W3 Prompt #72: Practice On The Opportunities That Unfold

Written for W3, Wea’ve Written Weekly, Posted on  by
The Skeptic’s Kaddish

  1. The prompt poem by this week’s PoW:
    ‘Beach Balls’, a poem by Nigel Byng
  2. Nigel’s prompt guidelines:

Write an Ekphrastic Poem based on the photo of
Auguste Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ above;
Theme: Good Parenting;
Rhyming: Left to your discretion


“Teach the young ones what you know
but bear in mind their environs
are changed from yours growing up.”

~ Selma

Ask your higher self for guidance
stand back and watch unfold
opportunities to practice–
being a guide
being on time
being what you wished you’d had back when.

Ask for ease to let go of those
you love –watch them open you
to opportunities to practice:
their angst is fresh to you
but so were yours to others
when you wanted someone to guide you.

When you detect a need lacking
don’t look at the barriers as walls
but as windows to beat the cycle.
Warm up your dormant muscles
air out your many debacles
redeem on your own misdemeanors
help unshackle a youngster’s compass.

© selma
*

When you send out a cry for help to your Higher Self,
Self will not clear or remove the problem.
Instead, it will present you with opportunities
to better the situation. (just sayin’)
[I have found this advice useful]


Thanks so much for reading my words based on the theme of good parenting.
And may I add, one doesn’t need to be a parent to lend a helping hand; one just
needs to want to live in a good world and a desire to be a good role model.
I and parents the world over thank you.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 33 Comments

  1. rajkkhoja

    Lovely words written poem. Beautiful pic.
    “Teach the young ones what you know
    but bear in mind their environs
    are changed from yours growing up.”
    ~amazing write you.
    Thanks, Selma!

      1. rajkkhoja

        My pleasure!

    1. Selma Martin

      I’ve prayed to “my God” enough times to know how it works. Then I’m presented with opportunities. Resolving those Is trying 😪 but rewarding. That’s the best way I know. Thanks, Maria xoxo

  2. Sadje

    A poem full of wisdom Selma.

  3. Elizabeth

    Hi Selma, I feel care and freedom in your poem, it’s a difficult balance when parenting. Just beautiful!

    1. Selma Martin

      There’s no “fit-all” manual and so we pray to “Our God” for the best. I’m so pleased you liked this Elizabeth. Bless you.

  4. memadtwo

    Parenting is the most complex job in the world. (K)

    1. Selma Martin

      And the best one at the same time. Complex 👏🏽

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks, Roberta. 😜 so happy to know this 👏🏽

  5. ben Alexander

    This poem is magical, Selma. This line resonates with me most strongly:

    being what you wished you’d had back when.

    Much love,
    David

    1. Selma Martin

      So pleased to hear your thoughts, David. 😉 thanks.

    1. Selma Martin

      Doing my best, really. This worked for me (still does) so I’m sharing from that place. So happy you liked… thanks for saying. Blessings.

  6. poetisatinta

    I think you have captured the complexities of parenthood so well Selma 💕

    1. Selma Martin

      Complex. We call forth our values ‘cause that’s all we have certainty on. And it has worked for me. So I am sharing from that safe place. Thanks, AJ XoXo

  7. Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

    Wonderful writing, Selma! Very heartfelt! <3 You have rightly emphasized the importance of good example. I think good example is the most powerful influence on the younger generation. Open-mindedly listening to them and engaging them in an exchange of ideas is also effective. Questions about what they think or feel are useful in opening a conversation.Talking at them may cause them to tune out. No one, old or young wants an unsolicited lecture.

    I bet you were an awesome teacher and parent, Selma! 🙂

    1. Selma Martin

      Truth. I do my best with what I have. And I pray to the God I believe in. May all youngsters have good role models around. May we always remembers we are Ambassadors… 😉 We are! Bless you my sweet. Xoxo

  8. Michele Lee

    Thank you for this empowering poem, Selma. A beautiful complement to my day. 💗🙏🏻

  9. Baydreamer - Lauren Scott

    Wonderful, wise words, Selma. I love these lines:
    When you detect a need lacking
    don’t look at the barriers as walls
    but as windows to beat the cycle.
    Hope you’re having a good weekend! xoxo

    1. Selma Martin

      Sweet of you to read, my friend. Happy Sunday to you.

  10. byngnigel

    Wonderful, lovely poem Selma. And you’re right, every role model become a parent. The old adage that it takes a village to raise a child comes to mind.
    You addressed the prompt with such gentle, thoughtfulness.
    Thank you for contributing. 💙👏👏👏

  11. The Amethyst Lamb

    Wonderful. It’s also been helpful to me to realize sometimes people just have to have the experience themselves, and nothing anyone else can say will teach them.

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