Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Tsuris

Without first-hand experience
We cannot comprehend
What others might be going through,
Although we can pretend

To understand the way they feel
As if we do belong
In circumstances similar;
If so, we would be wrong.

For everybody’s tsuris*
Is peculiar and unique,
Indescribable to others,
Though comparisons we seek.

We suffer in our different ways
And find our means to cope,
While some of us give up
As others cling to shreds of hope.

*Yiddish for trouble, woe or aggravation

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Robert Johnson July 24, 2023 at 1:57 PM Tsuris or thesaurus, it's all Greek to me.

I Am Anaya July 9, 2023 at 3:47 PM I learned chazari means agravation and disorder. I find docu's and immigrant true stories on NPR help me with empathy. I empathize with Israel and with innocent Palestinians caught up in the troubles. Hope is good, it helps accomplish goals with a positive outlook!

Nancy Kaufman July 9, 2023 at 2:13 PM my ex would teach me a few yiddish words every now and then that he learned from his grandmother. I enjoyed your wise words and the rhyme scheme is perfect.

Jim Slaughter July 9, 2023 at 10:52 AM I guess this is why "empathy" is so important...at least in my opinion. And thanks, Ilene, for adding another word to my vocabulary. Ilene Bauer July 9, 2023 at 12:29 PM you're welcome, Jim, and thanks for taking the time to comment...

Gershon Wolf July 8, 2023 at 9:20 PM Go to Israel as a tourist, if you don't want tsuris! ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb Ilene Bauer July 9, 2023 at 12:28 PM ha! that's very funny, Gershon!

Terrell Martin July 8, 2023 at 5:10 PM Hello Ilene, it's been far too long since I last stopped by and feasted on your poetic expertise. I could not have picked a better poem than this one to read and ponder as it's filled with deep wisdom and a wonderful new word to add to my sorely lacking vocabulary repertoire. "Tsuris": THANK YOU for the multi-cultural, linguistic lesson of the day. Hats off, touche'! Cheerios, Terrell Ilene Bauer July 9, 2023 at 12:22 PM wow! what an uplifting comment, Terrell! thank you very much!

Jan Allison July 8, 2023 at 5:10 PM wise words indeed Ilene, the first stanza truly hits home hard:-) hugs Jan xx Ilene Bauer July 9, 2023 at 12:26 PM thanks, Jan! it's something i've been thinking about a lot. we can all empathize with others up to a point, but can never 100% understand how they feel...