I Need To Live

Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.
Edward R. Murrow

don't teach me how to think 
when all I want to know 
is how to live

a self-crowned sparrow perches up on high 
a song he sings slowly swirls the storms 
as if life itself weren't already wrong
like him, extols are the only norm

fly now where the cliffs are bare
where sullen is your sacred air

for beats of the heart dare move
under undue distress

fly away now where the nest is neat
and fledglings fall upon your feats

rise me with a ruse of wit
where simple doesn't merely fit
with trills of tripe and finer grit
something fresh and neatly writ

I don't need your force fed fodder
I need to live or why even bother
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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12
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 12:37 PM
Oh this poem is beautifully written. I can just picture all these things happening as I read. Have a nice day my friend.
Gauthier Avatar
November 25, 2017 at 8:07 AM
Very clever. I enjoyed your poem. Congrats, Tim.
Fleming Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 2:51 PM
I was not familiar with this famous quote by this particular gentleman; or if I was I was not aware of it...but thanks to you, Tim, I am now -- and what a cracker! Enjoyed the read -- congrats on your POTW award! My best regards - cheers! :) john
Bateman Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 7:19 AM
Hello Tim, Congratulations to you on the POTW honor!! "I Need To Live" is a terrific write. And the lead-off from Edward R. Murrow really sets the theme up. I read your poem actually several times to really think about the words and the whole word-picture. Superbly Written, and A FAVE IN MY BOOK!! Cheers and Best, Gary
Williams Avatar
November 12, 2017 at 7:08 AM
Back to say a big Congratulations on POTW Akkina. So well deserved my dearest friend....Maria xxx
Barden Avatar
November 12, 2017 at 4:40 AM
Wonderful write, Tim, with exquisite phrasing and substance, and a strong but careful message ... superb! Congrats on POTW! :-)
Downing  Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 6:21 PM
I'm a few days late but I'm still congratulating you anyways. Great write Tim! Hugs :)
Williams Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 9:38 AM
I love your wit and swagger. It becomes you. eight stars. Congrats on your POTW.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 10:43 PM
This is exceptional Tim! So happy to see it honored as POTW! Congratulations! : )
Allison Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Many congrats Tim a very worthy recipient of POTW:-) Sadly the fodder will continue as your words will fall on deaf ears:-( hugs jan xx
Wanter Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 10:04 AM
Congratulations!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 9:59 AM
Way to go Tim, an excellent choice for POTW! If they had a POTM this would be a contender.
Lane Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 6:08 AM
I'm sorry I missed this one last week. It is absolutely awesome! POTD!!! Your last 4 line stanza is exceptional, Tim. Sometimes the most memorable words are those whispered...
Andresen Avatar
October 31, 2017 at 4:00 PM
- Tim, ... I'm just saying: THANK YOU! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Thirtyseven Avatar
October 30, 2017 at 7:04 AM
Awesome quote to start this thoughtful write. And those two closing lines are gems. Great write my friend.
Vaso Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 11:30 PM
Came to read this again, such truth in this!
Manassian Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 10:12 AM
You are an amazing poet, Tim. Never doubt that...keep writing and those who love and appreciate you will keep coming round. Hugs
Murray Avatar
October 31, 2017 at 7:10 PM
Amen!
Vaso Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 11:30 PM
That's for sure Eileen, his poems like yours are so romantic and also filled with deeper life meanings and wisdom's!!
May Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 8:53 AM
Very well expressed Tim...I liked the monorhyme stanza..best wishes
Smith Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Live it up Tim, terrific write...
Vaso Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 8:23 PM
I like, this is expressed so poetically and so well, I am sure Gary would also love this poem! Cheers!
Pandit Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 5:53 PM
Lovely thought, articulated with passion!
Onclaud Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 5:27 PM
hats off, tim...this is an empowering read... huggs
Allison Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 3:41 PM
wow Tim this sure packs a punch and none of us need to be force fed fodder - sadly some folks preen and crow but have nothing realyl to say mmmm Maybe i better start writing decent poems not poop lol:-) hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 9:25 AM
Considering that the source is worthless.
Allison Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 8:59 AM
Lin I rest my case from the comment below! :-( hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 6:14 AM
Everything you write is decent, Jan...humorous and sincere... and YES you are fantastic
B. Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 2:59 PM
Wow! This is a fav. This kicks butt :)
Flats Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 2:02 PM
Whoa! Sock it to me dude! Triple dub ~ j
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