Best Take Stock Poems
(For My Younger Self)
You have forgotten your muse.
You neglected her, in the hustle and bustle
of city life, in trying to carve a niche,
driving yourself too hard -
thinking it could make you rich.
She grieves.
Don’t you see her? She grieves.
How she longs to reunite with you
but you are far too busy, with everything new.
Too unmindful, too steeped in the practical
your change was so radical;
Too pragmatic, everything has become automatic.
You have lost touch with your muse,
no matter how she pleads you have become obtuse.
When will you reach into the softer,
more introspective part of yourself?
Please do not say, never.
Remember how you would write through the night
and people around you would wonder why…
Those moments were priceless,
the times you communed with words so ageless
as you poured onto paper all your emotions -
In the night, you would write of happiness and pain,
of a young love, and of your simple dreams.
Go back to those simple dreams.
Do not allow yourself to be lost
in the conundrum that is Life.
Step back, take stock, be still.
Find time for meditation, there is no condemnation
for those who acknowledge the need for salvation.
And as you find that inner peace,
write once more.
Write, and write some more.
Set free all those words that have long been kept
within your heart…the happy words, the sad words,
words both simple and intricate
that a reader will enjoy as he masticates
the meaning, the lesson, the joy and young wisdom.
Let your words dance…let your words s o a r !
31 October 2015
Poem of the Day 01 November 2015
Awarded 1st Place - What Would You Say Contest
Who are the less fortunate?
What are their names?
Are they the crippled,
the blind, the lame?
Is a man in a wheelchair
lesser than I?
His heart may hold treasures
that no one can buy
Does a girl without speech
have nothing to say?
Is a boy without toys
unable to play?
Do eyes without sight
shed any less tears?
Does a man who is rich
get any more years?
Just who are the needy,
downtrodden and poor?
Can we tell by appearance
or something much more?
Is a person's value
measured in zeroes,
or can even beggars
sometimes be heroes?
And just what is richness?
How is it defined?
By bank account numbers
or diamonds mined?
Is poverty simply
the opposite end
of having a home
and money to spend?
I have known people
of very great wealth
yet broken in spirit
and so ill of health
And I have known others
with nothing of worth
yet so full of gladness
and given to mirth
Richness in money
can buy many things
but a heart full of joy
comes without strings
We would do well
with our lives to take stock
though many would find
they're in for a shock
For all of my wealth
am I truly free?
Is it everything
it was cracked up to be?
And then came the thought
which couldn't be clearer
Perhaps one less fortunate
is in my own mirror
Faith, The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
How is your faith, will it hold up under life's weight or would you fold from being worldly controlled or, do your faith have a stronghold.
And not faith in material things but faith in things unseen. World you step out on a limb even though the limb looks grim, while people are saying, you're crazy it's just a whim?
Which means stepping into the obscure being totally unsure but you are really secure because you know you have a saviour and your faith is going to make you a great entrepreneur.
Except you're in a world of defence believing only in it's science, so it has thrown down the gauntlet for The Word to the world is a real threat and makes it sweat because the world only believes in assets.
But faith is beyond common sense which is our natural defense, so is your faith pretence or are you on the fence?
2Cor.5:7(For we walk by faith not by sight) but we are so use to fight or flight, so how do I build my faith and make it airtight?
Rom.10:17(Faith comes by hearing and hearing by The Word of Christ) but will that suffice for the world say it's way to big a sacrifice and far too over priced. Still out of all the worldly knowledge I've heard nothing makes more sense than The Word.
However, all over the land it looks like man has the upper hand, but you must be on your guard(Thus saith The Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, that maketh flesh his arm and who's heart depareth from The Lord. Jer.17:5 KJV.) And this will be of your own accord.
So take heed for you can do incredible deeds even with faith as small as a mustard seed but it must be in The Lord and you will feel it deep within then, your faith can move mountains. (Matt.17:20)
NOW when life gets you down and has you full of grief, turn to The Lord for complete relief and pray( Lord help my unbelief. Mark 9:24) because when in The Lord you take stock you'll be building your house upon a Rock. ( Luke.6:48).
Then if you feel The Lord still hasn't taken your case you must ask yourself. How is my Faith?
