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Either Way

Whatever it is
I was designed to do
and destined to be,
I can tell you now -
I do not know.

Is there a Grand Plan
waiting for me,
tail and tongue wagging
like a new puppy
peeking around a corner

or will I one day
be hit on the head with
Maxwell’s little
silver hammer
and assume the position
of passion

and purpose?

What if this is it?

Writing poetry in my underwear
while the world sleeps,
dodging deadlines and
running red lights,
grabbing that occasional high
just to get closer
to the full lips of the moon

 

doing laundry at midnight?

Whatever it is
or whatever it might never be,
I will always leave
the porch light on.

Author notes

Prompt: To write a poem re my purpose in life, and to enter a prewrite

My prewrite entry: http://allpoetry.com/poem/4666675

In a list

A contest entry

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 58 of 58

  • afroqban
    October 24

    Edit | Reply
    Writing poetry in my underwear
    while the world sleeps,
    dodging deadlines and
    running red lights,
    grabbing that occasional high
    just to get closer
    to the full lips of the moon


    i love that! the realness of it is amazing and i believe we can all relate to it in our own way. again, i am just in love with your work. wonderful job you're doing. keep it up


  • JinSays gold member
    October 19

    Edit | Reply
    yep.
    you got it. this is fabulous. So much truth and raw humanness. (Is that a word?)
    Maxwell's hammer.
    The underwear line and running red lights. Tell me, do you screw your eyes shut as you go under the light, then frantically glance in the rear view to see if you were spotted?

    Yep. Me too. Doesn't work, bastards still catch me.

    Wonderfully personal and damn- it-all-this-is-me isms here, most excellent.
    Love,
    jin


  • Armatt
    October 17
    Edit | Reply
    I can so relate. Love it

  • close to home
    October 16
    Edit | Reply
    I really love this staza, it show the tuth behind all those who hide behind them selfs. It tells the truth that so many people seem to hide.

    Writing poetry in my underwear
    while the world sleeps,
    dodging deadlines and
    running red lights,
    grabbing that occasional high
    just to get closer
    to the full lips of the moon


  • hichristina
    October 15

    Edit | Reply
    wow.
    simple and yet so relatable and powerful
    I can't get over how great this stanza is:

    Writing poetry in my underwear
    while the world sleeps,
    dodging deadlines and
    running red lights,
    grabbing that occasional high
    just to get closer
    to the full lips of the moon

    "the full lips of the moon...." wow. i love that. excellent write!


  • Lightning Struck
    October 14

    Edit | Reply

    So right

    You have captured the thoughts that alot of us have running through our heads everyday. "What are we meant to do?" This was a beautiful poem.

  • Tennessee-Joe
    October 14
    Edit | Reply

    You are called

    to paint with words
    to be
    one with your readers
    us

  • Alexis-Rueal
    October 13

    Edit | Reply

    Very nice!

    I love the first stanza... so simple, yet says so much. So many of us feel the same way as you.

    The only little suggesstion that I may make would be to tweak the last stanza a little. The question I am left with when I read this last stanza is " Why does she leave the porch light on?" Is it so whatever it is can find you? Maybe clarify that a little. Other than that....great poem.

  • monkeylovesme
    October 13
    Edit | Reply
    My thoughts in print.
  • Eusebius
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    I do love this, and I doubt that there could be a better response to the question in the prompt. You have laid out a marvelous common path which, truth to tell, is never really "common" at all. This is a wonderful poem. bravo...


  • nordicsky silver member
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    Sometimes your poetry seems like an echo of my own thoughts. Perhaps, all poets are asking the same question and that’s what poetry is about. My answer to the question is that we are here to learn and that is the purpose of the whole grand scheme...to teach us.

    Gosh... this is too serious.

    I love the image of a Poetess sitting in her under wear, in the early hours, desperate to finish a poem to meet a deadline, whilst the washing machine whirls her clothes in soapy suds.

    Thanks for posting this wonderful insight into the nature of life.

