Frederic Parker Poet Free verse

If- a Response

If you can see with eyes of a child
and allow amazement and wonder to be your guide
without fear or doubt

If you can understand the weakness of those who lie
to cover their own frailties
and not set judgment or fault even if the lies are about you

If you can be truthful without using truth as a sword
yet be passionate in your ways without compromising your soul
to those who feast on such things
keeping your honor in trials of decisions

If you can stand to face unrighteousness
and do so in quiet measured confidence
allowing for a peaceful resolution
and can carry life's burdens without complaint
helping those who struggle to do so
finding reasons to help without being asked
or seek restitution for your help

If you can do all these things
then you will be worthy to be called a friend

10/21/18 contest Response to If
note...second submission, first one disappeared
from PS without notice from my manage poems page

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Heidi Sands November 27, 2018 at 2:22 PM Congratulations for your win. This poem is a favorite for me ! :)

Anne-Lise Andresen November 26, 2018 at 12:38 AM - Congratulations on yours: "In response to IF ...." poems, Frederic :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Eve Roper November 25, 2018 at 6:19 PM Congratulations on your placement in the contest, Frederic..

Charlie Smith November 25, 2018 at 11:13 AM We should all have such vision, congratulations Frederic...

Silent One November 25, 2018 at 9:54 AM Nothing as beautiful and innocent as the eyes of a child..how sad we grow up... Loved your reply to the poem... Congratulations on your first place in the contest..

Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2018 at 7:36 PM This one did not get judged yet, did it? I wonder what happened!!

Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2018 at 7:35 PM frederic, did you have to do a completely new one, or did you do it almost the same way the second time? Gosh, you don't save to your own file first? you gotta do that in the future i really love your response to the iF. your poem is superb!

Deb Radke October 24, 2018 at 10:40 PM Beautiful. I loved your words. Best wishes in the contest. I'm glad I read your poem tonight. My best. Deb

Arturo Michael October 22, 2018 at 12:07 PM Good advice in every way...Nice write...All the best Frederic

Carole Duet October 21, 2018 at 8:42 PM Wonderful and meaningful poem, Frederic.

Edward Ibeh October 21, 2018 at 6:39 PM The exact same thing happened to me today! I had to repost my poem, "Far Yet Close" because it mysteriously disappeared. A first! lol Nicely done poem, Frederic!