Heart gentle, eyes mindful

I've always showered 
care on ungrateful trees, 
the ones that bloomed 
and the ones that withered. 
I watered them anyway. 
In this chaotic world, 
compassion is made slavery, 
chained with entitlement 
and false lovebites, 
yet my tender heart 
endures through the raid 
and self-inflicted questions 
of why I have to succumb
to an endless tide. 

Sometimes in regret of why 
goodness chose me as its heir, 
I flip out, leaving the throne empty. 
Though I wage wars not to be 
kind anymore, I find myself retreating. 
In the end, it is nature's course for me. 

But should I drown in empathy 
that l lose my mind? My use or
willingness to set boundaries 
and say No when the shoes 
don't fit my legs? For I have 
been in the watch house
without looking. It took me 
courage and self-awareness
to glare beyond the boiling surface. 

I washed my eyes in 
discernment and worth, 
to dive past the silent suck. 
I befriended clarity and in her depth, 
I learnt to work with both minds. 
For kindness doesn't exist to
drain me but help me find my path. 

So I dished portions of bitter
sour soups to users and 
drummers without rhythm, 
Just to test their intent
and they smiled at its 
sweetness. 

They would forge a life in 
death just to drain the 
remaining water in my 
well. I let them go in 
thirst because there's barely
a drop left for me and my heart 
has now tested the rough edges 
of the valleys and the shape 
of my eyes have been born anew. 
So conscious, it wouldn't flinch 
if dust was thrown in it. 

And the lovers that used to ride 
on my patchless boat, they have 
now drowned, since the engines only 
worked in the purity of their needs.
It is not I that led them to 
destruction, It is their greed. 

I offered them bandages still, 
I showed them the path, 
I directed them through the journey, 
I didn't go with them else they would 
make me lose my way and distract 
me from the gold mine in front.

My peace has never been this full. 
Full of happiness and Bluebells. 
I am a Watchman that sees 
through the dark forest and 
I shall live a long life setting 
those standards.

