Know What You Want

Dear Youth, I know that many
of you are floundering.
The world is so uncertain now
and sometimes so unkind.

It was a simpler time 
when I was in my youth,
yet still I went into life’s fray as if
I wore a blindfold on my eyes!
Things didn’t turn out terribly for me,
but I had dreams left unfulfilled.
Sometimes I think of those that I have missed.

Be true to who you are.
That is one thing that I’ve always tried to be.
It’s seen me through sorrows
and helped me more to enjoy my life.
But I would add to that at least this one more thing -
this final slice of my advice.
It’s one that no one really ever gave to ME:

Think long and hard about the things
you really truly want.
Focus on those things - or at the very least -
focus on the one thing you want most.
Once you know what you want,
imagine it, just really picture it, and then . . .
simply go for it!

Dec. 17, 2020 for Edward Ibeh's Your Advice To The Youth Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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Ranaweera  Avatar
December 30, 2020 at 7:44 PM
Congratulations, Andrea, on your placement for this lovely piece of advice to young writers!! Wish you a Very Happy New Year!!
Koplin Avatar
December 30, 2020 at 5:26 PM
Congratulations on your win, Andrea!
Ibeh Avatar
December 30, 2020 at 11:52 AM
What a fabulous, inspiring piece, Andrea:-) I really loved it.Congratulations on your well-deserved win in my contest!'
Dietrich Avatar
December 30, 2020 at 12:07 PM
thanks so much. YOur challenge really made me think and this is what came to me, what i wish I had been more prepared for (just making best life choices for myself)
Theraven Avatar
December 29, 2020 at 8:09 AM
Andrea, Very encouraging poem this. One that all should read, young and old. We who survived the times feel fortunate for getting out of the middle of the street. But youth cries out; that's where all the fun is(!) -Richard
Jayasankar Avatar
December 28, 2020 at 7:17 AM
Wow what a great advice ... Andrea... specially, the last stanza... I will show this to my son too. This will be my fav. Hugs ~ Ani
Watt Avatar
December 27, 2020 at 4:37 PM
This is very good advice to someone who may not be hearing it from their mentors. How different we all might be if we had heard and heeded certain advice in our youth that would have helped us know how to focus all that youthful energy. Well done.
Tor Avatar
December 26, 2020 at 11:05 PM
Hope in this encouraging piece. Go for it. Lovely Andrea...
Foster Avatar
December 25, 2020 at 3:16 PM
"Be true" rings true. Wonderful words you have written. Good luck on the contest... well done. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year... Ann
Y. Avatar
December 19, 2020 at 11:47 AM
WoW! Andrea, This is some exceptional advice. I can take heed to it right now as an adult. I think I will she this to my daughter. Best wishes in the contest. This is going straight into my favs. Have a great day and weekend:-) Alexis
Leffanta Avatar
December 18, 2020 at 10:44 AM
People believe you are what you eat when you are what you think! Good luck in the contest! Aloha! Rico
Mcintosh Avatar
December 18, 2020 at 8:12 AM
YES... Love this! It's so true. Your dreams often become your reality if you work hard to reach toward your goals. I love this. God B L E S S you always, sweet Andrea
Buhagiar Avatar
December 17, 2020 at 10:45 PM
Your last stanza sums it all. ~~
Brul Avatar
December 17, 2020 at 5:36 PM
A wise cousel dear Andrea.. Being true to oneself is one of fhe best things a youth could do to enjoy life to the fullest! We need not be someone we are not just to please others...Best wishes!
Ranaweera  Avatar
December 17, 2020 at 2:30 PM
Simply, an adorable piece of advice to youths, poets, Andrea!!
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