by Faith H.
Member since:
November 17, 2005

Lists

March 06, 2009 08:25 PM EST
views: 117 | comments: 29

 

Because I was alone, I started lists.
Inchoate and lost, they saved me.

Began structuring life around needs,
not wants, coherence in rows.

Ticked the chores and errands one
by one, children here, me there.

I sought deeds done, obligations met.
Needed order and reason.

Scratched off one, then five and
maybe I could sleep that night, maybe.

Slowly I let go, saw my life take shape.
My  list now shows: live, laugh, love.

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Comments: 29

jessie voigts Mar 6, 2009, 8:37pm EST
brava, faith! it is exactly what you've been working, living toward.
elizabeth e. Mar 6, 2009, 8:49pm EST
On the right track girl....live, laugh, and most especially, love. Those are the only thing you need on a list.
Faith H. Mar 6, 2009, 9:08pm EST
jessie! Look at you, the first, instead of last. Thank you, sweetie, yes, it's how I get through.
Faith H. Mar 6, 2009, 9:08pm EST
Bob, you understand of course, the three Ls on the List.
Barbara C. Mar 6, 2009, 9:50pm EST
fabulous and relevant - good for you!
Wilhelmine Estabrook Mar 7, 2009, 1:40am EST
Oh yes. Yes indeed.
Been there, done that ... and how it helped, especially with achieving:

Slowly I let go, saw my life take shape.
My list now shows: live, laugh, love.

Ten stars from me, my friend!
Bart H. Mar 7, 2009, 3:56am EST
I don't do lists because they are so scary.
I would rather not know.
elizabeth e. Mar 7, 2009, 6:16am EST
Bart:

Put your head in the sand, ostrich.
Faith H. Mar 7, 2009, 6:48am EST
Barbara, thanks for that fine compliment!

Wil, I am happy to see you here, thank you!
Faith H. Mar 7, 2009, 6:49am EST
Magi, as you know, this was how one copes with losses. Thank you, my friend, for the ten stars!
Faith H. Mar 7, 2009, 6:50am EST
Bob, Bart has people that DO the lists for him. He just shows up. ha!
Richard Frisbie Mar 7, 2009, 8:25am EST
I start every day with a list, now. Some days I look at it, some I don't - but I like knowing it is there if I need it. Those are GREAT items to put on it!
Susan Roberts Mar 7, 2009, 4:48pm EST
great article!
Granny Janny H. Mar 7, 2009, 5:38pm EST
1. Read Faith's poem before i log out
2. Feature it on Poet's Weekly Muse
3. Comment on it to let her know how much I enjoyed it and admire her unique style.
Faith H. Mar 7, 2009, 6:41pm EST
Richard, I am always tickled that you read my poems, I know you are not a poetry type, however, I am a foodie type, and appreciate your contribution.

Thanks, Susan!
Faith H. Mar 7, 2009, 6:42pm EST
Janny, you are too kind, thank you for the feature and I bask in your admiration.
libramoon C. Mar 7, 2009, 7:00pm EST
perfect
Kathryn E. Mar 7, 2009, 7:04pm EST
i love your poetry - it has a tidy symmetry but its tidiness unearths subtlety not easily seen.
John F Walter Mar 8, 2009, 4:57am EDT
This poem works in a wonderful minimalist way by simplifying, simplifying, simplifying, until their is nothing left. We get a sense of how the speaker overcame chaos through her lists, until there was no more reason for them. The way you´ve written this poem gives it a universal feel that most readers can identify with (including those like me who make too many lists and never check off enough of the boxes!)
Faith H. Mar 8, 2009, 1:01pm EDT
libramoon, from you, that is a word to savor, thank you.

Kathryn, thank you, if only my life were so tidy!
Faith H. Mar 8, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
John, I am thrilled to see you back here, thank you for adding your invaluable comments.
amanda wallin Mar 13, 2009, 8:10am EDT
Brilliantly and succinctly put. Once you put others before yourself, you're able to do those three essentials. You're ten steps ahead of me hon.
Ty so much btw for your support
mona d. Mar 15, 2009, 7:12pm EDT
truth and beauty, you and your words. slowly relinquishing control opens the gate...life rushes in.
love this, honey. and you.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Mar 24, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
Perfect conclusion - and I love the true way that you pulled us toward that place.
Sheila Deeth Mar 26, 2009, 1:44am EDT
Wow. Been there. Wonderful conclusion.
Svetlana Goryacheva Apr 9, 2009, 12:56pm EDT
Very well written indeed! :-)

Blessings and best wishes - S.
Gisela S. Apr 9, 2009, 8:46pm EDT
I'm still deeply enmeshed in list making, but not in the least bit worried if they aren't all crossed off by the end of the day...or the end of my life! I think I just find it comforting to write something down. Then I can just keep going and know what ever needs attending to will be there when I have time to get back to it.

So I guess with this poem you are now officially excused from answering the survey I tagged you on ;) Your list has better answers !

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