Best Discouraging Poems
High above the quiet, darkened streets of January, the night wind begins to whisper secrets through my apartment window casements. Far below me lie four cafes, all in sync as they awaken from daytime hibernation to begin an evening ritual of turning on lights, welcoming thirsty patrons, discouraging lost polar bears, trying to survive.
Light bulbs hang in lazy swags, dripping evenly from the edge of each identical awning. Predictably, their glow travels as fast as the light itself creating a sudden and uninvited interruption of the Arctic desert landscape.
Sitting apart on their respective corners below, the cafes squeeze into a single pane near the bottom of my window. Leaning closer, I blow a hot and intoxicated breath onto the glass in defiance or retaliation, an attempt at immolation perhaps. Instead, my unused air lies wasted across the cafes on the other side of the window, in an irregular oval of futility.
I use a balled-up fist to wipe away the misty scene before it has a chance to evaporate and leave me alone, a desperate and inevitable disappearing act in the face of my curated isolation.
The Lying Tongue
sang a song
The Flattering Tongue
played along
The Know It All Tongue
intended the composition
The Meddling Tongue
held it's position
The Harsh Tongue
kept quiet for once
The Tactless Tongue
reluctantly obliged
The Rude Tongue
got annoyed
The Loquatious Tongue
was soon overjoyed
The Discouraging Tongue
hummed on
The Self-Depreciating Tongue
became withdrawn
The Argumentative Tongue
thought it all wrong
The Boasting Tongue
thought it right on
The Hasty Tongue
felt it was contrite
The Discouraging Tongue
and all this singing
The Indiscreet Tongue's
awkward whistling
The Complaining Tongue's
plodding drone
The Cursing Tongue
let out a no-no moan
The Judgemental Tongue
liked that a lot
The Self-Absorbed Tongue
rolled it's eyes
The Retaliating Tongue
held out a hat
The Intimadating Tongue
offered a prize
The Cynical Tongue
just laughed
The Accusing Tongue
choreographed
The Gossiping Tongue
signed autographs
The Doughting Tongue
crooned the refrain
The Accusing tongue
blasted the blame
The Hasty Tongue
fanned the flames
So the Belittling Tongue
dismissed the party
The Devisive Tongue
composed the ending
And the Silent Tongue
looked on.
* All tongues borrowed from
Dear Jesus... I've Been Hurt and Abused...
I've been hurt so much...
I don't feel like "going on."
It feels like "everything I do turns out wrong."
I've been "abused and neglected
so many times."
I feel like I'm a victim "of a thousand crimes."
I've tried to talk to some people... but to no avail.
Many look at me as if "I'm destined to fail."
"Perhaps if they knew everything,
they'd extend a hand."
"If they knew what I've been through...
they'd understand."
"Dear Jesus... I hope that you'll
forgive me if I cry."
"I don't know where else to turn."
"I don't want to die!"
Please help me and my kids
to find a new life in YOU.
I really don't know anyone else I can turn to.
I've hit "rock bottom." There seems
to be no way out.
I know that you care...
and you love me beyond any doubt.
In the midst of a very
discouraging situation.
You've extended to me a "heavenly invitation."
You've opened up your heart
to me with loving arms.
And by your Spirit, you'll protect me from all harm.
You reached down and gave
to me a "special grace."
And have given me true love
and a smile on my face!
By Jim Pemberton
.
Jesus, I Need Victory Over a Habit!
This habit has a hold of me. ..
I can’t seem to break it!
I’ve tried many times, but I can’t “shake it!”
I don’t know what to do, or where to turn…
When I tell others about it.
They’re not concerned…
What should I do, in a situation like this?
It seems like my life is just a big mess!
The satisfaction I wanted, I haven’t obtained.
I’ve myself and no one else to blame…
Many discouraging thoughts
have entered my head.
Many nights I cry out, before going to bed…
I can’t think or do anything like I once did.
I don’t know how much longer,
I‘m going to live.
Can you help me Jesus? I know that you can.
There’s no one else who’ll listen
or understand.
I’m going to get on my knees and begin to pray…
I’ll ask for God’s help and start TODAY!
I trust his power to break this habit of mine…
This is the hour and the right time!
I need true freedom and a love that’ll last.
Everything I’ve tried… Disappears fast!
To you Lord Jesus, I give a life that’s broken.
“Please come into my heart”
are the words spoken.
Help me Lord to have victory within…
And thank you Lord for being my friend!
By Jim Pemberton 12/22/15
The birdfeeder hung on a narrow limb,
away from deck rails, discouraging squirrels.
