Get Your Premium Membership

In Pursuit of Moderation - Crystol Woods's Blog

About Crystol Woods
(Show Details...)
Bloggers Photo

The words I write are simple I'm as simple as they come. I'll never be the best poet But I'm an okay one! I write simple rhymes, Expressed with words understood, But I'll continue learning As every person should. So don't look to me for perfection Here it won't be found But if you enjoy simplicity You can stop looking now! :)

I am married, going on 18 years to a sweet heart of a man, Harvey. We have 2 children. Our daughter, Rosalie,is 17 years old and a blessing everyday. Our son Hunter Harvey lives with God until we meet again. He passed away at 2 months old from SIDS.

We are a happy little family living in the mountains of West Virginia. I'm a teacher by profession, an ordained non denominational Christian minister , and I love to write, play ukulele, sing, sew, craft, cook, read/ listen to audiobooks and study my Bible.

I'm originally from New Hampshire but moved here in 2002. We have one little dog, a chihuahua jack Russell mix named Sassy, a gold fish named Sushi, a female calico cat named Sookie, and 2 male cats. The oldest named Salem(he's all black), and a tiny male kitten named PorkChop or Chopper...a long haired orange and white stripe.

(I know we dropped the"S" name for the last kitten... but we are only fostering until our friend can keep him.. Otherwise we'd have named him, Sunny!;)

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.( Numbers 6:24-26 KJV)

<3<3 xoxo Love, Crystol


In Pursuit of Moderation

Blog Posted:10/29/2024 6:18:00 PM

Hello friends and neighbors! I hope this finds you all well and full of creative writing tonight! It is such a joy to come on PS and hear from you. Either by reading your poetry or comments you've so selflessly given on my own.

I recently read this poem I will share with you, called "Pursuit " written by Stephen Dobyns. Perhaps you've beaten me to it and know the poem already? I very much enjoyed it and it spoke to me as poetry is like to do! Here, please read it before I go on...

Pursuit by Stephen Dobyns

Each thing I do I rush through so I can do something else. In such a way do the days pass—

a blend of stock car racing and the never ending building of a gothic cathedral.

Through the windows of my speeding car, I see all that I love falling away: books unread, jokes untold, landscapes unvisited.

And why? What treasure do I expect in my future?

Rather it is the confusion of childhood loping behind me, the chaos in the mind, the failure chipping away at each success.

Glancing over my shoulder I see its shape and so move forward, as someone in the woods at night might hear the sound of approaching feet and stop to listen; then, instead of silence he hears some creature trying to be silent.

What else can he do but run? Rushing blindly down the path, stumbling, struck in the face by sticks; the other ever closer, yet not really hurrying or out of breath, teasing its kill.

Well, what do you think? Especially about the first two lines? This speaks to me about never quite living in the present. Always a step behind, reliving past glory or mistakes,regrets. Or a step ahead, anticipating the next thing to come, trying in vain to prepare.

Each has is good side for sure... the past helps us to avoid making the same mistakes...preparing as best we can for the future and being goal oriented will lead us to success usually. BUT THERE MUST BE A BALANCE!

As with most things in life, Moderation is the key. Our main focus should be in the here and now, soaking in life and loved ones in the moment!

It is too sad, too disturbing to consider the truth of these first two lines in Mr. Dobyns poem. It is too close for comfort to see our lives as if on a hamster wheel... always running but going no where and having nothing to show for the effort.

