My Suitcase

Every morning, when I walk under my cherry trees,
There is soothing breeze which awakens my senses,
The flash back of life events roll before my eyes,
I am sent in soul searching and search for the meaning of life,

Long ago, I came to USA with a suitcase full of clothes,
A few dollars which government allowed, lasted only half a month,
Tearfully I had to take a loan, with lot of hesitation,
Loan office quipped, “If you are not in debt, you are not an American”.

Years passed, took many loans, paid many,
Worked hard, made some money,
Family flourished, till all moved,
Now I am in an empty nest.

Now I get kissed daily by,
The passing breeze of awakening,
What good is life if it does not help anyone,
Needy need food, money to educate, keep them healthy.

When I sponsor few needy students to go thru college,
I am not helping just one, but generations to come,
When hungry get food, they become strong and get ready to work,
When sick gets better, their whole life sees wonderful future.

As for awakening, I am moving away from selfish life,
Wrapping up my earthly belongings,
Readying my one suitcase,
Never know when the call comes to leave the world.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
What a wonderful thing you are doing for others. Bless you.
Situation Avatar
July 20, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Meaningful to me. First I noticed owning the trees. But the last tells of the heavenly reward you have built up in that invisible suit case. Faith for salvation but works for reward. For Jesus said "The poor will always be with us."
Baker Avatar
July 20, 2023 at 4:08 PM
It will be for the better to a man with a heart like yours, Jay. Good encouraging poetry my friend. Bill
Messina Avatar
July 20, 2023 at 1:58 AM
So true is the line- If you are not in debt, you are not American! If I ever hit the lottery I will move to a private island (lol) Best wishes in the contest!
Kauffman Avatar
July 19, 2023 at 12:12 PM
This is so well thought out Jay with lessons on using our blessings to make the lives of other better, fuller and more vibrant. Love your suitcase image and your sense of urgency in a reminder that life is short! Best wishes for the contest! Blessings. Thank you for sharing the gift of your poetry.
Volumes Avatar
July 19, 2023 at 10:58 AM
A favorite Jay Should be POTD. So well said. I agree. Money is to make others lives better, not to sit idle in a bank. Its the principal my husband and I live by. When we have it to give, we give. If it helps other live, then it is helping us as well. Your poem is a wonderful lesson to all. So fine that we get to know each other through this poetry site.
Goldsmith Avatar
July 19, 2023 at 10:36 AM
A wonderful story/write/ending. Have a great/blessed day writing away..............
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