Notes About The Poem

Edward's 'This or That, Vol 33' Contest ~ 5/23/23

Leverage

It's easy to set the goal, and even put the process in motion, but continuing to push forward through struggles and frustration can require a shove to help draw out that emotional leverage.   ~ Leigh Wilson

Emotional happiness is a goal everyone would like to reach
but attaining that destination is not something anyone can teach.
The use of leverage is a viable solution to ignite the flames of fire,
ones to use as sparks to light the way to have the life we desire
There are several emotional concepts that I label after reflection
that can motivate us and others to live life without objection

Pride is usually thought of as a trait for which we shouldn't strive
but it can also prove to be a useful tool that can keep hope alive
for it can take a look at goals that were achieved or things done right.
A point worth making; it opens a window giving slivers of foresight

Joy is an emotion everyone feels when a goal is accomplished
Any lever can be used to amplify an advantage that can be wished
Something as simple as talking with others can make joy a reality
It's a resource to change a behavior or attitude; not a hyperbole

Hope allows us to have expectations of a life that we find fulfilling
But life often pushes back with frustrations that could use distilling
That's when we pivot, as a lever to make struggles less intimidating
By facing problems head on, seeking solutions, instead of placating

The fear factor dwells inside everyone when feeling uncertainty
or an immediate threat, but it can be levered with a bit of diversity,
a change in some areas of our lives where we experience less stress
The more advantages we can obtain, we'll feel threats much less

Anger is perhaps the biggest obstacle to having emotional well-being
but used as a leverage, it can be used as a key that allows the freeing
from threats that we experience, disrupting our sense of independency,
enabling us to feel self-compassion and toward others with clemency

Then there is the prospect of shame, used to encourage and persuade
ourselves and others to avoid an action or a decision, wrongly made
when we, or others might find out about a socially undesirable action. 
Leveraging devices give gentle shoves that lead to emotional satisfaction.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Peck Avatar
June 12, 2025 at 6:28 PM
What a wonderful list of wise choices and the results to expect. You are an incredible poet, Lin, full of wise intellect. Your poem should be printed on parchment and hung prominently on a wall.
Kitchin Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Lin, back to congratulate you on your first place win!
Jones Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 1:38 PM
A work of art! Very enlightening verses Lin! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your win!
Woods Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Almost a didactic form with such shared wisdom! I issuance resist long poems but this one caught and held my attention throughout. Congratulations! Xo
Lane Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Thank you, Crystol. I felt as though I had written a thesis. I appreciate your time for such a long write.
Ibeh Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Lin, heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest with this brilliant rhyme poem. What an honor to judge your work. You're a poet I hold in exceedingly high esteem! Hopefully, you'll start entering contests again.
Lane Avatar
June 2, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Thank you, Edward. It's been an honor to write for your contests, but I'm afraid it's come to an end with the use of many using AI. I've sent you soup mail about some of the entries in your contest. More's the pity that those who call themselves, 'poet' don't wield their own pen.
Beaufort Avatar
May 27, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Lin, I find this to be a very fine entry for this contest. It really does address leveraging various things to develop a happy state. Should be a first place. Curious where this ended up in the contest. If it didn't win, it goes to show something strange is going on. It's a wonderful poem. Making it a favorite.
Lane Avatar
May 27, 2025 at 4:13 PM
It's not been judged yet, and I'm not sure it's what Edward wanted, but it's what enfolded. I didn't want to write about the other choice when most others did. Ya know the rebel in me.
Empress Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Dear linnersz, what a wise write this is! I can tell your heart is full of wisdom, and so much to offer through your poetic writes! Every poem of yours have a very different touch to it, so unique and meaningful and this how youv used leverage here and explained different emotions and the key to emotional wellbeing here is so very engaging! I especially love the lines “ Anger is perhaps the biggest obstacle to having emotional well-being but used as a leverage, it can be used as a key that~ “ i love those rhymes and what youv stated there, for everything , and every shade of emotion, when used in certain ways theres goin to be better outcomes! I gathered alot from this write! Pleasure reading your poem! Sending you light always
Lane Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Thank you very much, Ink. Anger can lead people to think they need to get revenge, but usually they are the ones who feel the brunt of the pain. I've learned to sing Elsa's song, "Let it Go." I'm off to a dance review for Eloise. No, she's not playing the part of Beauty! lol thank goodness.
Kitchin Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Lin, your poem is well done, it's witty and creative. Best of luck in the contest.
Lane Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Hi, Tania and thanks for reading through these lines that I've been calling a thesis, but no professor would appreciate a lengthy paper that rhymed. It is what it was meant to be...an emotional aid... of sorts.
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