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That's Life

Life is what you make it.
I believed this was true.
I am not so sure today,
It may be for a few.
Few of us have a choice.
Of how we would like to live
There are too many takers
And far less of them that give.
How can a person make a life
Of happiness and peace
When wars and degradation
Cause unrest and never cease.
We should all be grateful
For this beautiful life, freely given
Why are so many dissatisfied?
And become money and power-driven.

10th graderhyme

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Carolina Wayland

July 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM

Well done on this beautiful poem on life. It is truly lovely from beginning to end and a delight to read.

Les Pick

August 20, 2022 at 3:18 AM

Thanks Shirley you put the thoughts of many into this poem, well done.

Kim Rodrigues

August 16, 2022 at 11:57 AM

Congratulations on POTD, Shirley! Gratitude brings happiness.

Shirley Hawkins

August 16, 2022 at 4:29 PM

Thank you, Kim. It was a lovely surprise to me. We have a lot to be thankful for. I was overwhelmed by the response to my poem and the kind comments in the mail. Take care, Shirley

Deb M

August 16, 2022 at 7:56 AM

Now this makes my heart smile and happy Shirley seeing your name up in lights!! hehe. Congratulations on a very much and so well deserved POTD. Well done you!! Cheers Debx

Shirley Hawkins

August 16, 2022 at 4:34 PM

Thank you, Deb Nobody could have been more surprised than me to receive POTD. The response overwhelmed me. I have had a lot of encouragement from other P Soupers. Take care, ShirleyX

Constance La France

August 12, 2022 at 8:54 AM

Shirly, powerful poem, yes it is not easy to find peace when the world is in chaos, all we can do is find peace within ourselves, congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, blessings ~Constance

Shirley Hawkins

August 12, 2022 at 6:26 PM

Thank you, Constance. What a lovely surprise it was to get POTD. It warmed my heart to receive so many agreeable comments. PS has been very kind to me. Blessings Take care, Shirley

Mike Gentile

August 11, 2022 at 4:34 AM

Belated congratulations Shirley on your POTD! Your poem beautifully sums up the feeling of many! I can't understand the greed and hate either, let's just love! Happy Thursday xxoo

Shirley Hawkins

August 11, 2022 at 8:17 PM

Thank you, Mike It has been heartwarming to have had so many comments. About this poem, all of which are as the same mind as me. It made me think perhaps things are not as bad as they seem. Love would heal many hurts and brings more happiness than hate. Happy FridayXO

Anne-Lise Andresen

August 11, 2022 at 3:09 AM

- Many congratulations on your P.O.T.D., Shirley :) - hugs :)

Shirley Hawkins

August 11, 2022 at 8:25 PM

Thank you, Sunshine Smile, for the congratulations and the hugs; it was a lovely surprise, very unexpected; although Milt said he thought it was a winner, I thought he was being kind. This Old Duck is still smiling. Take care. ShirleyX

Daisy Meadows

August 10, 2022 at 11:35 PM

A brilliant poem. Congratulations on your POTD.

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 11:53 PM

WOW! Jeanette, heartfelt thanks for your kind comment. Nobody could be as surprised as I am to receive the POTD and overwhelmed by the encouraging words I have received. I have had a smile on my face all day. I hope you have had a pleasant day too. Take care, Shirley

Connie Marcum Wong

August 10, 2022 at 6:38 PM

A wonderful choice for POTD Shirley! I do believe when one has to work to achieve success they appreciate it more. The problem is many want a hand out and feel entitled. All my children have worked for their success and they do indeed appreciate what they have earned. I love the message in your poem. Congratulations on having it honored for POTD. Blessings xxoo

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 8:37 PM

Heartfelt thanks, Connie, for your kind comments. Nothing is more satisfying than a job well done and reaping the financial benefits of your efforts. If benefits were only given to the people who are disabled and stopped for those that are able to work or choose not to. There will be more money to help those with disabilities. Perhaps the jobless should be made to do much-needed voluntary work until they find other employment. Enjoy your day, Connie. I hope it will be as amazing as mine. Take care. Shirley XO

