The Exempt

In Heaven's halls, the whisper flew,
A plan was laid, the choice was due.
To tread the path of toil and strife,
Or live exempt from troubled life.

Before the soul, two roads unfurled,
One rough, yet rich with earth and world,
The other smooth, like golden thread,
A life where neither tear was shed.

The Exempt, they chose the quiet way,
No storm to face, no price to pay.
With every step, the breeze was kind,
No mountains high, no ties that bind.

Their cup was filled, their heart was light,
No shadows touched the day or night.
The hands of fate with velvet glove,
Shielded them from loss or love.

The world they knew was sweet and bright,
No hunger gnawed, no fear of night.
Yet never did their spirit grow,
For ease had stilled the inner glow.

And when their final breath was drawn,
They stood before the gates at dawn.
Expecting there a crown to claim,
For lives untouched by grief or flame.

But Heaven’s voice, both soft and grave,
Spoke truths no earthly ease could save.
“For life exempt, untouched by strife,
Has never truly tasted life."

"The blessed path, though harsh and wild,
Grows heart and soul in every trial.
And now, though smooth your road has been,
You stand outside, you can't begin."

The Exempt, in silence, bowed their head,
For now they knew, though fully fed,
Their spirit starved of lessons earned,
And to the earth, they must return.

The Exempt: A Reflection on Life’s Trials and Growth

Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with a close family member who was struggling with the weight of loss and the relentless pain that life can bring. They questioned why they, in particular, had to bear the brunt of the world’s suffering, and why they couldn’t simply be free of it all. This heartfelt exchange stayed with me, stirring thoughts about the nature of life’s hardships, which ultimately inspired me to write the poem, The Exempt.

The poem speaks to an idea I believe many of us can relate to—the desire to escape life’s pains, to live a life exempt from loss, heartache, and strife. In The Exempt, two paths are laid before a soul: one filled with hardship and challenge, and the other smooth and effortless. It’s easy to imagine why someone might choose the latter. Who wouldn’t want a life free from struggle? But, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that this path, devoid of any trials, also lacks the growth and depth that life is meant to provide.

The Value of Hardship

Through the poem, I wanted to explore the idea that without experiencing both the highs and lows, we cannot fully appreciate life’s richness. We often think of suffering as something to avoid, but what if it’s through hardship that we truly grow? Without the struggle, there is no development. The Exempt, having chosen an easier life, remain untouched by love, loss, and the lessons that come with both. They avoid the mountains, but they also miss out on the strength that comes from climbing them.

This concept reflects a deeply held belief of mine: that the greatest personal growth comes not from avoiding pain but from enduring and learning from it. Each trial, no matter how painful, is an opportunity to become more resilient, more compassionate, and more understanding. Life, in its fullness, is meant to shape us, and that shaping is often most profound in times of struggle.

A Contemplative Reflection

For those who are part of a reflective and spiritual journey, this message may resonate deeply. There’s a tendency in life, especially when the weight of the world feels unbearable, to wish for exemption from suffering. Yet, as The Exempt illustrates, a life without trials is one without true transformation. We are here to experience the full spectrum of life, and in doing so, we grow.

I want readers to walk away from this poem and blog with a renewed sense of purpose in the face of their challenges. Rather than seeing suffering as something that detracts from life, we can start to view it as part of the process that helps us become who we are meant to be. Through each up and down, there’s a deeper understanding waiting to be uncovered, and it’s in embracing this that we truly live.

Conclusion

The Exempt is a reminder that life’s struggles are not in vain. They are the fire through which we are refined. For me, writing this poem was a way of processing the conversation I had with my family member and of making peace with the idea that while we may wish for a life without pain, it is through facing pain that we experience true growth.

As you reflect on your own journey, I encourage you to think about the trials you’ve faced and how they’ve shaped you. What have you learned? How have you grown? The path may be difficult, but it is through walking it, and not avoiding it, that we truly come to know ourselves.