Related quotes: Try to love everything that...

Because Even the Word Obstacle is an Obstacle

Try to love everything that gets in your way:
the Chinese women in flowered bathing caps
murmuring together in Mandarin, doing leg exercises in your lane
while you execute thirty-six furious laps,
one for every item on your to-do list.
The heavy-bellied man who goes thrashing through the water
like a horse with a harpoon stuck in its side,
whose breathless tsunamis rock you from your course.
Teachers all. Learn to be small
and swim through obstacles like a minnow
without grudges or memory. Dart
toward your goal, sperm to egg. Thinking Obstacle
is another obstacle. Try to love the teenage girl
idly lounging against the ladder, showing off her new tattoo:
Cette vie est la mienne, This life is mine,
in thick blue-black letters on her ivory instep.
Be glad shell have that to look at all her life,
and keep going, keep going. Swim by an uncle
in the lane next to yours who is teaching his nephew
how to hold his breath underwater,
even though kids arent allowed at this hour. Someday,
years from now, this boy
who is kicking and flailing in the exact place
you want to touch and turn
will be a young man, at a wedding on a boat
raising his champagne glass in a toast
when a huge wave hits, washing everyone overboard.
He'll come up coughing and spitting like he is now,
but he'll come up like a cork,
alive. So your moment
of impatience must bow in service to a larger story,
because if something is in your way it is
going your way, the way
of all beings; towards darkness, towards light.

poem by Alison Luterman
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes

Travelling down memory lane

Traveling down memory lane
is not all black 'n white.
Traveling down memory lane
is not all lacking light.

Traveling down memory lane
is not eye filled with tears.
Traveling down memory lane
brings fresh and soothing air.

Traveling down memory lane
is love & pain, fun with friends.
Traveling down memory lane
is full of curves and bends.

Traveling down memory lane
is a test of time and mind
Traveling down memory lane
is a joy of it's kind.

poem by Ralph Acosta
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Strolling On The Memory Lane

oh, i went to memory lane
too,

i've seen much already.

i come back to what i am
and what i have become,
i hold on to my vision,
my dreams

i write about hope, and
imagine

my future, another 20 years,
another 30 years more,

i pray,

the memory lane is black and white
and then

it faded like a denim
a murky river where i lift my feet
up above the water

and as i move towards the shore,

i decided, i thought,

the memory lane serves me
no more

it was short, and it will not be
repeated

i wake up, and then i forget.

poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Trvelling down the memory lane

Travelling down the memory lane
is not all black 'n white.
Travelling down the memory lane
is not all lacking light.

Travelling down the memory lane
is not eye filled with tears.
Travelling down the memory lane
brings fresh and soothing air.

Travelling down the memory lane
is college, fun and friend.
Travelling down the memory lane
is full of curves and bends.

Travelling down the memory lane
is a test of time and mind
Travelling down the memory lane
is a joy of it's kind.

Poet: Spandan Bhattacharyya

poem by Spandan Bhattacharyya
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Working Metaphore

Work is like an island in an ocean of time
Landing on this shore felt like paradise
But the island is small and quickly grows boring
I am standing in the water, looking out as I work

Time passes in portions of half an hour
Wave upon wave of life slipping down the tide-line
I am deciding whether to let go and wash away with it
Or hold on and climb the beach again

How many islands are in this ocean?
I gaze out and see a few just waiting for me
Can I swim to them, will they take me?
In the water between them, is there love lurking?

Changes are on the horizon, as a tsunami
Rolling towards this island invisibly, towards me
None of the islands will survive it, I fear
Or maybe only I will be washed away into oblivion

Tick, splash, tick, splash, wave upon wave of half hours
Carrying me just a little further from the dry sand
Behind me, the managers are calling from the trees
I hesitate for a moment, and let the waves wash over me

Only a few more, and I can swim for a while,
I might ride the changes to a far away place if I'm swimming
In the water I can meet another, to drown my regrets of the last
The waves wash over me, and I wait for the tide to swim

poem by Poet Dragon
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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(Inspiration poems) Cry with me

Cry with me because
We have overcome every
Obstacle after obstacle
That life has thrown at us
Cry with me because we stand
At the summit of success
And we can climb the ladder
Of success knowing we did
What we did with the faith
Of our strength and our instinct
And our unfailing resolve
And the rock of our faith and
We reached the top not on the
Backs of others and we did
Not pillage our way through
What belongs to they who
Struggle with the few resources
That they have
Cry with me because we can
Share with others and they can
Learn a lot from us

poem by Ngaka Motaung
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Marley Purt Drive