So, tell me, what are your thoughts about the poem, or my humble interpretation of it lol! Thank you in advance for your time! Our most treasured resource! Xoxo, Your PS neighbor, Crystol <3



Please Login to post a comment
Date: 11/4/2024 7:52:00 AM
Interesting poem, Crystol, especially the last three stanzas. It seems like his rush is not just to build a mythic treasure at the end, but to outrun childhood, mental chaos, and failure. I agree that you can learn from the past and plan for the future, but not to the exclusion of living in the present - taking a moderate, balanced approach.
Login to Reply
Date: 10/31/2024 8:42:00 PM
Somehow reminds me of Peter Sarstedt’s song ‘where do you go to my lovely’
Login to Reply
Date: 10/31/2024 2:19:00 AM
This blog brought to mind the quote: ‘Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.’ Often attributed to John Lennon (in his song ‘Beautiful Boy’), but the origin can be traced back to the writer, Allen Saunders. Thank you for sharing this lovely poem and your insights, Crystol.
Login to Reply
Richards Avatar
Suzette Richards
Date: 10/31/2024 11:18:00 PM
:)
Dietrich Avatar
Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/31/2024 8:00:00 PM
love that song Beautiful Boy. Cat's in the Cradle also relates to that theme.
Date: 10/30/2024 8:28:00 PM
I don't know if I necessarily rush to do something else except when it comes to "duties". Those necessary things we are forced each day to do. I am always so amazed by how quickly the months go round and round and once again we are back to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Xmas. I would love for it all to slaw down ( well at least for my weekends to). I try to live in the present. I think every day iis filled with lovely simple pleasures. I don't dwell on the past even though my poems might make it look like I do. The only time I look forward to future is if it involves getting to have a reunion with my family who are so scattered far from me. So I like the poem but I do not really relate to it
Login to Reply
Date: 10/30/2024 5:13:00 AM
Yes, this is a thoughtful write that we all deal with in varying degrees. It is in this "pursuit" of self-actualization that we must become aware of those things, both in our rear-view-mirrors, and also those things that travel along with us. He's alluding to those devils from the past that become such a distraction that they create speed bumps in our future instead of lessons to learn and grow from. Love the thought, "Instead of silence, he hears some creature trying to be silent". (those hauntings). This also shows us, the importance of format, which is difficult on blogs, as the poem presents itself much better in the more organized format originally written -- interesting blog!
Login to Reply
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/30/2024 7:12:00 AM
Ty Craig for your interpretation, I love it! I'm so glad you decided to comment here! Xo
Date: 10/30/2024 12:06:00 AM
Hi Crystol I enjoyed reading Stephen Dobyn's poem and the comments about his poem very much. Thanks for posting. Im late to Dobyns' party but will now be checking out his "Cemetery Nights" and perhaps Stephen King's "Insomnia" too as "Pursuit" is referenced. Thanks for the heads up. My own take on life is this: "We may long for the past or have regrets about the past but sometimes as we strive searching for that better future we may not take the time to appreciate where we are right now." Cheers - Gary
Login to Reply
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/30/2024 7:11:00 AM
Yess that's exactly where i first heard this poem and poet, from SK! I loved it so much. I like your take on life Gary! Ty for putting in your 2 cents! Xo
Date: 10/29/2024 8:39:00 PM
Because of the Fall, we are stalked by death from our birth moment. Lines 1,2 and 16 encapsulate this journey. That is why God's gift is called the Present. Much to unload. Start anew each moment. Future is secure. Past reflects learning curve. Stay in the Light. :o))
Login to Reply
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/30/2024 7:09:00 AM
Yess that's great Arlo...I love what you have to say! Thanks for chiming in! Xo
Date: 10/29/2024 7:31:00 PM
Yes, it is true, most of us are racing against the clock or feel as if we are on a roller coaster. Living in the moment we strive for, but the busyness of life keeps us hopping. I admire that you are self aware at a younger age, Crystol. Thank you for sharing you insights and your gift.
Login to Reply
Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 10/30/2024 8:19:00 AM
LOL - yes, Crystol! Perspective - youth - you're my daughter's age (YOUNG) - & though I started out as a child, I'm the reverse of your age +2 years & wouldn't change a thing (perhaps a couple) because playing with life and time toss us into "who knows where"? Perhaps into something/somewhere we can't control - "It's a Wonderful Life"...and tagging onto your message in this poem - take all the good things with us and...smile...
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/30/2024 7:08:00 AM
Lise, it does at that... keep us hopping! I wouldn't call 47 young but I suppose it depends on perspective right!? Ty for your input! Xoxo
Date: 10/29/2024 6:59:00 PM
Wonderful blog Crystol. You not only feature a poet many of us are unfamiliar with, but your excellent commentary gives us reason for pause. Thank you
Login to Reply
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/30/2024 7:07:00 AM
Well thank you Tom! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Xo

