Casting One's Own Shadow
Call your trip whatever you wish.
I've learned not to debate, argue...
Or 'franchise' anyone's opinion,
As if to make mine!
Nor do I agree to evaluate...
Someone's statement,
Whether a line given to solicit...
An opinion I've given in anything I've written.
I've learned an exchange of experiences,
Is not a possibility.
And I've learned this by listening.
And this many people seldom do.
I've been up and down too many times,
To discover my own comprehension...
About life.
My life and how 'my' life is connected.
When I found criticisms made of me by others...
'Added' to my understanding,
If right, wrong or indifferent when given...
I still had to brush my own teeth.
Walk on my own two feet!
And be accountable for my own actions.
I stopped making excuses,
When they began not to make sense to me.
I spent more time defending myself...
Instead of living my life.
And I began to do that...
When I started to appreciate myself.
And 'if' I was to give my advice to anyone...
AND...
I did say 'if'.
I would say this...
If anyone finds they are seeking acceptance,
On a path they have chosen to take...
It is not a path they have chosen.
How can it be?
How can someone declare something theirs,
When others can do the same thing thing?
If voices can be heard?
Footprints can be seen?
And the path one takes has already been paved?
That is following...
Not casting,
One's own shadow!
I do not wish,
I demand people to get out of my light.
What would be the point,
If I am patiently waiting for someone else to decide...
Whether or not they want to move out of it?
That kind of time I am not giving to anyone!
Period.
I've learned many lessons.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
That Ain't About to Happen Here
Just because you do not see my scars...
Or I do not brag about the wounds I've suffered,
They are there.
Some healing from the drops of blood...
That have left stains on the path of my journey!
And if for a one second,
You believe I am going to stop...
To pour tea and gossip.
You have picked the wrong one,
To do that with!
I am very upfront about that.
However...
I will share this with you,
I am in no mood to debate...
Over who would benefit from my experience.
Or the fuzzy feeling I would get,
From captivated wide eyed children...
I would rather strangle.
Since I've learned very early in my travels...
Experiences can not be taught!
They must be lived to appreciate.
Complete with discipline that motivates.
And I am not the one to sit patiently,
While someone decides...
If my life is worthy of someone's attention.
They may or may not give.
After my throat has become hoarse,
From screaming at the top of my lungs.
No...
For that I am not qualified!
I am not living my life for that kind of decision,
To be made.
Or waste my time in discussion...
About the disadvantages my actions may create.
No...
That ain't about to happen here.
You can,
If you wish to call it...
Self involvement.
I too have learned many lessons.
And I am not certified,
To solve someone else's problems!
Or will be baited to complicate,
My own issues.
And I've got some needing my focus.
Prioritized with a peace of mind...
I am not about to give up!
You can,
If you wish to call it...
Self involvement.
And you would be correct!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
I've learned
Ive learned that to love someone doesnt have to involve pain,
Ive learned that to have a friend you must be a friend first,
Ive learned that in time youll see your mistakes and learn from them,
Ive learned that to be alone sometimes is the best thing for you,
Ive learned that in order to love a person you must feel loved,
Ive learned that if your wrong admit it or youll never forgive yourself,
Ive learned that your first love will be a part of you and you may never forget,
Ive learned that in order to move on you must fix what was first wrong,
Ive learned that if you ever mess up, you can always start over again,
Ive learned that to be 'cool' doesnt involve pressure,
Ive learned to accept what I have and be happy,
Ive learned that people will come and go so tell the ones you love how you feel,
Ive learned that to respect yourself you must respect others,
Ive learned that your actions always involve consequences whether it be good or bad,
Ive learned that priceless words can mean the world to someone,
Ive learned that sometimes being silent is the best solution,
Ive learned to expect the unexpected,
Ive learned that healing a broken heart involves tears and pain,
Ive learned to see the world in the eyes of others,
And Ive learned that each new day is a day to touch a life.
poem by Carly Almonde