No problem for the little robber
who raided the feeder day by day.
Repeatedly, he climbed onto a tender branch,
inching forward until it bent, riding it down.
Each trip, he leaned off and dropped freestyle,
disappearing inside with only a furry tail visible.
He emerged with both cheeks bulging ,
and sunflower seeds scattering below.
On a continuous march of palm-less thievery,
the brassy chipmunk mouthed his loot home,
adding to his cache.
sigh ...
there is no shortage
of gloom and doom these days
we are in the midst of something unseen in our time
and the fear and hysteria is palpable
that said, I'm not taking the blue pill ... no way
reality is important, as are fear and caution
those darker things keep us safe
they temper our decisions and guide our courses
still, choice comes down to line-of-site ...
every time I say or do or affect anything
remotely encouraging or positive or optimistic ...
a thick, cold, wet blanket is thrown
the "reality", I am told ...
here's the thing -
I've been in pharmacy and
medicine and science my whole life
and from the beginning of this viral monster
I've been extraordinarily aware of the "reality" of this rabbit hole
odds, numbers, percentages, statistics
trials, results, vaccines, treatments
sobering, to say the least
but HOPE is a reality as well, just as sobering
and while these aged-but-wise
lungs of mine can still push gases
I'll choose to take the hopeful, encouraging, OPTIMISTIC tack
bring on the darkness and gloom
I have been to hell and back a number of times
I know the darkness well
and therein shine the most glorious of suns
oh, I absorb and process and consider all the dark
and cold and discouraging elements of this horrible pandemic
(anyone would be foolish NOT to know the weight of this disease
or understand the deadly seriousness
of all that comes with it)
but sunlight can peep through a wee hole
and it is THOSE rays that will always draw my gaze
life IS hope, from where I sit
and as long as I can type -
as long as I embrace this gift of mine for crafting words
I'll consider it my duty to use that tool
at least in some part
for the promotion of all things shiny
bright, optimistic, encouraging
happy, joyous, hopeful, halcyon, uplifting
heartening, upbeat, inspiring
and absurdly sunny
call me delusional - I've been called MUCH worse
it won't bother me ... much, lol
but ...
this is no fantasy land or careless dream I'm living in
it's simply the brighter reality
that I CHOOSE to see ...
the more hopeful future
I choose to anticipate.
I wonder at what lesson had been taught
abandoning the gift I treasured most...
in every dream conceived, you held me close.
Yet, now, each tear I cry seems all for naught -
mere remnants, never noticed, shared, nor caught,
nor tasted, but transported creek to coast;
reminding me that Love was just a ghost.
With one small hint of Heaven, hell is fraught.
Fear lies in wait, anticipating dreams;
then, shreds them bit by bit as each ascends.
But, just afore, allows one great embrace,
ensuring well-earned praise for crafty schemes,
as well as doubt, discouraging amends.
Once vital dreams now garnished in disgrace...
*Original ending line: "To its surprise, survives unending Grace!"
**With new last line, title change to "fear's disgrace".
Angelic words she places in lines with care.
Never heard a discouraging word, she did share.
Deeper emotions she does write so clear.
Reality is her concern, realism so sincere.
Excitement sometimes rules her lines.
A woman of deep and emotional designs,
Deeply passionate about so many things in life,
I never met her though read her poetic rife.
Each time she visits others words she reads.
Telling others so sweetly she plants seeds,
Respectfully she instills poetic writings in another.
I saw onetime she felt like a sonnet unwritten.
Carefully I wrote this for her, an earth mother.
Having friendship in mind never was smitten.
I have a sort of gift that allows me to sense certain feelings about people without even meeting them....and usually my first intuition if you want to call it that is perfectly correct.
....no matter what it is about or who it is about I have to write it or my soul is clouded and pain grows within...Blessings..Cecil
Now I lay me down to sleep…
I pray that God will always be there
Holding me within His loving embrace
Whispering to me of gentleness and grace
Reassuring me that I have what it takes
To reach for the stars and find the moon
Shimmering its light across my thoughts
Mysterious halo of warmth and insight
I pray that God will always let me know
When I need to give my love to someone
Who needs hope to keep moving forward
Someone who needs a kind word or deed
Something to remind them they are worthy
That God’s light will shine across their life
With assurance that their faith is the answer
I pray that God will always color my thoughts
In hues of scarlet hope and sapphire trust
Breaking apart the lies of darkness and deceit
Destructive words that fall from the lips of hate
Words that are intended to discourage sweet hope
For a better day, a better way, a second chance
To give back to this world… hope, faith and love
I pray, now – as I lay me down to sleep…
For God to cover my soul – in a sanctuary
Of faith in His strength, His wisdom, His gift
Which keeps giving me the faith to move on
Past sorrow, grief and discouraging darkness
That longs to consume me so I can’t see the beauty
In the morning that dawns so beautifully!