Brandy Nicole

August 10, 2022 at 6:11 PM

"Why are so many dissatisfied?" Because we live in a world filled with selfish individuals. Sad, but true. I am reminded of that song, "I Wanna Talk about Me" by, Toby Keith. If more were unselfish, what a wonderful place this would be. Your thoughts are worthy of being in the spotlight. Congratulations Shirley, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 8:54 PM

Thank you, Brady. What a lovely surprise I had today; It was made even more delightful by the congratulations from other poets of PS. I do not know the Toby Keith song, but I agree with you wholeheartedly, too much me and too little us. My best wishes and hugs to you too, Brandy Take care. Shirley

L Milton Hankins

August 10, 2022 at 4:26 PM

Congratulations, Shirley! I knew it all along, didn't I? Bless you!

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 5:33 PM

Oh, Milt, you sure did. I am awe-struck by the number of comments I have received this morning and I said to my husband, John, that you knew this would happen. I thought you were being kind. Heartfelt thanks for your encouragement. It is much appreciated. Bless you too, Milt from the happy Old Duck.

Darlene De Beaulieu

August 10, 2022 at 3:40 PM

Hello Shirley. Congratulations on POTD. This is so true about life. Hugs.

Darlene De Beaulieu

August 11, 2022 at 4:36 AM

Hello Shirley, did you celebrate? I did when I got POTD. Enjoy the moment. Hugs. Darlene

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 5:40 PM

Thank You very much, Darlene, for taking the time to comment on my poem. I feel honoured to have had so many kind remarks on this poem which got POTD much to my surprise ( but not to Milton!) Hugs. Shirley

David Kavanagh

August 10, 2022 at 2:59 PM

Congratulations Shirley on such a topical relevant POTD, unfortunately the answer I have found is not very satisfactory, but I believe it’s the imponderable human condition, and all the anomalies it gives rise to, I enjoyed your honest pondering cheers David

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 5:50 PM

Thank you, David. I have no words to express my appreciation to you and others that have commented on my POTD. My poetry is very simple. I feel honoured that others who are accomplished poets enjoyed the read. I trust your week is going well, take care. Shirley

Paulette Calasibetta

August 10, 2022 at 2:48 PM

Congratulation on your POTD! Your message very profound.....more people should pay attention! :)Paulette

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 6:10 PM

Thank You, Paulette, for your very encouraging and kind comment. We live in very concerning times, sadly. We should count our blessings. Have a nice day. Take care. Shirley

Beryl Edmonds

August 10, 2022 at 2:03 PM

A wonderful write about life, it’s more gratifying to give than take, giving puts a smile on the receiver’s face. Congratulations Shirley on poem of the day… Belle

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 6:17 PM

Thank You, Belle. I am amazed by the response that my simple poem has received from poets on PS. It heartened me to find that there are still many generous-spirited people in the world, I found this very encouraging. Take care, Shirley

I Am Anaya

August 10, 2022 at 11:41 AM

Congratulations on POTD Shirley Hawkins! They say life is 20% what you make it, and 80% how you take it. I see it as anther adventure, I think I read somewhere in the bible that God doesn't like it when we worry or complain all of the time. God helps those who help themselves...these are the easy ones. We've seen just about everything out there. But like my grandmother always said, "Life Goes On." I'm lucky to have been given an adventurous spirit! Like the title!...C'est la vie ~Anaya~ Condolences to you for the passing of one of your nation's gems Olivia Newton John.

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 6:21 PM

Hi Anaya. Thank you for your comment and wise words. When will we ever learn? It was lovely to hear from you. Take care, Shirley

Alexis Y.

