Better

. self awareness is the secret to improvement .

to his progeny,

"never resemble me."

said the despicable man,

to his beautiful family.

Author's Note

Reviews

[H L Rose]

Short yet tells an intricate story. It also indicates a really important detail about growth, and understanding ones own weaknesses. I like how you say “beautiful family”. I personally can see this line in two ways, the disposable man’s nature has not seeped into his family, suggesting he has not completely failed them, or his own image of family is one of utmost adoration. However, there seems to be endless directions one could take with this poems meaning. It is meaningful, yet open to interpretation.
Enjoyed contemplating it!

[Davidgeo]

I like your interpretations. Especially "...image of family... of utmost adoration." - one holds an impossible standard as motivation.

They are a bit off though.

This was more about emotional and familial evolution. If en masse every hideous but successful person could admit to their children that their path was inherently flawed we would have a better future.

Unfortunately world class a******s tend to repeat.

[H L Rose]

I see that, and thanks for the clarification. I like that interpretation, and it is so true.

[Davidgeo]

I kinda liked your interpretation better. It's a very good thing this poetry s**t is completely arbitrary. Most things can be whatever you'd like them to be.

[H L Rose]

You can never beat the original intention of the poet. Many things are open to interpretation. I agree poetry is one of those things!

[Nipplegrinder]

This sort of paraphrases all the words of warning, fathers have given sons and daughters, throughout time. Nice.

[Davidgeo]

Not all fathers.

Have you seen some of those son's of b*****s these days? Animals I tell ya.

[Hebe]

Self awareness is key to change, once you change, so does everything around you!
Very inspiring verse..... mistakes we make in life often regretted, can create wisdom to pass on.

[Davidgeo]

I really do believe that evolution is not simply restricted to physical traits. Neanderthal's never expressed complex art or abstract concepts across time like we have. They are now extinct. We are not.

[Hebe]

True I agree, but we can never be so sure of ourselves there are many ways we can become extinct. ....we are more likely to melt ourselves down with nuclear weapons .. .....

[Davidgeo]

Come now... that outcome, while very miserable, would not cause the extinction of life or even mankind. Resiliency is something we get accused of frequently.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Change must always be welcomed for growth but what we show others is what we allow to be seen🌹choices echo out forever🦋

[Davidgeo]

Way to safely say absolutely nothing. If you weren't so lazy and auto-clichéd with that review I'd almost be interested.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[Davidgeo]

I always love a good sport.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

It takes a lot to use hurtful words but kindness it overcomes all🌹

[Davidgeo]

Yeah... something like that. I like your style lady face.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

A bit of this and a bit of that that’s how it all works out, thanking you kind sir🌹

[Gee]

My father was a grade A arsehole who cleared off when we were but kids with bums the size of shirt buttons. Now a dad myself I have been to my daughter all that I would have wished for from my old man if he had stuck around. She is a beautiful young lady and we are the best of mates.

[Davidgeo]

That's a good thing man, a real good thing. And not as common as you'd think.

You broke the chain, you are making a legitimate effort to be a good parent despite not having a blooded example. That doesn't always happen. In fact, that usually doesn't happen.

Well done.

[Gee]

From past experience I know it is a lot less taxing on the heart and mind to be easy going rather than narky and angry. It's easier to love rather than hate......well I think so

[Davidgeo]

in my experience too much good is what makes the bad so very enticing. even angels get bored I think.

[That1Nerd23]

I like this! And it's so awesome that you attached a song! That's like the best!

[Davidgeo]

I'm glad you liked it. Rilo Kiley is an underrated band; I do love the way Jenny Lewis sings.

[R.E. Ray]

TK, you've nailed it! I've told my kids (now 21 and 23) since they were teenagers to model the behavior they want to see from their children (not what they see from me or other family members). You've said that more succinctly and poetically here.

[Davidgeo]

That's high praise.

[sette]

the two sides of life is clearly displayed in this four line poem, the joy and pain so well hidden that sometimes we forget why it exists in our lives. this is only my interpretation of the poem.

[Davidgeo]

It's more about species refinement than any particular side of life. If you are a bad person with children, don't raise them to be like you... over time this will lead to more socially stable society.

[sette]

parents being the model of the children

[G.W. Saitreux]

Nice poem. Really hits home a solid point. Thanks for sharing.

[Davidgeo]

Thanks for reading.

[John the Baptist]

Well and succinctly put. The gentleman probably should have no worries in that regard.

[Davidgeo]

Indeed. And thanks for stopping by.