My Past Blog Posts

 
Self Esteem Odes contest note
Date Posted: 5/25/2025 10:37:00 AM
Self esteem Contest:complete instructions+what it's about
Date Posted: 4/24/2025 12:10:00 PM
Writers Are Readers
Date Posted: 1/1/2025 1:28:00 PM
Brian Bilston poetry
Date Posted: 12/13/2024 12:16:00 PM
Writing Prompts!(part one)
Date Posted: 12/5/2024 5:44:00 PM
Poetry in the Bible
Date Posted: 11/12/2024 8:02:00 AM
In Pursuit of Moderation
Date Posted: 10/29/2024 6:18:00 PM
Traditions: passing down poetry and stories
Date Posted: 10/13/2024 10:36:00 AM
DIY: Write Like Shakespeare!
Date Posted: 8/5/2024 10:29:00 AM
Music and Poetry
Date Posted: 7/29/2024 9:12:00 AM
Creative Arts
Date Posted: 7/17/2024 5:28:00 PM
Same Poem Different Form Results
Date Posted: 7/5/2024 12:13:00 PM
Reminder:Same Poem, Different Form Contest: Entered? PLEASE READ!
Date Posted: 6/30/2024 11:03:00 AM
My poetic neighbors
Date Posted: 6/26/2024 11:46:00 AM
My favorite poem
Date Posted: 6/18/2024 5:41:00 PM
Art/Poetry is vital
Date Posted: 6/18/2024 11:57:00 AM

