Pride and Joy of His Family

Having lived on earth for some time now
Impatiently he dwells, harboring self doubt.
In face of impediments he loses his mind
Acquiring dispositions like hate and lies,
Hosting showmanship to look good and wise.

Never does he claim his world to be saintly
Letting dreams reign and thoughts go wild
Acknowledging failings incapable of verity.

Risking happy tears, triumphs he celebrates
Saving saddened ones to mourn disasters,
Banking on the strength of worn-out hands
As unforgiving minutes tick-tock forever. 

When he gets a turn at the wheel of fortune
Losses seem to mount at every pitch-and-toss,
Regretting moments when he says:"hold on"
For he loses the ground on which he stands.

Yet he carries on, in treacherous currents
Swimming boldly in shark-infested waters
Accepting the reality of fish-eat-fish world.

Unsatiated reveries bestow vacant dreams 
Never ever venturing to walk with the Kings,
Commoner he is, like his friends in drudgery.

Pride and joy of his family, a Man he's already!

Truth he owns, is the truth he delineates,
Being a flawed man, for forgiveness he prays.

October 21, 2018
Poem of the day on October 23, 2018
Placed first in..In response to Rudyard Kipling's poem IF
Contest by Silent One
Placed 3rd: Strand select 12 by Brian Strand
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

123
Chiri Avatar
January 18, 2020 at 2:53 PM
Vijay congratulations on your win!()
Schiavina Avatar
January 18, 2019 at 8:12 AM
You construct every poem with substance and beauty. A true masterpiece! congratulations and Happy New Year Vijay.
Andresen Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 12:34 AM
- Congratulations on yours: "In response to IF ...." poems, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 9:06 AM
Thank you Anne-Lise.
Nicole Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:42 PM
Third times the charm!! :) As I am back again reading this wonderful poem. Congratulations Vijay. So worth reading again and again- and well deserving of this win. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 9:06 AM
Thank you Brandy.
Roper Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:25 PM
Nicely done, Vijay, congratulations on your placement in the contest I enjoyed reading..
Pandit Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Thank you Eve.
Smith Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 11:21 AM
I knew I'd be back to congratulate you Vijay, well done...
Pandit Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Thank you Charlie.
One Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 9:59 AM
Brilliant take on the contest Vijay, a man is responsible for so much.. Regarded as the head of the household, it is always important to behave in a good way.. Congratulations on your first place in the contest..
Pandit Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Thank you SO.
Bateman Avatar
November 19, 2018 at 2:40 PM
Hello Vijay, Sorry I missed this one. My Belated Congratulations for POTD!! A powerfully deep and passionate Verse for sure. The imagery is wondrously great too. Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary
Pandit Avatar
November 19, 2018 at 3:43 PM
Thank you Gary.
Sands Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 6:40 PM
Congratulations for being on the best new poem list Vijay :)
Pandit Avatar
November 19, 2018 at 3:43 PM
Thank you Heidi.
Onclaud Avatar
November 8, 2018 at 4:53 PM
what a fluid, wise poem which speaks honestly of man's foibles, vijay... enjoy your POTD citation!...huggs
Pandit Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 8:08 AM
Thank you, nette.
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 6:23 PM
Hello Congratulations on POTD. This verse is very well done. Have a nice evening my friend.
Pandit Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 5:17 PM
Thank you Darlene..appreciate the visit and comments.
B. Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 2:58 AM
Belated Congratulations on your POTD, my friend.. An absolutely wonderful verse!! Amazingly penned!! Really enjoyed!! Blessings to you...
Pandit Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 6:56 AM
Thank you Robertina.
Michael Avatar
November 5, 2018 at 3:28 AM
Could be anyone of us...interesting how you view the man in the poem...it;s a reflection of many....All the best Vijay
Pandit Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 6:55 AM
Thank you Arturo.
Theraven Avatar
November 4, 2018 at 6:47 PM
I find myself coming back to this poem. Trying to figure out life's riddles I suppose. -Richard
Pandit Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 6:55 AM
Thank you Quoth.
George   Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 9:49 AM
SO PROFOUND! A MASTERPIECE IN RESPONSE TO MR. KIPLINGS POEM, 'IF'. THIS ONE GOES TO MY FAV LIST.
Pandit Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 3:26 PM
Many thanks Elaine for your generous comments..thanks for the visit.
Devonshire Avatar
November 2, 2018 at 7:03 PM
Few of us are without flaws, Vijay, and the way this man battles adversity shows his depth of character. You have quite a talent for creating a strong but sympathetic character. Great work! Hugs, Carolyn
Pandit Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 8:20 AM
Appreciate the kind feedback..many thanks, Carolyn.
Moore Avatar
October 30, 2018 at 3:45 PM
That is life. Nice job
Pandit Avatar
October 30, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Thank you Jay..appreciate your visit and comments.
May Avatar
October 30, 2018 at 3:54 AM
Very nicely penned Vijay..
Pandit Avatar
October 30, 2018 at 6:04 AM
Thank you Joseph.
Kalyanasundaram  Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 4:47 PM
Best lines. I like much your writing. with regards.
Pandit Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 5:54 PM
Thank you very much for your visit...I appreciate your kind feedback.
Kiser Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 9:42 AM
A beautiful piece of poetry that should do well in the contest; best of luck.
Pandit Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 12:54 PM
Thank you M.L.K.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 9:33 AM
Congrats on POTD! A well deserved honour!
Pandit Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 12:54 PM
Thank you Richard.
Y. Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 9:27 AM
WoW! VJ, This is an excellent and well executed response to the poem" If". . It looks like a winner to me. I wish you the best of luck in the contest.Congratulations on getting the poem of the day. It was well deserved:-) Alexis
Pandit Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 12:53 PM
I appreciate the visit and kind remarks..many thanks Alexis.
Mcdaid Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 7:43 PM
excellent pen well deserved potd wishing you a blessed week
Pandit Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 12:52 PM
Thank you liam..appreciate the visit and kind feedback.
Sathasivam Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 6:37 AM
Excellent and well penned. An outstanding poem. Enjoyed reading it.
Pandit Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 7:12 AM
Thank you Ravi..appreciate your visit and kind feedback.
Kannan Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 4:35 AM
Wowwww... This is beautiful... congratulations on your POTD...So well deserved ... Loved it....
Pandit Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 7:11 AM
Thank you Supraja..appreciate the kind feedback.
123
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace