Written to the prompt Friday Writings #233: “set another goal … dream a new dream”
C.S. Lewis reminds us that we are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. Yet age offers a companion that youth seldom values: discernment. A dream is not judged by its size alone, but by its fit. Wisdom lies not merely in dreaming, but in knowing which dreams deserve a place in our waking hours. A dreamer dreaming a dream must dream a dream that can become reality.
Dream, for dreams are worth the dream,
Yet dream the dream that fits the dream,
Not every dream is yours to dream.
Aim, but after knowing the archer well,
Target, only what is worth the target,
Not every arrow will find its mark.
Love, but weigh the love you love,
Want, but test the want you want,
Desire alone should not guide.
Spend, if spending serves the plan,
Invest, but learn before you invest,
Gold has buried many a dream.
Dream, for dreams renew the soul,
Yet dream with prudence at your side,
Dream those dreams that are part of soul.
It's good to note that so far the poets responding to this prompt seem to be very much of C S Lewis's mind (whether or not they know the quote). Long ago, a poet I admired told me 'philosophy is death to poetry', meaning you can't successfully philosophise in a poem. You are proving him wrong! I like both the philosophy and the poetics here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking it.
DeleteThis is nice! So musical with the repetition. Reminds me of that old advice, "we only ever hit the target we aim for".
ReplyDeleteThat is true but when the target is too far, some intermediate milestones maybe necessary.
DeleteI like the rhythm and repetition of your poem and am reminded that a dream by its nature often has the aura of being a bit out of reach, rather difficult to achieve.
ReplyDeleteThere is one very important factor that must be taken into consideration to achieve difficult dreams - and it's luck!
DeleteOh My ~~~ your poem is so beautifully composed, so wonderfully wise ~~~ the world needs to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen for appreciating the poem, you are very kind.
DeleteA lot of wisdom in your poem and especially that last line stands out for me
ReplyDeleteI tried to make the last line as the soul of the poem.
DeleteSeems like a vicious circle between dreams, wants, needs
ReplyDeletethat is life ...
Deletethe weight of a dream realized .... love how you walked the reader through .... i am now all the wiser after reading your poem and will consider again and yet again before taking a step... so beautifully written
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts and nice words.
DeleteMe gusto tu poema. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking it and letting me know.
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ReplyDeleteI like the assonance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback
DeleteI love the repetition of dream in this. So wise and well written. Wonderful last line!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for such kind words
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