Onward to a Different Shore
By Amalia Jusayan
Seasons change,
as do most people,
although some stick it out
through thick and thin.
Words have been spoken.
Some promises were made.
Although some were kept,
sadly, most have been broken.
It shows us that nothing in life
can be expected to be permanent.
Because just like life’s cycle
of being born and then dying,
things have beginnings
and they, too, have endings.
Crumbling down they go,
so hold onto nothing.
Just in case you insist on
what you perceive to be true,
be sure to afford some space
where you can wiggle through.
In every life’s situation,
wisely maintain flexibility.
So when things go wrong,
you can react objectively.
Thus, to anyone’s promises,
be cautious about holding on.
Know that life is like a deep sea
and oceans have their motions.
After the ebbing tide,
the high will soon be coming on.
Changes are always at bay
that may wash your hopes away.
Always treat life like a raft
or as you do a boat—
at times ending up aground
from high winds, at times staying afloat.
If from a distance oncoming
you see a huge storm, try avoiding,
moving to safety, rowing from your core,
onward to a different shore.
Hence in life, think twice,
for some things spell trouble.
Wisely attempt to compromise
to appease a troubled soul.
When a chance presents itself,
seize it to save your life.
Row your boat fast to safety—
somewhere, a different shore.
One life is all you have,
but with arrogance it’s gone.
Try swallowing bitter pride
for the sake of loved ones.
Like a boat, row your life.
Like a raft, boldly paddle on
against swirling currents and rocks,
to a different shore—onward.
Amalia Jusayan is the author of two books. The newest of these publications is her poetry collection, Passionate Insights in Rhyme (2022). Her earlier release was the New Age book, A Gift After Dying: A True Story (1997), which once landed her a radio-telephone interview with shock jock Howard Stern. A graduate of college in the Philippines, she currently makes her home in Washington state.