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 death 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 weakest and strongest, 
   who will prevail in the fight to live longest?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



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

Date: 1/7/2016 11:15:00 AM
I can never resist a good sonnet. Great job. Best wishes, Nigel
Login to Reply
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/7/2016 12:26:00 PM
Thanks again my friend! Best wishes, Keith
Date: 1/5/2016 6:33:00 PM
Definitely a magnificent sonnet , you nailed it in this one my dear , these are strong and beautiful words, great job and hugs / / :) dalia
Login to Reply
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/5/2016 6:35:00 PM
Thanks for your beautiful words! Best wishes to you, Keith
Date: 1/5/2016 4:21:00 PM
i know that i've used this adjective more than a few times for your poems, keith, but i have to use it again - brilliant! i have to thank you for providing your readers with such gorgeous imagery...
Login to Reply
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/5/2016 6:19:00 PM
Thanks Nicola! You are too kind... Keith
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/5/2016 6:15:00 PM
Bless you for saying so! and thank you for such a delightful review! Keith
Date: 1/5/2016 11:18:00 AM
Well that is indeed the question. A very profound, existential, and observational piece, Keith. Lovely imagery in this.
Login to Reply
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/5/2016 12:44:00 PM
Thanks Michael... your kind remarks are much appreciated. Best wishes, Keith
Date: 1/5/2016 6:12:00 AM
beautifully painted keith this breathed in your pen to be or not to be only the strong survive excellent piece
Login to Reply
Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 1/5/2016 6:14:00 AM
Thanks so much Liam... your kind words are most gratefully received. Best wishes, Keith
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetics
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter