National Adult Literacy Database

August 19, 1996

This week, we have a poem written by Paula Elliott, from Newmans' Cove, Newfoundland, in the Bonavista Bay area. Paula feels that she has succeeded with her poems when the reader sees beyond an initial perception and into their hidden meaning.

Life is a Learning Experience

by Paula Elliott

Ask the old man for advice
he has lived longer than you
With all his life experiences
that we have to go through
although the old man has
lived and learned
He is still learning

Ask the baby for love
his innocent love will be
real and true
He is still learning

Ask God for the strength
and courage
you will need in order to succeed
You are still learning

Ask yourself, have I achieved
what I set out to do
all three gifts I was given
Whatever life has given to me
I am still learning

[This poem is an excerpt from A Newfoundland Spell, p. 64, a collection of stories written by adult learners in basic education programs in different parts of the province.]