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Illustration for the poem "Only if you grow" by Rike York
Rike York

Only if you grow

Published on November 13, 2026

Only if you grow,
Will you be successful.
Only if you grow,
Will you be successful.

But what is growing?
And What is successful?

Growing comes from,
Becoming greater,
In quantity, size,
Entity,
Or intensity.

And successful?
Thats achieving
A favourable
Or prosperous
Outcome -
Of attempts
Or endeavors;
The accomplishment of one’s goals.

What is success as well?
The attainment of wealth,
Of position,
Honors,
Or else?
Fame?
Or Triumph?

When I become greater in quantity,
Do I attain honors?
When I become greater in intensity,
Will I be shivered with fame?
And what are these honors?
What the fame?
Where do I get it from?
Do the animals shout at me?
Does the cow say muh?
And the owl Uhu?

Is a child waving his hand,
Or the old man smile?

Letters from Rike

Notes about poetry, illustrations, and the book in the making.