My Recent Poems

Date PostedPoemTitleFormCategories
5/26/2025 Help Meet Acrosticbible,christian,women,
5/25/2025 olive Haikufruit,
5/22/2025 Along with the Thunder Rhymeconflict,hope,
5/16/2025 The Peace of Passing Rhymebible,death,forgiveness,l
5/15/2025 Bless They That Mourn Otherbible,death,hair,
5/13/2025 I Long For Free verseage,change,childhood,grow
5/12/2025 Distant Shore Verseboat,home,journey,
5/10/2025 Fear Will Breed Hate Quaternemotions,fear,hate,
5/9/2025 Robin Haikuspring,
5/9/2025 Flowers bloom Monokuspring,
5/9/2025 Mother Nature Haikuspring,
5/8/2025 Soul Ties Rhymeheartbreak,hurt,loss,
5/7/2025 To Fly Chastushkahumor,husband,
5/6/2025 The Prismatic Self Narrativeart,creation,extended met
5/1/2025 SON Acrosticdeath,grief,
4/28/2025 If That Wasn't Love Free verseangst,break up,divorce,he
4/26/2025 Deprived of Your Love Rhymeemotions,heartbreak,lost
4/25/2025 Sorcery Rhymedrug,gothic,mental health
4/24/2025 Self Esteem Rhymebeauty,body,child,daughte
4/23/2025 Charity Shadormachristian,i love you,
4/22/2025 Scarlet thread Acrosticchristian,family,
4/21/2025 I Bleed Free versebible,birth,faith,jesus,m
4/21/2025 Grandma's Stories Rhymeage,cute,family,grandmoth
4/20/2025 Direwolf, Dire Times Dramatic Monologueanimal,bible,community,fa
4/19/2025 Bread Pleiadesfood,
4/17/2025 Lost All Sense Lyricabuse,black love,fear,hea
4/17/2025 Tick Toking Rhymetime,
4/17/2025 Museum of the Past Free verseemotions,heartbreak,memor
4/16/2025 The Eternal Question: God, No God, Maybe God Didacticbible,christian,
4/14/2025 Whisper Man Free verseanxiety,bible,evil,fear,
4/13/2025 Stand In His Strength Rhymeencouraging,endurance,
4/13/2025 Tornado Warning Rhymestorm,
4/7/2025 Awe,age Free versechange,emotions,growing u
4/7/2025 The Maker of Idols Ethereei love you,
4/5/2025 The Butterfly continued Coupletbutterfly,nature,
4/4/2025 Baby You're a Firework Free versebible,firework,
4/3/2025 Asleep next to me Odeblessing,daughter,
4/3/2025 What makes you feel Monokufriendship,i miss you,
4/2/2025 The death of leaves Personificationautumn,death,
4/1/2025 Baby I Love You Lyricanti bullying,anxiety,bul
4/1/2025 Show and tell Rhymefaith,hope,
3/31/2025 The earth brings new life Haikubirth,nature,
3/30/2025 Dizzy Dancin Rhymedance,
3/29/2025 Supercalifragilicticexpialidocious Rhymenature,
3/27/2025 Second chances Free versegrowth,
3/26/2025 The Blind Behold Beautiful Rhymebeauty,
3/25/2025 Speech Impediments, Moons and Spoons Limerickchild,funny,
3/23/2025 Our First Kiss Free versefirst love,kiss,
3/21/2025 Pass the TP Please Limerickfun,funny,humor,
3/21/2025 Refections of the Past, Visions of the Future Dramatic Monologueemotions,family,identity,
3/19/2025 A Harvest of Joy Free versechange,fruit,growth,joy,
3/16/2025 Guardian Angels Diminished Hexaverseangel,
3/15/2025 Bright As Stars Free versefate,love,
3/14/2025 The Story of My Life Quintain (English)feelings,i am,
3/14/2025 Up, Up Lazy Bones Free versenature,spring,
3/12/2025 She's Only Seventeen Rhymechild,family,growing up,l
3/10/2025 Sweeter Than Honey Free versebible,christian,corruptio
3/6/2025 One Faithful Friend Rhymebest friend,caregiving,co
3/4/2025 No More: the Crimson Flow Dramatic Versebible,encouraging,gender,
3/3/2025 Ancient Tree Haikutree,
3/3/2025 Poetic Assault Ottava rimacry,emotions,poetry,
3/1/2025 Psalm of Praise Odebible,christian,faith,
2/28/2025 Most Sacred Rhymeblessing,
2/26/2025 The Trees Clap Free versenature,
2/24/2025 The Moon in the Rowan Tree Narrativeallegory,fantasy,gothic,i
2/23/2025 Mind of the Heart Rhymebible,christian,emotions,
2/22/2025 Our Home Within Shapefamily,home,
2/20/2025 Star Shapedark,light,
2/20/2025 Disposable Free verseamerica,culture,hyperbole
2/15/2025 The Mark of the Mother Epicfamily,fantasy,mother dau
2/14/2025 Midnight Lovers Rhymebest friend,love,marriage
2/12/2025 They know not what they do Balladbible,christian,
2/12/2025 My Strength Balladbible,christian,
2/11/2025 Sleep sweet boy Rhymebaby,boy,mother,
2/9/2025 Lay Your Head Rhymebirth,caregiving,family,L
2/8/2025 Undergrowth with Two Figures-Van Gogh Ekphrasisart,death,fear,garden,
2/7/2025 Sky of Fireflies Alliterationchildhood,nature,
1/31/2025 Walking Man Coupletcharacter,dedication,endu
1/28/2025 Bone In Her Back Free verseamerica,conflict,culture,
1/25/2025 DELIVER ME Kyriellebible,christian,encouragi
1/23/2025 Recalling Your Kiss Free verselost love,memory,
1/18/2025 I Must Awa Rhymecharacter,history,imagina
1/18/2025 What Are Photo Albums? Free versechange,culture,truth,
1/17/2025 Growing Up Crystallinecelebration,growing up,
1/17/2025 The Sun You Forsook Rhymeage,true love,
1/15/2025 Vogan Monorhyme Monorhymenonsense,
1/9/2025 The Ramblings of a House Wife Free versecorruption,earth,emotions
1/9/2025 Amorous Attentions Free verselove,
1/5/2025 Holiday Fun Limerickchristmas,humor,
1/5/2025 Rudolph's Broken Leg Monorhymechristmas,
1/5/2025 Plucking Petals Ottava rimabeauty,flower,
1/2/2025 Wherever We Go, Whatever We Do Sonnetlove,marriage,
12/31/2024 Anticipating This Deluge Tankaemotions,imagery,love,rai
12/29/2024 The First Prophecy Sonnetbible,christian,god,
12/29/2024 Born From This Free verseamerica,black african ame
12/26/2024 The Rose and The Briar Sonnetmarriage,romance,
12/17/2024 Just a Rumor Rhymebody,funny,humor,
12/15/2024 Astray Rhymechristian,leadership,
12/15/2024 Chance Encounter Rhymeanimal,child,death,emotio
12/9/2024 Doing My Best Free versefaith,family,god,humanity

