What If

What If?

When we were young it was a familiar friend
Always with us as we looked with wonder
Everything seemed possible, nothing out of reach
Dreams were wonders filled with possibilities. 

Before we were afraid of the truth,when we were still honest 
Open to unseen possibilities
Unconcerned with the opinions of others
We were free to imagine. 

No boundaries to compel us to conform
No expectations of group commonality
We were entranced by the largeness of creation
Giddy with excitement that we had a part to play. 

But then the expectations of others made our light go dim
Putting heavy weights on our once joyful shoulders
Causing them to droop with the shame of perceived failure 
No longer seeing life looking back in the mirror

We have lost our identity, trading it for sameness
Our imagination replaced with logic
No longer alive to beauty, no longer filled with hope
Overwhelming joy and anticipation replaced by a blank stare. 

What if we chose to turn around?
To believe that what was lost could be found
What if we chose to believe that what was taken has been restored by grace
What if our joy and imagination returned?

What if?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Khemlani Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 1:16 AM
We tend to live in a world of 'What IF.' Nice one. Experiences changes our perception and we tend to look at the brighter side. Congrats to the feature. Regards, Bhavna
Brooks Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 5:47 AM
Thank you Bhavna.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM
Mine has and some may think I am way out there, but I don't expect to please everyone, I just write what comes to me. We have a tendency to try to fit in, but I do feel that aging helps to free us of that. Great write!
Sietesantos Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Beautiful, powerful, inspirational write about serious life questions . A warm welcome to PoetrySoup, my friend. Best wishes and happy writings! Pandita
Brooks Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Anne, thank your for your words of encouragement. I'm really glad you enjoyed those thoughts. Best Regards, John
Nance Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 7:26 AM
Lots of great questions! Welcome to poetry soup john!
Brooks Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 8:15 AM
Thank you Casarah. I really appreciate your encouraging words.
Andresen Avatar
August 18, 2014 at 3:44 AM
- Warm welcome to PoetrySoup,John - I choose your first very well written free verse : "What if ?" - I like it - Nice to meet you! - Hope you will be satisfied with our "soup family" - we are many .. but has plenty of room for you too- P-Soup Rule: Be kind and keep PoetrySoup as a haven PoetrySoup is a drama free zone(Comment on the poetry of others and they will comment on yours.) Thank you posted your words and thoughts here, I want to come back to read more another day. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
A   Avatar
August 17, 2014 at 9:55 PM
You are welcome John, I'm on my way to open a new contest.. Linda
A   Avatar
August 17, 2014 at 9:46 PM
A good question John, What If???? ,, A nice warm WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you enjoy the community. You'll find many friendly poets, who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I want to be the first to invite you on over, to the contest page. I OFFER MY CONTEST, in hopes it inspires you to write another poem. I'm looking forward to following you and your poetry:) Here's the link to the contest page. http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_contests/ <---~Take Care!! From: your new poet friend @-> LINDA <-@
Brooks Avatar
August 17, 2014 at 9:49 PM
Thank you Linda for your kind words and the opportunity to be in your contest. Blessings, John
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