Sunday morning, woke up yawning; filled the pool for a swim.
Pulled down the head and looked in the glass just to see if I was in.
Went up the stairs and kissed my women to make her come alive.
'Cause with fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids ,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
That's how they are, so I grabbed out the car;convertible fifty-nine.
Headed for the freeway; tried to find the Pasadena sign.
Ten miles and three quarters more I wasn't feeling any more alive.
'Cause with fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
I used to be a minstrel free with a whole lot of bread in my bag.
I used to feel that my life was real, but the good Lord threw me a snag.
Now I'm gonna be the same as me ,no matter how I try.
'Cause with fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Fifteen kids and a fam'ly on the skids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Turned 'round the car and headed for home; I guess I realized my fate.
Ten miles and three quarters more I pulled up outside the gate.
Twenty more kids were stood inside and that made thirty-five.
'Cause with an orphanage full of thirty-five kids,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
An orphanage full of thirty-five kids ,
I got to go for a Sunday drive.
Sunday morning woke up yawning; filled the pool for a swim.
Pulled down the glass and looked in the mirror just to see if I was in .
Went up the stairs and kissed my women to make her come alive.
'Cause with an orphanage full of thirty-five kids ,
I got to go for a Sunday

song performed by by Bee Gees
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Underwater

You and I,
Are here, underwater
Seconds are so dear, underwater
Searching for a light, to draw me closer
I hold my breath in tight, bring me closer
I feel your touch, will you pull me up again?
It's not so bad down here, underwater
Once you get past the fear, underwater
Since you through the haze, it's like a memory
I've been down here for days, have you seen me?
I feel your touch, will you pull me up again?
It's all the same for me, underwater
There's nothing much to see, underwater
I cannot make a sound, but I can listen
I can't tell up from down, now I'm listenin'
I feel your touch, will you pull me up again?
You're just in sight, will you save my life again?
You and I are here, underwater

song performed by by Vertical Horizon
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Hues of blue

From the holiday apartment’s window
I see people swimming in the blue pool
and the water looks icy cold
from the dark blue colour

Some girls and women have
bathing caps on in colours
of white, green and blue
and others swim without
while some lie
around the pool.

While the day gets hotter
the colour of the pool changes
to a lighter hue

and just across the road
the beach is full
of people lying in the sun.

Some swim with the waves
breaking white
and some are deeper
in the aquamarine water

and still deeper
some surfers
are riding the waves
the of a navy blue ocean.

poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Uncle Gay

I can not say in a way,
That would for anyone be understood.
But I have an uncle named Gayhall,
Who stands for me very tall.

A minister he is,
With a wife Pamela and two adorable kids.
Well...
They are no longer 'kids'.
Two beautiful women I 'should' say.
Nicole and Tiffany...
Each with a uniqueness,
Anyone can see.

Although my Uncle Gay,
Has been sick of late.
I hate the fact that he's like that.
But what can I do,
Besides pray from my Uncle Gay?

I 'see' him getting better,
Each day as I 'visualize'.
I want his health to return to him.
Because he is very special,
In my eyes.

I love my aunts and uncles...
As 'if' they were mine!
And...
Hey,
They are 'mine'!
Well...
Let me define what it is I want God to do!

'God,
I know for a fact...
You are with me all the time!
But...
Will You heal my Uncle Gay?
Right 'now'!
And...
Today! '

Dedicated to:
My Uncle Reverand Gayhall Pertillar.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

'Love you, Uncle Gay...
Pam and 'kids'.'

Nephew Larry

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Sister Rose

[ jerome augustyniak/natalie merchant ]
Big plans are being made for my sisters wedding day.
Well have a ball at the sons of roma hall.
Family, friends come one and all.
First the best man makes a toast to rocky and my sister rose,
A life of years free of tears. bottoms up and lots of luck!
'
Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo rose and rock alone.
Frankie rizzo and his combo play on.
Single girls all hear the call from a crowd at the back wall
And when the bouquet flies each one tries to be the best catch and next years bride.
Uncle sam and uncle joe take their places in the row.
Theyre standing by side to side for dollar dances with the bride.
Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo, rose and rock alone.
Hes a banker, shell be well off now.
Sister rose take your mothers place.
Trade your home and your maiden name.
For a list of vows and a veil of lace made a wife of you today.
Now they cut the five tier cake, that colucci, he can bake.
A frosted tower of sugar and flour for the couple of the hour.
Polka, tango everyone, cha-cha, mambo rose and rock alone.
She was born to wear that gown.
Sister rose take your mothers place.
Trade your home and your maiden name.
For a list of vows and a veil of lace made a wife of you today,
But youre my sister rose the same.

song performed by by 10000 Maniacs
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Brogan's Lane

There's a crack in the city—down that sharp street
In couples, and armed, tramp rozzers on beat.
Like a joss, silhouetted across the pane,
A Chinese face watches down Brogan’s Lane,
Brogan’s Lane, Brogan’s Lane,
A reeling moon blinks over Brogan’s Lane.

