Obligations

This is so....sad, heartbreaking. As always, you amaze me. Simplest way to put it, my friend. But no matter what, yiou're the greatest. I agrree with Julie- you're the best adopted Dad EVER! Thanks for everything, BTW. This poem is just beautiful, simple but with such a resonating image that stays with you after you read it. Peace n Love Katie

I do enjoy the flow of your poetry Rett, but I have to say, I don't really pity your character. it's seems that we all end up pigeon-holing ourselves... "I could just do this if this this and that happened" "I would be like that if I didn't have this or this or that in the way." there's always something in the way and attaining true happiness comes with it's fair share of risks. I just wanted to shake this guy and say "suck it up, dude! be a man." but that's just me. -sha

This is a great theme, something here for everyone. Noticed something that kinda disrupted the flow for me, if I may be so bold. The fourth stanza maybe, but if he had the freedom he'd do those others if he could It's not a real big deal, but I just thought the repetition of the word things was maybe better avoided? Cheers, enjoyed Craig

Great theme, simple because, this is so true of all of those who are the head of their house hold, be it Women or Men! Rett, have a small problem with Stanza # 6 "But he has obligations A wife that loves him so And he could never walk away Love for her won’t let him go" The last two lines, specifically the word (away) the rhythm from there, to the next line seems to lose that singing of the rest of the poem. I read it again and held the pause after (away) a little longer and that worked, but it changed the rest of the complexion of the poem. Your saying, what he will never do, then explaining why he won't, for me the love is alive a separate entity. So I think maybe It should read: (The love for her won't let him go). Well that's just me, it's yours to do as you please! It's still a wonderful poem, in your unique style of observation! Thanks, Eddie

Yet another great piece from the most respected member of this site (even though I don;t know him that well) It hath reminded me of the days when I couldn't help BUT cry at night and that was all because I couldn't be with the girl I had loved before I met emmee (I wrote a sweet poem about that girl too you know! might post that one later XD). It made me weep on the inside this poem when it said (quoting retts poem): "In the darkness of the night While others lie in sleep He brings them to his mind And silently he weeps" I truly feel the same way as I too have obligations every now and them but I don't weep for I have to complete them first (for now that is) Little Red Dragon P.S. I shall post that poem later on when plonker has been booted off the site!

~Jess K. ----------------------- "So I open my door to my enemies, and ask could we wipe the slate clean? But they tell me to please go fu** myself; you know you just can't win" - Pink Floyd

To me this is a universally relateable poem as I think every man or woman will end up wondering the what if's... the could've beens... but we are all uniquely who we are in the end, and accept it, like we should... Richard

Rett, as always you've hit a nerve inside us all, all the while showing that there is much integrity and honor in being responsible and dependable by putting your own individual wants and desires on the back burner. Brilliant! Tom

Rett, my freind, this touched me so much... It feels so nice to see how you put all these feelings in words so beautifully. I have'nt been through this but I can easily see my father in your poem. You reminded me of him, who is the reason for what I am today. How I love and adore him, for all the things he did for me and is still doing(do I sound selfish lolz). Forgetting about himself but always remembering his family, striving hard day and night to make us stand on our feet and be proud of him. And I am feeling proud to say that I am proud of him. Thanks for letting me know the feelings of my father. I can understand from this poem how commited and devoted you are Rett. Your family must be proud of you. Really love your simple style of expressing deep feelings so beautifully and simply. Thanks a lot for such a great tribute to all the responsible elders... They deserve it. Hugss Wafi

Rett, the content here must hit a nerve for every mother and father who sacrifice for their children, or wife and husband who sacrifice for their mate.I enjoyed this one from you~ ______________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous

As usual, I arrive at the party LATE, to find that another gnat was whining around the ears of one of the best poets on Neopoet. LMAO missed it AGAIN, oh well... I liked this very much, beyond the regrets and the sadness I came away from this reading with a sense of pride for this guy because the implication is that he could have walked away and done his own thing any time he chose, and yet he chose not to in spite of his dreams. And that is the real test of manhood, I think. Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race

LOL Geez, can't a guy even take a BREAK.... Heehee It's Good to be back. Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race

HERE IS MY TAKE ON THIS WORK....BEST PUT IN THE WORDS OF ENGLAND DAN AND JOHN FORD COLEY, 'OHH, ITS SAD TO BELONG TO SOMEONE ELSE WHEN THE RIGHT ONE COMES ALONG'. AM I CLOSE RETT? MIGHT THIS BE THE DREAM YOU YEARN TO FULFILL? THIS IS CERTAINLY A POEM THAT IS INTRIGUEING TO SAY THE LEAST..ITS AS IF YOUR TEASING THE READER..AS IF U HAVE YOUR DREAM HIDDEN UNDER A TARP AND NOT ALLOWING US TO LOOK UNDERNEATH. HOW I WONDER IF PERHAPS YOUR DREAM IS REALIZED, UNDER THE TARP, WE MAY FIND SOMETHING THAT IN ITSELF WILL BECOME A NEW OBLIGATION...LOL VERY THOUGHTFUL...NICE WORK

This one was a good story. We admire and love you for it. Ann of Norway

I think all of us in relationships have our regrets for the paths not taken, but if we are lucky, it all balances out in the end. This poem evokes many sleeping thoughts... Always, Cat

Rett Oh yes obligations. I have always had to be mum and dad and be the breadwinner to make sure everyone has everything. But I have to think of me but that means there is only me to think of me which is lonely all I have are dreams I long to fulfill............well maybe someday Electric blue

I loved this very much and you said it so well ! Great write , Cindy