Notes About The Poem

This or That Volume 7 Contest

 sponsored by Edward Ibeh ~ September 11, 2024

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Reverse Psychology


My father was the wisest man I've ever known.
He never raised his voice or even a hand to me.
It wasn't until I was older, and the years had flown
that I realized his wisdom was reverse psychology.

Dad asked a lot of questions and gave me leeway
to allow me to decide for myself, right or wrong.
Some decisions made; I must admit led me astray
but Dad's guidance kept me from being headstrong.

I was never disobedient or rebellious as a child
but Dad's approach to rearing was a good technique.
He avoided saying, "No" to me, and when he smiled,
his gentile persuasion was not in words to speak.

I remember thinking I didn't want to be college bound
Dad didn't argue the point, saying, "It's your decision."
Another accepting smile left me thinking, how profound!
I was having second thoughts that might need revision.

Reverse psychology is an effective form of influence.
If told not to do something, most people can't resist.
Or a suggestion that we SHOULD seems an issuance
like a command. A strategic method to cease and desist.

It's a game of mind control without brain cells knowing
that they're being subtly manipulated in an influential way.
Without telling a falsehood and having a nose growing,
it's an intervention where the opposite outcome is in play.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Ibeh Avatar
September 27, 2024 at 7:07 AM
Such a fantastic penning, Lin. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest!
Sinha-Roy Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 7:01 AM
A good take on the contest theme, Lin. Nicely flowing rhyming narration.
Lane Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 7:04 AM
Thank you very much.
Lawless Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 3:51 PM
...now put it in reverse and slowly let the clutch out.....Nice take on the topic Lin. My dad used "witticisms" such as "If wishes were horses beggars would ride"
Lane Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 7:03 AM
I learned to drive on a tractor, so I know about releasing the clutch. Thanks, John.
Cunningham Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 12:34 PM
Brilliant writing Lin, your quill is on fire. Good luck in the contest. Hope the storm soon passes. Tom
Lane Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 7:03 AM
Thank you for commenting, Tom. I'm ok.
Narain Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 10:03 AM
Nice poem
Lane Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 7:02 AM
Thanks.
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