Would it be different

sorenbarrett

What if I'd never been born, from my mother's womb not torn
Would these shoes by another be worn, another's head this hat adorn
One I married to another her love carried, another in my hole buried
Who would the bullies have harried if I had been miscarried

 

Would another in my place gone to war, would they notice my absence in the store
Without me, for the poor would there have been more 
Would he survive that beggar that from my pocket I gave five
If that boy I did not revive would he today be alive

 

Where would my dreams have gone, who would my children spawn
Blank pages my images drawn, would there be weeds in my lawn
What ghosts would inhabit my house, how many mice had I not killed that mouse
Who would unbutton the blouse of my spouse had I not been born

Comments +

Comments13

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    One question spawns so many others my friend

  • Demar Desu

    What spark such a poem to post today? They say art reflects life Soren! I hope you’re doing well and I’m glad your mother pushed you out! Great poem

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks Demar for the read and comment it is deeply appreciated.

    • David Wakeling

      The ultimate question explored very well here.We can look at it two ways.We are lucky to be alive given the infinite alternative possibilities involved or we are left to wonder what would happen if we were never born.I like to think that life is a mess and it really doesn't matter because it all ends up messed up anyway.Great and clever poem mi amigo.Certainly made me think.

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks so much for the review my friend. Your words of understanding mean a great deal and are deeply appreciated. Yes you are right it all ends up the same in the end.

      • Lorenz

        A text shaped like a mirror reflecting the infinity of the self ...

        • sorenbarrett

          Either a mirror or a lenes where a microscope or telescope observes Thanks so much Lorenz for the read and comment always appreciated

        • Thomas W Case

          This poem carries a deep and haunting reflection on existence, gently tracing the unseen ripples one life leaves behind. There’s a quiet power in your questions, a sense that even the smallest presence holds meaning beyond what we can ever fully know.

          • sorenbarrett

            Thomas thank you sincerely you should have been a philosopher or I guess you are but philosophy does not pay well. Your words mean a great deal friend

          • orchidee

            Good write SB. There's a line in a comedy film: 'It don't matter that you can't remember where you were born; it's bad enough that it happened!' lol. Bit like KP. heehee.

            • sorenbarrett

              Thanks Orchi I appreciate the review and I can identify with that. LOL

            • Neville



              Since you directly ask a series of impossible question, it seems only fair not to try and answer it indirectly .. Suffice to suggest the most succinct probability is therefore, most likely to be maybe .. Neville 😎👍

              • sorenbarrett

                Thanks Neville rhetorical questions that one asks themselves. I appreciate your review my friend just musings

              • Friendship

                This poem explores the existential question of identity and the impact of an individual's existence on the world around them. It contemplates the potential consequences of never having been born, reflecting on how one person's life affects others and the broader fabric of society. Yet the poet includes themes of existence, legacy, interconnectedness, and the ripple effects of individual actions. A very interesting poem.

                • sorenbarrett

                  Thank you my friend for the read and your interpretation. Your observations are correct and most appreciated

                • arqios

                  Our life, even in its smallest motions, has altered countless other lives in ways we may never fully see.

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thanks so much Cryptic for the understanding of this piece. It is always most appreciated my friend

                    • arqios

                      Most welcome dear friend 🙏🏻🙏🏻

                    • Teddy.15

                      So wonderful, inspiring waking up the muse with such questions of reflection. Isn't it all so damn fascinating. 🌹

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thank you so much Teddy for your review and kind words of comment they are indeed most appreciated

                      • Kevin Hulme

                        This is a Subject that I constantly muse over.
                        Many years ago My Nephew who was aged 6, died of a Tumour. The Following year my Sister give birth to a Girl, Who is now Married and has Family of her own. And I often think of the Girl who never married my Nephew . And the Children who weren't born. And If my Niece wasn't born: her Husband would be Married to someone else. And of course the Children would be different. When I was a Baby: I nearly died in a Accident. So you wouldn't be reading this. All the Songs Buddy Holly never wrote. Interesting stuff. And you described it well. A fave.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you Kevin I deeply appreciate your words and they are right on target regarding the intent of the poem.

                        • Tristan Robert Lange

                          My friend, this is one heck of a poem. The questions move between humor, intimacy, mortality, and moral consequence...revealing an entire web of lives transformed simply because one person existed. Outstanding work, Soren. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you Tristan your take on this adds another perspective and I appreciate that my friend

                          • peto

                            It's a wonderful life
                            Absolutely stunning write

                            • sorenbarrett

                              Thanks Peto I deeply appreciate the read and comment



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