Reciprocality * Poem by Adeline Foster

Reciprocality *

Rating: 4.9


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.

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
*Reciprocality: the act of mutual giving and receiving
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
James Mclain 12 July 2013

A wonderful poem I took pleasure to read very slow thanks to you....iip

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Dave Walker 12 July 2013

Real friends are few and far between. Sometimes we can old them at arms length. A fantastic poem.

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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!

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Edward Kofi Louis 07 July 2016

Joy from the knowledge of pain! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

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Buried Alive 27 February 2016

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

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Ramesh Rai 24 July 2013

I purchased my bliss with gifts of my hand. I loaned with no interest required. loved your write.

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Dawn Ferrett 15 July 2013

Amazing poem! Very emotive. I wish I was half as talented! Thank you for your kind words about my child-like verses. Dawn xx

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Patricia Grantham 13 July 2013

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.

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Adeline Foster

Adeline Foster

Instructor of poetry, Hagerstown, MD
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