Tim had all the necessary ingredients right next to his ancient burner
Shark teeth dangling from a sunken necklace at the cutting edge but
The amulet had turned into chains and shackles grinding the chef’s mind
A lost recipe for happiness but and he had no appetite for nourishment
Attrition boiled over when nutrition resembled a poisonous chalice
Too tired to take stock he dwelled on his primordial soup turning back
Primitive and involuntary he turned on the gas and smelled his demise
Rotten onions had depleted his tears thinly sliced and disguised
Fetid leeks leaked misery a trickle or two at full stagnant pace
Spoilt thyme oozed malodorous rosaries into beads of corrosion
Squashed tomatoes splashed foul decomposition into his eyes
Fennel funneled his vision into a bubbling hell of indigestion
Olive oil splashed straight into his heart with no glimmer of peace
Cantankerous garlic would not fend off his festering demons
While a bay leaf could not keep mortally morose sadness at bay
Great white oblivion but slowly Tim made friends with predation
Resolved he was allergic to fishy feelings and toxic distaste
He did not remember at first how to simmer emotions and passion
But onions started to sprinkle tears of joy and the shark pointed the way
Soon leeks from a Welsh legend delineated friend from mal-aligned foes
Thyme soothed his splattering cough and he found his true inner voice
Tomatoes seeded bright red orange chakras from base to the top while
Fennel fought of bloating depression and conquered agony’s cramps
Previously oblivious oils from virginal growth re-birthed him into life
He licked his wounds and wild garlic from an ocean of wonderment
And chose the berries from a long forgotten and noble laurel tree
Tim had barked up the wrong perspective and had muted the roar
Eventually he conjoined ingredients recipe and fortunate blessings
Left the sharks out of the chowder and slurped smooth soup into his shell
It is then, that time does mock,
in fractured, punctuated dreams.
Alongside the tick of the clock.
Elusive, as sea serpents in a Loch,
your reflection, not always as it seems.
It is then that time does mock.
"Come, count the years, take stock.
life, expired tickets, you can't redeem,
alongside the tick of the clock."
And there, it comes as quite a shock.
You find yourself adrift, out of steam.
It is then that time does mock.
"You strutted away like a Peacock,
who's plumage means nothing in Death's theme,
alongside the tick of the clock."
Against youth's door, you stand and knock.
But, it is too late and you scream.
It is then, that time does mock,
alongside the tick of the clock.
For the contest, Villanelle Me
Sponsored by Catie Lindsey
Placement: 1st
How easy it is to get wrapped up
In our own little universe
The cocoon of the daily grind
Of going about our business
Trying to protect our turf
‘Cause we’re more fragile than we let on
We live in fear that aggressors surround us
Propelling us to not forget and not forgive
Yet when we step back and
Focus on the meaning of our life
On the direction we want to take
And the legacy we’ll leave behind
We do want to be kinder and
Contribute to a better world
Not just for us but for mankind
In the end we’ll face our Maker
Standing alone solely accountable
For our deeds and misdeeds
Responsible for our own journey
For how we cultivated our heart
And the goodwill we did impart
When tallied will we have done enough
Or will we be asking for forgiveness
For barely meeting a passing grade
With this in mind and while it’s not too late
Let’s all take stock of what’s in our heart
All start practicing forgiveness
And letting go of the past as we realize
To forgive is to set ourselves free
AP: 3rd place 2025
Submitted on November 3, 2018 for contest SOMEONE FORGIVEN YOU: WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU'VE FORGIVEN DRAMATIC VERSE sponsored by JAMES EDWARD LEE SR - RANKED 4TH
As Thanksgiving Day rolls around again,
I take stock of my life and I’d like to say,
That every experience I have ever had,
Has helped shape who I am today.
Life is a balance of highs and lows.
I have had more happy times than sad,
But those sad times have helped me grow.
So, I’ll take the good from the bad,
That’s something I am Thankful for.
Although it may be hard to see at the time,
even bad moments have lessons built in,
While the hardships allow my soul to grow;
When life is good, I’ll take the win.
I can put food on the table.
And I have a place to lay my head.
I have a roof to give me shelter,
Nothing more needs to be said.
That’s something I am Thankful for.
I’m Thankful for memories of loved ones I have lost,
I think about them every day.
And although they are no longer physically here,
They let me know they’re still around in some small way.
I’m Thankful for friends who are still in my life,
For the fun and love they bring to each day.
For as long as I have people who love me,
I am more blessed than I can ever say.
That’s something I am Thankful for.
Many years ago, I hopped across the Pond,
And I’m Thankful I had the courage to change my life.
Through all the ups and downs,
I am Thankful for my loving wife.
We have been on a rollercoaster ride,
And the years are going by in a blast,
But, together, we can take on the world
Because through it all our love has remained steadfast,
That’s something I am Thankful for.
