“Fate brought us together,” the lovers whisper blithely, imagining a future of burgeoning promise.
My name sits uneasily on the lips of the physician, explaining to the shell-shocked mother that there is no explanation.
Fate got you fired from your job -- did I? Fate made one dream come true and dashed another to the ground – did I?
The flood, drought, tornado, wildfire – mere poisoned darts flicked at a map, or a roll of my mysterious dice? Is life just a game with no rules, played to the parlor music of my callous laughter?
Every day met at Fate's mercy -- such a tragic assumption.
They speak of me in hushed tones, those afraid to “tempt me.” Whatever that means.
I’m sick of being used as an excuse by those who could change their own story if they would only snatch the pen away from my invisible hands.
They imagine me a specter they can never outrun, a looming force stealing away their agency in the dark of night.
Can I tell you a secret?
There is no twist. There is nothing to outrun but yourselves.
Search for meaning, not a cruelly controlling hand.
Searching dispels succumbing. Seek, and you will find. Succumb, and you will slip silently away.
Not because of Fate.
Your inability to see tomorrow does not absolve you from living today.
Your fear of that which you cannot control does not need to shackle your feet to the earth.
Your inability to explain your struggles must not compel you to be defined by them.
When things are going well – the relationship, the promotion -- learn, grow, and be grateful.
Tomorrow will worry about itself.
You are here for a reason, and that reason is good.
Understanding this is key to splintering the fearful mentality.
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This poem was written for Poppy's Prompts #10 -- Fate, Splinter, Dart, Drought, Key. Come join the fun! Here's the link:
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Comments (12)
This was an excellent read Holly! Lots of great lines in here (the "mere poisoned darts flicked at a map" stands out), and you take a classic concept and remind the reader that our choices are our own, after all. "Search for meaning, not a cruelly controlling hand."- love this 👏
Well-wrought! Subscription reciprocated! When fear arises, we must use it as a guage, I think, of what there is to overcome. Without fear to overcome, what appears a courageous act may only be a wreckless one. A salute to courage!
Oh this is extraordinary. I love the personification of Fate, its so powerful. 'I’m sick of being used as an excuse by those who could change their own story if they would only snatch the pen away from my invisible hands.' is suuuchh a good line, like damn! Just the entire poem was so creative and impactful. I loved it!
Great tale from Fate’s perspective ✅
Beautiful inspiring words!!!
inspiring and provoking, great piece
Thought-provoking and powerful!!!!
Whoaaaa, this was so profound and powerful! I loved it!
Beautiful and inspiring. Well done.
Beautifully written!
Great take on the challenge and some great lines
I need this framed and in my office "Your inability to see tomorrow does not absolve you from living today."