The Great Gift of Time

A group of couples met for lunch—
	a quick one—talked, and watched the clock.
	They spoke of their demanding jobs.
	Must soon get back—tick-tock, tick-tock!

	So many things they used to do,
	they’ve little time for nowadays, 
	like board-game nights with family
	or helping with church Christmas plays.

	They once found time to show concern
	for shut-ins in the neighborhood
	by doing home-repairs for free.
	Those times made everyone feel good.

	Some once played instruments or sang,
	wrote poetry or painted scenes
	from nature—talents they let die
	when they were barely past their teens.

	    *********************

	The thought of guitars never played,
	piano keys not touched for years,
	blank pages in a writing pad,
	and unused canvases brings tears.

	Imagine shut-ins with no help,
	church programs falling by the way,
	and game nights that don’t come to pass.
	Some can’t work these into their day!

	The way we use our precious gift
	of time determines what will thrive
	and what will not. Good stewards see	
	that better things in life survive.


Date: September 22, 2018

Contest Title: The Parable of the Talents Poetry Contest

Sponsor: Holly Hippocampus
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Barry-Nishanian Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 4:47 PM
Janice your perspective reflects what 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 says about these last days and peoples attitudes.Well done. You might like the facts I included in my poem Talents again congrats!
Canerdy Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 9:13 PM
Barbara, thanks so much. I'm sure I'll enjoy yours too! Janice
Gauthier Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:42 PM
Wonderful, Janice. Love your perspective on this. Congrats on your win.
Canerdy Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 7:20 PM
Thanks so much, Line! Janice
Wood Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 9:15 AM
Janice, this is great! Such a sage take on this contest. Congratulations. Well deserved recognition!
Canerdy Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 11:42 AM
Dean, I truly appreciate your comment! Janice
Lawless Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:20 AM
Janice, a mentor once told me "be every day the pebble" or phrased another way "Be Cause"...a very timely take on the theme, well done
Canerdy Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 8:29 AM
John, thank you so much! Janice
Watson Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 3:06 AM
What a wonderful interpretation of the parable,Janice. I don't know how I missed this but it is so deserving of a high placement. Content is excellent and thought-provoking and the rhythm flows beautifully. Bravo!
Canerdy Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 8:30 AM
Wendy, your comment has made my day. Thank you so much! Janice
Krutsinger Avatar
October 5, 2018 at 3:47 AM
Janice, you have nailed what has happened in a short amount of time. People do not neighbor anymore, they do not volunteer, they do not raise each other up.This poem has really pointed out a serious problem.
Canerdy Avatar
October 5, 2018 at 8:26 AM
Caren, thank you so much. I'm consciously trying to be a better neighbor. Janice
Warrior Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 2:27 PM
Oh wow, very nicely done my dear friend...best of luck Janice...love & light...^WW^
Canerdy Avatar
September 25, 2018 at 4:20 PM
Thank you so much, WW! Janice
Sergi Avatar
September 23, 2018 at 9:51 AM
Sometimes the gift of time is conditional. Hail to the good stewards and good luck with your eloquent poem!
Canerdy Avatar
September 23, 2018 at 12:18 PM
Ralph, thank you so much! Yes, there are those if's in all of our lives. Janice
Pandit Avatar
September 22, 2018 at 3:46 PM
Many can relate to the words of reflection in your poem. Your poem is precious.. just like the gift of time. My best for a win at the top of the podium, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
September 22, 2018 at 4:03 PM
THANK YOU for these kind words, Vijay! Janice
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