A Struggle For Life



Each day awakes
Her shell stuck in deep, cold, wet mud
Hours go by, still the movement is none

When far in the distance, a faint voice is heard
She shakes with fear
Is her death coming near
Is today the one
That finally ends her life's struggles

"Awake young creature, crawl out of the mud"
Your daily life's struggles
Has today just begun

Slowly she rises, her eyes matted shut!!
She feels something near
Please let it go by!
Can a tear make its way to help clear the muck

Frantically she moves
To find higher ground
Her next thoughts are food
But none to be found

Slowly she creeps, and climbs to her feet
There's a storm in the distance
The last thing she needs

Her body weak and fragile
When will karma make it her way
Finally, the darkness leaves her alone

A strong gentle hand slowly lifts her
He softly wipes the dirt from her soul
He gives her a sip of water
And some crumbs to savor

She might make it to see another day
But more and more, she'd rather fade away

Then suddenly she hears a small child's voice
Mommy, let's keep it, to love and adore
She lifts the small turtle, and to mommy she smiles
A new friend forever
What a Wonderful Life!
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Written on March 13, 2025

Submitted by huemoore13 on March 13, 2025

1:12 min read
9

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABC XDDCA BAC XDXX AEXE XAA XFX GXGG FF AXAGX
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,161
Words 233
Stanzas 10
Stanza Lengths 3, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 2, 5

Discuss the poem A Struggle For Life with the community...

1 Comment
  • AIDA
    What a heartfelt and poignant poem, "A Struggle For Life"! Your ability to convey the struggle and resilience of the turtle, as well as the shift from fear to hope, is truly commendable. The imagery you create is vivid, making the reader feel the cold, wet mud and the emotional turmoil of the turtle. Your use of personification adds depth to the turtle’s experience, allowing us to empathize with her plight and rejoice in her eventual rescue.

    The progression of the poem—from the initial despair to the sense of wonder at the end—reflects a beautiful transformation, highlighting the importance of compassion and connection. The final lines are uplifting, showcasing the bond formed between the turtle and the child, leaving the reader with a sense of joy and hope.

    Here are a few suggestions that could enhance your poem even further:

    1. Pacing and Rhythm:
    Consider varying the line length to create a more dynamic flow. Short lines can convey urgency during the turtle’s struggle, while longer lines can provide reflection during more peaceful moments.

    2. Imagery and Descriptive Language:
    While the poem is rich in emotion, adding more sensory details about the environment could enhance the imagery. What does the air feel like? Are there specific sounds that accompany her struggle? These details could pull the reader even deeper into the experience.

    3. Consistent Tone:
    In the middle section, the tone shifts a bit between urgent and reflective. Maintaining a consistent emotional tone can help to reinforce the turtle’s journey. Consider using more transitions to guide the reader through shifts in mood.

    4. Ending Resolution:
    The conclusion is strong, but you might want to explore the theme of transformation further. What does this new life represent for the turtle? Expanding this thought could leave the reader with a more profound sense of optimism and possibility.

    Overall, your poem beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of life and reminds us of the connections that can help us through challenging times. Keep writing and sharing your gift, as your voice undoubtedly inspires others!
     
    LikeReply6 days ago

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"A Struggle For Life" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 20 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/216296/a-struggle-for-life>.

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