My Photos


Fav Poems

PoemTitleFormCategories
Life is a Song Narrativeappreciation,music,romant
spring mountain spring Haikumountains,nature,
the little things Haibunappreciation,
Raindrops 2 Free verse11th grade,freedom,humani
My Trip Journey Dramatic Verseanalogy,journey,
The Eternal Question: God, No God, Maybe God Free verse10th grade,bible,christia
Almost Something Lyricgod,
I Found Someone To Love Today Pantoumanti bullying,
Hear Me, and Be Still Lyricbird,deep,pain,psychologi
The Rape of Lebanon Rhymeanxiety,war,
Death Blows a Flamed Horn Sonnetbereavement,death,
Die with me Free versedeath,
Stoic - POTW Free verseendurance,life,
Ode to Aaliyah Odestrength,
Ode to the Mirror Odeanalogy,courage,imaginati
My Fellow Poets Free verseappreciation,art,dark,dee
DAYSTAR Acrosticstar,
MISMATCH - TRI Rhymeanimal,
Mary Rogers - Now a Song Lyricabuse,addiction,hope,
Serging Through Life's Stitches with Scars Free verseemotions,faith,philosophy
The Happiness Factory Free verseappreciation,
Soupers, to you I am Indebted Rhymeappreciation,family,poets
You Keep on Moving Free verseheartbreak,
NEW - Where is The Love Mamma - The Video Dramatic Verseanger,angst,conflict,pove
Lantern of the Shadowed Glade :POTD: Rhymedark,fantasy,halloween,ho
The moon, now full, begins to show Rhymescary,
Makabre Marionetta Free versecharacter,child,conflict,
Room Made of War Rhymeabsence,depression,psycho
The Scary Story Rhymedark,death,evil,halloween
The Burden Man Rhymeanxiety,horror,
The Fly Rhymedeath,humor,insect,
To Whom Does This Come Rhymedestiny,inspirational,int
Step Ever So Light, On Halloween Night Lyrichalloween,night,scary,
When The Space Between Stars is Not Empty Free versepassion,stars,
Three Sides to Every Story Rhymejealousy,marriage,
HOLIDAY LIMERICKS Limerickamerica,holiday,sunshine,
Mouser Jill Rhymenursery rhyme,
SIT-UPONS Free verseplaces,
Hindsight is 20 20 Rhymeangst,anti bullying,anxie
Rainbows on the Moon Rispettodeath,
Urban Legend Rhymemurder,mystery,
Justice Served in Blue and White Rhymemurder,
A Cup of Tea Rhymeemotions,growth,happiness
Sea Of Love's Mystery Romanticismromantic love,
Pursuit of Infinite Knowledge and Understanding Dramatic Versejourney,passion,philosoph
The Rose II Cy Twombly Ekphrasisart,
Absolute Truth: How Can it Be? Free versefaith,history,mystery,phi
If I could cast a spell Rhymehappiness,inspirational,m
Santa versus The Grouch Rhymechristmas,holiday,humor,s
Letter from the Grave Free verseemotions,
Recognition Free verseappreciation,meaningful,p
Rapture Coupletlove,
Encouraging Your Fellow Poets Rhymeencouraging,friend,poets,
Note to Self Rhymehumor,poetry,
The Ballad of Circumlocution Balladallegory,allusion,confusi
The Tempest, Painting by Michael Cheval Ekphrasisart,
Why I Became a Poet Biohow i feel,
Snowbound Kimosnow,wind,winter,
Epilogue Tercetangel,writing,
Poe's Untimely Demise Rhymehorror,
Shameful Lover Rhymeanalogy,first love,irony,
Tired Soul Rhymedepression,
frame by frame Monokumemory,time,
Mary Rogers Lyricmental illness,
MONSTER I do not know?depression,
Marionette of Flesh in a Borrowed Dress Dramatic Versedeath,loneliness,mental i
My Son I Still Sing To Narrativechildhood,emotions,father
For My Children Dramatic Monologueloneliness,longing,native
Where the Ocean Meets the Mountain Lyricassonance,love,metaphor,m
POETRY CHURCH Rhymepoetry,
When You Need A Friend Sonnetfriendship,
Golden Hearts - ::POTD:: Rhymeangel,bereavement,goodbye
Knots Between The Pearls Free verseangst,life,pain,relations
Within these Walls Free verseabuse,introspection,love
The Empty Room Free verseangst,emotions,
The Empty Room Free versebaby,flower,girl,grief,li
Enigma Rhymeabuse,racism,
Calls My Name Free verseaddiction,cute love,dark,
The Gun Shop Quatrainanimal,conflict,death,lif
Enigmatic Perspective Free versebird,dark,death,extended
Where Do We Come From Sonnetcreation,
Recital Free versedaughter,music,parents,pr
Forgiveness Free verseforgiveness,
Shattered Free verseaddiction,

