Notes About The Poem
November- 3- 2024
Shikata Ga Nai Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Silent One
~ PLACED FIRST~

 

Shikata ga nai- POTD

Time speeds away unmindful, ages added on to eons, piling changes on change, it moves on, seldom posing lull and loll. With the current rushing swift and fleet we race past from old to new from times primeval to times neoteric watching the ceaseless chain of births and deaths tasting life's vicissitudes of joy and pain In this unwinding circuit of time, how long is my sojourn here? sixty, seventy or hundred Does it count much? does it mean more than a mere drop in the ocean? Like the bubbling foam or the dying froth constantly born and destroyed by the rising and receding tides, we appear uninvited and depart unnoticed. We can’t rewind the hands of time or the changes therein. Many a thing is beyond our control Shikata ga nai. Yet I can be the catalyst of change in a world that has gone cold. How I wish to ignite the flame when light goes out from many hearts. I aspire to inspire, though I am a tiny mote, just a miniscule in this vast cosmos, through thoughtful acts of kindness and hands reaching out to the needy. With ears to listen and a heart to feel, I can script a tale of love. Between the rows of mighty forefathers who exited out and the countless progeny lining up I have squeezed a space to be a face in a faceless multitude.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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12
Ray Avatar
September 10, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Yet another award I did not come to praise, but I love how you trigger from one element into yet another with a humility that boasts keen observations that hang in the hallway with a grand majesty....I hear the Beatles singing, " Let It Be " Thank you
George Avatar
September 10, 2026 at 11:24 PM
I am so grateful for this lovely comment dear Timothy for a poem that has been lying dormant. Glad my poem touched you. I am not trying to project my humility here, but state a simple truth. We are just motes in this vast universe.
Brul Avatar
December 8, 2024 at 10:09 PM
I missed this gem dear Valsa. Congratulations on the honour of POTD and for rising up to No. 1 on the Best 100 poems. So glad to read this poem. Warm wishes. ^___^ JCB
George Avatar
December 31, 2024 at 2:30 AM
Thank you so mush dear Jez. Sorry for my late response. Sad, I didn't see your sweet comment before. Glad I got a chance to wish you a Happy New Year! Sending you lots of love.
Peck Avatar
November 17, 2024 at 9:16 AM
This is beautiful, Valsa. I love the subject of time and the ways we choose to fill it, and your cry for a world we're losing. I'm faving!
George Avatar
December 5, 2024 at 11:07 PM
Thank you so much dear Anne for your appreciation. Also for 'faving' my poem.
One Avatar
November 10, 2024 at 11:49 AM
I loved this one.. my fave in the contest.. Congratulations on your first place and thank you for writing for my contest.
George Avatar
November 10, 2024 at 7:01 PM
Wow.... this I can't believe! I am happy that I could share the podium first place win with three outstanding poets. Thanks Silent One for this great honor.
Williams Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 10:30 PM
Hi my dear Valsa, apologies for the late congratulations, I did not want to give you just a ‘feel good comment’ on this sheer brilliance. You have themed your poem with the Japanese cliché so well and added ‘Shikata ga nai’ (it can’t be helped) in the place that precisely accentuates the meaning. Congratulations on the POTD. Your ‘aspire to inspire’ in the inspirational context of your poem reflects your thoughtfulness. As you know from my FB my daughter-in-law is Japanese and also has that calm nature. The mixing of your culture and the Japanese quote is so evident in your poem. All the best in the contest. Hugs Maria
George Avatar
November 6, 2024 at 4:02 AM
Maria, sweet friend... (my face book friend too) you made my day, no matter a little late. This comment from an immensely gifted poet is much relished. Glad you found my poem to be inspirational. I felt not simply good, but extremely delighted by your generous words of appreciation. Love and hugs, dear one.
Anaya Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 10:05 AM
"We can’t rewind the hands of time or the changes therein. Many a thing is beyond our control Shikata ga nai." to the point in such poignant words, Valsa. Belated congratulations on POTD! Blessings~ Happy Diwali Days!
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 7:26 PM
Hi Anaya, As in the Serenity Prayer, I ask God to grant me the grace to accept the things, I cannot change, and change the things I can and also the wisdom to realize the difference between the two. Thank you dear friend for your kind visit and congratulations.
Nicole Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Dear Valsa, your words are deep, meaningful and beautiful, all at the same time. You showcase so many captivating moments within. So true, ' We can’t rewind the hands of time, ' but we can inspire many around us. You are an inspiration to everyone here, my sweet friend. Thank you for always being a light. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. :) Hugs, Brandy
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 7:18 PM
Hi Brandy, You delve deep into the spirit of the poem and come up with right observations, always encouraging the poet. You never disappoint. Thanks a lot dear friend for seeing me as a source of inspiration. Thanks for your sweet and wonderful words of appreciation and your congratulations. Much love and blessings !
Gentile Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 4:08 AM
Valsa, I am so deeply impressed by the meaning in your glorious lines! Humility even through noble thought is a beautiful thing. You have crafted this message to incredibly well that it is no wonder a POTD! So well deserved!! Congratulations xxoo
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 4:15 AM
Thank you so much dear Mike. I am deeply touched by your words of appreciation. Humility is a noble virtue and I try to practice it. Glad you liked my poem, sweet friend.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 1:05 AM
What is so beautiful in you is your deep awareness of our limitations as human beings to face what is beyond our reach, logic and power.. what so amazing in you is your so deep awareness and willingness that you are able and empowered to change and better the worlds you are living in..So impressive is your poetry! So expressive are your thoughts my dear Valsa! Congratulations on your POTD! A well deserved recognition and honour! Always an immense pleasure reading you! God bless you. Best regards
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 2:23 AM
Dear Besma, you have a special ability to understand people. Your visit to my poem is so very welcoming and your gracious comments are immensely appreciated. Your comeliness in behavior and your attitude towards your fellow poets and your humility make you so lovable inside and out. Thanks for your sweet words.
Greenhough Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 8:59 PM
