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Between All Or Nothing

There is balance in the rhythm of life A give and take for which we strive In the middle between all or nothing We find our own path to survive Caring for others unconditionally An altruistic motive though unrealistic To want to care for others is generous For some it can become fatalistic We must take care of ourselves first Though to think only of ourselves is wrong We donate time or money if we have it If we give all we can't sustain for long Financial gifts cannot leave one penniless Self caring responsibly requires healthiness Imagine giving time until one is senseless There is a balance that requires gentleness Self care and caring of others is healthy Even as children learn about sharing Limits are important also for the wealthy Finding boundaries a necessity for caring July 25, 2018 Take Care Of Yourself First Contest By Caren Krutsinger Honorable Mention

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/3/2018 4:42:00 PM

A richly-deserved winner, Susan. The Middle Way/Golden Mean will surely outlast the tenor of these troubled times! Best always, Gershon

Susan Gentry
Date: 8/5/2018 6:24:00 AM

Thank you!

Fauxcroft Wade

Date: 8/1/2018 3:34:00 AM

This is wonderful, well done, deserved better. Faux

Susan Gentry
Date: 8/1/2018 6:51:00 AM

Thanks so much!

Subimal Sinha-Roy

Date: 8/1/2018 2:49:00 AM

Congratulations on your placement, Susan.

Susan Gentry
Date: 8/1/2018 6:51:00 AM

Thank you!

Jan Allison

Date: 7/29/2018 3:21:00 PM

a great message Susan,personally I would love to have seen this place higher. Many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/29/2018 9:25:00 PM

Thank you.

Mark Toney

Date: 7/29/2018 12:55:00 PM

Susan, congratulations on your win! There is "balance in the rhythm of life" and there is also balance in the rhythm of your nicely written poem :) Nicely done.

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/29/2018 9:25:00 PM

Thank you.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 7/28/2018 11:49:00 PM

Congratulations, Susan, on your touching and wise write-

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/29/2018 9:24:00 PM

Thanks, Michelle.

Virginia Waters

Date: 7/28/2018 7:38:00 PM

well said Susan

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:40:00 PM

Thank you!

Pandita Sietesantos

Date: 7/28/2018 7:24:00 PM

Big congratulations, my friend, on a well-deserved win! Charity begins at home and it starts with taking care of one's self first! Well done! Love and hugs. Pandita

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:40:00 PM

Thank you, Pandita.

Eve Roper

Date: 7/28/2018 5:58:00 PM

Susan, congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading the well written verse. Hugs Eve

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:39:00 PM

Thanks so much, Eve.

Anisha Dutta

Date: 7/28/2018 12:11:00 PM

I agree with you in every respect. Nicely penned. All the best.

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:39:00 PM

Thank you.

Joe Inka

Date: 7/28/2018 9:53:00 AM

I enjoyed your poem very much. it reminded me very much of a conversation I had with a friend of mine who is a social worker and is finding it difficult to separate herself from the anguish she deals with everyday at work. I am going to recommend that she read your poem. thank you for sharing

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:38:00 PM

Why thank you, Joe. So very nice of you.

Elaine George

Date: 7/28/2018 6:41:00 AM

Words of wisdom here, Susan. Wonderful writing. Elaine

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:38:00 PM

Thanks, Elaine.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 7/28/2018 1:21:00 AM

Very well and poetically said, we're no good to anyone if we aren't first good to ourselves. I believe you delivered what Carin asked for (unlike me who went silly, my pen was stubborn about it with no care for consequences.) A joy, Susan, spooned up with truth. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:37:00 PM

Lol you're so funny. Thank you for reading and commenting. Always make me smile.

John Gondolf

Date: 7/27/2018 12:04:00 PM

Wise words in your rhyme, Susan, best of luck in the contest. John

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:36:00 PM

Thank you.

Eric Boddie

Date: 7/27/2018 10:53:00 AM

susan, my dear sweet friend....I really don't know where to begin....your heart is filled with sincerity....your mind only shows clarity....which suggests your Soul is indeed pure....in this negative world where we Live, only we can be the cure....Beautiful and profound as always my friend....;)

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/28/2018 11:36:00 PM

Thank you! Such a sweet and beautiful comment. Appreciate you... :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/26/2018 7:03:00 PM

this poem is a unique take on the theme and very wise!

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/27/2018 6:02:00 AM

Thanks, Andrea.

Robert Lindley

Date: 7/26/2018 8:26:00 AM

Truth in the telling my friend. A wondrous gift to read this fine morn!!! A fav...

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/27/2018 6:02:00 AM

Wow! Thank you so much!!

Viv Wigley

Date: 7/25/2018 10:38:00 PM

How very true, Susan, we can't help share another's burden if we are weak ourselves, physically, emotionally or financially. Good luck in the contest. Viv x

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/27/2018 6:01:00 AM

Thank you, Viv.

Lyric Man

Date: 7/25/2018 9:47:00 PM

Great and wise truth.. the balance of moderation is key to so much in our lives. You cannot minister to others out of an empty cup.. we must take care that our cups are running over. Caring for others out of the overflow of our lives.

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/25/2018 10:08:00 PM

Exactly! Thank you for commenting.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 7/25/2018 9:13:00 PM

Well-done and realistic, Susan. If I don't take care of myself, how long will I be able to take care of others? Janice

Susan Gentry
Date: 7/25/2018 10:07:00 PM

Thanks, Janice.