Living by the book
doing what is right
you hold your goals high
clearly in sight.
Number one, check
rejoice with your love
the future looks rosy
yet barriers hang above.
Undetectable
to the naked eye
wouldn’t foresee
in the greatest sky.
The first one drops
devastation of heart
keep moving forward
resilient from the start.
You look for the good
in all people you meet
a mixture of manners
some sour, some sweet.
The second one drops
then number three
the counting has stopped
is this meant to be?
Treatment received
appalling at best
a really good person
put to the test.
The past still haunts
in wee hours of the night
when important goals
are nothing but plight.
You focus on the bliss
not one thought to quit
because no matter what
everyone copes with shit.
Though working hard
is still the best method
the outcome isn’t certain
from great work ethic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Does this poem resonate with you or
someone you know? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I haven’t been online in the last few days,
but I’ll read blogs today. Have a good week ahead! ❤️
Lauren Scott
Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 
Beautifully written and very encouraging poem, Lauren.
Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Willie. Wishing you a marvelous Monday! ❤️
You are very welcome.
Be Safe, Be Well, Be Blessed…
And the same back to you, Willie!
We all go through things, and rarely know what others are dealing with.
So true, Binky. Thanks for chiming in, and have a great Monday! 🥰
I sense a difficult backstory in this poem.
You are correct, Liz. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good week ahead! ❤️
You’re welcome, Lauren! I hope you have a good week as well.
Yes, even in hard times, never give up!
Right, Beth! Thanks for chiming in! ❤️
We do best to remember we very rarely control the outcomes. Loved this.
Exactly, Violet. Thanks so much! ❤️
What a strong and beautiful piece of poetry Lauren, I felt this deeply.
Thanks so much, Ernie. I appreciate your kind words.
I remember when I thought working hard was the key. Sigh.
It’s still the best, but outcomes are often out of our control. Sigh, indeed. Thanks for chiming in, Jacqui. ❤️
had to really smile when you noted the shit word – because there is a time when it is the perfect fit! good poem and life wisdom
Exactly, Yvette. Sometimes, there is no better word. I’m happy to bring a smile. 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words! ❤️
hope your week is off a to great start
So far, so good! Hope yours is too!
yes! thx
Such a beautiful poem dearest Lauren 🙏🌹❤️
Thanks very much, Gabriela. Have a wonderful day. ❤️
My pleasure dear Laura ❤️❤️❤️
Such a beautiful poem, Lauren! 🩷
Thanks so much, Cindy! Happy Monday! ❤️
So true. No one anticipates the challenges we end up facing.
Thanks so much, VJ, and you said it well too. ❤️
Welcome
This is a very interesting poem, Lauren. Life is full of adversity.
Thanks, Robbie, and even though we work hard, the outcomes are often out of our control. Thanks for chiming in. ❤️
I know as we as dispensable at the whim of the company management. Audrey Driscoll’s amazing book Winter Journeys highlights this.
Very nice and interesting Lauren. I wonder what inspired you this poem. Indeed life is not always a happy road, there are tricky and hard times on the way, we are all fighting our battles. Thank you for your post and may you have a peaceful day!
Thanks so much, Marie, and life inspires poetry from all events. “We are all fighting our battles” this is so true. Thank you, my friend, and wishing you the same. Hugs! ❤️
This really resonated with me – I’m sure it did many others. Life certainly doesn’t go smoothly.
Thanks, Esther. I appreciate your kind comment. And life has its ups and downs. ❤️
Thank you Lauren for writing a heart felt poem… I know many of us it appears are being challenged as we stride through life, trying to do our best…
I am always trying to living in that state of gratitude, for my lot in life, as I am often reminded of other peoples plights who are much worse than my own..
We take it one day at a time… And if we can smile, we are winning through..
Sending you much love and gratitude Lauren… 🙏💖
Thanks so much, Sue, for your insightful words. I’m glad this poem resonated. One day at a time is how I live too. I love your thought about smiling, so true. Sending you love and hugs back, and I’m grateful for you! ❤️ xo
Big hugs 🫂 🤗 ❤️
❤️🍁❤️🍁❤️
I love this introspection, Lauren. And you’re right – there is no thought to quit. I keep suiting up and showing up and work at staying positive and spreading smiles. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Jan, and suiting up, showing up, staying positive, and spreading smiles are a wonderful routine! I do the same. Hugs to you! ❤️
Hit on the nail Lauren, thank you 🌹🥰❤️
Lots of love and warm hugs to you xoxox
Thank you, Maggie! Much love and many warm hugs heading your way, my friend! xoxo ❤️🤗
Lauren xoxo
My pleasure always.