    Love, Peter


  • marc creamore
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    OMG . . . Dalaney . . . this is so f%&*&%king beautiful . . . When you become lost inside your thoughts you always seem to reveal more of yourself and the sensitivity of your heart . . . So keep on writing in your underwear dear one, I can feel your nakedness of both body and spirit . . .

    Marc

  • Jade Jefferies
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    You write about what you are for
    And all about the way you feel
    And make the site love you the more
    Your writing always seems so real

    I wish that I could write as you
    And make the world see clear as day
    But talents such as yours are few
    So I must just write as I may

    Great writing Lane, great stuff indeed


  • apoeticinjustice gold member
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    what if...
    wonderful thoughts and images escape from the screen as I read this...not the least of which, you in underwear..lol I love the grabbing the occasional high to get closer to the full lips of the moon line....very good! Another work of art from an amazing writer.
    Rory


  • AutumnGypsy gold member
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    I oft ponder the same question, yet I do it fully clothed, you do leave a lasting image in my mind if nothing else So beautiful to see a glimpse of the inner you as always sweet girl. I would wish you luck but I realise there is no need. Beautiful x x x


  • notorious
    October 11
    Edit | Reply

    'tis soooo good.


  • notorious
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    I did NOT intend for a bunch of adults
    to reply to my inane little joke
    that wasn't entirely serious...

  • AsIThink gold member
    October 11

    Edit | Reply
    What an excellent reflection-moment. I can assure you, more people are sitting around in underware than you might think (now...are they writing poetry? probably not - but it does seem kind of poetic). All of that aside, this piece was gripping and questions (to me) so many assumptions and conclusions we often 'arrive at'; so it's probably a good thing that in all of this darkness, you keep the light on (maybe it'll become a trend?). I really enjoyed this.

    AsIThink...


  • tara wilson gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    lol...I love this, yes, writing poetry in underwear, laundry at midnight and a porch light on all the timne...I relate...excellent & thought provoking, I like how I feel that you are happy either way to me...even not finding it, but I think you've found it=)


  • Arzab
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Beautiful write, Lane. I think a lot of us wonder if there is a plan for us, or if we will ever think of or find a plan for ourselves in life. I didn't even think of what my purpose in life is until earlier this year. And, even now my purpose is only half known. I knew I had to go back to college, but overall I still don't know what I'm supposed to do. Anyway, great write and best of luck to you in the contest.


  • Pure Thought silver member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    My Lady

    Of course, I have my feelings on this, but I won't take the liberty to write 15 pages of my philosophy. Probably bore everyone. LOL

    Succinctly?

    You are a grain of sand
    in the ocean of the cosmos

    designed to move with it
    as part of the bigger entity.

    You are the ray of brilliance
    that lights many a muse here

    and a key for children waiting
    for the lock on their life to be opened


    ...and so much more.


  • breedluv silver member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, I love this; I'm sitting at a campsite reading your poem, which echoes how I feel most of the time. Gotta love my blackberry. Love you too, Laney.

  • csmmoms2
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    It rings true

    I waited and settled for crumbs...that was the best I could hope for. Tramped all the hills and valleys-she wasn't there. And then one day there she was.


  • Cannonsfire gold member
    October 10
    Edit | Reply
    Damn bunnies!!!


  • Cannonsfire gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Passes you the hammer so you can hit me too and then we'll both know C

  • BehindTheShadow gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Did you get in my head again girl? Great write, but then again the best is always found in your work. Lucky me, I'm getting closer to the moon's full lips right now while reading you. Perfect.


  • MJ Donnelly gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    What a beautiful, pensive penning dear Lane, and my heart once pondered such things until I knocked on death's door, and fortunately, was turned away. I now live every day as if it was a gift realizing that the purpose of life is just that, 'to live.'


    Four Reasons for Life:


    To toil for our sustenance as well as abode,
    To carry our share of a daily load,
    To celebrate this existence, each day anew
    To love with selfless passion true.

    A few of my favorite quotes



    I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.
    -- Anonymous

    Take a chance! All life is a chance. The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

    -- Dale Carnegie

    With much love,

    mj.


  • Swangrnv gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    Wow!

