Listen
I've lived 70 years and what have I learned?
Keep your mouth shut with ears open and you won't get burned.
I often talked thoughtlessly instead of listening well.
All the opportunities that this cost me is hard to tell.
My life would have been broader if I listened to new things said.
But I was too busy coddling old ideas molding in my head.
As for friends and colleagues, I offended more than my share.
With an attitude that my ideas were the only ones that were fair.
So after 70 years there's just one thought I'd like to emphasize…
During your life learn to listen to others, oh please listen, and you'll become wise.
poem by Gregory Huyette
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Without My Interference
Very early I was given one choice...
To listen.
OR...
Suffer through the consequences.
Of course,
I knew those consequences well.
With bruises on my head,
From knocking it up against brick walls.
But that was then.
Not only have I learned to listen...
I now have learned to pay attention.
With less from my mouth going out.
And more with my eyes and ears open,
To receive and allow what is coming in...
To make its own sense without my interference.
To learn 'something' I had not learned before.
And you know...
It is amazing how this works,
To obtain comprehension.
Who knew this approach,
Leads to a quickened understanding?
Who knew that's how this happens?
I still find myself scratching my head in disbelief.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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This Action Should Strengthen Your Vision!
Now I'm getting your attention.
As if you are allowing your ears to listen.
Your eyes to uncloud from their haze.
With your mouth shocked shut.
And I'm to do 'something' with this focus?
Was it ever mentioned,
Your attention was not on my agenda?
In brief encounters I wanted to extend my hand.
And in doing so you became offended.
In brief encounters I wanted to take a stand,
Against all that I thought...
You too prioritized in your life.
I did not approach you to assist,
In the conflicts you fight.
Igniting them for purposes to mask your insecurities.
I am of peace!
Not about that nonsense you daily release.
As frequently as your choice to use cuss words.
To cuss yourself and others,
With a desire to be overheard!
NOW I'm getting your attention.
As if you are allowing your ears to listen.
Your eyes to uncloud from their haze.
Your mouth shut.
And I'm to do 'something' with this focus?
What do you expect?
A magic wand followed by 'Hocus Pocus? '
A begging on my knees pleading a forgiveness?
While you and the others,
Use that as another joke to provoke?
Look...
Let me help you understand something here!
I'm not seeking to sacrifice my time to charities.
Those donations have been exhausted.
Nor do I intend to give away anything I have,
I myself desperately need.
What I offered to you was a quality of life,
I had to recognize to appreciate the giving of it away.
Something basic to share I hoped would stay with you.
I came to you to extend,
An open-ness that was not judgemental.
Sincere in the giving.
Something you could have shared with someone...
And I would be on my way!
But you decided to turn that into betrayal.
And today you perceive it okay,
That I should welcome your decay?
Now I'm getting your attention.
As if you are allowing your ears to listen.
Your eyes to uncloud from their haze.
With your mouth shocked shut.
And I'm to do 'something' with your focus?
Oh...
And I am too!
Watch me as I distance myself from you.
AND maintain your focus.
This action should strengthen your vision!
If not...
Click your heels three times for clarity.
And...
Do not believe I am embittered.
Or 'sweet'.
I've been mistaken for both too often.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Listen To The Rain
(Rain)
Listen listen
Listen listen
Listen listen
Listen listen
Listen (listen) listen (listen)
Listen (listen) listen (listen)
Listen (listen) listen (listen)
Listen listen
Listen to each drop of rain (listen listen)
Aaah
Whispering secrets in rain (listen listen)
Aaah
Frantically searching for someone to hear
That story be more than it hides
Please don't let go
Can't we stay for a while?
It's just to hard to say goodbye
Listen to the rain
Aa...ah
Listen listen listen listen listen listen to the rain
Weeping
Oo...ooh oooh ooh oo...ooh
Oo...ooh oooh oh oh
Listen (listen) listen (listen)
Listen (listen) listen
I stand alone in the storm (listen listen)
Suddenly sweet words take hold
(Listen listen)
Hurry they stay for you haven't much time
Open your eyes to the love around you
You can feel youre alone
But I'm here still with you
You can do what you dream
Just remember to listen to the rain
oo...ooh oh oh oh oh
ooh ooh oh oh oooh
Listen
song performed by by Evanescence
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I Admit I Have Forgotten
When I was a much younger person,
It was difficult for me to listen...
