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If Not For Dying

When I’m enticed by the allure of forever, Ambivalent, I query, prospect of eternity: If there’s no dying, what fate’s my destiny? Would such existence be sans meaning? Would I be the compassion of pious soul If I am blessed with permanence of life, Or a deathly tomb of a heartless stone Dispassionately ignoring wounds of strife. Having been spared of inevitable death Will I become an arrogant tyrant’s shrill, Or will I rule alike a kingdom of goodwill Embracing venerated grace of cordiality. Would I be a garden of spring blossoms Or scorched landscape of barren desert, Would I be a resplendent autumnal show Or decaying rot of woes in wintry throes. Would I be a night of nightingale’s song Invoking themes of endearing dreams, Or would I be echo of horrid nightmares Howling in dawn of things gone wrong. Immortality, I fear, will lure me ignobly, If not a mortal, unknowable I would be; But for transience, would humble life be? If not for dying, would precious living be? April 23, 2022 Placed 1st: If I were Immortal Poetry Contest Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Ann Foster

Date: 7/6/2022 9:02:00 AM

Lovely words, well written. Ann

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 6/1/2022 5:13:00 AM

I,ve often pondered this theme too, Vijay: You express both sides of the question convincingly. Best, SuZ

Christuraj Alex

Date: 5/3/2022 5:02:00 AM

Thought-provoking questions and beautiful answers. Congratulations!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/1/2022 1:20:00 PM

Was this one judged already? I see a congrats down here. It sure deserves a win!

Michael Tor

Date: 4/30/2022 3:51:00 PM

Much thought and wisdom here my friend. Congrates on a great piece...

Mike Gentile

Date: 4/30/2022 5:55:00 AM

Such powerful thoughts Vijay and expressed so very well in terms of known human behavior . Your crafted lines make it easy to contemplate and so very interesting to read. I really loved it! Happy Saturday !!!

Alexis Y.

Date: 4/28/2022 12:25:00 PM

WoW! Vijay, This is an outstanding entry for the contest theme. I found it to be deep and thought provoking.Best wishes in the contest. Have a nice day my friend:-) Alexis

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/29/2022 5:13:00 AM

Many thanks my friend for your kind remarks. Much appreciate, Alexis.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 4/27/2022 12:45:00 PM

Words of wisdom uttered in this poem dear Vijay - 'If not for dying, would precious living be? I enjoy your perspectives of nature, life, love, seasons, people, you have that natural talented poetic ability to explain it so understandably. A very engaging, brilliant write. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/29/2022 5:13:00 AM

Thanks for stopping by Jennifer--much appreciate as always.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 4/27/2022 11:24:00 AM

I think that knowing that we will face death makes us appreciate life more especially so as we get older. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for your visit to my page. Sara

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/29/2022 5:12:00 AM

Much appreciate Sara--many thanks.

Swetha Vangaveti

Date: 4/27/2022 10:52:00 AM

Perfectly crafted!! My instant fave!!

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/27/2022 12:57:00 PM

Thank you Swetha--much appreciate.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/26/2022 11:31:00 PM

The contrasts in life teach the student and the teacher. Excellent work Vijay. This poem is sure to be a top winner. Blessings xxoo

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/27/2022 12:57:00 PM

I appreciate your vote of confidence, Connie. Many thanks.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 4/26/2022 6:46:00 PM

Vijay, this is excellent--a vividly descriptive and thought-provoking message of pros and cons. Janice

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/27/2022 12:56:00 PM

Many thanks Janice--much appreciate.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/26/2022 4:22:00 PM

wow, you did a magnificent job with this one, Vijay. I bet it's a top winner.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/27/2022 12:55:00 PM

Much appreciate, Andrea, your supportive remarks. Many thanks.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 4/26/2022 5:02:00 AM

Profound philosophical thesis, my dearest friend, Vijay! A FAVE for me! Blessings!

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/26/2022 6:10:00 AM

So wonderful to hear that from you my friend. Many thanks and a very special thank you for the FAVE.

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 4/25/2022 5:49:00 PM

Wow, amazing. Honestly...I think you would be 'a garden of spring blossoms', or perhaps 'a night of nightingale’s song' because your poems reflect such deep beauty <3 ~BJ

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/26/2022 6:08:00 AM

Much appreciate kind thoughts, BJ. Many thanks.

