POEM: Fighting to Find Words

I fight to find the words

to express the thoughts
that are bubbling in my head
they keep me awake in my bed
not thinking about
the books I've read
or the things I've seen
instead, I focus
unfocused and incoherent
almost belligerent
not knowing
where I've gone
and where time went
because I know
I've spent too much time
in lines, on vines
encircled in rhymes
that make no sense
but maybe I'm just dense
because the words
don't fight back
they never lack substance
because they are 

always available
in abundance

© Linette Rabsatt

Message to Parents: Do Right So Your Children Will Too

Our actions influence our children's behaviors, choices, and attitudes. People have created these funny memes about mothers and their daughters. The memes are funny but are also truthful.

However, adults must be more mindful of their behaviors, attitudes, and choices. Our children are our mirrors, and we are their role models. So, we have to be careful of our actions. We, as parents, also need to ensure that we curb any negative behaviors that our children exhibit.

I thought for a while about sharing this because I also have children. No parent is perfect. I am sharing these two (2) examples where people can be more mindful of how they parent.

• The Child Who Figured Out How to Use PayPal

Recently, I learned of a situation involving a child who used someone's credit card to create a fraudulent PayPal account to purchase an item. The seller then contacted one of the child's parents. The parent admitted that the child had previously used another person's credit card to buy merchandise. The parent confirmed paying off that bill. This parent then emphatically promised to pay for this recent PayPal charge. However, to date, the parent has not paid.

If that parent intended to teach the child a lesson, the punishment could have been a sacrifice of a favorite item to pay the bill. This unconcern makes me think that the parent enables this child's disregard for others.

• The Tardiness and AWOL Genes

If you are always late for work, do you think your children will be on time for anything? Were you one of those persons who partied hard for the festival season and then called in sick on the next work day? (If you're sick, you're sick.) Do you expect your children to do anything differently? Parents set the tone, and I hope that we all want to have our children going on the right path.

This blog post is about bullet #1 because that story upset me. Hearing that the child committed what can be classified as an indictable offense twice really bothered me. However, I can't worry for that parent - I can only pray for them. I think what I can do is what I do. I try to write on these topics hoping that I can inspire someone.

We no longer allow the community to assist with our children's upbringing. Where we as parents falter, we need our relatives, godparents, friends, and neighbors to support our children. However, parents are the first line of discipline. So, let's teach our children the right behaviors by exhibiting these ourselves.

The Lashing Dogs sang it well in "Blame the Parents," "a lot of things the childrendem doing these days, I blame the parents for them."

My Brothers' Keepers: The Power of Influence and Inspiration

We are just over the midyear point of 2022. I feel so blessed to be alive, although we are experiencing some tough times. Despite the many challenges and threats, we still are blessed.

Over the past few weeks, I have focused more on poetry. I entered a few international competitions and have shared two pieces on my YouTube page. I wanted to do a little more with my poetry by expanding my audience. I had other thoughts I could share on the blog but was not inspired to write prose or opinion.

In addition to my family and work circles, I thank Ann Harikeerthan, Jamila Banister, Dale Pilgrim-Wade of the CaribHRForum, Genevra Maduro - my cousin, Paul Keefe, Dr. Allison Flax-Archer, Joan Underwood, and Dr. Dierdra Wheatley-Peters for always encouraging me during 2022 whether for poetry, career aspirations or my overall growth. We underestimate the importance of having people who encourage you to reach for your goals. These colleagues always give encouraging words or inspire me through their journey.

At a recent award ceremony, the host opened the floor for attendees to share words of encouragement. I hesitated, but I spoke to the young people about being focused, having fun, and being open to failure - not as a negative but as part of the growth process. I was also able to facilitate a young person in achieving a goal that will assist with career development. I have expanded my farm offerings and will focus on specialty crops.

After reading the penultimate paragraph, you may think these are minor matters. However, I count each one as a win! Therefore, I feel more inspired to inspire others. I see the importance of paying it forward.

I do not speak of my journey often, but I want to share that I have always had to fight for my rights. However, this makes me more resilient, curious, and solution-oriented. I will share more of these experiences with others and on my blog.