With a paying of attention.
I was young, dumb and full of...
Ignorance I shared.
With those who became upset,
With decisions I made too late to correct.
Today,
I listen to everyone.
Whether what is said is solicited or not.
I even sit through people repeating themselves,
With hopes my raised eyebrow would send a clue...
I got the message two days ago.
And they 'still' continue.
Believing I am listening intently.
I've learned that one never knows,
What is being said today...
Will not apply one day.
Whenever that day arrives.
'Remember you told me to shut my mouth,
To listen years ago.
And I became offended,
Calling you some horrible and atrocious names? '
No.
I don't remember that.
What names did you call me?
How horrible and atrocious were they?
'Well...
I just wanted to say I am grateful to you.
And I feel even more blessed,
You have forgiven me.'
Wait a minute. Hold on.
What were those names you called me?
Help me remember.
Maybe I haven't forgiven you at all.
Although I admit I have forgotten.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ideas For Walls
So many things in my head, Ive always had them before
No reason to be upset, theyre just ideas for walls
Now Im standing inside, outside, which is the right side
Im standing, demanding that the nightlife be called the right life
Like putting paint on my feet & walking sideways in rows
My walls could be so complete, complete with patterns of toes
Now Im standing inside, outside, which is the right side
Im standing the left side, right side, which is the right side
Now-ideas
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
A little m for the mirror, a double u for the wall
To make things perfectly clear, a great big h in the hall
Now Im standing inside, outside, which is the right side
Im standing, demanding that the nightlife be called the right life
Is everybody confused? (no) Im making no sense at all
You want a room with a view you need ideas for walls
Now Im standing inside, outside, which is the right side
Im standing inside, outside, outside, right side
Inside, outside, which is the right side
Now -- ideas
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas
Theyre just ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
Ideas for walls
song performed by by Men Without Hats
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Chinese Wisdom
In crisis, wisdom growth,
And gained.
Intelligence endowed,
But wisdom is learned.
Wise men listen more,
Talk no nonsense.
Wise men may be learned
But learned men may not be wise.
A silent fool can pass for a wise man.
Silence is golden & wise,
Silence is the trusted friend of wisdom.
It is easy to blame our memory
when our judgment is at fault.
It takes a tree ten years to mature;
It takes a man one hundred years to form.
We grow old fast,
We grow wise slowly.
Youth can look only forward,
but age can also look backward.
Maturity and wisdom
take a lifetime to achieve.
Achieving maturity does not
Grow with age.
Wisdom grows when
Ones learned to avoid the wrongs.
Stand for the rights.
Biggest flaw of ones
Has a lot of flaws and
Not correcting them,
Not avoiding them.
Life is a learning journey
To discover who we are,
Learning as if life is
one continuous lesson.
Wisdom is attained by learning
when to hold one’s tongue.
Discretion is the trusted friend of wisdom.
A wise head must possess a closed mouth.
