deepundergroundpoetry.com
WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN THE END?
I have walked on all
the Continents in
the world, all 50 States,
and lost count of the
countries I have visited.
I say this not to impress
but to share what I, not
anyone else, have learned.
It hit me right between
the eyes a few years ago
as I heard what a group
of wealthy men said in the
last days in the terminal ward;
soon to face death.
They were all rich and
among the who's who
in society. In their last days
they were asked what,
when looking back really
mattered?
Was it their yachts, numerous
limousines, airplanes, summer,
winter, and get-away-retreats;
art collections, diamonds, gold,
silver, and stock options, money,
lands, businesses, having power.
What really mattered?
Almost to the man they said,
What really mattered and still did
at the end of their lives,
was to truly be loved by someone
and to truly love someone.
What truly matters to me?
What truly matters to you?
Dare we wrestle with this question?
the Continents in
the world, all 50 States,
and lost count of the
countries I have visited.
I say this not to impress
but to share what I, not
anyone else, have learned.
It hit me right between
the eyes a few years ago
as I heard what a group
of wealthy men said in the
last days in the terminal ward;
soon to face death.
They were all rich and
among the who's who
in society. In their last days
they were asked what,
when looking back really
mattered?
Was it their yachts, numerous
limousines, airplanes, summer,
winter, and get-away-retreats;
art collections, diamonds, gold,
silver, and stock options, money,
lands, businesses, having power.
What really mattered?
Almost to the man they said,
What really mattered and still did
at the end of their lives,
was to truly be loved by someone
and to truly love someone.
What truly matters to me?
What truly matters to you?
Dare we wrestle with this question?
Published 15th Jan 2021
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15th Jan 2021 9:57pm
Dear Oral,
You ask difficult and poignant questions that are heavy with fraught emotions. So personal and tender of thought. I wish to tread as lightly as possible... I know that losing someone, contemplating your own ending and how that relates to your ability to live each day, goes hand and hand. It's inevitable. In my opinion, you honor a loved one who's passed away by how you choose to live with them as a reminder. How you choose to tackle each day with the verve and gusto that we all should try to apply, when they cannot. I use their loss as my impetus to try and create something with my existence that they'd be proud of.. and in turn, I become proud of myself in the process. I'm certainly not always successful, but I try, and THAT'S all I care about. Not the stuff or the amount of things accumulated. It's my own character, my heart and soul. Love yourself well and hopefully you'll be rewarded in return. I hear my loved one's voices sometimes.... especially in dreams. I feel like that happens, even years later, to reiterate and not allow me to forget all together. Never to become complacent. I'm sending you all my good thoughts and soothing vibes, if needed.
Hang in there, you're never really alone...
Much love and many hugs,
🌹
xo
Susan
You ask difficult and poignant questions that are heavy with fraught emotions. So personal and tender of thought. I wish to tread as lightly as possible... I know that losing someone, contemplating your own ending and how that relates to your ability to live each day, goes hand and hand. It's inevitable. In my opinion, you honor a loved one who's passed away by how you choose to live with them as a reminder. How you choose to tackle each day with the verve and gusto that we all should try to apply, when they cannot. I use their loss as my impetus to try and create something with my existence that they'd be proud of.. and in turn, I become proud of myself in the process. I'm certainly not always successful, but I try, and THAT'S all I care about. Not the stuff or the amount of things accumulated. It's my own character, my heart and soul. Love yourself well and hopefully you'll be rewarded in return. I hear my loved one's voices sometimes.... especially in dreams. I feel like that happens, even years later, to reiterate and not allow me to forget all together. Never to become complacent. I'm sending you all my good thoughts and soothing vibes, if needed.
Hang in there, you're never really alone...
Much love and many hugs,
🌹
xo
Susan
15th Jan 2021 10:03pm
Thank you my dear friend. Your words are so true, mature, and healing. I treasure them and will read them often. Hugs, kisses, and peace.oral
15th Jan 2021 10:35pm
Some of the most important questions to ask and reflect on as we live our lives. So much of the world has become focused only on material belongings and things like family and love become an afterthought. I have traveled to a number of countries considered fairly significant by American standards I think and during those travels I have seen many things. I have seen extreme poverty but where the love flowed in ways I rarely observed in many places. I hope that one day I will be able to travel the world in it's entirety like it sounds you have. And I can imagine all the amazing things you have seen, the wisdom acquired, and the insight to see things in the bigger picture. I know that each place I traveled expanded my understanding of the world and what is truly important. You have captured this message beautifully and this one speaks to me deeply. It is truly a very valuable write and message. Many hugs and kisses.... XOXO
15th Jan 2021 10:49pm
I have learned in the halls of academia at the highest level but my education has been in the University of Life. Thanks for your wise and encouraging comment. Hugs and peace. oral
