The Beginning At Last

This Path

—

by

Kevin
in , ,
No Theme Thursday: 01.16.25 (First Anniversary Edition)

I am not here to serve you

I am not here to save you

I am not here to free you

Nor am I to enslave you

Remember what they gave you

Remember, they betrayed you

I am not here to teach you

I care not if I reach you

I care not to enrich you

I care not to convince you

I don’t care if it hurts you

I don’t care if it helps you

I will not decide for you

Instead I shall ignore you

My words are not to sway you

This path is not meant for you

If you tread it, I have warned you

Nothing more shall I do for you

This poem is for all those who have ever had to walk alone. Whether by choice, or by chance, the end result is the same. You have walked alone at some time in your life.

It is also for all those who have given their blood, sweat and tears to a lost cause.

You tried to help someone who could not be helped.

You tried to save a relationship that wasn’t worth saving.

You tried to be that ripple in the ocean.

And it was all for nothing.

So you chose to walk away.

For your health and sanity you had to.

Know right here and now that you did not fail them.

It was they who failed you.

Stand up proud, hold your head high and walk your path.

I salute you.

Comments

74 responses to “This Path”

  1. Spark of Inspiration Avatar
    Spark of Inspiration

    So true, nicely written, there are times that we just need to walk away and take care of ourselves.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Very true indeed. Thank you very much, I am glad you like it. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Perfectly written, sometimes for our own well being we have to make that choice to let certain things, situations, and people go who no longer serve our highest good 🙏

    Hope you are getting some rest and feel well upon waking ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Indeed. Sometimes it’s by choice, and other times, it is thrust upon us. But often the end result is similar – walk alone, heal and rebuild.
      I’m a bit disappointed in myself, tbh. I slept later than I wanted to and blew my whole day off 😡😄

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        I hear you, I slept too much today too 🤪 trying to get things done now at 10:30 PM.

        You probably needed the rest 🙏 ❤️

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        You’re probably right 💗
        All the same, I wish I had gotten a bit more out of it than that. Oh, well. There’s always tomorrow. Maybe I can wake bright and early lol
        Like you, I just finished having dinner 😄

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        I’ve got my alarm set for 7:30, Aldi opens at 9AM 🤣

        Here’s to hoping 🤞

        I know what you mean about not feeling like getting enough out of it. Now I gotta cram everything into one day dammit lol 😆

        Sleep is always needed, though ❤️

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I’m shooting for somewhere between 6 and 7am too. We’ll see 🤷‍♂️😄
        Yes, it sucks when you look in the rearview and see that the day whizzed by, but I guess time for sleep is needed too. 😘

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        😘 😘
        Very true. Good morning ❤️ 🥰
        Hopefully it’s a better day today 🙏

        Liked by 2 people

      6. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Good morning 😘😘
        It’s off to a rocky start, but hopefully that passes soon lol

        Liked by 2 people

      7. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        Got your workout in? 🤪

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I did. And I need to get one in today, since Monday and Tuesday are basically a wash 😄

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        I hear ya ugh 😩

        Like

      10. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        Congrats on doing more than I did in that aspect tho lol 🤪

        Like

  3. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
    Not all who wander are lost

    Wow. This hits! Well done.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Sarah! Glad you liked it. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  4. Kymber @booomcha Avatar
    Kymber @booomcha

    This touches me because, yes, we’ve all walked alone. I think everyone can relate to this. Hope you’re well, Kevin.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Kymber. Yes, I think the feeling is universal in some form or another. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  5. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
    Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

    Brilliant! No need to say another word; it would only take away from the depth of your ink. 🖤🖋️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Nancy. Very glad you like it. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
        Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

        Very welcome, Kevin.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Fedora Pancakes Avatar
    Fedora Pancakes

    What a beautiful poem! Very inspirational. I’m new here and I wanted to thank you for subscribing. That means a lot.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, my friend. I am very glad you enjoyed it. And I thank you for the same. Welcome! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  7. Ernie 'Dawg' Avatar
    Ernie ‘Dawg’

    Walking alone is a tough choice to make but reading this powerful poem puts the mind at ease. Very resonating to those that face the truth.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, E-Dawg. We have all had to do it at some time or another. It can break us, bury us, or give us strength. Sometimes, it even does all those things in phases. Stay strong always!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Ernie 'Dawg' Avatar
        Ernie ‘Dawg’

        I agree that the phases have to be gone through to survive. Post well done bro.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, my brother! 💪

        Liked by 2 people

  8. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar
    LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Awesome, my friend! Well done!! ✨

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, T! Very glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar
        LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        My pleasure. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  9. phindacure Avatar
    phindacure

    Well written and poignant. Thank you for subscribing to me and giving me the opportunity to follow your work, I’m so glad you did!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      And I thank you for both your kind words and for subscribing as well. I truly appreciate it. Welcome! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. aquinoaa2272 Avatar
    aquinoaa2272