Flash Fred, when he dives on a red lot, sneaks thro’
To moscow the swag with a Polaky Jew.
Tho’ rooked by old Shylock, he needn’t complain,
The melting pot bubbles in Brogan’s Lane,
Brogan’s Lane, Brogan’s Lane,
Rats pinch from their cobbers down Brogan’s Lane.

And Jenny, fresh down from the country, goes gay
And drives to the races and laughs at the play;
Till one morn, lying out in the cold and the rain,
A body is perished in Brogan’s Lane,
Brogan’s Lane, Brogan’s Lane,
There’s only one turn to the long last lane.

With opium dens, sly cribs, bones and rags,
’Tis the haunt of thieves, wastrels, poor women and vags.
They booze to bring joy, they sin to numb pain,
But there’ll come a stretch at the end of the lane,
Brogan’s Lane, Brogan’s Lane,
The river and morgue shadow Brogan’s Lane.

poem by Louis Esson
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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On The Shoreline

Released as b-side of I cant dance single, 1991.
Well theres a place where two worlds collide
The pile of stone against the pull of the tide
You can stay with your feet on the ground
Or step into the water, leave the dry behind
On the shoreline
Meet me on the shoreline
Where you can only swim if you try
Well, if theres somewhere on the other side
It might be better, it might be as bad
Someday soon youll have to make a move
Cos you cant stay forever, ah just waiting
On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Meet me on the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Take me over, lead me through
Well can you take me there, to the other side
Where everything is new, uncertain and strange
Dont ever let me go till were there
I dont know what it is Im looking for
And until its found I wont be sure...
Well, there are squares in the game of life
When you can keep on moving or turn aside
Yes, there are times when you have to decide
To put your feet in the water, or stay
On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Meet me on the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Where you can only swim if you try
Ill be there - oh
On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Ill be there on the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Where you can only swim if you try
Ill be there
Ill be there - oh
Yes, Ill be there
Ill be there...

song performed by by Genesis
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Teachers Challenge

It's time for the public to open up their eyes
Without the teachers how will our kids survive
What will happen to our children if they
don't have an education
They are the foundation of this great nation.

The teachers all had a dream and a goal
To teach the public young and old.
They had learned early in college
That they must gain daily knowledge.

Every day they challenge their minds
With new knowledge that they find
It does not matter what the topic may be
It all goes down into history.

They work hard at what they do
Teaching our kids and their kids too.
Teaching is not an easy task
not all kids learn that fast.

Then there are those with special needs
With which the teachers plant their seeds.
They are given a lot more patience
And a lot more care, so with them
The teachers do share.

Now is the time that money should be given
So that they can earn a decent living.

poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Deep Waters

I am every where-
all immersion-
surrounding you;
yet you cannot see me;

my name's unknown
my love unknighted;
not shown.

I give you my All
you swim in it
suffused with that joy
which
is unknown
to even itself.

You come and you go
and I labor in this love
giving birth
to you in my soupy midst;

seeing your dreams small
and large grow tall and fit.

I see them swim away too soon
swim away
because
I am water
and you are fish.

I surround you in my dreams at night;
you swim in your world
unaware of me.

But your mouth opens and opens again
drinking of me
which gives you life;
keeps you alive
in the dream world we share.

Above the water line
is the other world
of boats steamers and reality

But here below
under my cover,

it is only
you and I
but only I in the end
since fish you know
never
discover
water-
until
its gone.

We are all fish then
unaware of the dreamy water world
which makes fish possible.

poem by Lonnie Hicks
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Strolling down memory lane

Strolling down memory lane
Where the colors begin to fade.
Strolling down memory lane
Is where I want you to come along.

Strolling down memory lane
is a test of time and mind.
Strolling down memory lane
I won’t be afraid.

Strolling down memory lane
Is not lacking in color.
Strolling down memory lane
Is not a big bummer.

Strolling down memory lane
Not a storm in sight
Strolling down memory lane
is joy without bite.

