Home » Poems » Carolyn Devonshire » How Many Times?

How Many Times?

How many times can you express friendship and support Only to realize these feelings will never be returned How many times can you fool yourself Saying, "This is okay; nothing was promised" How many times can you pick yourself up Pretend it doesn't hurt; act like all is fine How many times do you have to swallow your pride After giving all you had to offer How many times will you go through charades When there is no hope to build upon How many times can you knock yourself out Hoping your futile efforts will be appreciated How many times will you have to learn lessons the hard way Without losing the happy spirit that has carried you through trying times How many times can you feel like you still have self worth When these false feelings are always proven wrong Is this all there is to life Then send in the clowns; I should be part of their act

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

Constance La France

Date: 9/16/2010 8:33:00 PM

How Many times, will we be hurt, how many times can we forgive... well, Carolyn, I think we are connected, as you said in your message, although we have never met, it is obvious we have both been hurt not once but often.. and what do we do with this hurt??.. well I guess for me I will turn it into poetry... remember the saying .. when one door closes another one opens.. well I am waiting for the door to open... Love Constance

Anthony Amero

Date: 4/20/2010 6:26:00 AM

I love this. Sometimes I think it's all a clown show myself. I will say that no matter how down I get for the moment, I never stop trying. I don't believe you do either. I've always said that this is a wonderful world......except for the people! Great write and I love reading your work. Thank you for your feedback on my stuff. Tony

Sheila Parrish-Spence

Date: 4/4/2010 12:43:00 PM

Timeslike those mentioned in your poem have left question marks on the souls of many. Good write.

Karen Dominick

Date: 4/2/2010 11:05:00 AM

Wow, great poem! I can relate. Best, Karen

T.A. Skyles-Theoklapoet

Date: 3/31/2010 1:44:00 PM

Fantastic read.Somedays I feel just this way.Thanks for that sweet comment.Nick was my fav.nephew I miss him.Teresa

Brittany Moon

Date: 3/30/2010 12:16:00 PM

wow, this is a great poetry piece...i love how you tell it how it is...but i shall say this: No we all shall not give up on life. No matter how far the distance, we have to keep on fighting til the end; make life wirth living...great write write Carolyn, going to my faves...enjoy your days on poetry soup...God Bless...-Brittany-

Amanda Madden

Date: 3/30/2010 6:49:00 AM

Your emotions are amazing, i feel this same way many times, thank you for expressing me and yourself.

Heather Hill

Date: 3/27/2010 8:59:00 PM

I love the ending about the clowns and being part of their act, I know we all have those moments! nicely put!

Michael Poyntz

Date: 3/27/2010 2:25:00 PM

Carolyn..I have always loved the two line approach as it gives you so much flexibility to move the poem in so many directions as you so effectively do here. I had my 60yj birthday this year , trust me....this poem could be given to every single person on their own out here as a kind of understanding of life after 55, Great poem and even better real life message! Irish

Brian Strand

Date: 3/27/2010 12:28:00 AM

Thank you for your welcome blog comments today Carolyn.Rgds Brian

Lynette Chachere

Date: 3/26/2010 8:44:00 PM

this is a powerful poem, I think. when people have these emotions or go through trials that are only so wrong, but then they are in denial to know that all they did was fake.because they are afraid of the truth, or they just don't want to give in to something so great.they believe it would be a weakness, but its a sign of strength and a much greater day.this is a wonderful poem. -Always&Foreve Lynette

Tim Ryerson

Date: 3/26/2010 7:49:00 PM

I'm feeling your pain, Carolyn, believe me...beautiful and elegant poetry from you as usual...Tim

John Freeman

Date: 3/26/2010 11:26:00 AM

A point well taken Carolyn. I'm sure this poem rings true for most of us, I knows it does for me. I've been there, and done that. Agape, Moses

Brian Strand

Date: 3/26/2010 1:32:00 AM

Lovely kyrielle flavours Carolyn.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments and your kind words and encouragement today.

Joyce Johnson

Date: 3/25/2010 5:25:00 PM

Dear Carolyn. No one is more appreciated than you on this site. We love you. Thank you for your always kind remarks about my postings. Love, Joyce

Faleshia Murphy

Date: 3/25/2010 4:49:00 PM

so true great write loved it faleshia

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/25/2010 4:09:00 PM

soupmail, carolyn

Audrey Haick

Date: 3/25/2010 2:02:00 PM

My dearest Carolyn, you write this for all who have giving their all so many times and ended up unfulfilled...but we are never losers! I believe,we are the "Salt of the earth"...we can't help but love because we have so much to give...and love is something that will not be denied...so you're not alone as I'm sure you know. My soup mail very often, doesn't work so pardon my lenghty comment here. With love, your friend, Audrey

Daniel Cheeseman

Date: 3/25/2010 1:49:00 PM

Strange I thought I had commented on this lovely poem yesterday, the kindness of your heart will always be there for you Carolyn Daniel

John Loving Iii

Date: 3/25/2010 1:01:00 PM

my dear as long as we live and love that will be the curse used against us. how many times? i hope and pray not one more; but i keep on setting my self up as the target as you may know. yes it hurts and it always will untill we learn to be immune to the pain. and another thing; asside from writing love poetry i also have a lot of poetry about rejection and revenge. it's all about life, real life. perhapes God will stop teasing us one day. i'm still praying that he will with this next love. john

Daver Austin

Date: 3/25/2010 10:55:00 AM

Hi, Carolyn. How are you feeling? I hope just snazzy. Love, daver

Gareth James

Date: 3/25/2010 9:24:00 AM

Carolyn, thank you for your kind words. Like all my soup friends, inc. yourself, i have too much to give to leave. My reference in leaving was to do with "thats an easy option" but to inspire, teach and learn is a more developed option.

John Trusty

Date: 3/25/2010 8:53:00 AM

Carolyn, the beauty of the wellfont where "HOW MANY TIMES?" comes from, is that it never, ever runs dry. There will always be enough to share with some one else in your life. Sometimes though, one needs to heed the advice of the great philosopher/songwriter (lol) Ricky Nelson who sang "YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERONE, SO YOU GOT TO PLEASE YOURSELF!" This has a way of refilling the well as does the comments of over 30 people on this write of yours. Peace and Love JT

Doris Culverhouse

Date: 3/25/2010 7:41:00 AM

I feel your pain today--It will be better tomorrow, I hope:)

Brian Strand

Date: 3/25/2010 1:08:00 AM

Like the kyrielle flavour to this one Carolyn.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments today