Here is Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge #275 Theme Prompt. The theme “useful” was choosen by Kerfe.
I’ve been quiet lately, barely time to visit blogs or get one posted. Releasing a new book is always so time consuming, plus putting out new covers and tidying the books up. Not sure why I did both at once. But I made sure to make that little extra time to write some poetry today.
I put the word useful into Canva’s search and came up with this picture.
wrinkled, gray or bald
slower gait, feeble and frail
family’s burden
society’s arrogance
essential wisdom dismissed
So true, and neeful to get remembered on the society’s behavior. Thanks, Denise! xx Michael
Thank you, Michael 🙂 Yes, society does need that reminder.
I wish it weren’t true, but I do think we dismiss essential wisdom held by older people.
I wish it weren’t true either, Priscilla. It seems to have gotten even worse.
Sad words but in many cases true. Thanks, Denise.
It is sad to see this, John.
Your poem evokes such tender emotions. Our world would be a better place with shared essential wisdom. 💗
I think it would be a better place, too, Gwen 🙂 I always tried to absorb as much wisdom as I could. What a gift.
That was fantastic, Denise! So many dismiss the elderly, but they are such gems. I love your poem! 🙂
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 They are gems and the stories I was told, I will never forget and remember them in times when I need those words of wisdom
Well written but scary since that is just around the corner. Ack.
Thank you, Sandra 🙂 It is but I think writers are lucky we have a place already to share. Xo
This brings back memories of visiting my great-grandmother at the nursing home; we would visit with the people who didn’t have visitors. So many sad stories, and a lot of untapped wisdom.
There is a lot of wisdom we could sure use now. How sad not to have someone to share those little bits of insight.
the crux is, we all get there at some point, and reap the kindnesses or hurts we planted. so sad if it’s only hurts that come back. Lovely poem. thanks.
Yes, at some point we will get there. It is sad if only the hurts come back but hopefully they won’t. Thank you, Selma xo
Sad and so true. So much wisdom lost. Wonderful poem, Denise 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony 🙂 I always tried to listen as much as I could.
Sadly, there’s a lot of truth in that poem.
So much potential wasted, Joan.
It’s sad that our seniors are often dismissed. My grandmother is 104, and I thank God for her every day. I’ve learned so much from her! She’s a treasure.
Great job, Denise.
It is sad, Staci, and often treated like children. You are so blessed to still have your grandma and be able to learn from her. I miss those days with mine.
Thank you 🙂
I have a lot to catch up on it seems, Denise. Congrats on the new book. And a lovely poem about a topic that plagues our culture. I’m getting to that age where my wisdom is likely to be dismissed. 🙁
Catching up is always hard to do, I’ve been just trying to start from where I am lately. Thank you, Diana 🙂
With that dismissal, I always think, if you are lucky, someday you will arrive here and realize the missed wisdom. I always loved to hear the stories and wisdom, maybe that was always the curiois writer in me.
I’m trying to go back a couple of posts to catch up some. Then just move forward. 🙂 And yes, that curiosity and love of stories and meaning-making is essential to writing. 🙂
🙂 xo
Sad but true. This is a great and realistic response to the prompt, Denise!
Thank you, Jan. I wish it wasn’t so true in our current society.
A treasure trove of information, and life lessons, lost when the elderly are treated this way.
There is a treasure trove of informations and lessons for us all there. I have always wanted to absorb as much as I could. Thanks, Mark!
Everyone needs to feel useful, and it’s a shame we can’t include everyone, no matter their abilities, in that feeling in our culture. (K)
I agree we all need to feel useful. In our own ways we can offer so much, no matter what its uniquely our own gifts.
What a poignant poem, Denise. I totally connected to your words! I’m getting to be a woman of a certain age, and I notice people looking through me, like I don’t matter. I wish our society celebrated the wisdom of those older than us. It would be a much better place to live. I hope you’re doing well with your book. Thinking of you. <3
Thank you, Colleen 🙂 I know the look you are talking about, very dismissive. I wish the same, and think it would ground society more in good ways. I am putting the final touches on the book and nervously looking forward to the release countdown. Sending hugs xo
HI Denise, it is a terrible shame that people don’t treat their elderly with love and respect.
I agree, Robbie, it is. I think the world would be so much kinder if they did.
A short poem packed with so much meaning and sadness. Thank you for sharing this, Denise.
Thank you, Mar. It is sad that we honor youth over age and wisdom. Xo
S a sad reality of our times!
Well said Denise and society needs to remember who created much of the technology they now enjoy and the benefits of society that were hard won… Let me know when the new book is ready to go so I can do the usual promo…♥
That’s a very good point about who created the tech that society is enjoying now. Thanks, Sally! Much appreciated xo
😀 my hair isn’t as grey, but I’m a granny… 😉
I relate to the image and the words.
My hair isn’t gray either but a granny too 🙂
😀