Leave Your Best

Within these corridors of time
Our works are carved in stone.
We do not view for judgment; 
That task is God’s alone.

They serve as a reminder
Of conditions that we share, 
The frailties of the human heart, 
The longing and despair.

Grievous crimes are scattered here, 
How inhuman we can be.
Such murdering and suffering
Throughout our history.

Yet portions of the hallway
By far out shine the rest. 
Within we find the evidence
Of mankind at his best.

There are those who search and labor
To ease the pain and strife, 
Looking for solutions
To improve our way of life.

And others, always giving 
Of their treasures toil and time, 
Holding out a helping hand
To everyone they find.

To those of you who hear my voice 
Your works put to the test.
Something here you have to leave; 
Be sure it is your best.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Binner Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 3:42 PM
A message that everyone should read and think about. One of your lines reminds me of a verse I once wrote: Lord, invade every part, Of this poor, weak, human heart. A Scripture verse just now came to me: "He knows our frame, that we are dust." How true it is that, of our own selves we can do nothing, but that, through Him, we can do all things that He asks of us.
Summers Avatar
February 14, 2023 at 4:23 PM
Thanks Arlene for reading and for the thoughtful comments. John
Lamoureux Avatar
March 7, 2021 at 7:35 AM
What a great message and aspirational piece. ;0)
Burkett Avatar
January 9, 2021 at 11:19 PM
Beautiful message to leave our best. Thank you for sharing with us. -C
Summers Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 2:51 PM
Thank you for reading, I’m looking forward to reading your work.
Gauthier Avatar
January 9, 2021 at 8:02 PM
Well penned, J ~
Summers Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 9:25 PM
Thanks so much Line, your time to read is appreciated.
Horn Avatar
January 8, 2021 at 10:05 AM
Of world at their best. Perfectly agree. https://www.poetrysoup.com/poets/top_100_poets_most_poems_all_time.aspx My over 8,000 poems can be found here.
Summers Avatar
January 9, 2021 at 12:54 PM
Thanks for reading and commenting James. Have a good day.
Hamill Avatar
December 22, 2020 at 11:38 PM
Brilliant,if we all gave our best.this world would be a better place. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.take care j summers. Simon
Summers Avatar
December 23, 2020 at 8:49 PM
Thanks for stopping by Simon, glad you liked it. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Dietrich Avatar
November 27, 2020 at 6:49 PM
wow, this is one of the best poems I read tonight. FAVE!!
Summers Avatar
November 30, 2020 at 9:23 AM
Thank you Andrea, I appreciate your comments.
Wolf Avatar
November 26, 2020 at 7:12 PM
I really like the uplifting message here... And it uplifts both the person who does his/her best and those who are affected by that 'best.' Inspirational! Light and Joy, Gershon
Summers Avatar
November 30, 2020 at 9:23 AM
Thank you, I appreciate your remarks.
Edmonds  Avatar
November 26, 2020 at 12:16 AM
I agree too J, always do your best, give some help where’re you can, that’s our daily quest. Well written, Belle
Summers Avatar
November 26, 2020 at 5:41 PM
Happy T Day. Thanks for coming by.
Ashley Avatar
November 15, 2020 at 6:08 PM
Indeed, J. Be sure to leave your best. Enlightenment pours forth from your golden pen. Beautiful and hopeful poetry. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Summers Avatar
November 19, 2020 at 2:22 PM
Thank you for reading.
One Avatar
November 13, 2020 at 7:28 AM
I agree.. always leave the best..
Summers Avatar
November 19, 2020 at 2:23 PM
Hello, SO, thanks for the comment.
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