a doctor look so worried before
   must learn to rest

I took a corner too fast on my bike when I was 17
   cut, bleeding, startled
   must learn to ride more slowly around corners

I was rescued by a lifeguard at the beach when I was 22
   frightened by the immense power of the ocean currents
  must learn to respect the rip tide

I was thankful for the seatbelt in a collision when I was 28
   rattled by the poor judgement of the drunk driver
   must learn to drive defensively and never presume safety

I emerged unscratched after spinning 360 on a wet freeway at 47
   protected by a guardian angel from a potential fatality
   must learn to check my tire treads and drive slowly

Not knowing the preciousness of life
   until it was nearly snatched away
   dear life, I love you so!


written 3 Aug 2020

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Caren Krutsinger August 5, 2020 at 9:52 PM You have had so many "near misses" but God has something in mind; I am sure that with each of these near misses, you got the message. John Watt August 6, 2020 at 1:45 PM Right you are, Caren. 'Message Received, Lord!'

Michelle Faulkner August 5, 2020 at 9:20 PM You have counted up a lot of wisdom in your years, thank you for sharing some of your stories, it is easy to see where you get your positive attitude and appreciation for life! John Watt August 5, 2020 at 9:42 PM I feel a little like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day - when you've been around forever, you tend to learn a few things, haha! Thanks for the lovely comment, Michelle!

Malabika Ray Choudhury August 5, 2020 at 7:09 AM This is so precious, John. Yes, so true - Dear Life, we love you. After reading your poem, I am looking back at my own life and pondering about all the good things and bad things - all the unexpected things - happened at different times and places. Best wishes, My Dear Friend. John Watt August 5, 2020 at 9:41 PM Dear Mala, I'm glad I can be an agent of self-reflection. I love to hear the tales that others share of their journey; it is only fair that I reach deeply and share a few of my own. Blessings ~ John

Panagiota Romios August 4, 2020 at 1:01 PM This is a Fave and lovely.I relate well to this as I have been the victim of violence more than once... survived a car wreck and far more horrific stuff. Almost drowned been shot at And almost set on fire. God saved us both. I can't get more specific but life is precious. Pangie xx John Watt August 4, 2020 at 9:16 PM Every step of our journeys has made us who we are, even the times we tripped or were knocked down. God has taken care of us through it all. I wouldn't change a thing, Panagiota. Thanks for your lovely comment.

Alexis Y. August 3, 2020 at 7:48 PM WoW! John, All of these episodes really happened to you? It wasn’t your time and your guardian angel was with you. Best wishes in the contest:-) Alexis John Watt August 3, 2020 at 9:41 PM Yes, some might call it good luck or good karma, I prefer to call it Providence. Thanks for the visit, Alexis. I've really enjoyed seeing your comments this week.

Andrea Dietrich August 3, 2020 at 5:48 PM another fantastic poem from you , John. You are on a roll. Not me though! My best stuff in the past month hardly got read. I have a few to post later but only a few that I really like! I know your sentiments in this poem. I have learned to feel this exact same way, John Watt August 3, 2020 at 6:14 PM Thanks for the kind words, Andrea. I look forward to reading your new writes.

John Hamilton August 3, 2020 at 1:35 PM This sounds like my life John, I too should not have survived many episodes, I too love life especially after my cardiac arrest 8 years ago, I thank God every time I open my eyes to a new day. Lessons learned will help us to prepare for or anticipate trouble around the corner! John Watt August 3, 2020 at 2:08 PM Thanks for letting me know that John. I think you and I are the same age, so the near-misses have accumulated, and the horizon grows closer. Carpe diem!

Ilene Bauer August 3, 2020 at 12:39 PM don't know if all those events really happened, john, but if so, you've been exceedingly fortunate in your life (or else, it simply wasn't your time!). you've described this beautifully... John Watt August 3, 2020 at 1:11 PM I guess it wasn't my time. These events have all made me appreciate every day, every breath so much. Thank you for your lovely visit, my friend.