Compiled & adapted by Lawrence Hiung
poem by Lawrence Hiung
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Shoulda' Listened
Ohhh... yeah
I should have stopped, looked and listened before I proceeded
But caution I threw to the wind
Manyve been placed in my life to help lead me and guide me
But I didnt want to talk to them
So I ignored their advice and I tried to disguise pain from you and all the things you did
The wrong road was chosen my heart has been broken
Cause I didnt want to hear them
Shoulda said what I didnt say
Shoulda went right but I went left that day
Shoulda prayed but instead I strayed
Shoulda gone a different way
Shoulda listened to my mother
When she said that you were no good for me
Shoulda listened to my pastors
When they told me turn around and leave you be
Shoulda listened to my sisters
When they said that I was too blind to see
But I see the light somehow
And I vow to listen now
I had the chance to advance and it seemed like the best
Opportunity that I could get
I didnt bother to see if my people agreed
Maybe I knew what they would say and yet
I didnt control it I kept going for it
When I shoulda known it wasnt in Gods plan
Had to let go, had I listened before
I wouldve said no from the door
Shoulda said what I didnt say
Shoulda went right but I went left that day
Shoulda stayed but instead I strayed
Shoulda gone a different way
Shoulda listened to my mother
When she said that you were no good for me
Shoulda listened to my pastors
When they told me turn around and leave you be
Shoulda listened to my sisters
When they said that I was too blind to see
But I see the light somehow
And I vow to listen now
Shoulda listened to my mother
When she said that you were no good for me
Shoulda listened to my pastors
When they told me turn around and leave you be
Shoulda listened to my sisters
When they said that I was too blind to see
But I see the light somehow
And I vow to listen now
Shoulda listened I know I shoulda listened
But I know that I vow to listen now
Shoulda listened I know I shoulda listened
But you dont have to tell me twice I'm going to listen now
Shoulda listened if only I had listened
But Ive learned my lesson now
Im gonna listen now
Shoulda listened cause I just cant be missing
All the things God has for me
Repeat till end
song performed by by Out Of Eden
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Live as if this is all there is
Live your life with purpose,
Walk to the edge of universe.
Shout at the top of your voice,
Listen to the echo.
Listen hard, Listen carefully,
Listen your instinct and intuition.
Practise what you know,
Practise wellness and healthy lifestyle.
Play with abandon,
Laugh and smile always.
Identify your choices,
Identify your opportunities,
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn,
Continue to improve,
Continue to live happily ever after.
Enjoy your life now, not tomorrow.
Stay alert, stay awake,
Enjoy what you have now.
Appreciate your friends and relatives,
Do what you love.
Do what you please yourself.
Live a complete and satisfy life,
Live your life as there is no tomorrow.
Value your life,
Live as if this is all there is.
poem by Lawrence Hiung
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Growing Pains
I was a child
Beguiled and fresh
Of innocents and new
Who played like many
With trust and hope
For the future that would be new
But unlike many
I broke in two
A rag doll in despair
And knew not of the
Wrong been done
To a child of one so young
Suppressed I learned
So young in life
Of what not to share
Love, life and Happiness
Were things to me not real
I walked around half dead half live
Thinking alas is this my life
And every day I cried in vain
Crying I want to take my life
But life for me continued
In suffering and pain
Never really sharing
All that I had gained
Life can take its ups and downs
For me more so the downs
But then I learned to look for hope
That carried me to higher ground
So from childhood to teenage years
To young adult I grew
With all those years of doubt and shame
Suppressed with in my pain
The burden I carried for so many years
Turned to hatred and pain
So for many years my anger
Took me through a life of pain
Of self doubt and helplessness
So I always hide my pain
You learn to live you bare the pain
Of all that life can give
Then grow into a women
That your burdens you bare alone
But now I stand before you
A women of today
Learning, Love, Life and Happiness
And this time for me it’s real
And with open arms I learn
To share my love once again
With all my family and Friends
I say thanks once again.
poem by Kaila George
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Your Ideas Of War
Your ideas of war and war heroes are your own and that's okay with me
But when you tell me war leads to peace with you I can't agree
Bad feelings between people who have been to war for years and years remain
In war as well as the needless loss of life friends you don't ever gain
Even for the so called winners of the war the price is huge to pay
And yet of war and rumours of war we read and hear of every day
Millions have died or have been injured in wars and in war only heartbreak
And far too many people fail to realize that war is a huge mistake
When you say that war is not a bad thing in that you are not alone
But let the one who is free of sin be the first to cast the stone
That you are entitled to your point of view with me is quite okay
Though I for one do not agree with what you have to say
Of war and your ideas on it which to all you like to make known
And though your ideas are different to mine like 'tis said to each their own.
poem by Francis Duggan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If I Am Not Committed To Its Existence
My life!
And the total living,
Of the experience of it...
Has afforded me the many lessons,
Learned and given...
By being discipline, observant and listening.
Although I admit those teachings,
Did not sink in to begin...
Until my opinions,
Of how others lived their lives...
Beyond and outside of my vision,
Ceased to end my judgements passed.
And that is when my life,
Began a whole new adventure....