This is a beautiful, light- filled poem. I was greatly pleased in reading it. Congratulations on POTD.
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 2:11 AM
Dear Hilda, glad you are greatly pleased with my poem. Thanks a lot for your kind words of encouragement.
Tor Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 8:38 PM
Back again Valsa to congratulate you for receiving such a a high Honor of POTD. They certainly got it right in choosing your wonderful creation.... Hugs...
George Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 2:09 AM
Thanks Michael for your second visit and your words of encouragement. It is very sweet of you.
Ashley Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 6:44 PM
Dearest Valsa, soulful poetess, I am so very grateful that you "aspire to inspire"! You have inspired and moved me with your deep, rich, amazing verse, such a beautiful embrace of the concept of "Shikata ga nai". I am in awe of your creative artistry in unraveling a profound Japanese term and re-weaving your precious thoughts into a stunning emotional tapestry of verse with vibrant imagery and vivid metaphors. "I aspire to inspire, though I am a tiny mote" - wow! Every verse seized my attention and steered my heart and soul through this masterwork. Your last stanza a grand finale to an exquisite piece! A fav, dear poetess! Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes for you, my enlightening friend.. ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
November 5, 2024 at 5:45 PM
Dearest Valsa, inspiring poetess and friend, I return to reread your amazing poem once again and to extend my heartiest congratulations to you for POTD honors. Such a worthy and marvelous choice!
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sweet Susan, your comments too are poems. I always relish your comments and find them so inspiring.You boost my self confidence. I can never aspire to write the way you write. Still you treat me as a great poet. That l feel is a sign of greatness. Thanks for the golden words you have spoken of me. Also for faving my poem which l consider as a great honor.
Dietrich Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:39 PM
You really took this challenge to heart, Valsa. I especially liked the last verse and the imagery of it!
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:22 PM
Dear Andrea, you are right. Though l have average abilities, l try to put in my best efforts in all I do. Thanks a lot for your observation and comment.
Goldsmith Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 8:41 AM
Back with Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading this wonderful write with a great ending again. Have a blessed day writing away.............
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:16 PM
Hi Paula, you reach out to all and encourage everyone with your comments. Thanks a lot dear friend for your constant support.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:56 AM
Heartfelt congratulations, Dear Valsa, your poems are inspirational and deep - each and every word is chosen carefully to deliver the message of wisdom. Sometimes I miss the POTDs, glad I found yours. Love and warm wishes ~ Mala
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:13 PM
Hi Mala, I too enjoy your poems as you do mine. So the admiration is mutual. Thanks a lot dear friend for your kind words and congratulations!
Lawless Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:33 AM
Dear Valsa, I think that you have beautifully captured life's fleeting nature and our place in the cosmic dance. You have pointed out so well that we need to accept what we cannot change. So inspirational in the sense that we can make a difference in our world. No wonder you received POTD which is well-deserved with wisdom through poetic grace. "Yet I can be the catalyst of change in a world that has gone cold." Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:08 PM
I wonder how this duplication has come. May be some technical glitch. However thanks a lot dear John.
Rodgers Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:32 AM
Dear Valsa, I think that you have beautifully captured life's fleeting nature and our place in the cosmic dance. You have pointed out so well that we need to accept what we cannot change. So inspirational in the sense that we can make a difference in our world. No wonder you received POTD which is well-deserved with wisdom through poetic grace. "Yet I can be the catalyst of change in a world that has gone cold." Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 7:05 PM
What we can't change, we have to accept and strive to effect changes if we can to better a situation. You think about life and come up with such uplifting thoughts. Dear Daniel, you are a great inspiration to all of us. Your great comment is much appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Sharma  Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 6:07 AM
Back with heartiest congratulations on your well-deserved POTD win, sweet poetess! I'm beyond happy for you ~ keep writing and inspiring us all ~
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 6:59 PM
Once again you are there to congratulate me on my recognition. Thanks a lot dear Hiya.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 5:42 AM
Congrats, Valsa, on POTD!
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 6:52 PM
Once again thank you dear Kim....
Kitchin Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 4:40 AM
Valsa, a great poem, congratulations on POTD.
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 6:50 PM
Thanks a lot dear Tania....
May Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:43 AM
"Scripting a tale of love as time speeds away" Well penned, Congrats on POTD
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 4:03 AM
Thank you so much dear Joseph for your congrats. Also for the placements you have given in many of your contests. These days I find your contests a little challenging.
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:12 AM
Such an inspiring poem Valsa, many congrats on POTD:-) hugs jan xx
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:28 AM
Thank you dear limerick queen. Glad you feel my poem is inspirational.
Jones Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:12 AM
What inspiring words and beautiful thoughts! Well deserving of potd! Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:29 AM
Hi Karen... ! Thanks for your kind words of appreciation and encouragement.
Gifford Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 2:36 AM
Congratulations on your win of POTD with your Beautifully written, and very inspiring piece , Valsa. Have a wonderful day and a great week ahead.
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:27 AM
Hi Zyrool, you are new to me. Hope we can be friends soon. Glad you found my poem inspiring. Thanks a lot.
Buhagiar Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 2:31 AM
My congratulations to your deserving POTD. Your ideas go deep and inspiring. Best for a win.
George Avatar
November 4, 2024 at 3:25 AM
Thanks a lot dear Victor, the seasoned poet. Your encouragement is much appreciated.
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