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
As If It Was Theirs On Demand
There is one thing I've learned,
About the use of my time.
I've learned through the years,
Not to let anyone abuse it...
As if it was theirs on demand.
And common sense?
Well...
I have discovered,
That it is not so common.
In fact the absence of it,
Can be expected.
And rare it is...
If it appears at all.
And the doing of something for others?
One should stop and think about that quick.
Since many people don't appreciate,
What it is for them that is done to assist.
Many will complain as if the time taken,
By someone who has gone out of their way...
Is not what they prefer.
They will have the nerve to say,
Something else desired...
Is what they deserve.
There is one thing I've learned,
About the use of my time.
I've learned through the years,
Not to let anyone abuse it...
As if it was theirs on demand.
And what I have chosen to do today...
Is to satisified and please my own thirst first!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Trying to Please
By the time you decide
Your life needs more attention...
You might find you are still too busy,
Not listening!
Yet wondering whose life
You've been living and giving,
All your time to!
And IF it is realized...
Neither one of you have spent any time at all,
Understanding with comprehension.
Who it is you are trying to please!
And what it is you've learned,
About wasting time on others who can't see...
The misery and depth of the grief you receive!
You're trying to please!
And that is as visible as a boarded window...
To those who could care less,
What it was you were doing for them.
Even if they knew!
Some folks 'ain't' that connected.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Walking In The Shadows, Where The Path Wasn't For Me
tired of walking in the shadows,
down a path not for me,
i made a new path,
but, it was set for death,
i thought it was for me,
never seen the years i had to come,
plus everything i can be,
never felt good enough,
always thought,
it was the path for me,
finally i opened my eyes,
and stopped placing blame,
on people who mad my life,
a living hell,
woke up to find,
i was to blame,
for how my life was going,
nobody but me,
for the mistakes i've made,
in my life until this day,
i changed little by little,
because i will no longer,
just linger in the shadows,
where the path isn't for me,
i'm stronger than ever,
as i tackle my problems,
and find the path,
that i've made for myself,
because i take control,
and become the leader,
instead of the follower,
watching life pass me by,
i know what i want,
now it just time to get it,
without being in the shadows,
and walking down a path,
that i learned,
just wasn't for me.
Copyright © 2009
11-17-09
poem by Mona Martinez

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
How We Learned Our Lessons
Through the living of their lives...
That's how we learned our lessons.
Through the observation of their sacrifices...
That's how we learned our lessons.
And we understood each one of them.
With our minds, eyes and ears opened.
Through the living of their lives...
That's how we learned our lessons.
Through the acceptance and loving ourselves.
That's how we learned our lessons.
Through the giving of respect,
We ourselves sometimes did not get!
That's how we learned our lessons.
And even though our steps made forward...
Were made to believe by others as limited.
And sometimes we wept and knew this was negative.
It was through the acceptance of who we were,
And loving ourselves.
That's how we learned our lessons.
And the parents we loved and had,
Did not brag about their college degrees!
Or 'things' with them we could buy to achieve...
To succeed in the repossessing of our minds,
Some permit an entry for this to be done!
They were with us all the time,
Telling us we could accomplish anything!
And could prove that too to ourselves and anyone.
'Whatever' it was we chose in our lives to do.
And working hard we did...
To pursue.
Through the living of their lives...
That's how we learned our lessons.
Through the observation of their sacrifices...
That's how we learned our lessons.
Dedicated to:
Andrea ('Mimmie') , Tammy and Lisa
My sisters.
'Love you for your 'gifts' given...
Edna Pearl Roberts Prudhomme Pertillar
And Lawrence Pertillar, Sr.'
Our Parents.
~lsp~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
In the Giving There's A Benefit
To have awakened is a good thing to be!
And I have learned,
In the many years it has taken me to do it...
That the being there for someone else,
Will not automatically be interpretated...
As an appreciation to be shown one day,
With a reciprocation known that's received.
I have learned,
There will be many taking others for granted...
With a doing which is believed,
A duty to misuse someone dependable.
Until a reality hits and a doing this is missed.
And a waiting to sit by a telephone,
Wishing to hear it ring is a familiar sound gone.
I have learned,
In the giving there's a benefit.
And I have learned,
Those who give are not desperate.
To have awakened is a good thing to be.
And I have learned,
Those who give are not desperate.
I have learned,
In the giving there's a benefit.
And I have learned...
To leave alone,
Those who take for granted...
Someone giving up their time to misuse.
I have learned,
In the giving there's a benefit.
And I have learned...
Those who give are not desperate.
Oh yes I've learned...
To leave alone,
Those who take for granted...
Someone giving up their time to abuse.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
My Time In Exile
Used to worry for each other
No ones bothered like before
We sleep with each others friends
Sneak around, fall apart
And come back for more
We sit around drinking tables
Stabalized and keeping score
But my mind is somewhere out the door
Oh, we have grown
Maybe I've overstayed a while
In my time in exile
Oh, time has flown
And the only thing I've learned
I want a life now of my own
We go to clubs
The songs are old
The evening's blown
We go our ways
And take taxi's home
We talk of sunday outings
And medicate to fight the doubting
But we know
We'll always be
Alone
We have grown
I've overstayed a while
In my time in exile
Oh, time has flown
And the only thing I've learned
I want a life now of my own
Of my own
Well that's my years spent in exile
Second guessed and dressed up in tatters
My birth feet didn't take this path
And I'm still looking for a life that matters
More than chit-chat we listen to the streets
We're all dead beats
And these old habbits are starting to show through
Sorry I didn't get to know you
Oh, time has slown
I've overstayed a while
In my time in exile
Oh, well we have grown
The one thing that I've learned
I want a life now of my own
Bye bye
To the friends I've known
In my time in exile
song performed by by Third Eye Blind

Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
The Sound Of Wings.....
from the bars of the cell,
i learned freedom from the body.
from the underside of the bridge,
i learned home has not a house.
from forty years of working,
i learned the bitterness of the slave.
from the political lies,
i learned that truth cant be bought.
from the books i read,
i learned to reason and question.
from the heroin needle,
i learned the value of life.
from love lost,
i learned how to love.
from doubt i learned seeking,
in seeking i found god to be more.
from the scars on my heart,
i learned to be a man.
from battles fought and lost,
i learned the need for peace.
from discrimination i learned equality,
from anger i learned forgiveness.
from the mirror i learned responsibility...
from the bars of the cell,
i learned the sound of wings!
poem by Eric Cockrell

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Part Of Life, That is
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
Stuck with sticking emotions felt in my gut...
Unable to abandon them.
Or give them up...
Had been a place I'd been,
Back then.
With no one but myself...
And faith,
To help me slowly break away...
Of a hold I had on them to mend.
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
I have learned to feel grief deeply,
Where it is felt.
Let it visit.
And then from it to leave!
Not to forget the process...
But to breathe!
Remembering...
With an agony upon my letting go,
Knowing what I felt was painful...
It was also,
Part of life!
A part of life,
That is!
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
Few get to sit in the midst of it.
Part of life that is.
With the giving of opinion and the giving of lip.
Part of life that is.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Overcomed I Am With Determination
I am not alone in consciousness.
With many who are also aware,
Of what does...
And what for them,
Does not exist.
A connection within begins to click!
And I will never argue with someone,
ANYONE...
About their acceptance.
Or the degree of their acknowledgement.
I've learned personal experiences are just that.
Personally experienced.
Nor am I going to tolerate,
My peace of mind to be tampered.
And no where is 'that' on my top ten list.
I recognize but do not invite irritation.
I may respond with an opinion in conversation.
That's it.
And the hardest lesson there is to learn...
Is to listen.
And,
I've learned that lesson.
My right eyebrow,
Is somehow connected...
To my footsteps.
My eyebrow raises...
With a signal sent,
To my eyes to seek near exits.
Then my feet begin to move.
My reach for the exit...
Becomes a commitment.
And overcomed I am,
With determination. To split!
And I do it as if mastered.
As if to leave is my only priority.
And in many cases...
To get away from what's being layered and laid,
Becomes a needed desperation.
How many excuses to use the restroom,
Can one make?
I think four within an hour is ridiculous.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Its My Life
(micky dolenz)
Micky dolenz music (bmi)
Lead vocal: micky dolenz
Its my life and Im takin over now
Its my life and its time that I learned how
No excuses. for the truth is
Its my life now
I stumble and I fall
And I think about it all
Then I make amends
But it never ends
And Ive just begun to wonder why
And I listen to the songs,
And I read all the words,
And I seem to remember something that I heard
Of a fire and a cave and shadows on the wall
Its my life and Im takin over now
Its my life and its time that I learned how
No excuses. for the truth is
Its my life now
I wanna believe in the miracles
But they mix me up. then they pass the cup
And Ive just begun to look the other way
And I dont want to lean on the stars or on the dreams
On the fantasies or the deities
Dont I think its time to lean on me?
Its my life and Im takin over now
Its my life and its time that I learned how
No excuses. for the truth is
Its my life now
No excuses. for the truth is
Its my life now
song performed by by Monkees

Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
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
Vote! | Copy!
With An Acceptance To Acknowledge
Early in my life,
I learned to navigate.
And appreciate what I initiated.
Mistakes I have made.
And not one did I excuse.
I admit I have a low tolerance for weepers.
Perhaps I understand them too much.
I have yet to witness the sharing of sorrows,
Mend anything to become productive.
Early in my life,
I learned to navigate.
And appreciate what I initiated.
But the loneliness of doing that alone,
I abandoned to socialize with others.
Needless to say...
Some lessons learned should never be abandoned.
Early in my life,
I learned to navigate.
And appreciate what I initiated.
With an acceptance to acknowledge,
Some lessons learned should never be abandoned.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Thankful
You know my soul
You know everything about me theres to know
You know my heart
How to make me stop & how to make me go
You should know I love everything
About you dont you know
That Im thankful
For the blessing
And the lessons that Ive learned w/you
By my side
That Im thankful so thankful for the love
That you keep bringing in my life
In my life
Thankful so thankful
You know my thoughts
Before I open up my mouth & try to speak
You know my dreams
Must be listening when Im talking in my sleep
I hope you know
I love having you around me dont you know
That Im thankful for the blessing
And the lessons that Ive learned w/you
By my side
That Im thankful so thankful for the love
That you keep bringing in my life in my life
Dont you know that Im thankful for the moment
When Im down you always know how to make me smile
Thankful for the moments & the joy that your bringing to my life
For the lessons that Ive learned
For the trouble Ive known
For the heartache & pain
That youve thrown my way
When I didnt think I could go on
But you made me feel strong
With you I am never alone
Thankful so thankful
Thankful for the blessing
And the lessons that Ive learned w/you
By my side
That Im thankful so thankful for the love
That you keep bringing in my life in my life
Thankful so thankful
When Im down you always know how to make me smile
Thankful for the joys that your bringing to my life
Thankful so thankful
song performed by by Kelly Clarkson

Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Open Minds, Eyes, Ears and 'Dialogue
Making attempts,
To reach back for times...
That should have long been lived,
And put into existence THEN...
Will not do a thing for you 'now'.
And you were told that,
When those times then...
Were behind the times!
Just like a season or a holiday missed,
That has gone...
Think of your mind like that.
Something once here...
But now has gone.
Remember when you were teaching me,
And others a lesson by ignoring our suggestions?
Remember you made it a point to tell your friends,
You wish I'd learned how to mind my business...
And live my life,
Since you knew more about yours?
Well...
You should have seen these days,
We now live.
You and others like you...
Are the only ones asking, 'What is happening? '
Open minds, eyes, ears and 'dialogue'...
Should have revealed that to you!
And you were right...
I have learned to mind my own business.
As The World Turns,
I have One Life To Live...
To remain Bold and Beautiful.
And no more will I be giving my time,
To those who are Young and Restless...
In their minds.
I am not living for that kind of drama!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
What I Learned Today
What I learned today is that there will be a tomorrow,
what I learned today is the truth is full of pain and sorrow.
What I learned yesterday is people make mistakes,
what I learned yesterday is I will do whatever it takes.
What I learned Saturday when i watched you leave I take back
what I said, what I learned Saturday is when we fought i dread.
What I learned now is that part of my heart is gone,
what I learned now is you will no longer wake me up at dawn.
It is quiet with out you,
I feel I have many things to do.
poem by Angelina Sabia

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Everyone calls it India, but I call it Home!
Everyone calls it India, but I call it home. The place where I grew up. Where I started life, met my first friends. Where life started to make sense. Everyone calls it India, but I call it home. When I am in trouble all my friends are there, but most of all my home saves me from all. Where I learned to speak and learned my ABCs. Everyone calls it India, but I call it home. Where I learned to walk, I took my first steps but then fell, my home was there to rescue me. Where life started to make sense, its not just India, it’s my home. Everyone calls it India, but I call it home
poem by Innocent Angel

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Life Goes Away
You have all known me from what I have written
But know I am different
I have learned to live life a different way
To see life in a different perspective
When I was in that hospital
I saw so many people come and go
For so many different reasons
When I first went in
I was scared and didn’t know
What was going to happen
But now I know that life is worth living
There is more to life that meets the eye
You have to look at life more carefully
Its like judging people
You shouldn’t judge a person by their looks
You need to get to know them
Life is just like that
You can’t judge life
Because if you do
Then life is going to be very rocky
Just like mine is right know
But I am trying to get through it
When I first started writing
I wrote deep and dark
I wrote about death and hurting myself
I still do here and there but I am trying to move on
And write about things that I am looking forward to
So I am moving on into a better life
A life I have never had before
A life where I can control what I do
And actually be happy
But its going to take time
So I am going to take it day by day
And see where life is going to take me
poem by Katie Huntress

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Meets The Eye
You have all known me from what I have written
But know I am different
I have learned to live life a different way
To see life in a different perspective
When I was in that hospital
I saw so many people come and go
For so many different reasons
When I first went in
I was scared and didn’t know
What was going to happen
But now I know that life is worth living
There is more to life that meets the eye
You have to look at life more carefully
Its like judging people
You shouldn’t judge a person by their looks
You need to get to know them
Life is just like that
You can’t judge life
Because if you do
Then life is going to be very rocky
Just like mine is right know
But I am trying to get through it
When I first started writing
I wrote deep and dark
I wrote about death and hurting myself
I still do here and there but I am trying to move on
And write about things that I am looking forward to
So I am moving on into a better life
A life I have never had before
A life where I can control what I do
And actually be happy
But its going to take time
So I am going to take it day by day
And see where life is going to take me
poem by Katie Huntress

Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!