The Labrador

If I wasn't there,
the rain swollen clouds
would have still dumped 
their dark weight over the bay
and through a gaping tear,
let down a curtain of sunlight
to start the day.

And if I wasn't there,
the old, arthritic labrador 
would have still waddled
along the street
with its bent but steady gait,
undistracted, self absorbed 
and fixed in its own stare
that allowed no deviation 
from years of devoted plod.

The morning had no need
for me, what happened
would have happened anyway.
There's an annoying sadness
in knowing the earth 
doesn't seem to care
if things pass unnoticed.
Sunsets and waterfalls
carry no favor. 
To it, the achingly beautiful 
and the catastrophic can
happily go unreported.

And yet I still ask -
what's the point -
and entertain the notion
that the universe has this
innate and unfathomable need
for a witness
to take in Creations 
unfolding riddle
and make it fit together.

I could be wrong,
but for each of us, 
the privilege of being here
on this gifted earth,
to understand, care for 
and tell its story in song
fulfills a purpose,
if only to this end -
or something more.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ray Avatar
September 11, 2026 at 11:17 AM
I love the resignation and acceptance in this, a somber look at life in but one of two trillion galaxies....
Kulkarni Avatar
November 6, 2023 at 10:23 AM
Such a sweet poem with a profound message Paul!!
Nicole Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 3:40 PM
It seems that rain makes many feel gloomy, while clouds filled with darkness enhance the fallen mood. Beauty can be found even in the simplest of moments. Never pass the chance to embrace blessings that are freely given. Your thoughts caress softly around me and my heart. Congratulations Paul, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:29 PM
Appreciate your comments Brandy...an honor to know that the poem connected. Thankyou...take care, Paul
La France Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 2:01 PM
Paul, excellent writing and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor.
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:27 PM
Thanks Constance...gives the confidence a lift with such recognition....regards, Paul
Goldsmith Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 1:43 PM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A wonderful write. Enjoy your day/win writing away............
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:24 PM
Thankyou Paula....appreciate your congratulatory note. Regards, Paul
Radice Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 11:49 AM
I love this Paul. There are some truly great lines here wrapped up in an exceptional poem. It all makes for great reading. Cheers - Gary
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:22 PM
Very much appreciate your positive feedback Gary. Pleased that the read was worthwhile.....regards Paul
Baker Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:48 AM
Thought-provoking poetry, Paul. Congratulations on your POTD! Enjoy your special day of recognition. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:19 PM
Many thanks Bill...pleased to receive these words from you,, always valued. Regards,Paul
M  Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:12 AM
Oh my Paul….what a truly breathtaking write which l kept re-reading….Congratulations on POTD….Debx
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:10 PM
Thanks Deb for spending some time with the poem...always good to hear from you. Take care, Paul
Fowler Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 7:52 AM
So sweetly and thoughtfully exquisite. Congratulations with your POTD! :)
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:08 PM
Thanks Linda...appreciate your comments... Regards, Paul
Kitchin Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 7:26 AM
Paul, your poetry is superb, I like to escape and enjoy the poetic journey of your poems, congratulations on POTD!
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:04 PM
Feel free to escape Tania...honored to be able to provide a pathway. Thankyou for your support...valued. regards, Paul
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 6:31 AM
This is beautiful. I believe that beauty needs an audience, was just yesterday thinking my husky and I must get in more sunsets. I love your poem. Congratulations on POTD! Have a wonderful day. xomo
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:00 PM
Thanks Maureen...pleased that you liked the poem. Hope you managed a sunset or two with your husky...the time of day when the earth speaks. Regards, Paul
Jones Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 5:30 AM
Congratulations on a unique potd!
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:54 PM
Thakyou Karen for your congratulatory note...appreciated. Paul
Lawless Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 5:24 AM
"the morning had no need for me" that pretty well sums it up Paul. I often think the planet would be better off without us. a beautiful write and a meaningful POTD
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:34 PM
Thanks John for your comments. I was pleased I got this poem to the surface....been struggling a bit with some challenges. Value your support as always.
Delaney Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 5:20 AM
Congratulations Paul: You have voiced what many feel but can’t quite bring to the surface. My little dog passed recently and yet every moment of my day is still filled with what he would be doing at that moment in the day. So life goes on but our presence matters to some. Very thought provoking poem. A FAV,
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:27 PM
Thanks Suzanne for your comments...always valued. So sorry for the loss of your little friend....they teach us much about unconditional devotion. Take care, Paul
Turner Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 4:22 AM
Sadly, most folks are more concerned with money rather than beauty. Deep and brilliant thoughts Paul. Congratulations on POTD. Hoping all is well with you.
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:22 PM
Good to hear from you Daniel...you often come to mind old friend. Many thanks for your comments.
Empress Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 3:55 AM
Your way with painting imagery is so profound especially those opening lines are unique and so creative. Not sure if ive read your work before but i am so glad i did today as this is truly a brilliant poem! One that i enjoyed reading. And leaves also a deep and thought provoking message too especially the ending is soulful! Congratulations on POTD. Well deserved
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:13 PM
I blush with such positive comments....thankyou for your thoughtful and encouriging words. Pleased that the poem was worth the read and that it had meaning for you. Regards Paul
Kaufman Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 3:30 AM
Dear Paul, This is such a deep and fantastic write. The POTD honor is so deserved sir. I truly enjoyed your pondering and deep spiritual perspective.
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:06 PM
So glad that the poem was a worthy read...your comments Nancy are very much appreciated. Paul
Scott Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 3:04 AM
This is a gorgeous poem; the sentiment of longing, questioning of purpose.. and yet.. such a deep expression of truth in beauty. Maybe, just maybe, this is all for us. We are the purpose. I am so encouraged by your words, Paul. POTD is so well deserved and a full endorsement :))
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 8:02 PM
Honored to reecieve such comments...thankyou Sam. Good to learn that the poem had meaning for you. It seems most of us share similiar feelings and ask the same questions. Value your feedback. Regards Paul
Bowring Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 1:48 AM
Such a beautifully written thoughtful and so reflective poem Paul. Incredibly well crafted. Many congratulations on a richly deserved POTD. The last stanza, in particular, is truly amazing. So much to ponder … Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you for a wonderful weekend :):)
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 7:51 PM
Thankyou Christina for such positive comments. Value your feedback and so pleased that the poem offered an opportunity for reflection and enjoyment. Means a lot. Paul
Kavanagh  Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 12:53 AM
I believe we as intelligent observers are indeed the sentient eyes of the universe, it had to become self aware at some point, and what better being to choose than curious humans to explore every conceivable consequence within itself, congratulations Paul on an absolutely brilliant POTD, cheers David
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 7:44 PM
Inclined to agree with yr views David....seems to be the most appropriate fit....in any case it is the one that instinctively comes to mind. Many thanks for your thoughtful comments.
Vipond  Avatar
October 27, 2023 at 10:23 AM
This is a beautiful thought, Paul, and one I hold tightly to dear. Beauty connects with beauty, I believe. Very special. Cx
Willason Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 7:38 PM
Very much appreciate your comments Cynthia...so pleased that it had meaning and connected. Paul
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace