Terrell Martin Poet Rhyme

Somebody Clipped My Wings

I don’t know where resilience comes from
But it seems to be in short supply -  
There was a time when “true grit” meant something 
But for too many that idea died.

Complaining and playing the blame game 
Seems to be the new status quo -
“It’s not my fault my life’s a mess,
It’s his or her fault you know!”

Or its just dumb luck and I lost out
On every opportunity -  
Poor, poor, pitiful me,
Blame it all on my community. 

Or better yet it's those on the left
I mean really, the “Extreme” far right -
Yes, there to blame for screwing my game 
Along with my entire life.  

Don’t you see what they’ve done to me
Those evil political goons?
They’ve strapped a suicide vest on me 
Blowing my dreams up into sky blue.

They told me I could win every time 
I competed or took a math test -
“Everyone deserves to win because 
Everyone is trying their best.”

You know little Johnny got a ribbon
And I should get one too,
It's just not fair he’s better than me 
Boo-who, boo-who, boo-who!

So, it’s not my fault I’m lost in life
And can’t even find my bearings -
It’s not my fault I’m so depressed 
I lash out and resort to swearing.

At all of you and this whole world too
Filled with nothing but misery and pain - 
With a glass half empty instead of half full 
And nothing to venture or gain.

I can’t help it if I can’t tie my shoes 
Or go out and look for a job -
I tried that one time 
And nearly got robbed.  

Because the game is rigged against me
And has been from the start -
Every time I try to excel 
I get palpitations in my heart.  

Therefore, I’ll just go out and complain today 
About how I hate winter and spring -
Because birds and bees will soon return 
But somebody clipped my wings.

© Terrell Martin, 03/13/2025

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Hiba Junaid March 26, 2025 at 1:40 AM An eye-opener about how much easier it is to blame your problems on society than actually take the initiative to defeat the odds, and rise up to the challenge. Life wasn't designed to be easy; in fact, it is quite literally designed to have ups and downs so we can learn to treasure both grief and happiness. I love this poem, and its impactful, meaningful lines. Be Blessed. Terrell Martin March 28, 2025 at 3:55 AM Hello Hiba and thank you for reading and responding so positively to this poem. I think we all know somebody who could be the protagonist in this poem. Life IS hard and many people find it easier to blame others for their difficulties instead of seeing life for what it is - challenges and struggles that we all must learn to overcome in order to survive, succeed and overcome. Thank you again & "Write on," Terrell

Pivotal Poetry March 24, 2025 at 11:34 PM So well penned, I have just come across your poems, absolutely amazing. Love reading them. Terrell Martin March 28, 2025 at 3:47 AM Hi Pivotal, it's nice to meet you and I appreciate your interest in my poetry. I'm so glad you approve, and I look forward to reading your poetry as well. Enjoy the weekend. Thanks again, Terrell

William HAYNES March 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM It's true that society shifts a lot of pressure to succeed. Your poem tells the story splendidly. Terrell Martin March 28, 2025 at 3:45 AM Thanks for reading, William. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Sotto Poet March 14, 2025 at 6:46 PM Dear Terrell, this fantastic poem effectively explores the themes of personal responsibility, resilience, and societal blame. You convey a perspective of vulnerability and victimization, indicating that numerous individuals today tend to focus on complaining and attributing blame for their challenges instead of embracing responsibility for their circumstances. Terrell Martin March 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM Hello again, my poetic friend. Once again, you "Nailed it" in terms of going right to the heart of the poem and summarizing it better than I might have done myself. You're truly a gentleman and a scholar and a cloud of excellence never seems to leave you. Thank you again and I hope you're enjoying a pleasant weekend. Cheers, Terrell

Ilene Bauer March 13, 2025 at 9:35 AM This is so well-said, Terrell! Blaming the world for one’s shortcomings seems to be the way to go these days and that’s really a sad state of affairs. I also hate the whole “everybody wins” mentality - talk about setting a kid up for disappointment in life! Terrell Martin March 13, 2025 at 12:12 PM Hello Irene and thank you a million-fold for dropping by and inserting your usual agreeable and uplifting thoughts on the matter at hand, namely stupid, selfish (adult) people who for whatever reason(s) simply refuse to grow up. For a more eloquent explanation regarding the motivation behind this poem I refer you to Deb M's comment below whom I regard as poetically talented and graciously kindhearted as yourself. Thanks again and have a Blessed weekend /// Terrell

Deb M March 13, 2025 at 2:12 AM Terrell ….just brilliant!! You nailed the preciousness of our society….children not allowed experience disappointment, loss and being told No! Real life experiences that creates resillence, strength of character and so forth….Debx Terrell Martin March 13, 2025 at 12:06 PM Hi Deb, I had a recent encounter with someone close to me that brought these thoughts to the forefront of my emotionally distraught cerebellum and just knew I had to get these thoughts out of my head and into a poem before I decided to load my shotgun with buckshot and use that narrow-minded piece of selfish humanity for target practice! I think the poem was of better use of my talents and thank you for agreeing with the premise of it all. Warm hugs & Happy weekend my poet friend.