Month: November 2016

Holiday Imperative

Thanksgiving: What’s it all about?
Just kidding! Not much room for doubt
Or wonder with a name like that.
It’s giving thanks. I’ll eat my hat
With gravy on and stuffing in
If they’d a different motive when
They made it up. That, by the way,
Cannot be said of Boxing Day;
St. Patrick’s kind of coy with his
As well, but tells it like it is—
A quality that’s clearly prized
More viscerally than some surmised
Before events of recent weeks–
Of that aroma this day reeks!
Today’s a day of gratitude,
A science-proven attitude-
Improving habit. Honestly,
If you’re a skeptic, check and see
It for yourself: Try giving thanks
For something. Anything. The ranks
Of Happy Folk will grow by one
(And maybe more) before you’re done.
Seriously, do it now:
Pick something, and consider how
Your life is better with it, or
Conversely, how you’d loathe life more
Without that thing. Go on. I’ll wait.
Just one good thing…you’ve got one? Great!
Now, keep that picture in your head–
If that’s too hard, the word instead–
And think, I’m thankful for this thing.
If you’d prefer to let it ring
Out loud, then shout it: Thank you! See?
That’s what Thanksgiving Day should be,
If not a symphony or song,
At least one note more right than wrong
In all of life’s cacophony.
Thanks for sharing that with me.

Fool Me Once

It’s dark when all the lights are out
And it’s not daytime. I’ve no doubt
That isn’t news to most of you.
The obvious is often true.
Admittedly, when looks deceive
One wonders what, then, to believe,
And one too many rude surprises
May lead some to doubt their eyeses.
That’s a natural consequence
Of being fooled. The mind’s defense
Against unpleasant shocks is to
Deny that anything is true
Despite the testimony of
Our eyes, or even those we love.
Fool me once, the saying goes,
And that’s on you–and heaven knows
We’re all much happier when blame
Is tarnishing another’s name–
But fool me twice, it’s oft been said,
And that’s on me, and so instead
Of letting foolish seconds slide,
Our pride insists they be denied
‘Cause no one wants to be a chump.
Just ask a friend who voted Trump.

Some Mondays

If rising action’s what you seek,
Some Mondays make a merry week
Much merrier by virtue of
The Monday they must rise above.

If racing’s more your metaphor,
Embrace slow pace. That’s what it’s for!
It’s easier to cruise at first
Then catch the rabbit with a burst.

The point is, if you start on top,
Who’s up? The list is: You. Full stop.
No matter what you try from here
Your week will not improve. That’s clear.

Some Mondays measure time in pain.
Some Mondays make you wish for rain.
Some Mondays suck like rancid dressing.
Great! Come Thursday, that’s a blessing.