The Present (Revised), 11/14 X10 Challenge Response Options

[Mary Boren]

"We are human beings, not human doings." -Neale Donald Walsch

The Present

I questioned life at every turn,
compelled by acts and deeds to earn
a starring role
in mine. Control
tenaciously eluded me.

In time I found a stepping stone
beyond the ego's comfort zone.
It marks the way
from yesterday
into the realm of now, to be.

No longer tossed by whims of fate,
I join the will to co-create
a vibrant here
devoid of fear
that thrives on peace and unity.

The present is a lavish gift.
It comes with hands to gently sift
the wheat from chaff.
Surrender, laugh,
forgive, and live abundantly.

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Original version w/ x10 challenge words in bold.
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I questioned Life at every turn
and wondered if I'd ever earn
a starring role.
Then, bless my soul,
elucidation dawned on me.

Beyond the ego's comfort zone,
there lies a polished stepping stone
that quells disputes,
connecting roots
within the human family tree.

No longer tossed by whims of fate,
I claim the power to co-create
my twilight years,
dissolving fears
and memories. No do, just be.

Accept the Present as a gift
to free us from the past, to sift
the wheat from chaff.
Divide by half
and share this winning recipe.

[Alan]

Dear Mary,

I though the original challenge was pretty good, and if the words stuck out, the bold may have had quite a lot to do with it !

The revision is great ! Most unusual pattern, actuall very limerick-like. except the final line rhymes.

And some good solid thinking matter on display too.

This is exactly why I have promoted X10 type challenges for years - they can lead you to some amazing poems. Some poo-poo them as not being "muse"-driven. Rubbish, a set of words can set one off just like anything else.

Love
Alan

Love
Alan