Fav Poets

PoetCountry 
Tom Woody United States Flag United States Read
David Crandall United States Flag United States Read
Daniel Henry Rodgers United States Flag United States Read
Sam Scott United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Daisy Meadows United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Silent One United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Gordon Mcconnell United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Arthur Vaso Canada Flag Canada Read
Kim Rodrigues United States Flag United States Read
Joe Maverick United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Victor Buhagiar Malta Flag Malta Read
Benjamin Bartley United States Flag United States Read
Poet Tacito United States Flag United States Read
ThoughtsFrom B4 United States Flag United States Read
Christopher Grieves United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Darlene De Beaulieu Canada Flag Canada Read
Speaks Volumes Australia Flag Australia Read
Susan Ashley United States Flag United States Read
Beatrix Macabre United States Flag United States Read
Andrea Dietrich United States Flag United States Read
Candide Diderot United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Leanne Lovejoy-Burton Australia Flag Australia Read
Lady Labyrinth Australia Flag Australia Read
Peonieslore xo United States Flag United States Read
Jcb Brul Korea (South) Flag Korea (South) Read
Arlo Parker United States Flag United States Read
William Chapman United States Flag United States Read
Regina Mcintosh United States Flag United States Read
Mark Toney United States Flag United States Read
Bryan Norton United States Flag United States Read
Gershon Wolf United States Flag United States Read
Phillip Knox United States Flag United States Read
Dr. Padmashree R P India Flag India Read
Anthony Passmore United States Flag United States Read
Hakim Fuhad Mansaray Sierra Leone Flag Sierra Leone Read
Jim Healey Canada Flag Canada Read
Christina Bowring United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Alesia Leach United States Flag United States Read
Hiya Sharma India Flag India Read
I.A. Ryd Philippines Flag Philippines Read
Nette Onclaud Philippines Flag Philippines Read
Di11y Da11y United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read

Book: Reflection on the Important Things