Pleasure is learned from adversity
And joy from the knowledge of pain.
‘Tis troubles we have that help us to see
The value we have in a friend.
Life is so full of uncertainty
With disloyal friends and machines,
But a true friend is there when we need him to be,
When life comes apart at the seams.
I stood on the brink of a world in distress
And looked o’er the selfish abyss,
And knew there were many men willing to take
And few there were willing to give.
I determined to shape a world of my own
And ask not a quarter of them;
I’d give to the world from all that I’d sown
No matter how meager the stem.
I purchased my bliss with gifts of my hand.
I loaned with no interest required.
I covered my gifts as if buried in sand
And told not when I became tired.
I gave and, in giving, a pleasure derived,
Nor did I permit a return.
I blamed them for what I had others denied,
And indulged them no pleasure to earn.
The pleasures I’d learned from adversity
I protected from those that I loved.
The troubles I’ve seen I allowed none to see,
Thus allowing no friendship be proved.
Like others, I’ve endured calamity,
Yet I must continue to give.
Belated, I’ve learned that humility
Must also know how to receive.
Real friends are few and far between. Sometimes we can old them at arms length. A fantastic poem.
Again Adeline, I simply love the way you write. I read them loud to myself and it flows smoothly.. I know that giving brings some joy and satisfaction. Being in a position to give, no matter how little, is a joyous thing. And, I have found these lines especially to be true: .... I’ve learned that humility Must also know how to receive. Thank you as always!
Joy from the knowledge of pain! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
such elegant words of wisdom from someone who knows life well the older I get, the more clear these lessons become. every poem so perfectly written each with an important insight into the meaning of life it matters not which one I happen to select
I purchased my bliss with gifts of my hand. I loaned with no interest required. loved your write.
Amazing poem! Very emotive. I wish I was half as talented! Thank you for your kind words about my child-like verses. Dawn xx
This is a real good poem. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Your poem states a true fact that there should always be a great pleasure in receiving also. Joy comes from both giving and receiving. Enjoyed this. Please read my poem Sharing is Caring and an Angel just for Me.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
A wonderful poem I took pleasure to read very slow thanks to you....iip