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Open Poetry #12
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Role Models
| Open Poetry #12 |
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Role Models |
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Wilfred Yeats Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704Wilmington, Delaware 
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Role Models Reflecting on those who shaped my life for good or ill, I ponder did they make me me? A mother who never struck me, a dad who did just once Their love showed through and I was no dunce I followed their example Dr. J - almost an uncle, mentor, teacher, friend I had free rein of his library, treasured every word Balzac, encyclopedias and more timeless words by the score Bronte, Wordsworth, Shakespeare, poets of note He subscribed to Esquire and Fortune as well I worked alongside my dad in supermarkets stocking shelves to sell for cookies in my pocket Mom let me help in the kitchen I made cookies when I was 8 She made sure I knew how to set a table and taught me about love and respect When she died I was able My aunt taught me hospital corners watched her wash my cousin's mouth with soap I watched my language and learned my manners I think I told you I was no dope Had Erector sets, Tinkertoys, Lincoln logs to boot with Chemistry sets I made some bombs A miracle I'm still here made them with my innocent aplomb An eclectic mix to be sure I thought of Engineering ended in computers, often wondered how I'd be If I'd chosen architecture, psychology literature or poetry as you see Then Father Lucid taught me tolerance allowing no ethnic slurs But it took a long time for other negative ideas to be dispelled from my brain took nearly thirty years before I could accept gays equally with straight Overcame Catholic thought in my thirties contraception came easy, then abortion was still a sin I was to the right of Attilia the hun But I learned of worker's plights and learned even more of women's rights and when I saw the National Parks they lit in me more than sparks I saw strip mines, forests laid bare that's when I knew someone should care When bottled water became the norm my liberal's heart was fully born I got tired of 'studys', legislative inaction There's this nation we have, but we rent it you see and the fee that we pay, is our kids' legacy Because when we die, we must think what we're leaving and if it's polluted the young will too soon be grieving So when I see those who cheer for the mining or grazing the land we want for our children polluting with oil or cyanide's tailings I'm filled with wonder as we listen to railings They see how our cities are ravaged by shootings They blame the poor when in riots there's lootings Guns aren't to blame, 'make more!' these folks say Like George it seems - they like "Make my Day" Gays who once fought in World War II Can't fight anymore it's immoral too It's ok if they're fighting alongside of you But in times like these we beat them black and blue Kill wildlife and Whales, pay less for gas than for water Don't blame the corporations, dividends pay so we 'oughter' Should elections be paid for by special interests or by people Should our morals come from laws or from what we hear beneath steeples I could go on and on, how some distort our nation's values Twist and turn the best of Christian until some have no clue God is Love - so Christ has taught us - and God will judge Love's still good. Good role models ignore intolerant sludge The first duty of love is to listen. |
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| © Copyright 2001 Wilfred Yeats - All Rights Reserved | |||
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
quote: one of your best yet.... the microphone is yours... i'm listening.... a very fine write, my friend.... very fine  |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
Bill, I'm thinking you were ready for me..? Nice insite... Dale Writing isn't just something I do, it's something I am. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Bill--Lots of thought and wisdoms learned, in this poem. Very well done! |
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Tennessee Angel Senior Member
since 2000-06-03
Posts 661Tennessee |
This is so awesome and wisdom-filled. Lovely thoughts! |
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Greeneyes  
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
a treasure...love this...  Greeneyes~ *** "Within you I lose myself |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Reading every line, and enjoying the very last one most.... well done, Mr. Yeats! |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Applauding here sir |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
A treasure of memories Bill! Excellent! "Teenagers who have strong emotional attachments to their parents and teachers are much less likely to use drugs and alcohol, attempt suicide, engage in violence or become sexually active at an early age." Reports 'The Washington Post' Researchers at the university of Minnesota and the university of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also found that this holds true regardless of whether a child lives in a one or two parent household. The important thing is that the child feels loved, appreciated, and understood. Another factor the study emphasized is "the importance of parents remaining intensely involved in their children's lives through the teenage years, even when they feel their role is diminishing," say the 'Post'." Thanks for sharing your insights into growing up! |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
This is a fantastic trip through your life, and life's observations! Thank you for sharing it with us! Corinne |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
back to the top |
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