Love and hugs 🤗🌹❤️🤗
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO 🙂
Beautiful poem, Lauren. 💗
Thanks so much, Tina! I appreciate you. ❤️
My pleasure. I appreciate you as well. 🌹
I like this one a lot, Lauren. My favorite stanza is this one:
You look for the good
in all people you meet
a mixture of manners
some sour, some sweet.
Thanks very much, Pete, and I like that verse too. I’m sure we can all relate.
Oh, Oh, Oh! You’ve put words to so many feelings I’ve experienced, Lauren. Thank you so much. This one is a gem of introspection. xo! 😊❤️😊
Thanks a bunch, Vicki! It’s funny how sometimes I’m unsure about a poem, but I click publish anyway, hoping and holding my breath. Then I read comments like yours that just surprise me! Thank you so much! ❤️🤗 xox
I’m smiling! You feel that way because you care – you’re giving us your heart! Thank you, Lauren! 🥰❤️🥰
Aww, you’re right and thanks again, Vicki! Big hugs! 🥰
A very uplifting poem. Thank you.
Thanks very much, Ian. I appreciate your kind comment!
Best wishes for your continued success
Thanks so much, Carl! That’s so kind of you! Hope you’re doing well!
There is always good in people. I just need time to discover. Stop judging, but show love. Amazing poem, Lauren.
I love your attitude, Hazel. I think we all need to follow your wisdom. Thanks so much for your lovely words. ❤️
God owns all the wisdom.😍🙏 Thank you so much for your sweet words, Lauren. And it’s always my pleasure!
A wonderful, honest poem!
Thanks so much, MLM! 🩷
Masterfully written with many layers of meaning and life experience. ✨ Thank you for this share and a wonderful day to you, Lauren. 🌅💛
Thank you for your wonderful words, Michele. Coming from you, they mean a lot. And I wish you the same! 🩷 🙂 🌷
Awww thank you so much! 🥰💐
Beautifully written my love.
Many have been there…..
So nice to see so many wonderful comments.😁
Thanks, Honey! Your love and support mean the world to me, as you know. Love you! ❤️
Such an encouraging poem, Lauren. Every day is a new adventure with new challenges, but that’s life. We go round only once so we might as well enjoy it. 💐💕
Thanks for your lovely and wise words, Eugi. “We go round only once so we might as well enjoy it.” I agree! Have a wonderful day! 💖🌷
You’re so welcome, Lauren, and a wonderful day to you, as well. 💖
A beautiful poem Lauren.
Thanks so much, Sadje! 💖
You’re welcome my friend
I love the way this poem lilts along, Lauren.
By the book should be in a book.
You know, thinking about it, I’ve always lived by the book…I’m just not saying which book! 🤭
xoxo❦🌹❦
You’re hilarious, Resa! Thanks for your lovely words of kindness. I always appreciate them very much. Hugs xoxoxoxoxo
Hugs returning! xoxoxoxoxo
Looking for the good with an incredible work ethic – your goodness shines through, Lauren!
Aww, you’re so kind, Wynne. Thank you, and I know you do the same! xo
Excellent and beautiful poem Lauren. Never give up in life.
Thanks so much, Kamal. That is the idea, even if we feel like it at times. xoxoxo
Dearest Lauren, a beautiful poem from your resilient spirit. You are very lovely. XXxx Much love to you and Matt. 🩷✨🩷
Aww, Jane, you are very lovely too, my friend. Thank you for your beautiful words! I always appreciate them! Much love flowing back to you and Tim. xoxoxox ❤️🌻
You are always welcome dear Lauren 💕💕
Nothing is for certain, no matter how hard we work, Lauren. Wonderful poem.
Well said, Mary, thanks so much! ❤️🙏🏻
I’ve never seen you use a swear word before! It caught me by surprise. But “sh*t” is sh*t, whatever you call it, and life can be so hard. And people can be so horrible! I wish you and your family a calm, relaxing Thanksgiving, Lauren.
I don’t think I have, Dawn, but sometimes there is no better word. I’m not perfect, you know. 🙂 Thanks for the wishes and I wish you the same! ❤️🦃🍁
It resonates with me Lauren! Very much! Thanks for putting into words how I am feeling today!
You’re so welcome, Carol Anne, and thank you for your wonderful words! Hugs 🥰
I was awake at 4 this morning, Lauren, worrying far more about things than they deserve to be worried about. Lots in your poem. What touched me the most: Looking for good in all the people you meet. Words to live by in these troubled times.
I have mornings like yours, Curt, and they’re annoying, aren’t they? It’s amazing how we can’t just turn off our thoughts and fall asleep like flipping a switch. If only…I appreciate your kind words about the poem. Hope you sleep well tonight! Thanks so much!
My father used to say, “Oh I just shut off my mind.” Apparently he had found the magic switch. Grin.
I’d love to find that magic switch! 😁
Me too, kiddo, me too.