On a more personal path.
Without my nose being in someone else's business.
Or believed I had 'all' the answers,
When too many questions I had...
About my own existence that took top position.
And with God's assistance...
I learned how to shut my mouth.
And with my eyes and ears open,
I grew to know when and how to pay attention.
Allowing me to grow to know that which I am still learning.
To live and let live to leave alone if that is God's wish!
Especially if I am not committed to its existence.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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To Be Understood
Nothing believed comes,
If one should run from it.
And...
Nothing believed comes,
If one is stunned by it.
Nothing is comprehended,
To understand.
And...
Those who become offended,
Often demand...
To be understood.
Observe and listen with a sitting,
Not too many do.
Too many are quick with their lips,
And...
Prove they are rude.
To then to accuse,
Someone to be abusive.
Nothing is comprehended,
To understand.
And...
Those who become offended,
Often demand...
To be understood.
And wounds are never mended.
With a healing recommended...
'Cause...
People wish to brood as they choose.
Nothing is comprehended,
To understand.
And...
Those who are offended,
Often demand...
To be understood.
But they aren't listening,
As they could and they should.
No they're not listening as they should and they could.
And if they listen they would be understood.
No they don't listen to,
Be understood.
No they don't listen like they could and should.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Tales of Those Now Listening
Folks now gone.
With advice given ignored but shared...
Surfacing upon once deaf ears,
Suddenly heard...
As if from no where!
Those maturing with a wisdom,
Brought upon by age and reflecting...
Leave some to ask,
'Mama 'why' did I not listen then?
Daddy, we had our differences...
But what you tried to express,
I confess...
Seemed so old fashion and useless.
And when the two of you restricted me,
From doing things that would bring harm...
I thought my world would end.'
And the tales of those now listening...
Are as old although they remain ever so fresh.
And the listening somehow is heard,
Clearer now than it has ever been.
Some are spoken to their hard headed children.
With a hope 'something' learned,
Will sink into their thick and disrespecting skins.
But these tales of those now listening,
And delivered...
Seem to breathe new life,
As each generation applies an innovative affliction.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Hard Way Every Time
The Hard Way Every Time
Written by - Jim Croce
Yeah, I've had my share of broken dreams
And more than a couple of falls
And in chasin' what I thought were moonbeams
I have run into a couple of walls
But in looking back at the places I've been
The changes that I've left behind
I just look at myself to find
I've learned the hard way every time
'Cause I've had my share of good intentions
And I've made my share of mistakes
And I've learned at times it's best to bend
'Cause if you don't well those are the breaks
Should have listened to all the things I was told
But I was young and too proud at the time
Now I look at myself to find
I learn the hard way ev'ry time
But in looking back at the lessons I've learned
And the mountains I wanted to climb
I just look at myself to find
I've learned the hard way ev'ry time
'Cause I've had my share of broken dreams
And more than a couple of falls
And in chasin' what I thought were moonbeams
I have run into a couple of walls
But in looking back at the faces I've been
I would sure be the first one to say
When I look at myself today
Wouldn'ta done it any other way
song performed by by Jim Croce
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Always And Forever
hoo.com
I CANT REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERENT THERE
WHEN I DIDNT CARE FOR ANYONE BUT YOU.
AND I SWEAR WEVE BEEN THROUGH EVERY THING THERE IS
CANT IMAGINE ANYTHING WE MISSED
CANT IMAGINE ANYTHING THE TWO OF US CANT DO.
THROUGH THE YEARS
YOUVE NEVER LET ME DOWN
YOUVE TURNED MY LIFE AROUND
THE SWEETEST DAYS IVE FOUND
I FOUND WITH YOU
THROUGH THE YEARS.
IVE NEVER BEEN AFRAID
I LOVE THE LIFE WEVE MADE,
AND IM SO GLAD I STAYED, RIGHT HERE WITH YOU,
THROUGH THE YEARS.
