Bartholomew Williams Poet Other

Notes About The Poem

Entry in Gregory Barden's "Syncopated Cinqopet Poetry Contest" (topic: Rhythm), Jan. 6, 2026

Note: No artificial intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, machine learning (ML), etc., was used in the composition of this poem.

All photos are courtesy of the no-fee, watermark-free selection at Pixabay.com. 

A Rhythm of Life

At birth, the journey starts its flow;
In all ways, youngsters seek to grow;
Not sure of what they truly know.
For knowledge core, their yearning; 
Desire for whole-life learning. 

Adulthood brings more duties deep,
Some joyful, others make us weep. 
Be careful – what we sow, we reap!
One’s faith and family, more;
Defines what we are known for.

Support our loved ones – duty-bound, 
To keep our families safe, sound,
That rhythm goes around and round.
Prepare next generation
With wisdom, veneration. 

While sharing this connection, still,
To raise kids right is no small frill.
Our mid-life brings reflection ‘til
We seek below the surface
Some other worthy purpose.

For all things there’s a season right;
A time for peace, a time to fight;*
Day’s rhythm contrasts that of night.
Peale taught a positive mind**
Keeps words and actions so kind.

From prophets, authors, others sage,
We learn to fill then turn the page
Before we leave this earthly stage.
Life’s record is our final deal;
What will be shown by our reveal?



* Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (RSV).
**  Peale, Dr Norman Vincent. 1990. The Power of Positive Thinking. London, England: Cedar Books.

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William Kelii Kekaula September 17, 2026 at 6:59 PM A fine tapestry of life throughout the different stages that has been well inscribed, much enjoyed, my friend ~ William Bartholomew Williams September 18, 2026 at 4:43 PM William, thank you so much for your very kind and gracious words! Blessings & very best, Bartholomew

David Crandall September 13, 2026 at 3:26 PM Congratulations, Gregory - yes, we had similarities in our takes on it, but yours is very thoughtful - well done! Bartholomew Williams September 14, 2026 at 7:40 PM Thank you very much, David, for your kind comments! Very best, Bartholomew

Sotto Poet January 18, 2026 at 2:58 AM A poem that takes the breath away, drawn forth from the very essence of life itself. Your splendid metaphors and profound language weave a rich tapestry into this creation. Bartholomew Williams January 19, 2026 at 9:31 PM Thank you very much, SP, for your truly perceptive and gracious comments! (I did put my head, heart, and soul into this one.) I sincerely appreciate your kind and encouraging feedback. If you have not read Dr. N. V. Peale, he wrote about the rhythm of a hammer, saw, any human activity, and - of course - life. The topic reminded me of his book and monthly publication (Guideposts), and of course, the Bible (Ecclesiastes, and more). Thanks again for taking the time and care to really read this and provide your insightful, welcome comments! Blessings and very best, Bartholomew

Andrea Dietrich January 17, 2026 at 6:22 PM I sure hope he judges it soon. To me it was not difficult once I realized the pattern but yes, you have to do those last two lines just right. Hopefully I did. Bartholomew Williams January 19, 2026 at 9:24 PM He re-opened his contest, perhaps to give more opportunities to get to 35 entries. No worries - I am sure your entry is solid, as usual. Best wishes to both of us! Blessings and very best, Bartholomew

Andrea Dietrich January 11, 2026 at 11:14 PM Really really good! I love this form and the meter it requires. Can't believe a contest like this one is taking so long to fill up! Bartholomew Williams January 13, 2026 at 9:12 AM Thank you very much, Andrea! I agree - the deadline is only two days from now, but there are still 15 more entries to fill it up (maybe Gregory will end it on 1/15, regardless of the number of contestants?)! I think one issue is that, in my opinion, Greg's variant of traditional iambic tetrameter is a little harder to write because one only gets 7 syllables for the last two lines of each stanza, and still the meter needs to be correct. Best wishes to both of us if you entered this one! Blessings & very best, Bartholomew

Sara Kendrick January 6, 2026 at 4:11 PM Thank you for sharing this one with us. I guess it must be for a contest and if so, it reads like a good contender to me. Way to go. I have read some of Norman Vincent Peale's work, but it has been a long time ago. At the time I read it, I thought what an insightful understanding man. Sara K Bartholomew Williams January 6, 2026 at 5:08 PM Thank you very much, Sara, and yes, it is an entry in Gregory Barden's contest. [I think you entered as well, so I wish us both good luck!! ;) ] I appreciate your kind, supportive words. Yes, Norman Vincent Peale wrote quite a bit of high-quality content, and he was one of the people who got the monthly, inspirational, small-magazine "Guideposts" (I am not sure if it is still around) on the radar of many Americans. Blessings & very best, Bartholomew