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The Greatest Time of Fatherhood

I know that I’m supposed to say
The finest time is now—today.
And with all their accomplishments,
That would indeed make lots of sense.

And yet the greatest time of all
To me was back when they were small—
With boundless joy they would disperse
To Mom and I their universe.

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The Ultimate Cause

It’s often said money tears people apart,
But I’m not sure that’s actually true.
As money just seems like a commonplace start
For what unchecked emotions can do.

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Interruptions

So massive was their interruption
It destroyed my train of thought.
A blatant etiquette corruption,
Far from decency that’s taught.

I started to express my outrage
As their unrepentance grew,
Until I suddenly could presage
They’d point out I do it too.

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Maturity

With age the more it seems to me
The best part of maturity
Is that which bothered me before
I just don’t let it anymore.

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Ability to Say “No”

My well-off uncle asked if as executor I’d serve.
He sensed how on his passing things would go.
Thus when I asked: “Why me?” He said because I’d have the nerve,
When people come for favors to say “no.”

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Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.

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12 Responses

  1. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Russel, you always entice and excite me with your tantalizing tidbits of wisdom and these Monday morning treats are no exception. My favorites are “The Greatest Time of Fatherhood” and “Maturity”. We aim for independence and success for our children, but when they achieve just that… oh for those days when you were their universe… a lovely image. I’m just reaching that stage in my life where I thoroughly appreciate your take on “Maturity”… which leads nicely into your closing poem. Russel, you’re one sagacious poet! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      I’m not sure that I deserve those words, Susan, but I do thank you for them!

      Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Ah, the wonders and wisdom of the world of Winick. Each poem is a winsome delight of life experiences.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      I’m quite sure I don’t know a single thing that you don’t also know, but thank you Roy!

      Reply
  3. Cheryl A Corey

    My favorite of this group is “Maturity”. Amen to that. You just have such a gift for these witticisms. Keep ’em coming!

    Reply
  4. Margaret Coats

    On “The Greatest Time of Fatherhood,” another wise man says, “Little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems.” I prefer the present time in any case, but thanks be to God, my children’s adult problems are not enormous. Of your other observations here, the ultimate is accurate. It is much easier to forgive debts than to forget the raw chaos of unchecked emotions. You do well to follow “The Ultimate Cause” with “Interruptions,” because the best way to face outrage and unrepentance is to remember one’s own weaknesses and comprehend that others have them too. Easier said than done, but maturity brings occasions to practice the principle. You think so much on these things, Russel, that I’m sure you have plenty of practice in self-discipline. Best wishes as this kind of good life goes on!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Margaret, for another intellectually rigorous review. Much appreciated. I do try to think productively about the subjects I address, and perhaps even more so I listen to wise people – like you – and learn from them.

      Reply
  5. Jeff Eardley

    Russel? five wonderful reflections on the human condition, particularly Fatherhood. I hope that well-off uncle of yours isn’t having second thoughts.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Jeff. I made every decision as I surmised my uncle would have wanted me too. And – in homage to your amusing poem yesterday – I’ll add that surely there will someday be an opportunity to ask him how I did!

      Reply
  6. Yael

    These good and well-worded observations are a pleasure to read and contemplate, thank you.

    Reply
  7. Geoffrey Smagacz

    “The Ability to Say ‘No'” is cleverly stated. I can identify.

    Reply

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