GREEN GRASS AND A GOODNIGHT REVERIE
October 1st 2007 15:11
This poem was written in one of my high school newsletters:
What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better;
Whether by
A healthy child, a garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
Easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
I thought the definition of success was money.
I sat next to Jacob and we looked out past the hospital’s fenced verandah. He asked me, What’s your dream, guy? What’ll make you die happy?
I remember the first short story I wrote. I was about six years old and I typed it up on my grandfather’s black and white Macintosh. It was about some school kid who farted.
I loved making up things. I loved drawing, too. I remember making quite a few comics that were jam packed with farting and toilet humour. I wonder where those comics are now.
I left the hospital feeling the way I do every time I leave the hospital. I looked at my palms. My ambitions were a lot simpler when I was younger. Become a superhero. Become a fireman. Become a super villain. Walk like the adults do.
What drives us to do the things we do? Who do we try to prove wrong? What do we secretly long for? How much do we actually change? What makes us content?
I drew something on a piece of paper. I walked around for a while until I found a little garden. I dug a hole that wasn’t too deep and buried the piece of paper. I smiled and went home.
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Comment by Lily
Ars Poetica
i don't really have anything wowshamshabizzle to say, just here, reading.. your words always stand out..
bless,
~Lily
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Just echoing Lily *waving at lily* ...
I love the poem, it is so right ... I am a success.
I have printed your poem out for my inspiration wall ... Thanks for reminding me I am, in the very realest sense of the word.
Lilla ...
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
The word wowshamshabizzle was enough to make my day. Heh. I'm going to use that word from now on.
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
A friend reminded me of the poem the other day. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the idea that to be a successful person, you have to be a Trump or a Branson or even a Hilton. Sometimes I find myself idolising people who idolise money. How stupid am I?
I think the meaning of "wealth" has been unfortunately misinterpreted.
I'm glad you liked the poem. I'm extremely glad that you are successful.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I love everything about this post. The poem is spot on....when did we decide that money was the measure of success???
Kylie
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Haha. A lot of people think loads of money equates to being successful. Once in an unfortunate while, one of those people is - me!