Summary

The poem "I Choose" by Derick McKinney is a reflection on the decision to embrace life fully with all its complexities, rather than merely existing or succumbing to adversity.

Abstract

"I Choose" is a free verse poem that delves into the author's commitment to life. It emphasizes the choice to live authentically, accepting one's faults and weaknesses while facing challenges head-on. The poem advocates for personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of joy beyond just creating memories. It acknowledges the temporary nature of situations in the permanence of life and encourages defining oneself rather than adopting others' definitions. The author expresses a desire to fall in love with life and suggests that readers should embrace what they love and let go of what they do not.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of self-acceptance, choosing to embrace personal faults and weaknesses rather than hiding them.
There is a strong emphasis on the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and defeats, viewing them as opportunities for growth.
The poem suggests that life is a permanent journey with temporary situations, advocating for a focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past or future.
The author invites others to join in this positive outlook by writing their own poems, specifically mentioning Dr. Preeti Singh and A Rustic Mind (Manali Desai).
The overall message is one of empowerment, encouraging readers to actively choose their path in life, to create their own magic, and to cultivate a love for their existence.

I Choose

A free verse poem

I choose to stay,

And give a dare to myself to live.

I choose to stay with no hidden thoughts,

And feelings.

I choose to stay alive,

Rather than just survive.

I choose to stay with my faults,

Rather than hiding them.

I choose to stay with challenges,

And ready to change myself.

I choose to stay with my weaknesses,

To make them my strengths one day.

I choose to stay to find myself more,

And to be a good human being.

I choose to stay to create a magic,

Rather than panic.

I choose to live to enjoy the moments,

Rather than making only memories.

I choose to stay to handle defeats,

Rather than let me defeated myself.

I choose to stay because situations are temporary,

When life is permanent.

I choose to stay to define myself,

Rather than accepting someone else’s definitions.

I choose to stay to fall in love with my life,

Rather than just living it.

So, say hi to the things that you love,

And say bye to the things which you don’t love.

Say hi to the smile,

And bye to your fears and choose to stay forever and ever.

I would like to invite Dr. Preeti Singh A Rustic Mind (Manali Desai) to write a poem on this prompt.