.
Headspace
It’s easy to detect folks’ disrespect,
And hope your feats will make them feel quite small.
But better still would be if the effect,
Was not to give them any thought at all.
.
.
The Senior Dating Scene
I was, from friends my age, quite shocked to glean,
That in their city’s senior dating scene,
By third dates almost everyone expects,
The evening’s menu to conclude with sex.
Now many people, like those friends of mine,
Might think that custom’s absolutely fine,
But my reaction, when I heard their lot,
Was extra gratitude for what I’ve got.
.
.
One Small Detail Omitted
The lefty talking point that most Americans
Descend from immigrants is not too salient,
Since those who make that argument hide in their spins
Our ancestors were not illegal aliens.
.
.
Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Russel, these are three salient poems of great wisdom that are cleverly communicated to us and are like scintillating arrows piercing the mind. I am thankful some of your poems are preserved for posterity in this year’s “Journal.”
Roy, I am thankful for everything you say.
Russel, I just wrote a poem for you after reading yours and previously commenting. I think this sums up your clever skills:
FOR MY FRIEND, RUSSEL
By Roy E. Peterson (May 2, 2025)
I have a friend who can offend
___at the blink of an eye.
His words are smart like flaming darts
___on him I can rely.
You understand that his command
___of English ridicule
Makes great satire that sets on fire
___the folly of the fool.
Wow – I salute you, Sir!
Russell, so the Senior Dating Scene has rules? Sex on the third date? Sure, well you know, times a wasting. Fifth date might be a funeral.
Now I remember from the seventies that the third date was where you were told by your sweetie that her “real” boyfriend would be home from college that weekend and you were a treasured friend. Just as well, birth control was around but far from mastered.
Thank you Frank. You have some interesting memories!
Russell,
You have a new fan.
Thank you Doug. How kind of you to say so!
Russel, this trio has to be your best yet! Cracked me up!
That’s great to hear Cheryl – thanks so much!
Wow, Russel — three great little zingers! This is epigrammatic satire at its best.
Thank you Professor — that’s feedback at its best!
Fun stuff, right to the point!
Thanks Cynthia. I guess that’s my style, and I’m glad you liked it here.
These were all really funny! I’m hoping to be able to avoid the senior dating scene. It was way too stressful the first time.
Thank you Warren, and good luck!
Three fine cultural comments, Russel. “Headspace” is great for the witty double meaning in the last line. “Not to give them any thought at all” can mean “you the reader” shouldn’t give disrespectful folks any of YOUR thought, but it also means not to try putting thoughts into THEIR heads by “feats” intended to “make them feel quite small.” That is, it’s better not to spread disrespect farther, if you can help it. Good ideas both!
Thanks Margaret – you nailed it!
Russell, you certainly know how to cheer up an Englishman this morning. I have elderly friends who have had so much disappointment on the dating game. To be grateful for what you’ve got is so true. Wonderful poetry. Thank you.
Thank you Jeff. That poem was about the dating scene for older professionals in New York City, but clearly the dating challenges they face are universal.
It’s amazing what you can get away with if you tell the truth. Never back down!