Poem: Opinions and Decisions

Opinions and decisions sometimes collide
and tend to slide
down a wet hill
with no personal will
despite who might fit the bill.
They are never meant to kill
but until
we start thinking - thinking
independently
and sometimes move
silently
we leave ourselves
to be violently
led astray
like livestock to
the slaughter.
So we need to tell
our sons and daughters
the stories of how we fell
prey to the opinions
and how they offset
our decisions
because
why should history continue
to repeat
as we sit in defeat
on the scorned seat.
You have to build that confidence
and know when to filter the nonsense
and use common sense.

Ribbon

POEM: Seeing Red

Time changes
and we are just as fickle
so even if we are tickled
we don't laugh anymore
because sometimes we are sore
and other times we may
have a score to settle
but don't get caught
in the nettle
or get burnt by the kettle
cause the pot's bottom is also black
and when we act slack
we often times do not
see that we lack
manners and discipline
but these negative twists
can spin
but you can win

you have to think ahead
and refrain from seeing red
for every little thing
if you have to - sing
and dance a little too
because you can't take it all on
and while this plays
like a song
you have to admit when
you are wrong
let go
and move on

Ribbon

Taking on Challenges - Go For It

I am a sucker for a challenge. I just can't resist. I love to conquer what others think is difficult and I don't taking it on head first. I guess I am kind of a thrill seeker and I do get bored fast. However, my aim is always to complete a project. I'm working in my yard right now and it is hard work but I see progress which I am proud of. I am doing several special projects at work including one which had to be put on hold - but little by little I am getting there.

I really do believe in taking small steps to meet the big goal, and I see the results of that daily. I do get frustrated along the way but I have accepted that I can't change everything and everybody. Sometimes, you just have to let things fall apart for things to be fixed. I smile at those moments. While it may seem conniving, I accepts when certain things are beyond me. My challenges that I take on- I am on a mission to conquer.

Now don't get the bright idea that I will take on the challenge that you want to give me because it doesn't work like that. You take on yours and ask for help if you have any challenges - not because you are lazy. Can't stand people who give up before they try - pet peeve. I do know when it is time to give up - because some things are better left alone or unsaid.

I am going to continue on my little projects and do the best that I can to be a good citizen and good public servant.

Ribbon

Inaction is not the Answer

I went to a policy workshop the other day and it was said that policy includes the action or inaction taken in relation to a problem. I am a publicofficer and the "inaction" part makes me smile. Actually, even in my personal life, I can see that inaction causes situations to become the norm. If I see my child doing something wrong, and I don't address it, the child will think that particular behavior or action is okay. I see it more when you get those reactions that "others are doing it so why can't I".

This lack of action is definitely not a good thing and it permeates the community. Somehow, we just don't like to address issues because of relationships. However, something has to give. My children will tell you that I will address their bad behaviors as soon as I can. If I don't, then they will go into the world feeling that no one should correct them. Where do people who think that way end up?

A lot of the lawlessness and slackness in the world can be attributed to the lack of inaction to address problems in the home, in the schools and in the workplace. I saw a situation where a student was hit by an object by another. The student who was hit hurled an expletive and was reprimanded and suspended. The student who hurled the object was not reprimanded in any way. Great action for the expletive but inaction for throwing the object.

I encourage you to take positive action where you have the power to. If you are not in a power position, then please bring attention to the issue.

Ribbon