I've shared this post as a contract to myself to use any opportunity that I get to:

• encourage someone
• help someone with their academics
• be a positive role model.

The people I mentioned earlier are all positive influencers, trendsetters, and mentors. My family is my core support system, and I value their input and encouragement.

If you can be a positive influence on someone, please reach out and assist. Remember, we are our brothers' keepers.

Ribbon

Recorded POEM: What I Have to Give

 I recorded "What I Have to Give" today. This poem was written in 2012. I may record a love poem next month. 

Ribbon

POEM: values

too much praise and emphasis on

values
but not with the right measurements

measuring the costs and riches
without
feeding and educating the poor children

how will we know our history and build a
solid
foundation and the essential tools of life?

when we ignore the elders and nature and
relish
solely and strongly in things designed to blind us

to make us forget about our ancestors’ sacrifice, pride
and zest
all relayed to us in our culture and freedom

their unity and prosperity earned by their sacrifice
to teach
us values - not in measurements but in principles

© Linette Rabsatt

This poem is over ten (10) years old. I don't even know when I wrote it. I was looking for another piece and came across it. I never really shared it because I didn't think it was a good piece. When I read this poem today, I viewed it through different lenses. My concerns when I wrote this poem are the same or more stressful today. This poem is a simple piece that does not have many literary devices. Even with the one-word lines, there is no code or hidden message. By the way, I purposely wrote the title in lower case.

These are the reasons I love poetry. I get the opportunity to create something different every time.

POEM: Time Will Continue On

If I could turn back the hands of time

I still wouldn't
because his story or her story
are exactly what they are
I have to live my story
chart my legacy and make the impact
that I am destined to live
and it is the same for you
so use your talents and your inspiration
to inspire and penetrate the nations
with positive thoughts and deeds
reminisce - yes
bask in the nostalgia - sure
enjoy that deja vu moment - might as well
but know that time is your friend
never your enemy
it is going to continue
without you and without me
so rather than hold the hurt
or worry over a mistake
take time to see how great time has treated you
and be thankful for all the loved ones around you

because even if you wanted to press pause

you can't

so use your time wisely

enjoy the big and small moments
because time will continue on

ⓒ Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Message to the Graduates

You've fought and it's been long and hard
worrying, crying and fussing over report cards
You've been pushed, prodded and pulled
struggling through and trying to follow the rules
but your day is here and I know you are excited
all pressed and steamed and your guests already invited
enjoy this moment and revel in your success
stand proud and know that you are the best
you're young so you still have a lot of ground to cover

despite any challenge, you better be a mover

don't fool yourself - there's some tough days ahead

even days that all you may have to eat is bread

but you will overcome all your obstacles and problems

remember - lay it to the Father - he'll take care of them

keep your head on and good friends close

and no, not the ones who like to turn up their noses

who don't see the need to be kind to everyone

those who will beat or bully someone's daughter or son

you have to stand with people in a supportive circle

those who will help you if there's any obstacle

those who embody the values your parents taught you

those who encourage you to be positive and true

but this is not about them - it's all about you

you better know the right things to do

we always tell you to think for yourself

please don't leave the good lessons you learned on a shelf

You see, you stand proud and happy today

well that was my story a few years ago plus yesterday

don't laugh because my hair is beaded in gray

because there's always a positive message in what I say

have your vision and chart your course

stay true to God because he is the main source

but if you make a mistake, know that it's okay

and people will have a lot of negative to say

but an error has proven to be part of how we learn

today may be your error, but tomorrow is my turn

many a mistake has created great inventions

because it's not the hurdle, it's your great intentions

so all in all, I wanted to say

that on this journey, everything won't always go your way

but keep your head on and stay as strong as you can

be spontaneous but also know when to plan

relax when you need to and take a breather

money is good but good health is sweeter

take care of your mind, body and soul

because these three elements are what make you whole

stay committed to whatever you endeavor

when it comes to success, don't look at your neighbor and measure

instead enhance your talents and use them wisely

keep your head up, stay focused and let your light shine brightly!

© Linette Rabsatt