.

Sidewalk Sincerity

“Hi—how are you?” he said to me,
A friendly thing to say,
I answered just as cordially,
But he had walked away.

.

.

Evolution

I love to have close relatives and numerous good friends,
Maintaining each relationship so that it never ends.
But in a move reflective of maturity and growth—
Those who have been ungrateful, unappreciative, or both,
Folks largely unresponsive as if I should never mind,
The people often critical, or even worse, unkind,
Who say things that long afterward I still find myself ruing,
The ones who talk about themselves and don’t ask how I’m doing,
Those having no desire to get together I can see,
Or otherwise whose actions indicate they don’t like me—
Since they all sadly offer little now that would be missed,
It’s with regret that I delete them from my Contacts List.

But burgeoning acquaintances, new friends and family are
All added over time, and bring more happiness by far.

.

.

More and More

More and more I’ve come to learn
I’m not all people’s cup of tea,
But now that’s less of a concern
As more and more I’m pleased with me.

.

.

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

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20 Responses

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Those helloes on sidewalks do not sound sincere. I’d rather say goodbye as they disappear. My own friend/contact list has evolved over time, since I have found new ones and dismiss the swine. You should be pleased with you, since what you write is true.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks Roy — for all of your feedback. It’s always greatly appreciated!

      Reply
  2. Cheryl Corey

    All are fabulous and very relatable, Russel. I know what it’s like to reach out to people I’ve known for years, even decades; only to see them never reciprocate with a call or email. Someone I used to consider a best friend would only contact me at Christmas with a photo card of her two dogs, year in, year out. I’m over it! I would say that your post-legal career is your best!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Cheryl! The annual Christmas photo of dogs is indeed rather sad. Poetry is certainly the most enjoyable career, albeit somewhat less remunerative! Your comments are always precious!

      Reply
  4. Brian Yapko

    Thank you for these entertaining and thought-provoking poems, Russel. I related very strongly with “Evolution.” My list of old friends and compatible relativesr has shrunk dramatically in the last few years — primarily because I no longer pass their ideological litmus tests. That’s fine with me as I don’t much cotton to being gaslighted, mocked or gossiped about. I’m grateful for new friends with whom I have much stronger connections. I now befriend people based on shared values, honesty and the sense that we are walking the same road. They are fewer in number but far more cherished.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks Brian — I was hoping that “Evolution” would spur this level of feedback. Much appreciated!

      Reply
  5. Cynthia L Erlandson

    Your poems always make me smile, Russel. I had an especially big one when I came to the very contemporary and applicable phrase “Contacts List.”

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      I’m always delighted to create smiles, Cynthia. Thanks for letting me know. See you soon!

      Reply
  6. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Russel, I like the way you’ve tied all three poems together with a theme that will, I am certain, resonate with many… and I especially like the positive note you end on in “More and More” – if you’re true to yourself then you know you’re in good company. A dose of Winick wisdom is much appreciated in these troubled times. Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Russel Winick

    Thank you, Poet Laureate. If there’s indeed any wisdom, it derives from many years of boneheadedness, I assure you.

    Reply
  8. Paulette Calasibetta

    Russell, your words of levity exude profound
    wisdom. I am happy to know I am not alone.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks for your feedback, Paulette — that’s reassuring to hear.

      Reply
  9. MD Skeen

    Sidewalk Sincerity is a really good short poem. Pithy, well rhymed, humorous and true. “How do you do?” would preserve the meter in the first line, but nobody says that any more.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you MD. In that poem I used the actual words stated during a particular incident. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  10. Marguerite

    These poems are so on point, especially today, I feel. The person who walked away in the first poem was probably talking to someone on his phone — I don’t know how many times I’ve responded to someone wearing earbuds talking to someone else!

    The last two poems can be taken at least two ways: one, in which the author has the correct point of view, or the second, in which the author is the one at fault in the relationships and has a skewed vision of himself. Very nicely done and thought-provoking.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Marguerite. Yes, the first poem depicts a common occurrence nowadays, and the other two could be interpreted both ways. Thank you for contributing your observations — much appreciated.

      Reply
  11. Caidan Walker

    The first poem is certainly a fun one, simple yet drawing attention to a larger societal quirk. Same with the last one. And the rhyming in that larger poem is so fun!

    Reply

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