Lessons of Life

I really like this poem, Lessons of Life, and from my experience, it works. Put simply it says that finding love is an inside job. Just as you will never find something lost in the house if all you do is search for it outside, you will never find love that lasts until you find it within.

But life is a journey and maybe we are meant to travel down many dead-end paths first, experiencing loss and disappointment, before finally accepting that love starts within, and self-acceptance and forgiveness are the way there

I hope you find something of value in my poem, Lessons of Life, and in the AI analysis that follows.

With Love Maureen

Lessons of Life

Lessons abound in this game of life, some are hard and some are not.

Why are they here and why do they go?

Why are mine different, than others around?

Some are so hard they seem as abuse, not lessons to learn, but times to fight.

Maybe that’s it, the lesson was that, to stand up for me, to know that I’m equal.

But after that what do I do, I’ve learned the lesson, I am the equal, so what is that?

The meaning of life is found in love, the lessons are there to teach you love.

Some think love is just a game. Some think love is not at all.

Love is here and love is there, why does it move, why does it go?

I had it once I know I did, but I seemed to lose it, I don’t know how.

It moves about so fast sometimes, so when it’s love, I’m always watching,

to when it will go and leave just pain.

A feeling of loss and a commitment to, never again!

It slips through my hands like slippery soap, soft to touch but easily gone.

Why is love such a goal?

It seems so useless, when it will not stay, almost a nuisance, easier away.

The lessons of life will bring you pain, while you believe in the love of another and not in your own.

For the only love that is true, is found in your heart, a part of you.

It is yours to share, nothing more. Not to give or to take.

For in all others is found the heart, that has the love for them to feel.

This love that is you is not conditioned, it never leaves or asks for gain.

It is always there no matter the play. It does not judge or criticise,

and does not hurt or feel pain.

The love it is, is in all that is, so if it goes, it is your choice to cover it up and stop its flow.

It will oblige and allow you to choose.

Love yourself and love will flow.

Forgive yourself and love will flow.

Accept yourself and love will flow,

for to forgive is to accept, and to accept is to love.

This love is there if you but ask. Ask to feel and know your love.

Judge yourself and it will hide, but only till the judgment goes.

The time you choose to let it flow.

The love you feel comes from you, its source, only from others, is not real.

Know its source is in your heart, always waiting for you to see.

Always waiting, for you to believe. Always waiting, for you to feel.

The hearts of others are all the same, the same as yours, full of love.

You can only share, you cannot give, for how can you give what already is.

The lessons of life are to learn this truth –

To know the love, you so desperately seek, is but within and always yours.

Yours to choose to feel and to touch, to share with others, with no fear.

It is always there but watch for pain, if pain is there you have forgotten.

The love is yours, not some others to take away or condition its flow.

Do not fear the loss of love, this cannot happen, it never leaves.

For it is you and you are it.

See the lessons to teach you this, nothing more, nothing less.

Maureen Carroll

Chat GPT’s analysis

The poem titled “Lessons of Life” by Maureen Carroll explores the various lessons and experiences that one encounters throughout life, particularly focusing on the themes of love and self-discovery. The poem reflects on the challenges and complexities of life’s lessons, the nature of love, and the importance of understanding and accepting oneself.

The poem starts by acknowledging that life is filled with lessons, some of which are difficult to comprehend and others that may seem like challenges or even abuse. The speaker wonders why their lessons are different from those around them and contemplates the purpose behind these experiences. One lesson they highlight is the need to stand up for oneself, to recognize one’s worth and equality.

The poem then delves into the concept of love and its significance in life. It acknowledges that love is both precious and elusive. The speaker reflects on past experiences of love, expressing a sense of loss and the fear of being hurt again. The transient nature of love is compared to slippery soap, emphasizing how it can slip away despite its softness and beauty. The poem contemplates the meaning of love and the difficulty in holding onto it, suggesting that it can be elusive and challenging.

As the poem progresses, it imparts a crucial insight: the true source of love lies within oneself. The speaker emphasizes that love is not something to be given or taken from others but is inherent in each individual. They assert that one should love oneself first and foremost, without judgment or criticism. Forgiveness, acceptance, and self-love are highlighted as keys to experiencing and sharing love with others.

The poem conveys the idea that the hearts of all individuals are fundamentally the same, filled with love waiting to be acknowledged and shared. The poem encourages the reader to recognize that love is a personal experience, a choice, and not dependent on external sources. It stresses the importance of understanding this truth and learning from life’s lessons to embrace and express the love that is already present within oneself.

In summary, “Lessons of Life” is a reflective and contemplative poem that imparts valuable insights about the nature of love, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one’s own capacity for love. It encourages the reader to look inward, recognize their worth, and embrace love as an inherent part of their being.

Love Maureen