Life’s Shelf
Dear Editor,
In 1985 I went through a difficult time in my life.
I was lost, confused because my effort to live, provide and prosper I was up ended by my separation from My family and ultimately a divorce.
I had no idea how to rebound from the upset.
Thirteen months I could not figure what I did wrong.
With patience and support of my new friends in a world strange to me one night while working the midnight shift, it came together.
I wrote this when the realization of the cause of my dilemma came to light.
I like to use words in their many forms as a form of self evaluation. Poetry, short stories even parody songs work to relieve stress, anxiety even an occasional serving of the blues.
I would name this BESIDE MYSELF
With moon so full on a night so clear.
In a land so far, it felt so queer
I finally see upon life’s shelf,
Where I had been, beside myself.
I wandered through my life’s first page
A hated land, with mad man rage!
I’d been placed upon life’s shelf!
I found me there beside myself!
When times get hard, I know they might,
I’ll stand my ground this time and fight.
For I know now where I belong
I’ll hold up there, where I’ll be strong
At odds with life, I’ve found a gift.
With words and pen, my strength I’ll lift.
I’ll write my cry for truth and right
And lay it down, in life’s plain sight.
I won’t be left upon life’s shelf!
I won’t be left beside myself!
10/1986
Lloyd Brightwell
I had tried so hard to make a living that I forgot to live.
Since then I found my sense of humor. I have enjoyed my life. I realized at that at the time of that writing I had become too serious. However, today, I will not be placed on life’s self. I won’t be left beside myself.
Enjoy life. Enjoy your family and friends. Smile, joke, laugh, the loss is too great, the recovery too lengthy and difficult.
As always remembering those who serve, our military, various police agencies, our first responders and our medical professionals. Thank you all.
Lloyd Brightwell