    I sure know this feeling! damn many times I question my purpose..you just hit a nerve Laney..right on the
    tender spot, next to my heart.
    my very fav. lines?..

    "Writing poetry in my underwear
    while the world sleeps,
    dodging deadlines and
    running red lights,
    grabbing that occasional high
    just to get closer
    to the full lips of the moon"
    outstanding poetess!


  • Scion
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Your purpose? Is to write poetry in underwear? Or to do laundry at midnight? What are those things that we all do?? Is that purpose? What to do, what to do... Hopefully, you discover that I'm speaking in jest by now... and that I love this. And while completely baby-stepping the question of purpose, you pour out these words like a carafe of brilliant humility and frankness. I wish to be like this-maybe just hit me with that little hammer too.
    "Writing poetry in my underwear
    while the world sleeps,
    dodging deadlines and
    running red lights,
    grabbing that occasional high
    just to get closer
    to the full lips of the moon"
    (I think this stanza says everything you want, and reveals everything you are. A-mazing, my friend.)
    Your theme/your reasoning are so fitfully stated. Beyong all the searching, it's the ending-oh, that ending-which brings it all together. Cheers.

    My scoring:
    Rules-9 Structure-8.7
    Title-8.7 Uniqueness-8.7
    Theme-8.8 Grammar-8.7
    Total-52.6

  • poetryality silver member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for that "light" Sis'. I knew your words would spill as beacon, no matter the situation. I loved every reality moment written here. Brilliant! I wish you the best in this challenge.


    Much Love Always ♥

    Renee


  • nevadapoet
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    We are what we are supposed to be every minute of everyday...that is the plan...accepting that is the true test to living. Want more, create more...want less, create less. By design...our purpose is to love everything and everyone...until we can do that perfectly, we will continue to question what our purpose is. Sounds too simple huh? We humans are so frickin complicated...the simple things baffle us.

    Be Well...thank you for sharing.
    Love,
    Shelly


  • Sue Cardwell gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    I don't think you would want to know the future, even if you had the chance...where would all the surprises come from???

    Keep writing great poetry like this and I am sure your life will be full.


    Love
    Sue


  • Sesheta
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    This sums up my own basic philosophy (with eloquence and imagery uniquely you which I always adore). Wonderful metaphor of a loyal puppy around the corner! This is a lovely reflection.


  • tomisb
    October 10
    Edit | Reply


  • RedAquarius gold member
    October 10
    Edit | Reply
    Not even going to dissect this, just embrace it.


  • Grunts Girl
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    if that is it... it doesnt sound all that bad. something about doing laundry at midnight- all the interesting infomercials on the tube and how my cats become crazed lunatics
    anyway.. i just liked that whatever it will be will be and take it as it comes feel.



    oh dont kill me...
    i went right to motel six.. well leave the light on for ya
    lol...
    yeah i know i am retarded.

  • silverfish
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    between daylight, red light, moon light, and the porch light, i like you best beneath the porch light. -lumenfish


  • WolfHeart gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Another wow! This is brilliant work. I have to struggle to find appropriate words. You painted your life with this poem...showing the foibles and machinations of ordinary life. But you always leave the porch light on!


  • RadioPJ
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    yes to this! sometimes i feel, and see evidence of, my destined purpose. it gives me a bit of hope to continue on the path, instead of plopping on the couch and watching soaps. i guess that's part of the journey for some of us. looking for our best life. i will leave the porch light on, too.


  • DolceVito gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant

    Henry David Thoreau says:
    "Life is but the stream I go afishing in....I have always been regretting that I'm not as wise as the day I was born."

    A good one
    Vito


  • JohnnyD gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Your purpose? You have been in the process of doing it for several years..........creating a legacy of great poetry to be shared by millions....
    perhaps it shall indeed take whacking you with a silver hammer to make you realize the huge importance of that undertaking.....

    The other purpose is to find some true happiness, which you richly deserve, and I do genuinely feel that by publishing you can obtain both....

    the happiness aspect will come about in a totally unexpected way, don't bother looking for it, as it will find you......for that is its sole purpose in life.

    searching for it is futile, allow it to surprise you
    and allow yourself to astonish the world.



