Two Lists - Sacred Poems - books and art
Author: https://www.facebook.com/sacredpoems
Description: The poem Two Lists is about the ways we choose to live our lives. Three years ago, my cousin, who was a PA, diagnosed herself with ALS
Date: 2026-01-16T14:17:08+00:00

# Two Lists

Patriotic Poems | 0 |

One we’ll label bucket
We all know what that is
And the other is survival
To keep those things we’d miss

The two exist in harmony
When we think our days are long
But often grow in conflict
When we sense the ending song

Would you like a long life
In the safety of a shell
Or one that burns much brighter
In the tales your children tell

Choose to build some memories
As you embrace the fight
To make sure you are smiling
When welcoming the night

## About the Poem Two Lists

The poem Two Lists is about the ways we choose to live our lives. Three years ago, my cousin, who was a PA, diagnosed herself with ALS several weeks before she got an official diagnosis. Over the next couple of years, she did it all – travelled the world, participated in ALS conferences, and spent lots of time with friends and family. All the time documenting her journey, more like a researcher than someone counting their days.

Fast forward to this week. I found out that a friend of mine who lives down the street died suddenly. She was only a few years older. I was slightly jealous of the amazing trips she would take. After talking to one of her closer friends, I learned that she had a medical condition where she knew her life would not be as long as most people’s.

When we are faced with the knowledge of our own demise, we typically have some choices to make and ask ourselves, “What is going to make a difference?” Notice I didn’t include the words “in the outcome”. You can’t always control the outcome, but you can make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

## Poetry Books

Here are some of the books that are available from Robert Longley. I would recommend the Sacred Poem journals. Reading my earlier books (especially the ones for Military, Police and Firefighter’s families) cover to cover can be overwhelming. The poetry journals are designed to give you one poem per day while you journal about what might be going on in your life. There are specific journals for grief, success, and more.
Get inspirational poetry books by Robert Longley Here.

## Inspirational Poetry Products

While I do signed poetry prints that are 11×14, that isn’t the size or product that all people want. Some just want a sympathy card, others may want a large canvas print, or maybe a coffee cup. There are limits to what I can customize with the options available so some products just don’t work. Please just ignore them, I know that that format doesn’t work. If you are looking for something specific, or would like to make something specific just let me know. I’m open to just about anything.
Get inspirational poetry products by Robert Longley here.

### About The Author

#### admin

Robert Longley is a poet, coach, author of many books, world explorer and fixer of things. He has been writing inspirational poems for people in need for over 35 years. Many of his poems are written for Gold Star military families, as well as the families of fallen police and firefighters. Hopefully you will find some connection to this poetry.

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