Experience

Carl Sandburg (1878 - 1967) This morning I looked at the map of the day And said to myself, “This is the way! This is the way I will go; Thus shall I range on the roads of achievement, The way is so clear—it shall all be a joy on the lines marked out.” And then as I went came a place that was strange,— ’Twas a place not down on the map! And I stumbled and fell and lay in the weeds, And looked on the day with rue. I am learning a little—never to be sure— To be positive only with what is past, And to peer sometimes at the things to come As a wanderer treading the night When the mazy stars neither point nor beckon, And of all the roads, no road is sure. I see those men with maps and talk Who tell how to go and where and why; I hear with my ears the words of their mouths, As they finger with ease the marks on the maps; And only as one looks robust, lonely, and querulous, As if he had gone to a country far And made for himself a map, Do I cry to him, “I would see your map! I would heed that map you have!”

A Confession to a Friend in Trouble

Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928) Your troubles shrink not, though I feel them less Here, far away, than when I tarried near; I even smile old smiles—with listlessness— Yet smiles they are, not ghastly mockeries mere. A thought too strange to house within my brain Haunting its outer precincts I discern: —That I will not show zeal again to learn Your griefs, and, sharing them, renew my pain. . . . It goes, like murky bird or buccaneer That shapes its lawless figure on the main, And each new impulse tends to make outflee The unseemingly instinct that had lodgment here; Yet, comrade old, can bitterer knowledge be Than that, though banned, such instinct was in me! @copyright 2025 InterPure More Poems

InterPure

poems in the public domain Poetry can be a powerful way to express emotions and thoughts. It helps express and process feelings, which contributes to emotional development. In addition, poetry encourages creative thinking and language skills. Moreover, poetry can help us feel connected to others. Reading and writing poems allows us to share experiences and perspectives, which promotes empathy and understanding. And of course poetry can also be a source of comfort and inspiration, especially in difficult times. Two poems are added to the site every month. I would like others to enjoy these poems too. Poetry “sings the language” and connects people.