Bill W

I know I'm years behind the time, but I'll still give you my input. I look at Romeo's problem this way. If your worried the relationship won't work out, unless you are willing to hide your feelings and act completely out of character as long as you're together, then be yourself and let the other person know who you are. If it's not going to work out, then it's better than you find it out sooner than later, so you can move on and find someone you're more compatible with. Don't waste part of your life acting out of character for someone you might lose anyway. That's my spiel and you can do with it what you want. And I believe that was the same advice that Jonah was trying to give Romeo. Good for him and it was an interesting story.

I was trying to be diplomatic and not mention any particular nationality, but having been related to through marriage to different Italian families, I can vouch that I accidentally got backhanded a few times when I got too close to someone when they were talking. My suggestion would be to give any Italian you know plenty of personal space if you don't want to accidentally get clobbered, because their gesticulations come with considerable force. 😜

From casual observations, I've discovered that some people seem to gesticulate more than others. In fact, I believe there are certain people that wouldn't be able to talk if they sat on their hands, because they need to gesticulate in order to make a point.

Gesticulate comes from Latin gesticulat- ‘gesticulated’, from the verb "gesticulari" (to gesture, mimic) and "gesticulus" (a mimicking gesture). It describes animated movements people make in conversation — with and without words. The verb "gesticulate" was first recorded in English around 1600, while the noun "gesticulation" was first recorded around the early 17th century. OED's earliest evidence for gesticulate is from 1609, in the writing of Robert Cawdrey, Church of England clergyman and lexicographer. Examples of gesticulate in a sentence: "He gesticulated with his shoulders and barely moved his arms." "Everything he says is peppered with sudden howls of laughter and much gesticulating." "Every time a player came near him he was yelling and pointing and gesticulating." "She was shouting and gesticulating quite wildly." "There was a man outside the window gesticulating wildly." "He gesticulated with his shoulders and barely moved his arms."

You used them all up already.

Gary, you're right. The goal seems to be "Keep 'em stupid!" I think back to two short stories I wrote for one of the anthologies back in 2015 and parts, if not all, seem to already have or in the process of become true. The two stories were "Backroom Deals" and "Hidden Agenda". Some people scoffed at them back then, but now some of my worst fears seem to be coming true, at least in part or maybe only until the rest of the agenda can be completed. It would be several giant steps backward and erase years of progress.

Because you've got a one-track mind?

Thank you, Tim, and you are correct. The biggest challenge lies ahead as to whether we celebrate diversity or reverse decades of gains - for humans, wildlife, and the environment as a whole.

Thank you, Chris, and I'm glad you agree.

I agree, that world would be lovely, Adi. Thank you for reading and taking time to comment.

Yes, Val, I agree, and thank you for your comment and for all you do.

Presto comes from Italian for “quickly.” Officially, presto is the second-quickest speed that music can be played (after prestissimo). Presto comes from late Latin praestus ‘ready’, from Latin praesto ‘at hand’. The earliest known use of the word presto is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for presto is from 1598, in the writing of George Chapman, poet and playwright. Examples of presto used in a sentence: "The hungry men dived into the food, and presto, it was gone." "Just pop a K-Cup in, add some water, press the button, and presto, coffee!" "You fold the rear seat flat, press a button, and hey presto!" "You put your money in the machine, and presto, the coffee comes out."

Thank you for reading and commenting, chs. I'm pleased that you agree with the need for these differences to make the world whole.

Thank you, Gary, for a wonderful assortment of poems and Haikus. I was born in the Forties, and we've obviously seen many of the same things. The stereotypes and roles heaped on us through the Fifties were very stifling, and then the 60s brought a little change and acceptance of previous roles and restrictions were slowly dismantled. Unfortunately, we're seeing a trend were some are trying to resurrect some of those restrictions and hateful philosophies and wiping out the gains of the last fifty to seventy years, and I'm not talking just about the US. There have been similar attempts worldwide to return to previous practices, or in some cases flip the script entirely and the persecuted now become those initiating the persecution. As Bob Dylan said in the lyrics of one of his songs, "When will the ever learn, when will they ever learn?"

Well, said, Lee. While some see diversity as a bad thing, we should celebrate the differences, because the world would be a less interesting place if we were all robots acting, feeling, and looking identical. And making others feel as if they don't belong has long been a tactic of those who strive to feel powerful and more important and special than everyone else. Don't let those people ever make you feel inferior. I'm glad you realized this and communities such as this one can give you a safe place to belong.

A marvelous collection expressing different viewpoints on the theme. Thank you, @Valkyrie for the hard work in organizing this anthology and posting it for us to enjoy.

Thank you, drs, and I'm glad you agree. Unfortunately there are others in positions of power and influence that look at this different. I pray there version doesn't win out.

Thank you, Tony. I'm glad my humble offering was able to elicit favorable reactions and acceptance. It's my belief that we, as a society, are harming nature, wildlife, and minority groups, both those of color, different religious beliefs, and different sexual orientations. Hopefully, this can be corrected before irreparable damange has been done.

Yes, Parker and Gary both know more about poetry than I do, and I appreciate their insight, as well as yours.

Thank you, Gary. Partially following the beliefs of indigenous peoples, we must heed nature before it's too late. Yes, there are some animals and plants that might be harmful to humans, they have a role to play in the scheme of things and derve to coexist. There are also people we may disagree with on religious or political grounds, but all viewpoints are necessary to come up with a balance that we all can live with. Thank you so much for your kind response to my poem.

Thank you for reading my humble poem. Since I'm not a poet, I was apprehensive about the reactions I'd get from this. Many thanks.

Presage comes via French, meaning 'omen' or 'a sing of a future event', which in turn comes from Latin praesagium, from praesagire ‘forebode’, from prae ‘before’ + sagire ‘perceive keenly’. The earliest known use of the word "presage" in English, both as a noun and a verb, is in the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the noun form appearing around the late 14th century and the verb form emerging in the 1560s. Examples of presage used in a sentence: *"He had a strong presage that he'd only a very short time to live" *"He thought the fever was a somber presage of his final illness" *"We may speculate too whether they will presage anything very different from what was said." *"It's important to understand the weather conditions that presage frost." *"The condition of affairs on the continent seemed to French enthusiasts to presage an attack by the other Powers on France." *"A quick glance at the sky to reassure myself that the scudding clouds did not presage rain."

Thank you, weinerdog. Your comment is much appreciated.

Like in the song, give me a home Where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play But there’s no reason to stop there When there’s such an array of animals to choose from I want to live in a world that’s varied Where animals of all different shapes and sizes abound Along with the roles each one plays The eco-system won’t function properly without them all What about some feathered friends Wouldn’t I want a blue jay, a robin or a cardinal as well? Also a few of ou

A free verse poem for the 2025 Poetry Anthology - "Diversity".