Main Message
He got a hug when he arrived,
_Another when he left,
But that attention felt contrived—
_With time between bereft.
Manifestations of Love
Of his countless love manifestations,
That which arguably tops the chart,
Is his bearing untold aggravations,
For the sake of she who fills his heart.
Fused and Confused
I’m rather “thoughtful,” “generous,” and “kind,”
Per compliments folks commonly will give.
Thus how can I then be so deaf and blind
To also often be insensitive?
Limited Exposure
Don’t be too quick to think you really know me,
Impressing is quite easy in small bits,
With limited exposure you will not see
More than an album of my greatest hits.
Russel Winick started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
as often as possible electronic inter-spousal communication should be in rhyming quatrains – “if there were a cup of Coffee / to pour into the abyss / I could get up quite productive / as if nothing were amiss.” — “Do you have a known location? / Are you on the planet Earth? / can you tell me your vocation / for whatever it may be worth?”
I really like that idea!
Short, epigrammatic, pointed pieces such as these used to be called “squibs,” meaning that they were like a small firecracker that exploded quickly and sharply. As with all short formal poems, the meter and the rhyme have to be exact. These fit the bill perfectly.
Squibs are frequently comic or satirical. These ones are about what appears to be a rough spot in a relationship, but they still have a touch of the humorous about them.
Thank you Professor. Once again, your comments are a free education for me. Much appreciated!
I think we’ve seen more than an album.
As always, bite-size pleasures – like mini Mars bars.
Thanks for the reads.
You’re most welcome Paul. Thank you for the kind words.
Russel, sorry for the delay in commenting. I fractured my wrist. I always read your intelligent poems more than once and thoroughly enjoy the humor along with the sensitivity.
Thank you Roy. Your comments always make my day! I hope that your wrist heals quickly!
There’s almost nothing I enjoy more than reading you being you. You epitomize the instantiation of natural law.
Thank you for that most remarkable comment!
You have found your element in the short epigram. “Main Message” is powerful because its subject is the absence framed by the hugs — a powerful contrast done so effectively in so little space.
Thanks Adam, I value your feedback.
All thoroughly enjoyable, Russel, but it’s “The Main Message” that will stick with me – messages are often loudest when words are absent. Thank you for these gleaming gems of poetic wisdom in dismal days.
You’re welcome Susan, and your feedback is most appreciated!
“Limited Exposure” offers a valuable message of self-awareness and self-reflection that any reader can use to advantage–about self and others. It encourages greater effort in getting to know one another!
Thank you Margaret. As usual, you are correct — and that’s certainly a direction I was going in with that poem. I always appreciate your analysis!
I thoroughly enjoyed all these little verses. Limited Exposure is my favourite.
Thank you Rohini. It’s good to know that you enjoyed each one. I appreciate your telling me so.
All wisely, artfully and succinctly penned. I especially love the first.
You have so many of these little gems (as they’ve been described). Would you consider binding them in a book as helpful advice for thoughtful
decisions?
Thank you jd. I appreciate your kind feedback. Frankly, I haven’t thought much about a book. I’d certainly listen to advice from people more knowledgeable than I (which is a pretty large group!).
The last two lines in ‘Main Message’ elevate the sentiment by adding so much pathos.
Thank you Daniel. Yes, that’s how the story was told to me, with pathos a key part of it. I appreciate your feedback.
Can’t have too many hugs so Main Message was my favorite Russell, but all very enjoyable and meaningful.
Thank you so much Norma – I really appreciate hearing from you.