To Be, Or Not To Be

A lowly blossom, striving to sustain 
her beauty in the early morning mist, 
the crocus, craving moisture to maintain 
her stoic fight 'gainst winter's iron fist. 
A lowly mollusc slithers 'neath his shell, 
he slowly weaves, and leaves a silver trail, 
antennae primed and ready for the knell, 
when sparrows poke and peck his coat of mail. 
Creatures and plants in the midst of the fray, 
searching for sustenance, dying of thirst, 
staving off hunger, say, is there a way 
for them to be blessed, not feeble and cursed? 
predator, prey, both the strongest and weakest, 
who will prevail in the fight to live longest?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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

Clark Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 4:11 PM
This is very well written. As they say, "that's life" Nature at it's most cruelest yet fascinating instinct for survival. And we are still here..so far. Well done Keith.
Deschler Avatar
October 28, 2013 at 11:04 PM
It is a shame that every living creature must fight so hard to survive in this world. But, that's life, I guess, and only the strong will survive. A very interesting poem, Keith. Really great work!...By the way, I have a poem with the same title!...Thank you very much for the wonderful comments. I truly appreciate it!
Carrillo Avatar
October 5, 2013 at 11:30 PM
Hi Keith; I enjoyed reading this poem tonight. It cought my eye because I have a poem here by the same title, but very different. Thanks for sharing.... Lucilla
Michael Ikechukwu Avatar
August 23, 2013 at 5:30 AM
Enthralling
Hamilton Avatar
August 15, 2013 at 6:30 AM
so enjoyable to read Keith a very fine pen Shadow x smiles
Eastman Avatar
August 9, 2013 at 11:24 AM
I can see why this one was featured... Congratulations...
A   Avatar
July 14, 2013 at 12:37 AM
Congratulations with your Featured Poem of the week. take care and good night :-) Hugs ~XOX~ LINDA
Nickle Read Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 10:36 AM
Nature's eternal struggle unfolding for my mind's eye, beautiful words ingeniously written. Read ;{>
Raj Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 11:45 PM
It was like watching National geographic in HD.....sO LOVED IT.:):):)aDARSH
Hamilton Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 5:38 AM
a charming picture painted by your words well penned Shadow x smiles
Collins Avatar
June 24, 2013 at 6:52 AM
Dear Keith - It's a cruel world out there with the grubs. How melodic your lines of the struggle. love, Kathy
Oyewole Avatar
June 24, 2013 at 1:43 AM
The concluding rhetorical lines garnished your sonnet. A toast for thee. Well done Keith. AO
Vaso Avatar
June 24, 2013 at 12:21 AM
Hi there Keith, after today, my question is "to be or not to be a Gardner" never the less lovely poem!!
Bauer Avatar
June 23, 2013 at 3:18 PM
this is wonderful! i love the "silver trail" left by the "lowly mollusc" and the brilliant way you've used rhyme here. the title works beautifully, too. bravo!
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