Bankrupt

I went bankrupt, my business died
I buried it and at first I cried
But then up from the ground grew the most beautiful tree
with fragrant pink blossoms and fresh spring leaves

Friends and acquaintances gave their condolences
I told them that at last, I'd come to my senses
They looked at me, puzzled -you're in denial, or shock
I showed them my tree and all the birds that it brought

They spoke in hushed tones, this was some kind of disgrace
Her joy is a disguise, it's just sour grapes
I let go of possessions and I was fulfilled
This smile is honest, I'm not mentally ill

I lay in the grass, the petals rained down
The sun shone through the branches and the birds made their sounds
What will you do now? a friend inquired
I'm doing it, I said -from insanity, I've retired

~Susie Shapiro

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Comment by Susie Shapiro on May 31, 2009 at 4:13pm: Thank you Kathryn and Body, Mind & Fuel Confidence for your nice comments!

Comment by Kathryn on May 30, 2009 at 3:47am: I like this poem, I like how you have seen something beuatiful, come out of your bad experience. I'm glad your tree attracts birds!

Comment by Susie Shapiro on May 27, 2009 at 5:02am: Dear Hanne,
Yes, so many people are having money woes these days. I hope you are okay. I love your story about the man who lost everything and was so ecstatic about it. It's true what I wrote in my funny little poem -life really did open up for me. It happened in mid January of this year, but it seems like another lifetime ago, because I've really gone through quite a transformation. I can honestly say that I'm more content than I've ever been. Money is low, but spirits are high!
Lots of love,
~Susie

Comment by Hanne Billowitz on May 27, 2009 at 4:38am: This post has special meaning for me...we are going through the same thing. I remember in 1989 watching the news reports of the horrors people faced during the San Francisco earthquake. I sat horrified as they told stories of death and destruction. One story stuck to my mind like glue. There was a man who was interviewed in the aftermath of his home being totally destroyed. He lost everything. He stood at the microphone and used the moment to speak to his brother living safely somewhere in the US. I can remember the excitement in his voice as he raised up his hands and announced to his brother, "It's all gone...everything is gone...I am FREE!!". I like your choice of words: "from insanity I've retired." I agree! Sometimes we are so focused on one aspect of our existence that we neglect to see the "rest" of the picture! What is important remains...