Line Gauthier Poet Free verse

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I Want To Understand

What do you want out of Life?

The question seemed simple enough.
But not only had I never thought about it,
I didn’t understand it.
I really didn’t.

We’d always been poor and
taught to never ask for anything.
Why raise expectations
only to be disappointed?

How do you ask for anything?
Then what? Actually expect to get it?
Wouldn’t I just get shot down?

really ~

It was my last day of high school
and I was being launched out into the world
without understanding the meaning of that
one simple question that seemed so important.

What do you want out of Life?

It would be years till I thought
I vaguely figured it out.




AP: Honorable Mention 2020

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Judy Ball November 21, 2018 at 1:48 PM Ooohoohoo! Been there and done that my friend. When I was growing up my sister got everything money could buy. My parents were still together then. Then divorced and when it was my turn I was lucky to have enough to eat and something to wear. I found out that if I asked for nothing I got nothing. I had to graduate, get a job and get it for myself. No one was going to give me anything. Great job here. God Bless, JB Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 2:32 PM O Judy, what strong women we had to become. Satisfying to know we earned everything we ever got! It would have been nice to believe in Santa growing up... O well... there are worse things in life. Line xx

Rhona Mcferran November 21, 2018 at 12:58 PM I had to FAV this as soon as I saw it... so perfectly penned and meaningful! I am still figuring this out daily!! ;) Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 2:31 PM Thank you so much for your lovely visit andn comment, Rhona. Line xx

M. L. Kiser November 21, 2018 at 7:10 AM I want to be everything! It's amazing how some of us can change our minds at least, once a decade. Now, I'm finally getting around to doing what I love; being what I want to be but, it took years of being office bored before I settled into my choices. Well penned and so true. Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 8:37 AM Thanks for your lovely visit, ML. Indeed it takes much introspection and experimenting to get there...

Geoffrey Brewer November 21, 2018 at 12:36 AM This striking story rings a very familiar bell. After nearly four score of years, I am still looking for an answer. Thanks for the elegantly worded prompt, Line. Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 6:49 AM Thank you for your most appreciated visit and comment, Geoffrey. Not only is the answer often elusive... but it changes with time! An inside joke I guess!

Charles Messina November 20, 2018 at 10:43 PM Some people live there whole lives without knowing what they want out of life. It's the simple things that hold true that make an individuals life complete... Great meaning to this, Line...Love this! Charlie :) Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 6:49 AM Thanks for your lovely visit and comment, Charlie. Most appreciated.

Sand Blown November 20, 2018 at 10:05 PM age is nice : ) Line Gauthier November 21, 2018 at 6:50 AM Thanks for your most appreciated visit and comment, Sand.