    I love this and can completely relate. I’ve walked alone a lot in this lifetime.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, my friend. Greatly appreciated. And congrats on the new page! 👏👏👏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. aquinoaa2272 Avatar
        aquinoaa2272

        Thank you sir 😊

        Liked by 2 people

  11. Mary K. Doyle Avatar
    Mary K. Doyle

    I understand, and you sent a clear message.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Mary. I think it is a feeling we can all relate to. Sometimes, people leave us no choice but to move on and grow stronger. All part of the cycle of life, I guess.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Mary K. Doyle Avatar
        Mary K. Doyle

        Yes, I’ve lost a few friends and relatives along the way. Perhaps, what was needed between us is complete.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        There is an old saying, and I do not know it by heart, mind you – People will be in your life for exactly as long as they are meant to be. Whether that’s days, years, or decades, who can truly know?
        I hope you have a fantastic week, Mary! 🙏

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
    Ephemeral Encounters

    Awesome Kevin.
    I can relate 👏👏

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Maggie. I think the feeling is universal to all. Life does not discriminate in this regard very often, if at all.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
        Ephemeral Encounters

        My pleasure Kevin.
        Yes, I think so too
        Have a good weekend.🤗🙏

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, Maggie and you as well! 🙏🙏

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
        Ephemeral Encounters

        Thank you my friend 🙏🤗

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        My pleasure 😊😊

        Liked by 2 people

  13. Destiny Avatar
    Destiny

    relatable to many as you’ve mentioned, Kevin..
    and that walk away can be most difficult for many too… But needed.
    well expressed, Chief …🤍🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Lady Destiny. It can be difficult, but ultimately, it is usually for the better. For all concerned. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Destiny Avatar
        Destiny

        most true …and my pleasure 🙏

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        😊😊

        Liked by 2 people

  14. Darryl B Avatar
    Darryl B

    Great post, Kevin. Very well-written critique of the loneliness and futility we all share for a season. Hard to walk that path of complete indifference but it’s sometimes the only choice.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      I am paraphrasing an old friend of mine, but he had a saying that basically boiled down to “When I care more about you than you do, something is seriously wrong”
      Some people, probably most of us, have felt this way, and/or also been the party not caring enough about themselves too.
      Life is theater, and we all play many different parts over the course of several acts.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  15. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    Powerful words, great poem Kevin and when I’ve walked away they either saved themselves or they didn’t … but it save me! 🌹

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Cindy! Yes, sometimes they can save themselves. Other times, they won’t. But, ultimately, we need to be our own best friend sometimes. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        You’re so very welcome, Kevin. It’s so true, You are soooooo right!!! 💕

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    We need to be our best advocate

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Spot on, Christine. Thank you very much!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  17. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    I need you to be the best Kevin there is, Kevin. That’s all I ask.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      I certainly try, Alice. Sometimes I have to settle for second best, but a silver medal ain’t so bad at times lol
      Thank you, truly 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  18. Pennize Pics Avatar
    Pennize Pics

    That was awesome.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Pennie. Very glad you like it!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  19. thomasstigwikman Avatar
    thomasstigwikman

    I think most of us has been there at some point, and you just have to walk away, for your own sanity like you say. It is a great poem.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Thomas. Yes, I think we have all been part of this equation before. And likely, at some point in life, will be again.
      Most grateful for the fine words. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  20. Kay Avatar
    Kay

    🙏💕 Absolutely amazing! And touches home quite a bit ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Kay. I know my fellow humans can all relate. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  21. New Day – Black Moon Lilith 🌙 Avatar
    New Day – Black Moon Lilith 🌙

    […] and all its wonders certainly can and do have that renewing effect on us and I’m glad Kevin was able to capture the essence of this feeling with his beautiful words in the poem he wrote for […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      💗💗💗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    Wow Kevin, another gut puncher.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Sharon. Very glad you liked it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. NTT Showcase: 1/16/25 Edition – The Beginning At Last Avatar
    NTT Showcase: 1/16/25 Edition – The Beginning At Last

    […] For Disaster NTT: Barbecue No fear The Phoenix [NTT x Poem] #paused…# This Path You Are The Phoenix My Native Land Not Fade Away – 24th January 2025 Ode To […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. KC Avatar
    KC

    Very strong message… Been there, Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, brother! Glad you enjoyed it! 💪

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. 275 – Paths v2 – Beach Walk Reflections: Thoughts from thinking while walking

    […] This Path (a poem) […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Nicole Horlings Avatar
    Nicole Horlings

    Excellently written, Kevin. The use of anaphora really helped drive the message home.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Nicole. And I must admit that I just learned something, because I did not know there was a name for what I had done.
      I appreciate the knowledge! 🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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