Still an heir to the throne
now I sit with an eagle eye.
My soul in good deeds 
will never be used again.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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12
Agustin Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 9:47 PM
Thanks for sharing this... delightful and delighting from the start 'til the end. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
George Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 4:23 AM
Your kindness shall never exhaust you. I am quite sure about it. Sometimes we feel disappointed when kindness is never reciprocated or when drained to the last drop. But never stop being kind to others though we have to be vigilant not to be over exploited. Tonye, I am just back from the trip and glad to be reading the poems of gifted poets like you. Congratulations on your well deserved POTD for this wonderful poem.
George Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 10:52 AM
Welcome Dear Valsa. Thank you so much. Welcome back, you were missed.
Empress Avatar
June 4, 2024 at 10:31 AM
This poem resonates with me on so many levels, sometimes we keep giving despite how theyve drained the last drop of water in our well of kindness, but still empathy does this, and makes us give more than we receive! I like the fact that youv used so many metaphors here to phrase your emotions and depict how you feel in the most eloquent and elegant manner! So many lines stood out for me especially the opening as well as how youv written “ now I sit with an eagle eye. My soul in good deeds” thats the way to go! Strength i felt as i read this! And boundaries is a must to set! Im working on that too. Pleasure reading this and seems like it received potd too! So congratulations on that too! Well deserved
George Avatar
June 4, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Thank you so much, Dear Ink. We have so much good in us and sometimes it's not even about the people we help or the fact that we feel the energy should be returned. I've understood the principles of giving and it does a lot behind closed doors.
One Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Hey Tonye.. Your poem evokes a range of emotions, from the frustration and sadness of being taken for granted to the relief and joy of finding inner peace. It resonates with anyone who has experienced the tension between being kind and being taken advantage of, offering a hopeful message about the strength found in setting boundaries and valuing oneself. Sorry for the late congrats on POTD.. Nice to see you doing well here..
George Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 10:49 AM
You have inspired me lots. Thank you for your support Silent.
Kendrick Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 2:29 PM
Sometimes when we are kind to other people, we don't get just rewards so it seems but someday it will all equal. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K
George Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 3:04 PM
Thank you Sara K
Greenhough Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 11:46 PM
Thank you for this poem and your open heart. Congratulations on POTD.
George Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 4:18 AM
Oh, thank you Hilda. I appreciate.
Cunningham Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 10:15 PM
Quite an emotional write Tonye, well deserving of today's POTD honour, congratulations. Tom
George Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 4:18 AM
Thank you so much, Tom. Well appreciated.
Rone Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:44 PM
Wow Tonye. A POTD for my favorites list. You have woven a beauty here. " drummers without rhythm " . How often have I marched to that chaos! Best -Ken
George Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Yeah right. I'm glad. Thank you, Ken.
Buehler Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:40 PM
Congratulations on well deserved POTD honors, Tonye. Your poem touched me.
George Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 4:20 AM
Thank you, Evelyn. So very well appreciated.
Nicole Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:26 PM
Compassion is lacking in our world. Your words hold so many moments and emotions within. Congratulations Tonye, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:02 PM
Thank you so much, Brandy. I appreciate your visit.
Edmonds  Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:46 PM
A great write Tonye, you’re very kind, sometimes we have to be kind to ourselves too, by not taking on more than one can do, been there and still there, so I know how it is. Congratulations on receiving the honour for poem of the day… Beryl
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:06 PM
So true. Thank you so much, Beryl. Cheers.
Pandit Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:05 PM
BIG congrats Tonye, on POTD. A meaningful poem delivered in powerful words. Your vocabulary shines throughout in poetic devices. Excellent!
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:03 PM
Oh lovely, thank you so much V. Cheers.
Anaya Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Congratulations on your POTD, Tonye George! I can certainly feel your kindness. We can give and take, but what we receive is on us. A chaotic world indeed. You are a good listener, a seeker a mentor, a thinker, a bright star. Shine on beautiful!
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:02 PM
Awwwn, that's so sweet Anaya. Thank you so much. I appreciate. Hugs.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 2:08 PM
Congratulations on your POTD. Precious thoughts, well-crafted poem. Best wishes ~
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 3:12 PM
Thank you so much, Ray. I appreciate it.
Wraith Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 12:08 PM
Congratulations on POTD!! Well done.
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 3:11 PM
Hey Edward, thank you so much.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 11:55 AM
Congratulations on your POTD.
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 3:11 PM
Thank you, Dear Victor, well appreciated.
Poet Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 11:01 AM
Congratulations on POTD, Toney. Well deserved
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 3:10 PM
Hello Sotto, thank you so much, I appreciate it.
Turner Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:46 AM
Congratulations Tonye on POTD. It's great to see your work recognized.
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 9:36 AM
I'm grateful Daniel. Thank you so much.
Goldsmith Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 8:33 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. Have a blessed day with your win......................
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 9:35 AM
Thank you Dear Paula.
Wolf Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:29 AM
Let your throne be 'full of happiness and bluebells,' Tonye! Congratulations on POTD! Joy and Jubilation, Gershon
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:34 AM
Hey Gershon, thank you so much. Well appreciated. Cheers.
Baker Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Back to congratulate you on your POTD, Tonye! Enjoy your special day of recognition, my friend. Bill
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Thank you so much, Dear Bill. I appreciate it, dear friend.
Fowler Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:49 AM
Such a gem of a poem sweet Tonye. Well-deserving of POTD. Congratulations! :)
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Thank you, Linda, cheers dear.
M  Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:03 AM
POTD Congratulations Tonye for your incredibly beautiful poem of reflection! Debx
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:06 AM
Thank you, Dear Deb, I'm grateful.
Kaufman Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 5:55 AM
Dear Tonye, What a joy to read this rich reflection so full of imagery and metaphors. Loved it, loved if. Congratulations on POTD. I will also fav now.
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:01 AM
Thank you, Dear Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers.
Rodgers Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 5:50 AM
Dear Tonye, I am writing to congratulate you on your poem. I knew it was a great poem with a great poet behind it. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
George Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 6:03 AM
Oh, Danny. Thank you so much for your kind words and constant support. I appreciate it.
12
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