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Lesson To the Living

One man died many years too soon
   When he stepped through death's dark door.
Another died, a woman dear,
   At the age of ninety-four.

The man left life with much undone,
   With vows he meant to keep.
The woman’s life was full and long,
   Though her body yearned for sleep.

The differences between the two
   Were as clear as night and day.
Those things they held in common
   Only a few could say.

Their deaths have taught one lesson
   Which I hold to very close,
How long we must live our lives
   No one really knows.

So live your life to the fullest,
   Reap all you can and more,
You’ll never know when death will come
   To see you through the door.

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Nancy Kaufman

Date: 2/16/2024 2:03:00 PM

This is a very thought provoking piece and echos, "time is of the essence" and "seize the day" but my old brain isn't sure where those sayings originated from. I enjoyed it and thank you for visiting my page today and taking the time to comment. Blessings dear poet!

J. Summers
Date: 2/16/2024 8:08:00 PM

Thanks so much for checking this one out. I’ll be sure to read more of your work. John

Speaks Volumes

Date: 8/29/2023 5:34:00 PM

This poem gave me chills, realizing all the things I have left to so, so many things undone. This poem is a wake up call if ever was one. Brilliant poem John

J. Summers
Date: 8/30/2023 2:25:00 PM

I guess prioritizing is the way way to go. Even that might not be enough, I knew a man who died in his 90’s that said there wasn’t enough time. Thanks for reading, glad you liked it. John

Hal Deats

Date: 6/6/2023 8:09:00 AM

Another good poem and good comments. Sometimes I feel I have lived my life (85) by accident. Started down a road with purpose, then swerved to avoid an obstacle. Been swerving ever since, and that is where the treasures have been found. My goal in life was to be a failure, and I have succeeded happily??.

J. Summers
Date: 6/7/2023 1:11:00 PM

Thanks for reading Hal. I know what you mean, Life can be an obstacle coarse at times. John

Jim Slaughter

Date: 5/28/2023 2:07:00 PM

That last stanza says it all, John.

Jim Slaughter

Date: 2/26/2023 10:38:00 AM

It always seems too soon, to me, no matter how many years a person has managed to put in. Although, I must admit, I do sort of agree with Maurice, as well.

J. Summers
Date: 2/26/2023 12:46:00 PM

Thanks for reading Jim. Maurice makes a good point. John

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 2/26/2023 8:07:00 AM

True words, of course. But, not to appear overly cynical, my friend, what is the point of living life to the fullest (which requires more time and energy than we could ever have) when we die anyway? I do what I enjoy without pushing for more. That way I leave life with no sense of failures. / Maurice

J. Summers
Date: 2/26/2023 12:42:00 PM

Thanks for reading Maurice. I do very little of the pushing anymore. At my age my main concern is knowing where the nearest bathroom is. John

Fin Chuuk

Date: 2/19/2023 7:51:00 PM

Death is just standing by the side of our eyes. Always at ready to close in… And you’re absolutely right, we really should enjoy living life to the fullest.

J. Summers
Date: 2/19/2023 10:00:00 PM

Thank you Fin for stopping to read and comment. John