Notes About The Poem

 

Influences

Influences

In youth I learned to jump
First off steps, then rooftops
Spirit of adventure
Nurtured in the heart of a child

Preschool acrobat twirling on my head
Grandma swatted my bottom
Repeated words like Tomboy
Never learned to be ladylike

Catholic school discipline
Uniforms, religion classes, daily mass
Never satisfied with any accomplishment
Even the nuns called me “perfectionist”

Blessed with storytellers in my family
Dad and sis would send me to dreamland
On the wings of a unicorn
Or Shakespeare’s amazing plays

Family and friends I hold dear
Each has influenced my thinking
I learned to offer support in troubled times
And to thank God every day for special people

Unable to have children
The most crushing blow
Accepted at a young age
But rued for a lifetime

Lover of Jack London, John Steinbeck
From Jack, I found adventure
From John, I learned compassion 
Dickinson’s poetry touched my heart

If I can find a way
To make a friend feel joy
Then this is my mission
Comforter, nurturer




November 16, 2020
For Silent One’s “It's a part of me - Life and the perceptions and philosophies you hold Poetry Contest.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Curtis Avatar
December 3, 2020 at 7:56 AM
You know Carolyn, now-a-days you could sue your Grandpa for that. lol. Being able to bring joy to another is something of a natural way with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts through your poetry
Messina Avatar
November 24, 2020 at 5:18 PM
I love this, Carolyn...so much about you that I thought I new was true. Just wonderful! Hope all is well...hugs Charlie xo
Carber Avatar
November 23, 2020 at 8:35 AM
Congrats on your win, Carolyn--I share your favorite authors as well, esp. Jack and Emily [what a pair they would have made!]
Proxenos Avatar
November 21, 2020 at 8:14 AM
Wow Carolyn, What a gem of a poem - congratulations dear Carolyn, I have a few fave. people on soup, you are one of them. Bless you and many hugs Jennifer. So both of us went to convents, they say you can always tell a convent girl, but you you you can't tell her much - my Husbands saying. I was really naughty and a prefect on top of it, don't know if you ever read my Peanut Butter strike poem, once a rebel, always a rebel! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer. Love this poem
Kamoonpuri Avatar
November 20, 2020 at 4:04 AM
Aww you didn't have kids yet you delight the child in us and recall your childhood and we all can nod and relate to elders who were storytellers. Congrats on this touching awesome poem and you have an impressive personality indeed. Kudos!!! .............................,.........>>>> Plz pleez do read and comment my newest poem too .
La France Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Carolyn, I love your poem, all these experienced made you who you are today (I went to a strict Catholic school too) congrats on your win in Silent's contest _Constance
Andresen Avatar
November 18, 2020 at 3:21 AM
- Congratulations on your great 2nd place in the contest, Carolyn :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Leffanta Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 11:12 AM
When I enlisted in USAF, I was informed I could never father children and that was a wonderful blessing in pre-Pill days, so I hope you also enjoyed the freedom to cavort! Until I read Dilbert a few days ago, the thought never crossed my mind that Shakespeare's language was a consequence of writing when drunk, all of which has made you a winner, so enjoy it! Aloha! Rico
One Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 10:05 AM
Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Rose  Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 3:46 AM
Ah, it touches the heart when one reads a revelation of a warm heart and all her life's endeavors. How precious you are to God's eyes, You may not have had children, but in God's eyes, you are the child of all child, and he loves you so much. I am so glad I stopped by, miss you dear friend, Sending love and prayers, for a healing time on earth, filled with you and me. xo
Cunningham Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 11:03 PM
Its funny how things and people influence you as you make your way through life. Well written Carolyn. Good luck Tom
Dietrich Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 6:23 PM
you truly are a comforter and compassionate person. And the tomboy part is so cute. I was kind of one too. the love of family and story telling we have much in common with each other!!
Devonshire Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:41 AM
I'm glad our similarities outweigh our differences, Andrea. I'm blessed to have you as a friend.
Bauer Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 4:05 PM
it's wonderful to learn a little bit about the poet behind the poems and i very much enjoyed reading your very perceptive description of yourself, carolyn! it's great to be able to acknowledge those who helped us become who we are...
Devonshire Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:43 AM
I think all the people we meet along life's road help shape our personalities. Thanks for reading, Ilene.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 3:48 PM
I greatly enjoyed your poem. Made me smile, reminisce (I too was Catholic), wince (spankings). Best wishes in contest. I root for you!
Devonshire Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:44 AM
I know your faith is important to you, Kim. That's a common interest we share. Sorry if you got the spankings; I was "scared straight" in Catholic school.
Pandit Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 2:31 PM
Those influence from your beloved family shaped your early days and you made yourself a noble citizen of this world. Your kind heart bleeds for what's just and right. A great human being you are and I'm proud to call you friend and read your poetry. Stay blessed, Carolyn.
Devonshire Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:45 AM
Thank you, Vijay. You are always so kind!
Michael Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 12:59 PM
You recognized the beautiful you...the first step of seeing the beauty in others... Enjoyed the read...All the best Carolyn
Devonshire Avatar
November 17, 2020 at 9:53 AM
Thank you for stopping by, Arturo. I'll check your page.
Sands Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Excellent poem! Very well done :)
Andresen Avatar
November 16, 2020 at 12:19 PM
- A life of joy and sorrow ... thank you so much for sharing your story, Carolyn :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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