Now I lay me down to sleep…
Thankful that God is holding me in His palm
Reassuring me that I will come to no harm
And silencing all my worst fears or doubts
With the promise that His love answers
Every prayer!
This poem was inspired by craig cornish's Now I lay me down to sleep poetry contest which I will be entering with a different poem as this one is too long!
WISDOM WAS FOUND
The day moves me into this ultimate search
Of the principality that Lords over life
And rules over Kings, nobles, aged and Princes
As my desire yearns for that which is profitable to direct.
Steadfastly aiming to avoid the natural consequences
Invited by my wrong actions and life's fitful fall,
I grope for the path of the higher realm,
Then realise that even the word of God
Is searched and tried in the furnace of fire 7 times.
I surrender my eyes to her rebuke
And embark further into the land of the greats
Even the discouraging and slothful wind
Couldn't strangle my lamp
Amidst intimidating and daring storms
Where men's soul stagger not
But swaggers into celestial hall of fame,
Owing to grace, persistence and doggedness.
If only I find her, discretion will preserve me
From the perversity of the diabolic whose path is crooked,
I thought of the rags of time,
How I had stalled in movements in life's race
Where I was born to take the lead;
My heart cried for an ornament of grace.
Who shall then buy me one?
Still I hear no answer but one from me
Then I sell all that's within me just for her bosom.
Even my manliness and ego holds me not.
Who can withhold himself from speaking?
For real you have instructed many,
You have strengthened weak hands,
Your words have upheld him who was stumbling
And have strengthened the feeble frigid knees.
By the blast of God you were let loosed
And all your enemies are subdued and fade away.
God understands her way - ask Him 'how'?
And He knows her place - find it now!
For He looks to the ends of the earth,
And sees under the whole heavens,
To establish a weight for the wind,
And apportion the waters by measure
When a law was made for the rain
And a path for the thunderbolt,
Then He saw Wisdom and declared it;
Prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.
To men He said, "the fear of the Lord is wisdom
And to depart from evil is understanding."
Written by: Vick Manuel (VickWizzy)
Copyright© 2013.
Reference: New King James version (NKJV), Thomas Nelson [1978], copyright 1982, Job 28v23,28; pg301.
Attitude
Tom Wright
11-10-2016
Discouraging words are uttered every day,
And the most hurtful I hear is “I don’t care.”
Dudes get uptight when not getting their way,
That is more lamebrain than a barrel of hair.
Not caring about things is a bad place to live,
And from our vocabularies we should abolish.
Thinking only of one’s self with nothing to give,
Exposes us as being thoughtless and smallish;
They approached me in an inconspicuous way
as quaint & confusing disillusionments do,
saying, " Hello, you're the best - "
I replied reluctantly,
" Thats why I weep every night - " ,
crying like a captured secret,
sorrowful like a caged cure for cruelty,
they became silent as photographs missing sentiments,
our dialogue was at an end,
was my statement a joke, modesty, a travesty,
nobody wins something of value by themselves,
One cannot taste the terror of triumph individually,
and risk is instinct to a Victor's jubilee,
I mention these maxims as testaments,
validations for the tears of all winners
who have lost tremendously along the avenue named " Greatest " ,
there exist three inevitable enemies that attempt to impede
the achievements of all great people, ironically,
these serve as motivations not to rest,
first, the lazy luxuries of life that stymie the strength
of ambition and when absent,
induce abject illusions of incredible iniquities
which stifle Will,
secondly, undisguised, unabashed competitors
whom combat without care or compassion for others,
devoid of devotions to fairness or decorum,
thirdly, and sadly, loss of loyal friends,
they once greeted you respectfully, then eventually
cheerfully, dutifully deride you for exposing mediocrity,
please don't dismiss this lesson of lonesome liberation via success
as a proud 'pity parade', masquerading megalomania,
or as being dreamily decietful,
to be a faithful, or even phony follower,
to be intentionally indolent or dastardly discouraging is so simple,
so safe,
Freedom is often distasteful -
J.A.B.
