Home » Poems » Paul Callus » Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders

With elan springing forth from young age Enthusiastic to take centre stage All his wits he was able to gather And proceed to the foot of the ladder Effervescent – a smile on his face – No misgivings, of doubt not a trace Rung by rung clinging on to elation Reaching up to a dream destination Fortune favours the daring, the brave Saw the trophy on which to engrave Both his name and a feat well accomplished Punching air, feeling great and established, Yet in triumph he made one mistake: Not perceiving the hiss of a snake. - - - - - - - - - - - - - © 17th May 2019

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Angela Crabtree

Date: 12/4/2020 5:49:00 PM

I never played this game. ...always be aware of the snake :)

Paul Callus
Date: 12/5/2020 8:19:00 AM

I always was under the impressions that most children would have played "Snakes & Ladders". At least you avoided being swallowed by snakes, Angela:) ~ Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Regards // paul

Ann Foster

Date: 8/15/2019 11:16:00 AM

fortune favors the daring...Oh yes... I love this... Ann

Paul Callus
Date: 8/15/2019 11:20:00 AM

Pleased you enjoyed, Ann. Thank you & Regards // paul

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 7/10/2019 5:21:00 PM

Hello Paul, I do remember this game from childhood. As children we played this game often. have a nice evening my friend. Regards Darlene.

Paul Callus
Date: 7/10/2019 5:36:00 PM

I'm glad I brought you back childhood memories, Darlene. Thank you for stopping by. Regards // paul

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 6/8/2019 7:56:00 PM

I used to love to play that game, nice poetry penned dear Paul, Have a wonderful evening. Nice to see your still writing away so

Paul Callus
Date: 6/9/2019 4:00:00 AM

Thank you, Vienna! Pleased you enjoyed. Enjoy the weekend. Warm regards /x/ paul

Jack Horne

Date: 6/6/2019 3:20:00 PM

love this and the clever twist at the end

Paul Callus
Date: 6/6/2019 3:52:00 PM

Thank you, Jack. All the best // paul

Caycay Jennings

Date: 5/28/2019 3:59:00 PM

Oh, your imagination and creativity wrote a truly inspired and engaging poem. I was riveted by both content and style, Paul. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Paul Callus
Date: 5/29/2019 4:59:00 PM

Your pleasant and complimentary words grow me wings, CayCay:) Thank you!! Goodnight & Hugs // paul

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 5/27/2019 11:00:00 PM

Hello Paul … very clever Paul. I have been around a while but haven't been prolific - thank you Paul - Lindsay

Paul Callus
Date: 5/28/2019 8:22:00 AM

Hi Lindsay....I am still around, but not as often as I'd like to be; time is never on my side! Thanks & Regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 5/22/2019 2:02:00 PM

A clever and creative write Paul my friend , a lovely twist at the end and a lesson in life for many. Warm regards and hugs, Jennifer.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/22/2019 2:17:00 PM

You summed up my poem very well, Jenny! Thank you for your pleasant visits and continuous support, my friend. ~ Warm regards & hugs // paul

Craig Cornish

Date: 5/21/2019 1:16:00 PM

What a fun and clever take on the theme Paul - wish you could have entered it.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/21/2019 2:18:00 PM

Thank you, Craig. As a matter of fact, I tried to enter it, but was unable to...that's when I realized that it had to be free verse!. Regards // paul

Daniel Turner

Date: 5/18/2019 2:18:00 PM

That's life ain't it? Just when you think you have things going your way, come to find out, you were headed the wrong direction. Love the poem, Paul, not really a fan of the game. I love poems that are not only humorous but offer a little wisdom. Your muse is in top form!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/18/2019 2:51:00 PM

I'm so pleased to have you stopping by, my friend; hope life is not treating you too badly. Your insightful comments make a lot of sense...thank you. Best regards // paul

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/17/2019 7:50:00 PM

I was thinking this is for Craig's contest. Then I wondered, "how is he going to end this?" The PERFECT ending; you got me, for sure!

Paul Callus
Date: 5/18/2019 6:03:00 AM

You were thinking right, Caren...it was meant for Craig's contest...and for a moment even I was not sure where it was going...but as often happens some endings just write themselves! Thanks & Regards // paul

W.A. Cholt

Date: 5/17/2019 7:32:00 PM

You've captured very nicely the spirit and essence of youthful play and excitement. The joy and exhilaration of winning and alas, the one mistake: Not perceiving the hiss of a snake. I Used to enjoy this game as a child.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/18/2019 6:01:00 AM

Thank you W.A. Youthful zest knows no borders, until the unexpected suddenly occurs! Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/17/2019 3:00:00 PM

This is really well written, Paul..I like the way you interpreted the theme of this contest..the ending line is great. I remember playing that game with my children.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/17/2019 3:21:00 PM

Thank you for your comments, Vijay. I have not played that game for ages! Regards // paul

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/17/2019 1:46:00 PM

Loved it Paul, that last line lol. Haven't played that in Years . Good luck. Tom.

Paul Callus
Date: 5/17/2019 2:07:00 PM

My first commenting visitor! Thank you Tom! This was meant for Craig's contest, but on rereading the rules realized that it had to be free verse! Best regards // paul