we all slum it in the end
poem
we all slum it in the end
even when
we turn dirt to gold
refuse
to do
what we're told
turn gold to dirt
refuse
to do
what we should
we all slum it in the end
in the dirt -
as it sticks to our souls
and the mire -
as it fills our empty holes
in the coffin -
where we rest
or the fire -
did we pass the test?
we all slum it in the end
be it
in a mausoleum-
hallowed territory
in a crematorium -
another fiery story
in a graveyard -
how do you assess glory?
or out to sea -
as one with waves' story
none are greater
none are lesser
all return
to soil
like shellfish
crumble
into mere sand
so too
will the kind
will the selfish
the best
the worst
we all slum it in the end
so why
continue
persist
pretend
we don't
need
a friend
that we don't
need
anyone else
when you're
willing
to forsake
all
at stake
for an extra coin
we all slum it in the end
forget
rags or riches
forget
selfish twitches
we all slum it in the end
ones who'll watch
neverending pain
ones who'll grieve
neverending pain
for you
for me
for us
we all slum it in the end
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Scottish-Italian poet/writer from Glasgow.
Overflowing in English language torture and word abuse.
"Every man has a sane spot somewhere" R.L Stevenson
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection is now available!
https://paulspoeticprints.etsy.com
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
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More stories from Paul Stewart and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (45)
Well, ain't that the truth. Well said, my friend.
Great poem, congratulations!
“We all slum it in the end” - I like this title and motto. Evens the playing fields to be sure! Great work Paul. I must have missed this…was this before your trip? How’d the getaway go with you wife? Where did you head to? Good to see you back and nice work on your top story here! 😁👏
grats on ts-this is like the gravedigger scene in Hamlet. He sees the skeletons and assesses what they could be. Loved how you put it together
I like how the short lines create a unique rhythm in this piece. Congrats on top story!
In the end we all return to where we came from. In the end does it even matter tho?
Very cool idea here with such a elevated and elegant philosophy
Great perspective on the great leveller. Well deserved TS Paul
Excellent and depp words
Turn gold to dirt. I like that line a lot! Incredible work Paul! Congrats on top story!! 💌🥳🎉🥳🎉
An honest approach. No matter what we do it is all the same. We are all the same I loved the build, the next line added to the previous. A tad sad for me Congratulations
The great equalizer! I appreciate your call to embrace this fundamental equality and unity of humankind in our lives as well as in our deaths.
Wow, Paul, this is incredible. Marvelous, concise, striking communication of a profound truth!! Congrats on Top Story, too! :)
We sure do. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust...
Wow, what a beautifully melancholic poem. Suiting for the very rainy day here! Great work Paul and congrats on Top Story (AGAIN)!!!!! 🎉
Great poem! ❤️
Congratulations on Top Story, Paul! Well deserved!
Congratulations on Top Story!
Excellent trail of words that led to some deep and heavy vibes. But somehow, towards the end, it felt cathartic for me. Well done, Paul! And Congrats!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Amazing work & congrats on top story!
This is fantastic, Paul.
Death is quite humbling. A powerful equalizer, reducing us all to nothingness. Great poem, Paul.
Don't we, though? TS Time!!!
Loved the refrain & congratulations on Top Story!!!❤️❤️💕