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“Sometimey” People
Sometimes he’s quite responsive,
Sometimes he disappears.
Sometimes he’s downright friendly,
Sometimes he switches gears.
Sometimes he’s so straightforward,
Sometimes he seems to swerve.
Sometimes “sometimey” people,
Just get on my last nerve.
.
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New Priority
When he was young to just be liked
__Was his priority,
But later as a business owner
__In authority,
On whom for crucial matters folks
__Were placing all their trust,
He learned a new priority
__Had fast become a must.
The key with his employees was
__To always tell the truth,
Since unlike in those halcyon
__And simple years of youth,
He could not focus his concern
__On feelings he affected,
For if they liked him mattered less
__Than if he was respected.
.
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Autumn’s Irony
Those bright leaves above me
I wish I knew why
They’re truly most lovely
Then wither and die.
.
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Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Boy, Evan nailed it with that illustration paring!
Also, speaking as one who occasionally fails to act with as much decorum as my department head would like, and who sometimes wonders why she’s so standoffish – your “New Priority” gives me a new perspective on employer/employee relations!
Thank you Sir. Glad to help out.
Moody people, learning respect is more important than being liked, and the irony presented us by leaves were a fun trio to read.
Thank you Roy – I’m glad you liked them.
That was so spot on. And I so like that appellation Sometimey!
Thank you Rohini. That poem, and the appellation, were taken completely from what a college friend of mine used to say, exactly fifty years ago!
‘Sometimey’ people can often be carrying a lot of baggage. Even so, it can be annoying.
Love the autumn poem, though for me it’s all memory out here on the edge of the desert.
And ‘respect’ on the respect poem.
Paul, I completely agree with both of your comments about inconsistent people. I thought about delving into possible reasons for such behavior, but decided that I wasn’t really qualified to do so. Thanks for all of your comments.
Very nice; I enjoyed reading this interesting trio of delightfully short poems, thank you very much.
Thank you Yael. The poem about respect was from my career experience, but my awareness of the subject began with what a former employer advised me of when I started my business forty years ago.
PS: the picture is totally awesome too!
That’s Evan. He has a real gift for aligning pictures with poem topics.
Great wisdom in all 3 told in a humorous way. New Priority should be required reading in business courses. I’ve met a lot of business leaders who never got there with foreseeable results.
Thanks Warren. I had a mentor, but still had to learn the hard way.
Dear Russel,
In these three poems, you have captured what you have observed in people and nature with your pen in a way most enjoyable to read.
Thank you.
Gigi
Thank you Gigi – I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Russel, I especially like “New Priority” – it taps into the very core of me which compels me to be honest, no matter what. I try to be diplomatic with it but truth by its very nature makes enemies not friends. I am just waiting to reach the age at which it doesn’t bother me – the age my grandmother told was the bonus of being old. When I speak out and care not a jot, I’ll know I’m there. Let’s hope I’m lucky enough to experience that delight. Thank you for bringing back some great memories of my fun and feisty gran.
Susan, I’m glad my poem did all that for you. Thanks.
Russel, I agree with Susan about the sterling quality of “New Priority.” Likeability is a fitting concern for the young; it helps them learn concern for others, and the importance of equanimity in groups who work or play or study together. But when someone advances to a position of trust and authority, as we do when we become parents or teachers or executives or business owners, respect is a must–and it is earned by truth in all our dealings. Feelings are still vital. With truth as our standpoint, though, true compassion is easier!
Thanks Margaret – we’re in agreement, though this was a lesson that did not come quickly or easily. I’m glad you liked the poem.