Bill Baker

Date: 4/25/2022 4:44:00 PM

Intriguing viewpoints to ponder, my poet friend. I enjoyed the read and will enjoy the time thinking about what you've shared with us. Thanks, Bill

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/26/2022 6:07:00 AM

Thank you Bill--much appreciate.

Harry Horsman

Date: 4/25/2022 6:31:00 AM

Amazing poetry, Vijay, I wonder if we were a people of immortality, if science would research a way out, for the love of mankind.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/25/2022 9:49:00 AM

Thank you Harry. Much appreciate your kind feedback.

Anil Deo

Date: 4/25/2022 6:05:00 AM

brilliant; so many aspects of life, death, and dying revealed as only greats can do. I wanted to write on something related ... check it out in 30 mins. But I do NOT take your visits to my struggling poetry efforts for granted. U are appreciated

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/25/2022 9:48:00 AM

So very kind of you to stop by with your kind remarks, Anil. Much appreciate. Many thanks. I read your thoughtful poem today and offered my feedback there.

Brandy Nicole

Date: 4/24/2022 7:07:00 PM

"Immortality, I fear, will lure me ignobly." This statement brings a shiver up my spine. I'm so thankful that this isn't possible. So many in the world would use it for selfish reasons. Very scary indeed. Your thoughts are deep and powerful. So much to think about, my dear friend. ~ Brandy

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/25/2022 5:09:00 AM

Yes--the world would use it selfishly--powerful thought you express my dear friend. Always a joy when you visit-- to read and appreciate your feedback. Many thanks, Brandy.

Joe Maverick

Date: 4/24/2022 5:01:00 PM

Enjoyed reading and reflecting Vijay.'

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/25/2022 5:06:00 AM

Thank you Joe--much appreciate.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 4/24/2022 4:28:00 PM

I love the way you think up such amazing possibilities and offer them up through poetry, I guess if we were to come back we could be most anything, couldn't we ? I think I'd choose to be a poet, time and time again, how about you ?

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/25/2022 5:06:00 AM

Anything is possible in the after world. Poetry sounds like a place to be. Much appreciate your visit and comments, Vienna. Many thanks.

Sotto Poet

Date: 4/24/2022 11:32:00 AM

Vijay, my friend. This topic is characterized by significant opinions. To be honest, it's a tough topic to broach. You've expressed fears and reservations about being granted eternal life, and you've done it in a way that only someone with your writing talent could refute. Even though it's a challenging issue, you've made it entertaining to consider. All of the analogies in your poem are fantastic. Best for a win.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/24/2022 11:48:00 AM

You are right my friend--this is a topic that makes us ponder the unknown. Much appreciate your detailed remarks, Lassad. So very kind of you to take the time. Many thanks.

Judy Ball

Date: 4/24/2022 11:20:00 AM

Hmmmm If I were immortal and never to die would I be cruel and arrogant or would I be compassionate and kind? If I didn't fear the hereafter what kind of person would I be? Good question. The Bible tells us that there is no good in Man save Jesus. As always a fine write my friend raising many questions. God Bless, JB

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/24/2022 11:44:00 AM

It is always good to have a check on human tendencies--if we were immortal who knows how we would behave. Much appreciate your insights --especially from Bible--Judy. Always a pleasure to read your feedback. Many thanks.

Valsa George

Date: 4/24/2022 5:08:00 AM

"Would I be a night of nightingale’s song Invoking themes of endearing dreams, Or would I be echo of horrid nightmares Howling in dawn of things gone wrong'.....! If granted Immortality the questions and doubts you have raised are so sensible.... expressed in a way only a poet of your caliber can raise. A very deep subject, but you have made it a sweet topic to ponder on .....! All the best, dear Vijay !

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/24/2022 5:29:00 AM

Much appreciate your insights my dear friend. Your comments always explore the depth and meaning. Many thanks for being there for so many on Poetry Soup.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 4/23/2022 10:24:00 PM

Great arguments. An impossible subject really. Have you ever heard of the Wandering Jew? Not pleasant I'm sure.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 4/24/2022 5:19:00 AM

Much appreciate Victor. You are right to mention the Wandering Jew in the context of this contest theme. The immortal mythical man cursed to live forever. Unfathomable. Many thanks for your apt contribution to this theme.