Count To Ten

a sestina

To every zephyr comes a bold quest
and every squall can whisper regret.
Those who will take the deeper breath
are those who gain a discerning spirit. 
The eye of a storm loves the calm
while the vortex lives for the clash.

When two people sense a coming clash
because they’re on a divergent quest.
One may keep peace, remaining calm
while the other shows no regret
for baring an ornery spirit -
hell-bent, ranting with “baited” breath.

The pacifist, holding his breath,
prefers to downscale any clash
disowning the negative spirit.
The personality of quest
depends on one’s view of regret.
Cold is how the gutsy perceive calm.

Some get uptight when life is too calm;
conflict leaves another gasping for breath.
Satisfaction versus regret -
can both be balanced without clash?
Is there a more productive quest 
for passive and proactive spirits?

With open mind, the hostile spirit
can work at finding a sense of calm.
When threatened with a thorny request,
count to ten and take a deep breath.
At the invitation to clash,
do not attend; send your regrets.

If you are one who shrinks from regret
confronting an in-your-face spirit,
do not forgo the challenging clash.
Count to ten; dismantle your normal calm
and debate ‘til you’re out-of-breath.
Learn the thrill of making the conquest. 


Sometimes in regret, I answer with calm,
then try a raw spirit with weighted breath.
Peace reigns both in clash and a quieter quest. 

June 7, 2014

contest:  What brings you peace
hostess:  Chantelle Cooke
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014


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Date: 5/23/2021 1:25:00 PM
Well written, Reason! Congrats on your 1st place win in Chantelle's contest! Blessings, Kim M
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 5/23/2021 8:47:00 PM
thank you, Kim. There's a place for the variety of people that God has placed on this earth for just such a time as this. Written in appreciation of many spirits.
Date: 6/28/2014 9:24:00 AM
Very interesting write with perfect sestina, Reason. congrats on the win
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 5/23/2021 8:44:00 PM
thanks,Dr. Ram, I welcome your comment, haven't done many sestinas, they are a challenge.
Date: 6/28/2014 12:37:00 AM
You managed to keep your poem going forward despite the mandated repetition. Great job. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
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Date: 6/27/2014 9:10:00 AM
congrats Reason .......Seren
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 6/27/2014 7:53:00 PM
thanks, Seren, enjoyed the contest.
Date: 6/27/2014 8:41:00 AM
Congratulations, Reason, on nice win in this difficult challenge. Mohan
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 5/23/2021 8:45:00 PM
I appreciate your comment, Mohan.
Date: 6/9/2014 8:56:00 AM
I'm not familiar with the form, but I appreciate the intricacy of this piece.
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 6/10/2014 10:53:00 PM
thank you, Richard. It's not a form I am comfortable with as yet...I am too used to rhyme.
Date: 6/8/2014 4:59:00 AM
A perfect sestina, good luck in the contest, Reason
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Reason A. Poteet
Date: 6/27/2014 7:52:00 PM
Thank you, Dr. Ram. I welcome the placement of 4th in the contest. I have written maybe a couple of other sestinas.
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