When the Phone Rings
I can’t still be excited when the phone rings,
I was for decades, but no longer am.
The joy of wondering just who that sound brings,
Has been replaced by likelihood it’s spam.
Two Types of Talkers
Of those who tend to talk a lot
Some still are much adored,
While others somehow manage not
To see they make folks bored.
Autodidacticism
They thought they taught them right from wrong and set a good example,
Though far from perfect, they believed their lessons were quite ample.
But certain things good parenting cannot achieve alone,
For empathy and conscience must be finished on one’s own.
Apologies
I’m proud that I apologize
The many times I do,
But I would rather be so wise
That there’s no reason to.
Russel Winick started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Russel, I am the same way with answering my phone. Because of spammers, I have also dropped polite answering to begin and make sure I do not answer with a yes, since spammers can record that and use it against me. Monopolizer talkers at parties I abhor. I learned from Gibbs on “NCIS” never to apologize. I just find other ways to say it than to use the word. Your bits of wisdom buzz around in my brain.
Very interesting Roy, thanks!
There is a real.value in writing short, focused nuggets of poetry. I enjoyed each of these!
I appreciate your feedback. It’s encouraging. Thank you!
Your words of wisdom are always so enjoyable, Russel! Thank you for the morning laughs and smiles.
That’s great to hear, Cynthia. I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
These are like the yummy chocolate candy bites in a heart shaped box: delicious!
Wow — that’s a lovely analogy! Greatly appreciated. Thanks Jenna.
The philosophy lurking in these little gems tells us you’re a very insightful fellow, Russel – and I especially admire your ‘Autodidacticism’ piece. Thanks for another round of witty ‘tips’! 🙂
Mark, I’m genuinely stunned to receive feedback like this, but thank you so very much!
These are delightful little squibs, as short gnomic poems used to be called in English. They make a small judgment, state a quick opinion, or give a flash of insight.
Evan’s illustration (a traditional rotary dial phone) is perfect here. I can’t stand the new push-button phones, which are ugly, too lightweight, and prone to mis-dialing errors. They have also put millions of working women out of a job. And yes — half the stuff that comes to you on these new phones is spam.
Thank you Professor, for your kind and always informative feedback. It’s much enjoyed.
Russel, I always look forward to your moreish morsels of poetic food for thought, and what a smorgasbord of delights there are to choose from here! Every single one appeals to me… I chewed each one over with a knowing nod, and feel all the better for doing so. Thank you, Russel. I’m ready for my next serving…
Thank you Susan. I’m so glad that you liked the poems, and the food analogies are cracking me up today!
Four perfectly rhymed truisms, very cleverly worded. “Apologies” is my favorite. Thank you Russel.
You’re very welcome, Norma. Such kind words are most appreciated!
You could always apologise for being so wise.
Ha! I can only wish. Thanks Paul!
You hit the nail on the head with When The Phone Rings! I guess that the modern equivalent is the notification sound- not that it stirs up anything like the same feeling.
Thanks, Daniel. It’s indeed a conundrum. I appreciate your feedback.
Russel, I always enjoy reading your laconic poems; A lot of wisdom in a single punch. I actually found SCP by looking at places you’ve been published in a Grand Little Things poem. Thus, thanks are in order. I hope you are sifting through what you consider your best and maybe you will do a chapbook/collection in the future. Have a good weekend.
Thank you Paul, for your kind words. I’m glad to have indirectly brought you to SCP — it’s a great place to learn about and enjoy formal poetry.
Russel, I have an answer about the phone ringing. I managed to buy one too simple for many uses, and to be very selective about numbers it knows. There’s not much activity on it, but it’s almost always interesting. And it tends to prevent my talking until anyone is bored! Thanks for your always thoughtful rhyming.
Margaret — I see that I somehow missed this comment earlier, and for that I must —- apologize! I always appreciate your feedback and insight.
Very insightful aphoristic works, as usual. I was particularly taken by “Apologies,” which is a pithy paean to humility.
I’m glad that you liked them, Adam. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Amen on “Apologies!”
Thank you Marguerite. The quest continues.