I Am

For Contest


You ask, “Who are you?”

I answer, “I am; life.”

You ask, “Is that all?”

“Yes, life.  It is all, complete, perfection!”

I ask, “Who are you?”

You say, “I’m married with beautiful
children.  I love Chinese food and boats,
and work hard and play harder, and…”

I say, “Stop!  You are also life; breathing
with blood pulsing through you, on a planet
floating in space.  All else are doings, thoughts,
others, desires, memories, lists.”

“So, that is my life.  Isn’t it?”  You ask.

I reply, “You are life!  Just as the pea,
a rock, rabbit, trees, or a billionaire.  They’re not doings,
but beings.  They just are, as we are.  
That’s enough, at this moment.
And each moment is all we ever have.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
March 20, 2024 at 6:10 AM
David, I really like how you identify what is most important of all. The way you look at being versus doing is food for thought for all. You have a very subtle and humorous way of identifying a huge concept that often escapes consideration. This adds to the concept that we should treat our planet and everything on it with respect. That is surely not part of the equation today.
Romios Avatar
March 14, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Best wishes David! People cant go thrigh life without blaming or shaming others, or making them wrong. They, themselves, of course, never have an inner discourse. To point blame at them selves. Further, the truth is, this very moment may be our lasr…. we just dont get it. Nations of kvetchers, Read the poetry, we think somebody owes us a living. Pangie Pangie
Maverick Avatar
March 3, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Although for some its not enough' David.. I like this a lot' 1st place from me.!
Fisher Avatar
March 3, 2024 at 5:15 PM
Thanks for those words. And yes, it's hard to feel like 'that's enough'.
Goldsmith Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 8:48 AM
A wonderful write with a great/ending. I love this one. Have a blessed/great day..............
Slaughter Avatar
February 24, 2024 at 10:27 AM
That last line says it all! Excellent piece, David.
Baker Avatar
February 22, 2024 at 10:53 PM
Thought-provoking poetry, David. I like it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us through your poetry, my friend. Bill
Greenhough Avatar
February 21, 2024 at 7:15 PM
A very philosophical poem that asks many questions. It makes me think more deeply. I enjoyed it .
Brotherton Avatar
February 21, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Each moment is all we ever have. Some wise words, my friend. Have a blessed day, David.
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