I had just posted a funny pic on Facebook about a woman complaining about her weight saying, "I wish I could lose weight as easily as I lose my keys, pen, cell phone, and even my mind." It was all in good fun, and I got some cute responses from some lady friends.
After a while, I got a notification on Facebook that someone wanted to chat with me. It was a student of mine whom I'd just had a talk with today. Here is what he said: Mrs. Eileen, do not worry about losing weight. You look gorgeous to me. Although it is better to be in a healthy body, but do not be troubled about it. You look awesome. Truly you are the best teacher ever." He wasn't doing that to butter me up either because he doesn't take any courses with me now. Isn't that sweet? When I told him I wish he knew me in my glory days, this is what he wrote: "You are still in your glory days."
Well, that is what I call a present. Something to lift up the spirits. There are so many who just try to tear a person down. We never know the struggles people face, and sometimes just that one discouraging word is enough to push them over the edge. In the same way...that one encouraging word is enough to pull them back up from the edge.
Oh that we would be careful of what we say. To bring cheer and not fear. That would be wonderful.
As for me....I'm happy with my cyber gift of encouragement. Have you had such a gift today? I hope so.
Hugs,
Eileen
v. 1 Worthless like an iPhone that isn’t activated…
Texting is so overrated…lately, I’ve felt jaded…
I’m the dirty laundry in your bedroom
I suck up the dirt from the carpet and the gloom
Does…torture…me…
Ch. : The technology bond – I flee
I’ve tried and tried and I’m tired of being me
I’ve lied and lied to myself countless times, can’t you see?
I am strong, I have a technology bond…
I do belong, I’m introvert and extrovert mixed in one…I’m fond
Of me…
Of me…
Of you…
Of you too…
V. 2 Writing is a gift from God Most High
Reading Proverbs and Psalms of plenty
I cry aloud to Him and He listens, but why…….?
Why do I cry so much…missing sleep of beauty…
Recently, I’ve been ashamed of my existence
Right this instant, right this instant
I’m tired of discouraging me
I’m tired of you discouraging me,
Treating me like laundry on my carpet floor
Ch. : The technology bond – I flee
I’ve tried and tried and I’m tired of being me
I’ve lied and lied to myself countless times, can’t you see?
I am strong, I have a technology bond…
I do belong, I’m introvert and extrovert mixed in one…I’m fond
Of me…
Of me…
Of you…
Of you too…
v. 3 Get off your phone, look at me; I, alone, love you
A couple of minutes later, my mind is on a clean slate today
Conversations of so many I hear in this classroom
Gloom is my groom and I marry the wife of strife…
Never once felt by affection,
But felt on by rejection
But inflamed by rejection
The infliction of insanity fires up my skull
Can’t you see? Can’t you see my sorrowful soul?
Ch. : The technology bond – I flee
I’ve tried and tried and I’m tired of being me
I’ve lied and lied to myself countless times, can’t you see?
I am strong, I have a technology bond…
I do belong, I’m introvert and extrovert mixed in one…I’m fond
Of me…
Of me…
Of you…
Of you too…
The technology bond – I am set free
I’ve tried and tried and I’m tired of being me
I’ve lied and lied to myself countless times, can’t you see?
I am strong, I have a technology bond…
I do belong, I’m introvert and extrovert mixed in one…I’m fond
Of me…
Of me…
Of you…
Of you too…
I’m connected to you
And you are connected to me
Haven’t you got the clue
That you belong to me?
Shame embraced me bitterly…
But, fame will hug me spontaneously…
Life can be glorious and life can be serene
Life can be discouraging and life can be mean
Life can be first love and life can also be its loss
Life can be a helping hand and life can be an albatross
Life can be a soft caress and life can punch you in the gut
Life can bring you happiness and life can leave you in a rut
Life can bring you disappointment and life can lift your spirits high
Life can bring you riches and life can leave you high and dry
Life can take away your pride and life can leave you without a friend
Life can bring you to your knees and life can seem a virtual dead end
What is this thing we view as life with its constant ups and downs?
To feel, to breath, to hurt, to love, to die amidst a million smiles and frowns
We didn’t ask to be here; we could have just as well remained as dust
Instead we find ourselves alive and so to stay alive we must
So how do we go on from here, given the situation that exists?
Should we choose to make the best of it with all its turns and twists?
Or should we find the nearest closet and hide behind its door?
Peeking out only now and then, never venturing out to re-explore
The choice is yours and yours alone my friend, only you can finally decide
Here’s hoping you choose to face life head on and give it one hell of a ride.
©Copyright Charlie Gragg January 1, 2011