Esprit de Corps - 1. Chapter 1

On 4/17/2025 at 7:57 AM, Bill W said:

Val, poem 1 is an interesting list of accomplishments as throughout different stages of your life.  Some are obviously from childhood, such as riding "a bike until the streetlights came on" and "walking to school, no matter what Mother Nature threw at me."   I would imagine "drinking from the hose and coming home when hungry" was also from a younger viewpoint, but I don't believe that's a wise choice, due to the chemicals used in making some hoses or the possible use of lead.  I could relate to other comments, such as "I just want to lay in bed and not deal with it all" and "curling up in the closet surrounded by my favorite books." 

Poem 2 was an interesting look at the life of a person with disabilities.  Sometimes we don't stop to think about what they go through, but you stated the difficulty with tasks so clearly that I was able to feel the frustration of their situation very clearly.  Thank you for doing that.   

Poem 1 was meant to be an homage to childhood memories.  I remember walking home from school once in a literal blizzard, and a streetlight actually blew over right in front of me O.O  My mom picked me up shortly after that and wanted to know why I didn't wait for her.  I just shrugged.  Walking home is just what we did back then.  Now I would definitely not drink from a hose, but back in the '80s we didn't really think about any potential contaminants.  

Poem 2 is based on a true story.  Maybe one of these days I will feature a poem collection about the people I work with.  

Thank you for your comments and reading.  I appreciate it!  

On 4/17/2025 at 8:21 AM, Parker Owens said:

I really liked #2! I want to read it over and again. It’s something I’d want my students to read and think over. 

Aww... thank you so much!  It's so important to have empathy and put ourselves in others' shoes.  

On 4/17/2025 at 8:34 AM, drsawzall said:

I enjoyed both and found them to be thought provoking. While I could relate to poem 1, poem 2 really grabbed my attention and left me thinking!

Well done!!!

Thank you!  I'm really glad the second poem resonated with so many people. 

On 4/17/2025 at 11:50 AM, Headstall said:

I'm a Boomer, but related very much to every line of the first poem. The second poem is a powerful piece indeed, making me think. Well done. 

Thank you!  I'm glad you could relate   

On 4/17/2025 at 8:00 PM, centexhairysub said:

Not of Generation X but found the first poem very relatable.

Poem two is just amazing.  The sense of pad and despondency giving way to possibilities was just so powerful.  

Thank you so much!  It's a powerful thing when we find commonality.  

On 4/17/2025 at 10:05 PM, chris191070 said:

I found both of these to be thought provoking.

Thank you!  I always love it when readers find my work thought provoking. 

On 4/18/2025 at 9:18 AM, Tim Hobson said:

Poem #1 sounded so much like my life (born in 1948) that I didn't understand the purpose of the last line. After some thought, I want to believe it means "Things haven't changed as much as we might think. Childhood and growing up are still times of innocent fun, growing appreciation of the world around us, and achieving independence." Whether that was the purpose or not, I am happy thinking that the resilience of the human spirit will always prevail, generation upon generation.

There are a lot of common childhood experiences across generations, probably more so with the baby boomers, Gen X, and millenials.  One thing I love about poetry is the different takeaways from different readers.  I wanted to embrace some of the stereotypical Gen X experiences, but I really like your thought about things not changing as much as we might think.  I agree about the resilience of the human spirit prevailing.  I know the younger generations tend to get a lot of grief, but I see some great things coming from them.  

On 4/18/2025 at 9:24 AM, Tim Hobson said:

Poem #2 reminds me to two important things. First, those who are differently-abled are real people with challenges I have never had to face, but every bit as filled with joy and sorrow, pain and comfort, and needs that many around them do not see. Second, it brought home that wonderful feeling of relief when we meet someone who completely understands our trials and tribulations--who sees beyond our differences. Two years ago, the worst thing that ever happened in my life occurred without warning. Before I could sink into despair and self-hate, others rallied around me and shared their similar experiences. It made all the difference in my healing and growth. I thank them every day.

Finding someone who's been through the same tough times as us, knowing that we're not alone in a difficult journey is so motivating and comforting.  I'm glad you were able to find that when you experienced your event.  Thanks for reading and commenting.  I enjoyed reading your comments.