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To Be- Or Not To Be

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Entered, April 6, 2025

"The Bard's Birthday Poetry Contest"
Sponsor, Oliver Mckeithan

The quote is from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet in Act 3, Scene 1. "To be or not to be, that is the question." But, what's the explanation of- to be? Hopes for more than only one suggestion; and so, I offer this which pleases me. To be is that one choice tween life and death, not only of the flesh but of the mind. And choosing life is being with our breath; and feeding thought creates life well-defined. Yet, some may say that life's not just to be, and brush off any joys it holds within; to shut their minds to blackness others see no matter in the ground or 'neath the skin. Some say great life just happens on its own- those highs and lows exist beyond our will; that happenstance determines path alone- in what we'll end up feeling- pang or thrill. The choice is yours: with hope, it is to be; the opposite negates life's grander prize. Must live life to its fullest guarantee; block not- just be, no need to compromise.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 4/28/2025 3:33:00 PM
Congrats on your placement in my contest Sandra. Well done.
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Date: 11/14/2021 5:51:00 AM
WOW! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this... God bless you.
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Date: 2/5/2020 12:52:00 AM
You carried this quote off brilliantly Sandra! This is so impressive. I am faving this gem! Congratulations on your wonderful win! xxoo
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/8/2020 1:28:00 PM
Thank you so very much, Connie, for the congrats, uplifting comment, and the fave! I appreciate your support so much. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 2/3/2020 12:15:00 AM
Congratulations on your win, Sandra. Your take on the inspiring line is quite apt.
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/8/2020 1:26:00 PM
Thank you, Sibimal, for stopping by with your uplifting comment and congratulations. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 2/2/2020 6:45:00 AM
That is a wise last stanza.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/8/2020 1:26:00 PM
Thank you for offering a fine contest, SO. I was pleased to participate and thank you for the nice placement and congratulations. Sandra
Date: 1/30/2020 1:56:00 PM
Hello Sandra Haights, I have been trying to figurie out this poem for the longest time. The way you explain it, I now understand it. Thank you for that. have a nice day my friend.
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things