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Find the Time
A touch of morning, new year: realize,
Customized to-do lists, spread around;
It really should not come as a surprise,
These tasks I could do, while still above ground.
Pretty pictures, snapped and framed, hung to view,
Afghan crocheted, preferred colors, size, style,
Antique table repaired, new stain, screws, glue;
Unique one and only's, from this strewn pile.
Send shout outs to shut ins, along life's way:
Comfort and solace, or leave them laughing.
Give flowers to the living, brighten their day;
Risk versus reward? Free, what I might bring.
I own the lamp post, where I tie my horse;
These tasks in hand, planned; I'll do, in due course!
Michael Todd (2015)
Disclaimer: This is not so much about new years resolutions as it is about directives. It is about time management and obligations, both to self and others... I got the idea for this, following a conversation with Paula Dawn Lietz. In the exchange, she pointed out that everything takes time, and we just need to find a balance.
wonderful Myke! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Miss Caroline.
DeleteAnd... Nice FRISTING !!!
Thanks for letting me know about your latest sonnet, Michael! As you know, I love your work. -Donna
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna. I am happy to see you here.
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful, Michael! Finding time to do what matters--let the message ring clear. Too often, we get busy doing, doing, doing that we fail to sort out the purpose. Since the onset of chronic illness, a few years ago, I have been challenged to let the little stuff go and concentrate more on people rather than tasks. It's really been life changing for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
I am humbled by your response, Karen. Thanks, as always, for spending time with me.
DeleteOur customized to do list always seem so long. There always seems to be something more important or interesting to do. But as the list shortens I always feel better and then wonder why didn't I just to it to begin with. Lol. Great. Write :)
ReplyDeleteLaura... I don't know that I could ever be as organized as I should be, but I believe there are some instances where good intentions count for something.
DeleteLovely to see you, as always. Let's you and me have a fantastic year upcoming.
It is all about balance!
ReplyDeleteThat it is, Leigh. That it is.
DeleteHey, we got this. ;)
This is a lovely poem, and a subtle reminder that those to-do lists ARE attainable. I'm the worst at time management, though. I'm always pushing the reminders further back on my phone when they pop up to remind me. Then, it never fails that when I do find myself with some free time, I forgot what it was that I needed to do. Needless to say, most things never get done :/ Love you <3
ReplyDeleteLisa, my cold hard truth is, a big part of my new to do collection is carry over from the previous round... oh, and, love you, too.
DeleteIt's true what they say, the best things in life 'are' free. :) Excellent work, as always, Michael. Gosh, can't remember the last time I've written anything, namely poetry. But you nudge that desire in me.
ReplyDeleteChris
Chrissy... A new round of poetry writing from you, would be most welcome in 2015. I hope you do take that step.
DeleteMyke, this really did touch me. There are many things I need to do while above ground just because I am above ground.
ReplyDeleteI am glad this resonated with you, Dory N.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by.
great to do list, especially like the third verse in helping others, this I need to do so much more of while I can , thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda... Glad that stanza hit home with you, as it did with me.
DeleteI keep telling myself to find the time and write again. I really need to take time and have some sit down time to write.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your sonnet. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle K
I enjoyed your remarks and observations, Michelle. I look forward to you resuming your poetry writing in this coming year. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteLoved your white. I think it's the hardest thing to do is finding time for all we're wanting to get done. Never enough time in a day. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs Carol V.
You are so correct, Carol... On our good days, we can keep up. On our not so good days, everything becomes a struggle.
DeleteHugs back atcha, and thanks for coming by today.
;/ Attempt number 2 at commenting.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend for letting me know this was here. You know I enjoy reading your work and this is no exception. I loved every single word, the sentiment and thoughts produced.
I always enjoy visiting with you, Rebecca, be it here or at your place. Thanks for your very kind words.
DeleteWonderful Michael! Life seems ever about multi-tasking and finding that elusive balance! Hello to 2015...may it be your best ever!
ReplyDeleteDon, multi-tasking is a thing I do well, when I am at work. Otherwise, it can be confusing, and I find I am spinning my wheels. Thanks for your well wishes, Sir, and please accept mine, in return.
DeleteGive without strings...or expectations...just to make life better somewhere somehow...great write!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Miss Barbara. You are awfully good to me.
DeleteTime management is the ever elusive tool that keeps me from accomplishing the things I want. No matter how well I manage. The subtle common sense is a welcome blanket in a world that tells us enough is never enough. Thank you my friend
ReplyDeleteStephy... I am just glad, through it all, we always find some time for each other. And, thank you.
Deleteactually on a higher level than what initializes the ideals of duties :0)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Ben... It is good to have you come visit. :)
DeleteWonderful way to start off the year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine. You are far too kind.