    Len


  • paulcreates silver member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    ...and if one has no particular destination, any road will get them there. Decisions will always involve risk. You have dormant actions just waiting to be implemented.

    As to your design...you are the most exquisite design Lane, because God doesn't create junk.



    Paul


  • Allan Emery silver member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Keeping an open mind is the foundation of all understanding. The light is on and somebody IS home! Purpose is not like a tiger that chases you into the right closet. Purpose is like a faint odor that leads you to the blackberry bush, then to the apple tree, then to the... see? Purpose is how we become nourished. How we keep healthy. Purpose doesn't chase us, but gently guides is if we are paying attention. I love the intimacy in this piece. To me this is much closer to foreplay than silk sheets on skin and licking and caressing. George can do that, but he can't write this!!!


  • cricketjeff gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Let me help you. Your purpose is to create the best book of poetry written in the last 100 years so I can boast to my grandchildren and great grandchildren (many years from now when I get some!) that I knew you before you were famous!!!

    Wonderful poetry, all of you is here it seems. Great stuff

    I would give Mairi NB.NBB.NBBAA.BTT.GIF.NG for this!

    Wonderful.

  • Just a poet gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    Unlike you

    I know exactly your purpose in life, to make me smile, to be glad to know, and love you.

    This is such beautiful poetry, it looks at your life in a personal and light-hearted way that shows as much as your sad or nostalgic work. Simply wonderful, and yes please keep that light on so I can find you, where-ever you are.


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    October 10

    Edit | Reply
    You in a reflective and introspective mood. I don't think I have ever read you quite like this before, nor have I read a poem of yours which is so directly intimate. I like it.


  • notorious
    October 10
    Edit | Reply
    Good god.
    I guess adults don't have it all figured out either ...

    I find it incredibly amazing that you seem oblivious to your own obvious talent ... or maybe you've baked too much humble pie, in which case you need to bake me more cupcakes. Yeah ...

    LOVE the title, and I love that it's nowhere in the poem.

    "like a new puppy
    peeking around the corner"

    OH MY HOLY SATAN!
    You have found my weak spot, and it's not even a unicorn ... I absolutely adore puppies, especially my sister's new-ish puppies.
    And this simile was just genius--puppies are damn curious little things, and I love the context you've used it in.

    Oh, and I like the capitalization of "Grand Plan"--makes it seem patronizingly significant ... like, outlined already for you by somebody else.

    "the position
    of passion
    and purpose?"
    Oh, so many 'p' words and they all seem to go together. AWESOME!!

    Man, you use a lot of gerunds/-ing words.
    I love every instance you use one.
    I do, I do.
    I hardly ever say that ...

    "full lips of the moon"
    You love the moon--right? You always mention it.
    And yes, you've made it unique and nifty and personified again.

    That last line--WHAT a clincher ... like, when I know I've opened a Campbell's Clam Chowder can properly.

    Love it.

    Jessica


    • Mairi bheag gold member
      October 10
      Edit | Reply
      Of COURSE adults don't have it all figured out either. In fact, we're just teenagers with wrinkles!

      • notorious
        October 10
        Edit | Reply
        I was kidding,
        but yeah.

        • poetryality silver member
          October 10
          Edit | Reply
          I remember every moment of my teenage years, and would re-live them the same if I had the chance to do it again.

          What do you think I've figured out?

          Renee

        • JohnnyD gold member
          October 10
          Edit | Reply
          the only difference between teenagers and adults is that adults have come to the final realization that they'll never-ever figure it out. Check-mate
  • Topnotchsy
    October 9

    Edit | Reply
    Whatever it is
    I was designed to do
    and destined to be,
    I can tell you now -
    I do not know.

    We can sit together and wonder together, as you sit and pen inspiring, thought provoking writes (I'll provide the looks of disbelief at another unbelievable piece, and the "how do you do it" comments.

    Glad to know,

    I will always leave
    the porch light on.


  • balenciaga
    October 9
    Edit | Reply
    i think you are fabulous; pure and simple .

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