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Broken Dreams

My dad did not give me many words just a few to live by never give up-never quit was his rule I have lived by his rule I have died by his rule I have found much joy along the way also finding sorrow in a life of tears I must say a mixture of good and bad this has followed me all my days I now understand his words many quit too early never accomplishing their dream he did not want this for me Yet not being a quitter bought me much unneeded pain times I should have quit times I should have moved on but did not I wanted to be a teacher that did not happen I was a class room mother for my son I worked the school fairs until the work was done I guess one really does not have the answer what if is just two words filled with meaning never knowing the real answer Date Written: 6/29/2021 Honorable Mention A broken person Contest Judged:7/24/2021 Sponsored by: Faraz Ajmal

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 7/30/2021 7:16:00 PM

Hello Paula. I related to your poem. Was a teacher for years in Ct, then quit to raise my kids in VT. "You're brave," my co-worker/ friend said. Was I? Was quitting a career/bye to salary? a good idea? Doubted myself, then homeschooled my newly diagnosed autistic son. To myself " Don't quit? Be Brave?" I did, it worked. I still wonder. Yes or no? Figured I changed my path, hopefully, the right choice. Your words " Joy along the way, But sometimes sorrow" Rang true 4 me. I love my son.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/31/2021 1:10:00 PM

Thank You, for writing & for your story. Sounds like it all worked out for you. A son to love is from heaven. Life has many twists & turns. My life would not be what it is if I had been a school teacher. I am a speaker & because of this I have done some teaching along the way. When I speak, everyone thinks I am a teacher. God knows best. Glad you love this write. Have a blessed day.

Barbara Peckham

Date: 7/27/2021 10:21:00 AM

Excellent! I know there are many of us who wonder "what if..." , perhaps thinking they might have fulfilled a dream. But dreams are food. We can chase them or perform other, just as valuable contributions. We only Must realize that dream might not have been right for you and that you are are in the right place for you. I love this poem.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/31/2021 12:57:00 PM

Thank You, for writing and for your congratulations. It is an honor to have a win. You say, Excellent??? Thank You. You made my day. Glad you love this write. Have a blessed day.............

Sotto Poet

Date: 7/25/2021 10:57:00 AM

Back with my warmest congratulations for your win with this great poem Paula, blessings and hugs

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/31/2021 12:55:00 PM

Thank You, for writing and for your congratulations. It is an honor to have a win. Glad you like this write. Have a blessed day.............

Sam Kauffman

Date: 7/25/2021 9:36:00 AM

Wonderfully expressed Paula. Love your last stanza about what if being words without and answer. Congratulations on your win my friend! It makes me think of all of the joy you have brought into the world with your flowers! Blessings.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/31/2021 12:54:00 PM

Thank You, for writing, for your congratulations and for your kind words. It is an honor to have a win. Glad you like this write. Have a blessed day.............

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 7/24/2021 10:38:00 PM

An outstanding write, Paula! Congrats on your win!

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/25/2021 7:49:00 AM

Thank You, for writing and for your congratulations. It is an honor to have a win. Glad you like this Broken Dreams write. Have a blessed day.............

Charles Messina

Date: 7/3/2021 9:36:00 AM

Wow, Your dad is a replica of my dad (lol) Always keep the faith and the belief. A lovely write my dear friend. I do hope all is well. Hugs Charlie

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/3/2021 1:44:00 PM

Thank You, for writing. Glad you like this write. I am well and blessed. I hope you are also well and blessed. Life has both good and bad in it. Have a blessed day/weekend writing away..............

Greg Gaul

Date: 7/2/2021 12:06:00 PM

Sharing these broken dreams is both brave and important to do. All of our lives are a mix of joy and adversity. Our parents can guide us and prepare us but not shield us forever. Your poem only makes you stronger. Wonderful write.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/3/2021 1:41:00 PM

Thank You, for writing and for your kind words. Yes, they can "prepare us but not shield us forever." Life has both good and bad in it. Have a blessed day/weekend writing away..............

Jcb Brul

Date: 7/1/2021 6:57:00 PM

Don’t regret dear Paula..What you are is more than enough to cherish..Though dreams are shattered sometimes~ life is still beautiful! Cheers!

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/2/2021 10:43:00 AM

Thank You, for writing. Yes, "life is still beautiful." I have been blessed even with many shattered dreams. Glad you like this one. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/1/2021 6:47:00 PM

Much to digest here, Paula. So hard to know when to move on, and when to stick with it. Normally, 'always finish what you've started' works out well --- yet not necessarily. Thanks for such a provocative write! Cheers, Gershon

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/2/2021 10:40:00 AM

Thank You, for writing. Yes, "'always finish what you've started." Glad you like this provocative write. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 7/1/2021 1:34:00 PM

"What if" - such an unanswered question, Paula - probably for everyone. My dad inspired me to follow my dreams .. sometimes didn't happen due to other realities. Have regrets... but life has both - tears and happinesses. Probably best is to be happy with what we have achieved. Love and hugs ~ Mala

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/2/2021 10:31:00 AM

Thank You, for writing. Yes, "what if" will have many unanswered questions. True, "life has both - tears and happiness." Have a blessed day writing away..............

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/1/2021 12:16:00 PM

- Even though he was a man of few words ... it was an important thing to learn in life ... even though we often ask ourselves: "what if" - you follow some other dreams, Paula :) - A lovely poem :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/2/2021 10:26:00 AM

Thank You, for writing. It was good advice. That "what if" will get you every time. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Rama Balasubramanian

Date: 6/30/2021 11:03:00 AM

Enjoyed reading your poem. Following what elders say sometimes we have to face lot of hardships. It is not easy to never quit. You need lot of mental strength for that. I think he wanted you to try your best before quitting. Many are lazy and quit very early. They can succeed if they don't. Your ending what if .... So true. No answer. This should be made Potd. A splendid write.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/2/2021 10:25:00 AM

Thank You, for writing and for your kind words. Yes, it was good advice but hard to live by. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Arturo Michael

Date: 6/30/2021 6:25:00 AM

Answers and questions...Who knows where the winds blow... But your father knew one thing for sure...never quit...which means be smart.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 6/30/2021 8:11:00 AM

Thank You, for reading and for writing. So true, we do not know "where the winds blow." Life sure plays games with us. It was good advice. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Sandra Adams

Date: 6/29/2021 7:29:00 PM

great advice from your father, we all need dreams and determination, but i guess like a good game of poker sometimes we need to know when to walk away from things which cause pain, but if we don't pursue dreams we will always live with the what ifs... enjoyed this one! hugs

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 6/30/2021 8:09:00 AM

Thank You, for reading and for writing. Yes, "we all need dreams and determination." We also need to know when to walk away. Many times that is harder to do. Have a blessed day writing away with hugs..............

Robert Lindley

Date: 6/29/2021 3:38:00 PM

I fully agree with Lasaad- this creation sings to me my friend. My dad as well gave me such great advice. I do so wish I had not lost him at age 15. A fav...God bless..

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 6/30/2021 8:06:00 AM

Thank You, for reading and for writing. Yes, it was good advice. Sorry about your dad, so young. Have a blessed day writing away..............

Sotto Poet

Date: 6/29/2021 2:47:00 PM

Very well penned Paula, I think your dad gave the best advice that no one else can procure. I think this write can work well for the broken person contest. Blessings and kindest regards

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 6/30/2021 8:04:00 AM

Thank You, for reading and for writing. You are right, it was good advice. Have a blessed day writing away..............