A memory that I have created in my mind,
Stands the test of time.
Memories are like dream, a reflection of the past.
My memories can kiss my…
Ask me no questions I will tell you no lies.

poem by Taran Burke
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Looking For You

I've waited so long now
I've wanted forever to hold you
Now you're in my arms
And I'll never let you go
Whatever you do, y'know
I'll be standing here beside you baby
Just like a bird that's find it's way back home
I've finally found a place where I belong
I've been looking for you since I took my first breath
And I'll be loving you baby til I take my last
I'd like to know
What would I do without you in my life
From the moment I saw you I knew
I was looking for you
Can I wake up now
Can I believe what I'm feeling
And I'll be sure I wasn't dreaming it all
Baby it's true, you do
Something supernatural to me
Each night I pray to God that you'll be blessed
I need you so much baby I confess
I've been looking for you since I took my first breath
And I'll be loving you baby til I take my last
I'd like to know
What would I do without you in my life
All along I was waiting for you
From the moment I saw you I knew
It had to be you
So the story goes
Together ever after
Now the dream came true
And maybe when you least expect it love will come to you
I'd like to know what would I do without you in my life
All along I was waiting for you
From the moment I saw you I knew
It had to be you
Sweet love came to my life
I was looking for you
Sweet love came to my life
I was looking for looking for you
Sweet love came to my life
I was thining about you
Sweet love came to my life
All along I was looking for you
Sweet love came to my life
I was thining about you
Sweet love came to my life
I was thinking about you
Sweet love came to my life
I was thinking about you
Sweet love came to my life
From the moment I saw you I knew
Sweet love came to my life
Looking for you
Sweet love came to my life
I was looking for you
Sweet love came to my life
I was thinking about you

song performed by by Amy Grant
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Taking a Walk on Memory Lane

Taking a walk on memory lane
isn’t all that gray.
Taking a walk on memory lane
I see the sunrays.

Taking a walk on memory lane
isn’t all full of tears.
Taking a walk on memory lane
I have no fear.

Taking a walk on memory lane
not a dropp of rain in sight.
Taking a walk on memory lane
Every thing is alright.

Taking a walk on memory lane
is where I want you to come along.
Taking a walk on memory lane
is where we belong all lifelong.

poem by Lost Sierra
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Soroptimist International

I have found friends, friends who care,
They live the whole world over.
Women who love life,
Women who are strong,
Women who help women,
Empower, empower, empower.
As a young woman, I needed
Help, encouragement and to be empowed.
I was struggling as a single mom
Working full time and oh so tired
With two children by the hand - when
The Soroptimist Training Award
Chosen, I was chosen, It was mine.
The next semester courses were paid for
With the help I received, no longer did I worry for
I completed my diploma and onward to my goal!
Working hard in social service agencies
Helping others as I could
Finally the day arrived when a Ph.D. was mine.
Thirteen years in private family counselling
Children grown and doing well
I returned to the place where it all started
To Soroptimists and I must tell -
The story of my award and the life it brought to me
Through kind and loving women
Who care when it seems there is no sign.
I am excited with each step
As I learn and go forward
Women teaching women and
Women helping women
It is my time to give
My time to empower women with
An organization I believe in.
To take on the challenges of life
Domestic violence and trafficking
So demoralizing to women and their children
Public education, important as it is
Educate all who will listen to the stats and stories told.
We all know of the hardships women endure
So, give, empower, teach, and train.
Women helping women-
Soroptimists, Soroptimists, Hurray for Soroptimists!

poem by Eva L. Shaw
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Two Silent People, Dying

you are silent
more silent than the stars above us
this mountain of
sorrow does not know the songs of sighs
it is as silent
as you
more silent than all the stars above us

i join you in this silence and i take a journey far from you
my thoughts are wings and they will not use words as vehicles
from my mouth there will be no sound too

what are we contemplating for? i ask myself.
you think of death, i know, but you have not guessed what i am thinking
i am tired of death, let it come when it comes,

i am thinking of those tiny things in my life
how they happen, how time flies too fast
and i am here with you left behind it like a hundred years

i go back to thinking about us bathing in the river
since we do not know how to swim we take hold of a driftwood
from nowhere

it teaches us how to swim
that driftwood from nowhere
and it is when that driftwood left us
that we struggle for our life
and then we have learned
how to drift, ultimately how to swim

we are here in the middle of this silent struggle
it is when it hurts best that we begin to learn how to think
how to think well more than the rest of those
who are not conscious of the shortness of the time left

it is here in the middle of our sorrow
that we become more intelligent, wisdom sprouts and grows
into a tree
in our heads, and we are soon carried to a height
where we see them all
away from us.