Experience is Bitter
A Falstaff kind of thing
Dazzled by Falstaff’s debonair,
I sit at the bar, trying not to stare.
So, wait, he sits in the chair right there and tells me he’s had quite a scare.
Tells me he must have someone to talk with, being on the verge of losing his lid.
Recounting problems he’s had without money, he spits on the floor, that damn attorney.
A slew of suffering, slaughter, and fear, can I buy him a drink to promote some cheer?
Cheering him on is something to do, but I’d just lost my job; I’m broke, too.
Together we count our meager glitter and discuss Confucius—experience is bitter.
Indeed, suffering builds character, we surely agree, but a big glass of ale could make it sweet.
On the subject of character, Falstaff grins; I’ve got you beat, ole pal, my dear friend.
No, I decide; I’d rather have gin.
About the Creator
Pamela Williams
“Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.”
— Psalm 139:9–10, Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Pamela Williams and writers in Poets and other communities.
Seabirds
Distract me, renew my courage, for life is cruel, it seems. I feel comforted by a dream, a dream of the green sea. I can smell the salt and feel the sun on my skin. I can hear the sloshing of the waves. I wish to live by the green sea. The roaring ocean blue is yet another mood to be felt another time. Right now, at this moment, I crave the green and feel camaraderie with seabirds, the seabirds, and their screams.
By Pamela Williams3 years ago in Poets
Comments (29)
Thanks, L.C. 😁
I'm not a huge fan of gin, but I enjoyed this piece 😁
Thank you, Ananda
It was sweet and bittersweet at the same time, an image of two souls sharing the weight of their burdens over drinks. I enjoy how you interjected the philosophical reflections alongside everyday struggles. 🌸
I’d rather have gin too. Great Poem really enjoyed reading it
Well said, we make the most of our experiences. A creative take!
love watching how the character Falstaff works-- Shakespeare would have been proud of you!
So lovely and well written. Experience can be bitter or sweet. The poetry of this is divine. Kudos.
A very interesting article, I recently tried something like this during a course of trenbolone. I do bodybuilding, as you probably already understood. I buy trenbolone in this store: https://basicstero.ws/trenbolone
Wonderful!
It sounds like quite the encounter at the bar. A bond shared over mutual hardships, stories exchanged, and philosophical discussions can certainly make for an interesting night. Cheers to finding camaraderie in unexpected places!
The I'm broke too part was so relatable, lol! Your poem was so creative! Congratulations on your Top Story! I've subscribed to you!
https://shopping-feedback.today/lifehack/change-your-thinking%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Visit my profile plz
Very good
The poem leaves us contemplating the choices we make in difficult circumstances and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. A delightful piece that invites reflection on life's challenges and the paths we choose to navigate them.
Amazing writing.
This is beautiful, it made me feel guiltily comforted ❤️✨
There was something about this that was oddly familiar. It was clever and well written. Your timing felt good as well.
Excellent piece of work❤️😉 I subscribed and left some love ❤️ also Congratulations on your Top Story💖🎉✨
Very good and Congratulations on the Top Story 🎉
Impressive!!! Loved it!!! Congratulations on T S too!!!💖💖💕
Congratulations on the Top Story! I really enjoyed reading your piece.
Very nicely done. Congrats on the TS.
Wonderfully clever. Loved the ending. Congrats on the Top Story.