In Equal Measures

I have toiled, so very hard and long...
..that, when all of the smoke had cleared,
I literally, could not raise my arms above my head.

Much the same,
I've been able to play in that same regard.
These things done in equal measures.

I've crossed many a street, in my days,
and the act of looking,
either "right" or "left";
has definately totalled the same ammount of head turns.

Giving me a life of splendor,
instead of meeting someone's fendor;
Both of these were done in equal measures.

Exactly half of the mistakes I've accomplished,
were committed by accident.
The others were "calculated risks", gone awry...

..both, however left the most stringent taste
upon the pallette of my soul.
For, they happened in equal measures.

The opposite of Love, cannot be Hate...
..it can only be, complete indifference.
For they, are from the same side of the "coin".

A coin that we've all wished for,
and one that we've all been encouraged to spend.
I try not to excercise these conditions of the heart...
..at least not, in equal measures.

— docmaverick, Mar 30, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: The High Desert, in the wild west, southern California, U.S. of A.., USA

Favorite Poets: Keates, Poe, Dickinson, and Dr. Seuss. There are a smattering of others, but why bother listing 'em all, ya know?, I also rely on a few of our poets, here....for advice, and what not. I couldn't possibly explain what a fountain of live, effective knowledge we have...right here in our midst ! To catch a glimmer of brilliance, merely visit: the Stream.

Critiques

Jonathan Moore

18 years 2 months ago

I've got technical points first

Because although I enjoyed the message of your poem, the technical issues bugged the hell out of me. Firstly, I've done a copy and past of your poem to correct spelling errors. Corrected spelling is indicated by "***" Secondly, I would ask you to review your use of ellipsis. These are very easy to abuse and when used incorrectly detract from the poem. Thirdly, the rhyme in stanza four (4) appears arbitrary and, in my less than humble opinion, detracts from the flow of the poem. I have toiled, so very hard and long… ..that, when all of the smoke had cleared, I literally, could not raise my arms above my head. Much the same, I've been able to play in that same regard. These things done in equal measures. I've crossed many a street, in my days, and the act of looking, either "right" or "left"; has ***definitely totaled*** the same ***amount*** of head turns. Giving me a life of splendor, instead of meeting someone’s ***fender***; Both of these were done in equal measures. Exactly half of the mistakes I've accomplished, were committed by accident. The others were "calculated risks", gone awry… ..both, however left the most stringent taste upon the ***palette*** of my soul. For, they happened in equal measures. The opposite of Love, cannot be Hate… ..it can only be, complete indifference. For they, are from the same side of the "coin". A coin that we've all wished for, and one that we've all been encouraged to spend. I try not to ***exercise*** these conditions of the heart… ..at least not, in equal measures.