When Plans Go Awry

When plans go awry, 
You can howl; you can cry.
You can beat yourself up like an ape;
But what good does it do
When you try to pursue
Actions getting you bent out of shape?

It’s much better, I think
(And of course, I’m no shrink)
If you take disappointment and shove it.
Then the rest of your day
You can go on your way
Feeling proud that you’ve risen above it.

Everyone makes mistakes
But if one bellyaches
The good karma is pushed to the side.
It’s more helpful to shrug;
Better yet – give a hug
And don’t let angry feelings divide.

For what’s made you upset
You will come to regret
If you wallow and whimper and whine.
Suck it up – take a breath
For it’s not life or death,
Though it matters where you draw the line.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Pritts Avatar
August 1, 2012 at 7:43 AM
Another piece of excellence. You never fail to please. I have one written in this form. I was inspired to write it when I stepped out of my car to go into a convenience store and saw a blade of grass growing from a crack in the concrete. I hope you'll read so that I can return the smile. Rockman
Beck Avatar
July 14, 2012 at 2:47 PM
good stuff here........the last line has great strength and could easily be the basic idea for another poem.....i can imagine a title.......IT MATTERS WHERE YOU DRAW THE LINE...........best wishes Ilene
Brown Avatar
July 12, 2012 at 11:40 AM
I have enjoyed reading your excellent poetry today Ilene. I look forward to reading more of it as time permits. Love, Carol
Collins Avatar
July 12, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Perfecto Ilene. Rhymes to live by. love, Kathy
Richards Avatar
July 11, 2012 at 7:05 PM
I love the positive message here...wonderful choice of subject and inspiring to read!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
July 11, 2012 at 4:55 PM
A slightly different though excellent rhythmic and rhyme structure from you! '...if you take disappointment and shove it,' EXACTLY! Well done, Ilene!! Best wishes, Keith
Dietrich Avatar
July 11, 2012 at 4:55 PM
I have always felt this way about life, Ilene. I think it helps keep us YOUNG!! not to worry and fret too much and to not take guilt for every little thing. Very nice.
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