DeleteVery, very true. We have the power to decide what is really important. Nicely done, my friend. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Canela. Nice to see you here in 2015. :)
DeleteWonderful :-)
ReplyDeleteHau'oli Makahiki Hou.
Aloha nui loa, MIchael.
DeleteRemarkable sonnet...just what I needed to hear! Beautifully delivered!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lana. Glad this found favor with you.
DeleteNice poem and good directives here Myke!
ReplyDelete~Christine W
Thanks so much, Christine.
DeleteSomething to think about as we go into the new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Indeed, Christopher. Thanks for stopping by, Sir.
DeleteThis sounds like a good life Mike. :) The important things are finished.
ReplyDeleteI was very comfy looking at your Afghan just the right size.
With the "to-do" list you will never get bored.
Deanna, my afghan is sacred to me. So are you. Thanks!
DeleteI am great with time management.
ReplyDeleteI have abundant time with little to do is probably the reason! ;)
New year's resolution or not, this is a good way to live.
** Valerie **
Very nicely stated, Valerie C.
DeleteThanks for visiting.
I really enjoyed reading this, Michael my friend. It has a cheery, upbeat feel about it that I find refreshing after the extended, gluttonous and emotionally overwrought Yuletide season. I love January for its get up and go spirit. Very nifty work! You've brought a big smile to my face this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean, Eliza Anne. I wrote this on New Years night. I had two spots on the Speakeasy Cafe, blog talk radio show. All my focus was on the show, and not so much the holidays. Anyways, I wrote this in between my two sets there. It really happened in a hurry.
DeleteVery happy you enjoyed. Nice to see you, as always.
<3
ReplyDeleteYou have a big heart, Kandace.
DeleteVery true...I've been struggling a lot the past two years with finding the right balance and time management...it has its impact, on friends and family and on myself...and of course, I'm guilty of making good resolutions too, not just at the start of the new year though...I tell myself all the time to do better and work on that balance...I'm not there yet...as with all in life, it is one foot after the other ;)...Missy Mo
ReplyDeleteOne food after the other, Sallsi? =)
DeleteI know where you are coming from, Missy... You and I both tend to dwell a bit more on the past, than most people do. I still find myself mentally preparing for events that came and went a long time ago, but still hold a permanent place in my heart.
DeleteThank you, Sir Myke, for this something to ponder and wonder about in the new year. Where do the hours and days slip away? Can we feel fulfilled about the things we do do or are there always the things nagging us that we didn't do? Tonight's a good night to run into your piece though, because I have a quite accomplished feeling about things done tonight! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sir Suggi... You always share the very best perspectives. Great to have you visit. Now it does feel like a big new year is upon us.
DeleteBring it on. :)
Love this!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad, Suzie.
DeleteAny bloke who writes about Afgan crochet is a winner in my books...
ReplyDelete(disclaimer...I do not know how to crochet, I had to look it up, but am suitably impressed).
And "Give flowers to the living, brighten their day;", a very potent line.
Loving your write here. Forever impressed by your sonneting skills.
xxxx
Teresa... My Mom crocheted an afghan for me, when I was in high school. I still have it. It is one of my most cherished possessions.
DeleteWriting sonnets is easy. Just start at the back and work your way to the beginning. It works every time. ;)
Just beautiful Michael. Thank You for sharing it with us all, your friend from blogging lounge KayLou (Towandatude.com)
ReplyDeleteI love this... it is the exact feeling I get when a New Year rolls around. Gives me such a warm, comfy feel. I don't believe in resolutions either, maybe just some projects or goals that will bring joy to oneself and others. This sonnet did that for me...so thank you, my friend!!! Sorry I'm late to the party. Work week from hell! :P xoxo
ReplyDeleteRealistic goals, Colleen... some walls, some bridges, some down time for reflection... Nice to see you, any time any where... Thanks!
DeleteNo New Year resolutions for me, although it does give one a sense of accomplishment when we get things done out of the ordinary. Good reading you again Mike.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely stated, Linda. No matter how we reach an objective, whether stated or not, all that matters is, we got there.
DeleteI love it! Always a treat to read your eloquent words. Happy New Year to You and Yours!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Barbi-Kay.
DeleteLots to do there, Myke! ☺ Love that you give comfort and solace to shut ins. And crocheting? That is impressive. Yes, deciding what is important and finding balance is the key to a happy life. Excellent poem.
ReplyDeleteI admit, the crocheting part is a bit of a stretch, Debbie. That will probably be at the bottom of the "to do" list... Thanks for visiting!
DeleteI read your poem to Garry. We loved your poem! A beautiful poem! Well written. Keep on writing! We enjoy your poetry.! Have a great night! And thank you for stopping by on PostAnyArticle!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Noreen, to both you and Garry.
Delete