When the Old Guys Get Together
When the old guys gather and swap stories,
From their strangely growing inventories,
Thrilled to be reliving claimed past glories,
There’s no doubt of what will be in store.
Each guy was more skilled and wittier,
Victories achieved were grittier,
Many of the gals much prettier,
Than they ever were in days of yore.
Difficult Acceptances
At some point in relationships
You realize that certain things
About the other person will
Not change and that accepting it
Is what is best for both of you.
And at some point in your own life
You see some things about yourself
You’d like to change but sense you can’t
So once again it would be wise
If you could just accept that too.
Someday They Will Say
Someday he’s sure they’ll say
How fortunate they were
He always put them first
Helped care for all their needs
Did everything he could
To make their lives superb.
The solid base he laid
Strong values he instilled
His caring all about
Each aspect of their lives
While nurturing their best
Helped build the confidence
They’ve used to great success.
So yes, someday they’ll say
All those fine things and more
About their loving Dad,
He only wonders if
They’ll say them to his face
Or at his funeral.
Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Thank you, Russel. There’s a lot of poignant truth in these succinct and well-expressed reflections. I love the rhymes in the first poem! Best wishes, Bruce
Thanks Bruce — your feedback is highly appreciated!
Wit fused with wisdom is your forte! Like Bruce, I enjoyed the rhymes and rhyme scheme of the first poem.
And kind comments are among your fortes, Roy. They’re always appreciated!
Russel, “When the Old Guys Get Together” will, I think, stand out as one of your very best among the short works of wisdom that have always been your special strength. The artistry of the rhymes and the fitting colloquial vocabulary (guys, gals, swap, grit) contribute to the effect, but a fine ending with the archaic “yore” settles it.
If any reader young enough to have Dad still living should read “Someday,” I’ll recommend an even better way than recognizing those good things to one’s father’s face. Write the message on a card and give or send it to him. This gives joy for years as Dad looks at it again and again, and sometimes shows it to a friend. After the funeral, it may end up archived by Mom or a sibling, and passed down to grandchildren. Even in these days of screen reading!
Thank you Margaret. This stands out as one of your very best among many fine and always appreciated comments!
Three insightful pieces. I loved the twist in the third. It resonates.
Thank you Paul, greatly appreciated. The point of the third poem was something that I heard enough times from friends to convince me to write about it.
Russel, you really know how to give us some hard truths.
Thank you so much, Cheryl. I just try to pass along whatever comes at me.
“When the Old Guys Get Together” is so true! Nostalgia is fine, but some things in the good old days were not really that good. Concise and witty poem.
Thanks David. Yep, some memories definitely “improve” with age!
The first reminds me of the film “Big Fish” — a humorous observation because it’s true. The second offers a touching, reflective proverb. “Someday” is the most striking; I especially enjoy how you save the real heart of the poem until its very end, leaving a personal, poignant touch.
Thank you Adam. I’m quite humbled by each of your comments. They mean a lot, and I’m grateful to you for them.