So, as Thanksgiving Day dawns,
Let loved ones know that you care,
Enjoy the day, the food and the fun;
Look forward to all the joy you still have to share.
It’s easy to lose track of what matters most,
As you deal with all the stress and all the strife;
Take a moment to remind yourself,
Of all the good that’s in your life.
It’s something to be Thankful for.
A CHRISTMAS AGO
My Christmas present list
Every year
Got longer and longer,
What to buy
Whether far or near
I certainly have always got joy
Out of giving,
Just two months ago, I thought
Things are getting out of hand,
What is Christmas all about,
Faith and family and
Being together,
No matter in Iceland
Or at the equator
Whether you are freezing,
Or in frazzling hot weather,
Most important, is
To be all together!
Used to rush out and shop
Up to Christmas Eve,
Ticking off this one and that,
Is this perhaps true,
Do you see yourself,
Is this a fact?
When as before,
Read, or today 'Googled'
Before World War one
Money was scarce,
Yet Christmas was fun!
Enjoy this wonderful day
For what it is,
Buy Christmas crackers I agree,
Pull them, bang, between
You with glee,
Hear the Christmas carols,
On Christmas morn,
Perhaps make a toy
For your boy,
Dad has tools and imagination
Feel free to craft with
With creative fascination,
And mummy,
Can make her yummy
Christmas cookies and
Perhaps write a poem,
To her little girl
Put a rag doll together,
Out of straw, material
Feather and leather!
Smell the turkey,
And potatoes, roasting,
Hear them sizzling,
Laughter and merriment
For the less fortunate,
Eating a piece of bread
Under a bridge on cement
We should take stock,
Not easy when your
World is a whirlpool,
A rat race,
Begin to face,
Reality and give to the poor,
Next Christmas to enter
This door,
You will do with
More ease
Give to the poor, please!
Save the world from plastics,
And fake gifts,
And Christmas suddenly
Will have meaning,
The world slowly
Recovers and shifts.
Only on his veranda does he feel like the king of his castle
No better place to put up his feet and take stock
Much gratitude swells when he sits back with contentment
Years of dedication behind him, of planning and hard work
Voluptuous dreams both come true and anticipated
Enraptured in reverie that nurtures peace of mind
Recognizing a moment that’s wrapped in perfection
Adventurous conquests in harmony with life’s snags and hurdles
Nowhere more than on his veranda does bliss seem timeless
Daring not to challenge the ephemeral balance of prosperity
Affluence by any other name in a great country of opportunity
Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~A SIMPLE MAN~ 2020
AP: Honorable Mention 2020
Posted on October 31, 2018
Old and new, rich and poor, and
those of whom you're not quite sure
school and work, and some on the block
others of whom you oughta take stock
Fair-weather or true-blue
they've all supported you --
Yet as on your journey you wend
how many remain your friend...
As for me and my outlook on life
the one friend I can count on's my wife
There's a time to run, a time to rest
A time to take stock, a time to reflect
A time to forgive, a time to forget
A time to beget, a time to reset
A time to surrender, a time to fold
A time to be brave, a time to be bold
A time to speak up, a time to be still
A Time Immemorial ~ to do His Will
new dawn
on the horizon
we know
that the fantasies
of the
night
will stumble
into a cruel
daylight
unreality, however has
its" ways
of seeping into
corners
of
the
mind
the stuff of dreams
is a powerful vapor
which intoxicates
leaving little room
for the heavy burdens
of "Absolute reality"
Our days pass
by in a hurry
litttle time to
take stock of
what we experience
If
you
wish
hard
enough
The sweet scent
of the forest
will allow you to
Escape with a capital E
which is
the first latter of Energy, Enlightenment and Eternal
Another year's passed
In the blink of an eye
Time to take stock
Once more to ask
What, When and Why
What have I accomplished?
When will I do more?
Why have I delayed?
~ Wherefore?
The Future Is Now
By: Miracle Man
August 5, 2020
Fear changes lives and brings undue worry,
today we struggle in an ambivalent clock.
Seen through a haze, our future looks blurry,
we oft gaze hinder and of our life take stock.
*“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
So to His teachings we should strive to endear,
or weighed, found wanting, and left behind.
* 2 Timothy 1:7
On life's journeys do we stop to reflect
take stock of where we have been
Asking pointed questions helps us select
a path forward to avoid taint of sin
Where have we been? Where are we going?
To Whom will we report in the end?
In order to reap, we have to keep sowing
Lovingly, our gardens to tend