Home » Poems » Fj Thomas » There's the Rub

There's the Rub

Oh but to rest this mad toiling mind! Sleep? Nay, to sleep perchance to dream Dreams. Ay, there lay the problem How, then, to find solace Can it be achieved... true peace of mind? Not in life but in death

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

John Lawless

Date: 12/1/2023 10:07:00 AM

Just found this while strolling about the PS pages. Glad I happened on it.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/27/2021 7:27:00 AM

Probably true, but I am in no rush to achieve that state. ;0)

Carl Fraser

Date: 3/13/2021 7:07:00 AM

Such is the struggle of true poets, an active mind that never rests but we thank God for the grace of a pen. Nicely portrayed here Flo. Blessing my friend, Carl

Fj Thomas
Date: 3/24/2021 10:16:00 AM

Thank you so much Carl. It's always uplifting to hear from you.

Eve Roper

Date: 1/13/2021 12:32:00 AM

So many nights I struggle to sleep. Only true peace of mind. Beautiful poem, dear friend. Hugs Eve

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/13/2021 2:29:00 PM

Thank you but how are you feeling dear Eve?

Joseph May

Date: 1/5/2021 11:35:00 AM

Counting the minutes till the sandman comes, Lovely Nonet Flo, hugs

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/13/2021 2:28:00 PM

Hey Joseph :) Thank you very much.

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 1/4/2021 4:37:00 PM

being an insomniac i can relate to this! good nonet, they aren't easy

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/5/2021 7:56:00 AM

Thank you Charlotte. We're twins with the insomnia!

Janice Canerdy

Date: 1/4/2021 3:37:00 PM

Excellent nonet, FJ. Janice

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/5/2021 7:56:00 AM

Thanks Janice!

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 1/2/2021 6:06:00 AM

Great summary of "to be or not to be" clever indeed. always, Laura

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/2/2021 2:17:00 PM

Hey Laura! How have you been? Thank you :)

Sara Kendrick

Date: 12/30/2020 4:52:00 AM

I have one of those over active brains myself. Sleeping and dreaming does help to clear the mind for sure but one can visit nature in some form which will help. Choose life. Sara

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/2/2021 2:16:00 PM

Nature is always a reprieve :) Thank you Sara

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 12/29/2020 10:23:00 PM

I like not to be a total pessimist. I'm sure that at times I do get a peace of mind. But as I grow older I realize death will end al earthly worries..so long as we ave led a righteous life. ~~

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/2/2021 2:15:00 PM

I agree Victor :) Thank you.

Constance La France

Date: 12/29/2020 10:56:00 AM

FJ, wonderful write, I do believe that death brings peace, the end of pain for many, the end of worry and torment to a place of peace, I suffer from bad dreams often and just get up and do something until sleepy again(I have been known to do housework in the middle of the night!) I actually get my best sleep on the sofa when I am suppose to be watching TV _Constance

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/2/2021 2:15:00 PM

I used to night clean as well :) I think a lifetime of a lack of sleep is catching up with me though; I can no longer just be active while awake. My mind is active but my body drags. Thank you Constance :)

Harry Horsman

Date: 12/28/2020 12:22:00 AM

Now i truly understand your comment on my 'a thief called time' Your poem a theme that so many of us can relate to. Love the classic touch here too..All the best for the new year...

Fj Thomas
Date: 1/2/2021 2:12:00 PM

Ah yes sir :) I do not sleep much; and when I do rest is oft stolen by disturbing dreams. Sooo tired most of the time. Thank you Harry :)

Frederic Parker

Date: 12/23/2020 5:22:00 PM

and yet death be our pardon, free from this world of tangled webs and lies, could that my hand be put upon to dispel all such things though I have no power I await the final outcome when the dark spirit appears to carry me down the river Styx...Merry Christmas my dear poetic friend

Fj Thomas
Date: 12/25/2020 6:11:00 PM

Oh my how very Elizabethan Frederic! And how very happy are we to not actually have to traverse that river! How are you my friend? :)

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/22/2020 11:44:00 AM

- Dear sister, we are all day flies ... a little dot at a point in the universe - surrounded by the dreams of eternity - "Live each day as if it were the last" and "Look at the day as a gift that you have unexpectedly received" - I wish you and your family a Marry Christmas :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Fj Thomas
Date: 12/22/2020 1:12:00 PM

Definitely appreciating each day as a gift søster! Thank you Anne-Lise

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/22/2020 9:47:00 AM

Although we sometimes have difficulty falling asleep now, eternal rest awaits. I like to think our departed loved ones do enjoy peace of mind at the end of their lives. Beautifully penned, FJ. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Hugs, Carolyn

Fj Thomas
Date: 12/22/2020 1:10:00 PM

Thank you Carolyn :) Hugs right back atcha!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/20/2020 6:23:00 PM

Willy is shaking up in Poetry Heaven somewhere. Nicely done! ~ The Thane

Fj Thomas
Date: 12/22/2020 8:39:00 AM

Lol thank you dear nobleman for giving me so much time. Stay safe GW!

Jenna Logan

Date: 12/20/2020 8:25:00 AM

Hi, FJ. I appreciate the reference to Shakespeare. There is no peace in sleep, for dreams are not always pleasant. Only in death, when we are conscience of nothing is there true peace.

Fj Thomas
Date: 12/20/2020 10:50:00 AM

Exactly Jenna :) No pain, no suffering, no worrying about loved ones still living in a terrible world... nothing. Thank you ;°)