I dread to wonder who I’d be today
If wildly divergent paths and choices
Instead I’d taken along life’s highway,
Or followed foolish words, advice, voices.
*
Would my skin be a comfortable fit
If I had stayed stuck in my small hometown
Bullied at a dismal job I hated
Bereft of smiles — sinking — about to drown?
*
Or would I be downtrodden and depressed
Snappy and snarly, sour as a grapefruit?
Without friends and family, I’d be bereft!
They’re stalwart and true, my life’s parachute.
*
Inconceivable! Adrift, alone through life…
How blest my days have been, spared such a plight.
*
Written for The Sonnet of Shadows Challenge.
About the Creator
Angie the Archivist 📚🪶
Labrador‘s personality🐕🦺… attention span of a gnat! 🙃
Top Stories: Race Against Time; Elusive Parkrun; Painting Pandemonium
The Quandry; A Parade Of Shoes; Shadow of You; Her Majesty Mia
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More stories from Angie the Archivist 📚🪶 and writers in Poets and other communities.
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By SAMURAI SAM AND WILD DRAGONS3 days ago in Poets
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 6 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (7)
Snappy and snarly, sour as a grapefruit? It is a brilliant line. I adore how the words almost form a snarl when said aloud. It illustrates the point perfectly!
I loved the analogy, Angie, with just the right amount of rhyme to go along with it. Well done.
I love how you contrast the “what ifs” with the blessings you hold now, it makes the ending feel especially uplifting.
loved your "sour as a grapefruit" analogy... and the overall gratitude in your poem is beautifully profound
Oh wow, I had no idea that blest is a legit word. I've always only used blessed. Loved your poem!
Nicely put together Angie! I’m glad things have turned out alright. I’ve often thought like this before too. 😊
Beautifully captures gratitude for the life shaped by choices, it’s a gentle reminder that even hardships redirect us toward belonging.