I CANT REMEMBER, WHAT I USED TO DO
WHO I TRUSTED WHOM ID LISTEN TO BEFORE
I SWEAR, YOU TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING I KNOW
CANT IMAGINE NEEDING SOMEONE SO
THROUGH THE YEARS, IT SEEMS TO ME
I NEED YOU MORE AND MORE,
THROUGH THE YEARS,
THROUGH ALL THE GOOD AND BAD,
I KNOW HOW MUCH WE HAD.
IVE ALWAYS BEEN SO GLAD, TO BE WITH YOU
THROUGH THE YEARS, ITS BETTER EVERYDAY YOUVE KISSED MY TEARS AWAY,
AS LONG AS ITS OK, ILL STAY WITH YOU THROUGH THE YEARS
THROUGH THE YEARS, WHEN EVERYTHING WENT WRONG,
TOGETHER WE WERE STRONG
I KNOW THAT I BELONG RIGHT HERE WITH YOU THROUGH THE YEARS,
I NEVER HAD A DOUBT,
WED ALWAYS WORK THINGS OUT.
IVE LEARNED WHAT LIFES ABOUT,
BY LOVING YOU,
THROUGH THE YEARS
song performed by by Kenny Rogers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Here Lie's The truth
“Here Lies the truth”,
On Her tombstone this will be wrote.
It was never spoke when She was living,
So also in death, it will be unspoke.
By Her it was never said
it was as though pulling out Her soul,
So here lies the truth and herself dead
Both has died in sadness and woe.
Here lies the truth,
Not once by her was it cried,
Not in the days that she was living,
Not even in the day that She had died.
She must of believed that it was a sin
To open Her heart and listen to the word
So She closed her heart and locked it shut,
And She never believed in no one but Her.
Here lies the truth,
It lived but a very short life,
Though the Woman died of years of age
The truth though, never had a chance to try.
Everyone She knew had learned Her lie
They never believed a word that she said
So when She finally tried to speak the truth,
Her heart stopped; and She laid dead.
Here lies the truth
It lived but a very short life,
It was loved by neither Child or Man,
For they believe its living was but a lie.
So here in the grave it will lay dead
As it had lived in this woman's soul,
Never again will it be uttered or thought of,
Never till the end of time will it be thought of or known.
Randy L. McClave
poem by Randy McClave
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Moment Of Silence
Bow your head and listen
its a lesson to learn
yet it your not getting
but you raise your hand to ask a question
but no one can answer
so you bow your head in silence
they all begin to laugh
not with you but at you
you sit alone because theres nothing you can do
you ask for peace
to be left alone
but tears fall when your on your own
burning memories
and riping pasts
hoping for moments that will last
so listen now and listen good
because my ears are open
atleast someones should
poor it all out to me open your heart
all of it builds up inside
so its tearing you a part
can we have a moment of silence
for the times you tried but in the end failed
a moment of silence for when the truths revailed
and someone actually wants to listen
a moment of silence for concentration
hear your heart beat
so when you look up you'd be standing by me
Can we have a moment of silence?
poem by Yahdaj Roseney
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Suffering
a word from you
and then you stop
something choppy somewhere
inside your tongue
i like to listen more from you
cut, i am having a hard time,
what is it with you
that wants to hold me
i stop to listen again
some scratching sounds
from your hair
some gnashing from your teeth
i listen stilll cautiously
there are pauses,
you stretch your arms
trying to reach me
i tap my ears
there is this suppression
of meaning and then you finally open
your eyes
tears are falling
i see
your heart is broken and your
mouth haggles for words
your mind grasps for thoughts
for a love that they always
misunderstand. I see.
blood inside your mouth.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Change The World?
do you know what
will really change the world?
when we learn how to listen...
not just with our ears,
but with our minds,
with our hearts,
with eyes that have seen,
and known...
and so can see
our selves in others!
listen...
with compassion...
without condemnation,
or judgement.
with silence,
no need to correct,
or give advice.
with our hands,
open and willing to help.
with our feet,
ready to walk beside!
to listen...
as if to the sound
of our own hearts beating...
to listen,
and to understand!
poem by Eric Cockrell
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Ideas must be put to the test. That's why we make things, otherwise they would be no more than ideas. There is often a huge difference between an idea and its realisation. I've had what I thought were great ideas that just didn't work.
quote by Andy Goldsworthy
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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