Juggling While Struggling

If life's giving you trouble,
Last thing to do is to juggle.

The circuses' greatest master,
Made a performance disaster.

He was too old for the show,
But couldn't let go.

One throw went bad, then two, then three,
The audience thought, how bad can this be?

With each ball he'd drop,
The crowd thought he'd stop.

But he struggled bravely on,
As the drums drummed along.

The patrons picked up the beat, started to cheer,
The further he got, he lost all his fear.

His famous ten ring toss was his final thing,
Completed it perfectly, bowed in center ring.

Looked to the lights to give thanks and praise,
He'll remember the applause till his final days.

So on the journey of life no matter how old you are,
From collective compassion, you'll never be far.

Aging skills needn't be befuddling,
Go ahead, keep juggling while struggling.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
April 24, 2018 at 9:17 PM
Well done, Greg. Congrats on your win.
Gaul Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 7:26 AM
Thanks Line but you might suspect, as I know, that this win and all the laudatory comments that I've gotten about this poem are really attributable to Joyce and her persona in main part. It was a cosmic coincidence that my little ditty just happened to spark a similarity for her close friends of which there are many. Anyway, you're kind to comment.
Y. Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 6:27 PM
Hi Greg, What a good verse for the contest theme. I know Joyce appreciated it very much. Congratulations on your winning write:-) Alexis
Gaul Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 9:24 PM
Alexis, thanks for your kind comment and tribute to Joyce.
Smith Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 1:22 PM
Juggle on Greg, congratulations...
Gaul Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 4:51 PM
Charlie, thanks for your noticing and remarking.
Johnson Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 9:50 AM
You write this as though you had been there. It is a struggle sometimes but what a thrill to be able to keep going. Thank you for the great poem and I answer you with much love. Joyce
Gaul Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 4:57 PM
Joyce, I feel like I know you now, even though both of us know we've never met. The tributes to you are just gushing forth and a bit of that loving kindness has splashed on me for this poem unintentionally. Many of the top poets on PS love you and want to pay tribute to you. Carolyn obviously is your greatest fan. And now add one more, me.
Barden Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 2:37 AM
This is wonderful, Greg, and a very fitting tribute to Joyce - I'm sure she'll love it! Blessings and congrats, my friend! :-)
Gentry Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 12:52 AM
Congratulations on your win with this birthday poem.
Roper Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 9:45 PM
Congratulations on your win,Greg , great tribute to a great lady! Hugs Eve ~`*
Rodrigues Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 6:49 PM
Keep juggling! What a great cheer for Joyce! Congrats, Greg!
George   Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 6:08 PM
Yes! Greg, you captured the essence of Joyce in this poem. Many congrats on your win.
Devonshire Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 5:38 PM
Greg, I have read this poem several times and love the way you describe people like Joyce who don't let life's challenges prevent them from pursuing each day with gusto! The juggler metaphor was well applied and the imagery throughout the poem is amazing. Congratulations on your win in a highly competitive contest!
Gaul Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 8:31 PM
Carolyn, I thank you for your appreciation and acknowledgement of my verse. But I know in my heart that it is really a testimony to your unswerving love and admiration for Joyce. Poetry is often about the touching of each other's vulnerability, that special kindness and sharing that poets have for each other, through words. Your feelings go deeper. We all would do well to earn friendship like you have shown for Joyce. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it.
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