Ann Peck Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

10/21/25 For the contest, Pondering the Pavement: by John Lawless

Pondering

Pondering pavement looking for the stars?
Or, left over chocolate candy bars?
No, I'm searching for kindnes that got lost
when, somehow our care for others got tossed

I long for days when we could be a friend 
could joke with each other and not offend
When “red” or “blue” hadn't taken hold
When we were one country made of gold

Yes, I'm old, and getting real cranky, too
Problem is, I don't know what I can do
to convince the young to look past their phone
at the real world that they've left all alone!

Your generation needs to answer this call
It's five more years til the next we install
Don't lose your place as the world speeds by
Just close your I-Phone and give us--it a try.

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Valsa George November 12, 2025 at 12:36 AM This is a powerful advice, we the elders can give to the modern generation. All are under the bewitching hold of the phone, making them forget the world around and even their dear ones. A very dangerous situation when each one withdraws to his own cell. Wisely said dear Ann.

Gordon Mcconnell November 4, 2025 at 1:06 PM Great penning Ann, so well crafted together with fine rhyme and flow with real insightfulness. Blessings, Gordon

Susan Ashley November 1, 2025 at 10:37 AM Dear Ann, I adore the deep emotion, humanity and wisdom of your poem with its plea for people to engage with the flesh and blood reality of the state of affairs around us. I was especially struck by "When “red” or “blue” hadn't taken hold/When we were one country made of gold" - indeed, so beautifully expressed, my dear poet friend. I remember, and I long for those days too. Your golden pen inspires and teaches. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan Ann Peck November 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM Ah, Susan, Those days we'll not see again, I fear. I've read many youths can't have verbal conversations any more. That's just scary!

Anne-Lise Andresen October 30, 2025 at 3:28 AM - Back to "When we were one country made of gold" ... where we had time to look at each other ... not the mobile phone - A great poem of the charm of the present ... (the light from the mobile phone in the face) - hugs Ann Peck November 7, 2025 at 1:21 PM Thanks, Anne-Lise. The change has been so swift, too. I don't think twenty-five years ago we could have imagined this. Or, maybe it was already beginning and we didn't notice until it was too late.