by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

Ambition

Photo by Ante Hamersmit from Unsplash

Ambition

There is no relief

in the master of grief,

Ambition who has no soul…

He offers only a goal.

He lashes and goads

into stony roads

of passion and desire

where every step is higher.

Upward go I, though I grieve,

to heights I must achieve.

Ambition’s wanton slave,

I climb toward my grave,

and Ambition, I can swear,

has planned me tasks for there!

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

A poem written during my high school years. I woke at 4:30 one morning with this poem on my mind, and wrote it down from memory.

35 Comments

  3. So meaningful to me Cheryl, ambition is a good word maybe, but in today’s world around me if seems to be a brutal pursuit of the summit. And there is always a higher peak to scale after the current peak. It seems endless and as you so correctly put it, without a soul.
    I prefer the meadows and valleys that allow some shade and rest. I think that’s my ambition, and I think there is a train of thought that concurs too, but it’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s dog eats dog world. It makes for some pleasent moments in the present and past but I fear the uncertainly of the future.

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    1. Thank you so much, Deb, for sharing your thoughts on Ambition. I am so glad you found it meaningful. ❤
      I must have been about 15 or 16 when I wrote this, so I am not sure exactly what inspired it, but I think I had the realization then that you speak about…"meadows, valleys, shade, rest…not always having to climb the next peak."

      I think a lot about what life will be like when the pandemic ends. For sure, we will have a lot of rebuilding to do. All the best! Cheryl ❤

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    1. Thank you, D, for your kind comments. It means a lot to me that you like the poem. ❤ I hope school is going well in spite of the pandemic. Do what you need to do in order to get good grades, but enjoy learning and pursue your own interests too. Stay safe and be happy! 🙂 Cheryl

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  6. Well written, Cherly! This reminded me of my high school days and how ambitious I had been. But it surely did take a toll on me and now I take things more slowly….learning to enjoy the journey.

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    1. Nathi, thank you for sharing your thoughts on your high school days. ❤ I am sure you are "enjoying the journey" more by being less driven. I know I am. I am glad you enjoyed the poem and your comments are very much appreciated.

      My father had always promised us $5 if we got all "As" on our report card. In 10th grade, I dropped out of typing class trying to achieve that goal. I am still a terrible, 2-finger typist!

      In the last two years of high school, I decided to pursue learning for its own sake, read library books in classes that didn't interest me, and took zeros on homework I considered "busy work." Of course, that did hurt my grades somewhat, and I wouldn't advise students to do that.

      I got married right after high school. With a job and a family, I started college part-time at age 26. I did get straight As, but my father said that his offer had expired. 🙂

      All the best, Nathi. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey. Cheryl

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      1. Certainly the offer has expired but I’m sure that $5 is not what kept you motivated.

        I think at the end of the knowledge/ experience we gain is more valuable than the grades we get. And thanks for sharing you story with me, Cherly!

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    1. Murali, I am so glad you liked my old high school poem! Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments. ❤
      You are greatly appreciated!

      Ambition is necessary for a successful life, and I believe it is a positive force as long as we still take time to "smell the roses."

      I hope you are enjoying your weekend! Cheryl 🙂

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    1. Good question, Loku! I wrote that poem when I was 16. Ambitions evolve as you live, and life has many surprises. That said, I have accomplished many of my ambitions. As I look back, I feel very fortunate for the opportunities and challenges, and I feel that my life has been fulfilling and satisfying.

      I made many unconventional choices, but my life has been better for it. You have to do what is right for you. Trying to fulfill the expectations of others will leave you feeling the way I was feeling when I wrote that poem and my parents wanted to plan my life for me.

      https://gulfcoastpoet.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/the-5-challenge/

      I am glad you enjoyed my old high school poem. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. I wish you happiness and success, whatever that means for you. ❤

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