cognitive

I put these places in my eyes forever;

focusing on the dogwoods blooming,

robins scrounging for bits to assemble their nests,

deer tracks leading into the yard,

signs of nature's balanced discourse,

and show them to my daughters

seemingly too young to care.

Now that the years have kissed my sisters and I,

we recall small things our mother and father

might not remember teaching us;

so every word and thing at which I point

must be marked with the spirit of significance.

What use are things that are not worth bequeathing,

and what is worth more than how nature is moving?

So I stare at things and wonder why;

when they ask perhaps I'll answer gracefully.

Even the subtlety of my saccade

might spark a little curiosity

and their wondering mind decipher

that I am observing something they should be.

What little eyes consume so much,

I must always be aware.

What I am learning must be to bestow

and what I bestow must be to what helps 

change the world by their loving hands.

They may dance a frivolous swirl

and appear to gaily frolic,

but little eyes and little ears

are prone to consume so much 

even when not pointed to me.

So I put these places in my eyes forever

For if their curiosity should bloom,

I'll show them things that I have seen

that might help them change the world.

Reviews

[Shirlena]

So sweet and precious homage to your young ones. You seemed very tuned into them and that's wonderful and important as you mention in your poem to share time and show them life from your perspective. These are the things that they will recall as they grow up. It will serve as a testimony to the Father you are to them now. Beautiful.

[BlackRose]

Amazing piece that keeps the world on it's toes so to speak with a great message. Enjoyed it very much.

[Linda alexander]

So I put these places in my eyes forever
For if their curiosity should bloom,
I'll show them things that I have seen
Amazing write, how keen the poet is to bring this message to the world which is running like a psych patient or worse, for psych patient it is the ailment causing, but for the world not sure, so let the human take some moments to enjoy free gifts of nature and bestow it in their hearts, sunlight refracted at certain ankle in another write, way to go, good luck and congrats to the poem and poet, enjoyed

[paddy d daly]

a foresight of wisdom those little eyes and ears can learn from....good write...

[Rita L. Sev]

So true that we learn so much as children, lessons both intended and unintended. A great, and thoughtful, poem, Xavier.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Xavier, I love that your entitled this piece, "Cognitive". because many people don't consider the child's mind to be the sponge that it is, and it is important to teach them and be examples for them in a way that you cement the right, beautiful memories to help them become the beautiful people we want them to be. This is an extraordinary work. I love the first stanza, "I put these places into my eyes forever; focusing on the dogwoods blooming, Robins scrounging for bits to assemble their nests..." We can learn a lot from nature if we only pay attention. Thank you for sharing this piece with us. 100/100

[m.s.early]

Thank you so much Anne. I hope to present that the children are cognitive when we might not be aware, and we should be cognitive of ourselves. When I was reflecting on what I gleaned from adults during my childhood I realized that those that I gleaned from had no idea at the time I was watching. That makes me aware that if I'm not always cognitive of my behavior they could be picking up something that I might not want them to without realizing it. This inventory of sorts pushed me to try to make myself aware of my intentions at all times. As long as I do my best at attempting to do the right thing based on honesty and selfless motives, I have a good chance of presenting my children with a set of golden ideals.

Thank you for your appreciation :)

[Bright Ocean Star]

Xavier, that self-awareness is a rare and valuable quality. You are obviously a great father, and your wife is lucky woman.

[m.s.early]

Thank you for the compliment. A good father is my attempt. My wife on the other hand has been out of my life for many years now, but that is a story for another time ;)

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you for writing and posting your work. Your pieces are wonderful to read and enjoy. :)

[Brittany Zedalis]

Your poetry always takes me on a journey. Wonderful! :]

[m.s.early]

Thank you so much for your support Brittany :)

[Vidya Bacchus]

You never truly appreciate how the little things impact you.Sometimes at the end of the road it is the simple things that meant the most :P

[m.s.early]

Indeed Vidya. I whole heartily agree :)

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are welcome :)

[Mia Sparrow]

this is a remarkable realization to pay attention to even the little things so as to show impressionable young minds that are curious about nature and what they are seeing for the first time, you have seen yourself. and are able to impart the knowledge and wisdom of what they observe to 'help them change the world.' pardon the run-on as this is stream-of-consciousness still burgeoning. such is the thought-provoking effect this poem has on me.

[m.s.early]

Thank you for appreciating that aspect Mia. That was my main point. ;)