August 10, 2022 at 11:11 AM

WoW! Shirley, I agree with the message of your well written poem. Congratulations on getting the poem of the day. It was well deserved. Have a nice day-Alexis

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 9:06 PM

I am having a delightful day, Alexis, because so many from PS, such as yourself, have taken the time to write and congratulate me on POTD. Thank you, Alexis. The win stunned me. I hope your day has been as nice as mine. Take care. Shirley

Christuraj Alex

August 10, 2022 at 10:06 AM

"Why are so many dissatisfied?" - A very highly thought-provoking question. The poem, as a whole, leads to pondering, meditating and cogitating about life. It's written in a very simple lucid talking style. Congratulations!

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 9:49 PM

Thank you Christuraj. I have been overcome by the kind encouraging comments from yourself and others who congratulated me on the POTD. I am amazed and pleased that you thought I was deserving of this honour. Take care Christuraj. All best wishes from a smiling Old Duck.

Paula Goldsmith

August 10, 2022 at 8:33 AM

Congratulation on your POTD win. "THAT'S LIFE" is a wonderful write. Love your ending, "Why are so many dissatisfied? And become money and power-driven." That is the question. The answer is greed. Have a great/blessed day writing away.............

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 9:55 PM

Thank you, Paula, for your welcome comments. Nobody was more surprised than I to win POTD. Everyone has been so kind. I agree with you wholeheartedly the answer is greed. It has become like a virus. I hope you have a pleasant day. Take care, Shirley

Ken Rone

August 10, 2022 at 7:26 AM

Such a grest decision to award you the POTD Shirley. It is a simple truth laid out for any age. I loved it. Best - Ken

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 10:03 PM

Hi Ken. I can't believe that PS decided to award me POTD. I am also very grateful for all of the caring Pea Soupers who very kindly sent comments of congratulations to me. Thank you, Ken, for your encouraging comment and I hope you are having as nice a day as you have given me. Take care, Shirley

Heidi Sands

August 10, 2022 at 7:09 AM

Congratulations for POTD Shirley! These difficult times bring many questions. Enjoy :)

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 10:09 PM

Hi Heidi, thank you for your welcome comment. It was very kind of you. It was a nice surprise for me this morning when I saw the encouraging remarks on PS. I still feel amazed at the win. I agree with you, Heidi, too many questions, too few answers. Take care, Shirley

Joseph May

August 10, 2022 at 7:09 AM

We should apprecite our blessings, Congrats on POTD Shirley

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 10:15 PM

Hi Joseph Thank you for the congratulations. I appreciated it very much and was very surprised that I got POTD. You are right Joseph we do not count our blessings enough, especially, in this day and age when there is so much unrest in the world. Take care, Shirley in the world

John Lawless

August 10, 2022 at 7:03 AM

Shirley, in my darker days I often thought of "life" as a death sentence. "IT IS WHAT IT IS"...a stupid statement that covers it all. Congrats on POTD

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 10:36 PM

Life used to carry a death sentence for a serious crime once upon a time, but this doesn't seem to apply today, What happened to the law of the land? What law? Thank you, John, for your congratulations. It was a huge surprise and delight to receive POTD. Take care, Shirley

Bill Baker

August 10, 2022 at 6:24 AM

Congratulation on your POTD, Shirley. The ego always seems to be dissatisfied, and most choose the way of the ego more than the way of the Spirit. Good message and great attitude my friend. Have a blessed day! Bill

Shirley Hawkins

August 11, 2022 at 12:46 AM

Hi Bill. Thank you for your congratulations. I was surprised and delighted to get POTD today. I agree with you, the ego plays a big part in the state of the World today. Humbleness is unfashionable. Lovely to hear from you, Bill. Take care. Shirley

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 10:58 PM

Gershon Wolf

August 10, 2022 at 6:21 AM

Hang in there, Shirley, and hold on to your ideals. They are worth preserving! Keep that attitude of gratitude! Congrats to you on POTD. Happy Wednesday! :) gw

Shirley Hawkins

August 10, 2022 at 11:04 PM

Thank you, Gershon, nobody was more surprised than I to receive this honour. This Old Duck has had a constant smile on her face all day because of the generosity of spirit of other P Soupers. I hope your day has been as pleasant as mine. Take care, Shirley

That's Life

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