Jennifer Proxenos Poet Free verse

War of Words

Pappou, means grandfather in Greek,
He would listen carefully then speak,
Cleanse yourself first and heal,
Any rifts or wounds that gnaw.
Chose wisdom over wrath he’d say
Your time to fail, he would explain,
Will be entirely of your own choosing.
So open your minds and listen,
Understand your words, 
And keep improving.

Don’t waste precious words, like snow
Falling in the desert,
Or as the claws of barren branches
Reaching out from a lone tree
Just prepare yourself,
To be body, mind, and soul free.

A war of words can be intelligently
Won, Without any snapping or 
Or fighting back,
For then you loose the track,
By fighting back,
So keep on the track,
And you will victoriously 
Have won this war of words.
One more thing, before you speak,
Remember my grandfather the Greek.

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Duke Beaufort January 17, 2024 at 2:07 PM This is a valuable read Jennifer. I was just telling someone I know who gets wrapped up and anxious, that they could visualize their words on paper before they speak to avoid seeming hysterical and to slow down a bit. I also very much appreciated the tribute you gave your grandfather. Very kind and respectful you are indeed. There's an old story about words being like the feathers of a pillow. Once released and scattered, they are hard to put back. Meaningful discussion is a good thing.

Paghunda Zahid January 15, 2024 at 10:31 AM Interesting.. I need to learn a lot. Lol

Valsa George December 10, 2023 at 8:37 AM Age and experience seemed to have made him sage like. His advice is very valuable to avoid quarrels with life and others. A war is not always won by fighting back. By keeping silence and traveling through the right track and showing love, bitterness can be conquered. Dear Jenny, like your grandfather, you too have certain convictions. You believe in loving people and avoid hurting them through words or deeds. Sorry to hear that you have health problems and are advised rest. Wish you a relaxed weekend.

Lisa Ricci November 29, 2023 at 7:17 AM Dear Jennifer, Good Morning. I agree think before speaking to win the war of words. I believe words once spoken and written too can hurt and harm with lasing effects. You leave us with a message that we need to remember. Always to you share something with merit and value. Have a wonderful morning and day. May words be of peace love and light and nothing other than. Blessings and Peace always (smile)

Paul Callus November 27, 2023 at 2:20 AM I have always been an advocate of dialogue, Jenny.....listen - think - communicate. Your wise grandfather passed on to you such a priceless treasure! Thank you for sharing with us. ~ Warm regards, hugs and blessings my friend. // paul

Jim Slaughter November 25, 2023 at 9:46 AM I guess you don't have to "beware all Greeks bearing gifts", as the old adage warns us. A great piece, Jennifer. I especially like the imagery in "the claws of barren branches'.

Bj Legros Kelley November 10, 2023 at 12:11 AM Beautiful wisdom passed on from a beloved grandfather to be carried forth and bless others through his poetic granddaughter is so sweet and incredibly precious! Thank you for sharing his wisdom through your poem Jennifer. <3

Christopher Flaherty November 8, 2023 at 1:42 PM Greetings Mev Jen The pen and word is mightiest above all. Plato all of the Great Knowledge and Wisdom Comes starts and begins with their initial Philosophy Passed down throughout the ages Till this very day Unfortunately no lessons learned A true Hellenic Tragedy Seasons Greetings Hugs , love and blessings To you and all of your Me. Jan

Sotto Poet October 13, 2023 at 12:45 PM Your grandpa is a very smart man. I loved reading what you wrote, about him, Jennifer. You are really good at explaining things in a clear way and using great metaphors and good techniques.The wise things your grandpa said were like a gift, wrapped up in your beautiful poem. I really love it and this is going to be a fave.

Victor Buhagiar October 8, 2023 at 10:01 PM I read your last poem on your grandfather. A very wise man. As the old adage says: least said soon mended. Hugs.

Bill Baker October 6, 2023 at 10:16 PM A very wise man he is, your Pappou. I enjoyed reading the wisdom of the elder Pappou, Jen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us through your fine poetry, my dear friend. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill

Lisa Ricci October 5, 2023 at 5:45 AM Hello Jennifer. Good Morning. You truly can express yourself with clarity. I loved and enjoyed your third and middle stanza for me it says it all with meaning. Truly. Thank you for sharing your skilled talent. May today find you well. Blessings always (smile)

Anne-Lise Andresen October 3, 2023 at 1:10 AM - A wise Greek grandfather, Jenny ... word war never leads to anything positive - Words to live by :) - hugs

Sally Eslinger October 2, 2023 at 4:32 PM Wow! This is a biblical lesson too, but i can’t recall the chap & verse. Pappou was wise & helped you become the exemplary poet (& thus Person too) that U are as stands to gift us in this poem. My mom goaded me similarly. See my poem “for the love of the language.” I moved like a sister thru this poem! A wonder!

Alexis Y. October 2, 2023 at 1:29 PM Hi Jenny, Your grandfather spoke words of wisdom. He gave wise and sage advice. Words to live by. Thanks for sharing such a write. Have a wonderful day my friend:-) Alexis

Karen Jones October 2, 2023 at 12:39 PM Wise words wrapped in your rhythmic poem. I love this and I am sure your grandpa smiles on you.