The Tragedy of Unlived Life: A Sonnet of Fear and Purpose



'Tis not death that should instill fear in thee,
But rather, the failure to live one's life,
For to exist, but not truly be,
Is a fate far worse than ending one's strife.

The years pass by, and opportunities missed,
Chances for growth and love, left unexplored,
A life unlived, a fate to be dismissed,
A soul forever, unfulfilled and ignored.

So, do not let the fear of death consume,
But rather, let it be a gentle prod,
To live each day, with purpose and assume,
The role of life, with courage and aplomb.

For in the end, it is not death we'll rue,
But the life unlived, that will be our due.

About this poem

This sonnet is a reminder that it's not death that we should fear, but the failure to truly live our lives. It highlights the missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential that comes with not living to our fullest. The sonnet encourages us to not let the fear of death consume us, but to use it as a motivation to live each day with purpose and courage. The poem also suggests that in the end, it's not death that we'll regret, but the life unlived.

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Written on January 16, 2023

Submitted by Mawphniang.Napoleon on January 15, 2023

Modified on April 10, 2023

39 sec read
9

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAB CDCD EXEX FF
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 597
Words 129
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 2

Mawphniang Napoleon

Mawphniang is a person who is always striving to live life to the fullest. He is someone who is always open to new ideas and ways of living and is unafraid to take risks in order to explore the unknown. He is passionate about life and is always looking for ways to make use of his time and energy. He has an inquisitive nature, and is always looking for answers to life's mysteries and questions. Though Mawphniang does not pretend to have all the answers, he is determined to taste life and live a simple life, without overcomplicating things. He's a person who appreciates the small moments and cherishes the little things in life. He enjoys spending time in nature, exploring the world, and connecting with people. He is a person who is always up for a new adventure and never stops learning. He is on a daily journey of self-discovery, trying to make sense of the world and his place in it. more…

All Mawphniang Napoleon poems | Mawphniang Napoleon Books

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    "The Tragedy of Unlived Life: A Sonnet of Fear and Purpose" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/148747/the-tragedy-of-unlived-life:-a-sonnet-of-fear-and-purpose>.

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