.

“Sometimey” People

Sometimes he’s quite responsive,
Sometimes he disappears.
Sometimes he’s downright friendly,
Sometimes he switches gears.

Sometimes he’s so straightforward,
Sometimes he seems to swerve.
Sometimes “sometimey” people,
Just get on my last nerve.

.

.

New Priority

When he was young to just be liked
__Was his priority,
But later as a business owner
__In authority,
On whom for crucial matters folks
__Were placing all their trust,
He learned a new priority
__Had fast become a must.

The key with his employees was
__To always tell the truth,
Since unlike in those halcyon
__And simple years of youth,
He could not focus his concern
__On feelings he affected,
For if they liked him mattered less
__Than if he was respected.

.

.

Autumn’s Irony

Those bright leaves above me
I wish I knew why
They’re truly most lovely
Then wither and die.

.

.

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

NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets.

The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary.


Trending now:

20 Responses

  1. Jeremiah Johnson

    Boy, Evan nailed it with that illustration paring!

    Also, speaking as one who occasionally fails to act with as much decorum as my department head would like, and who sometimes wonders why she’s so standoffish – your “New Priority” gives me a new perspective on employer/employee relations!

    Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Moody people, learning respect is more important than being liked, and the irony presented us by leaves were a fun trio to read.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Rohini. That poem, and the appellation, were taken completely from what a college friend of mine used to say, exactly fifty years ago!

      Reply
  4. Paul A. Freeman

    ‘Sometimey’ people can often be carrying a lot of baggage. Even so, it can be annoying.

    Love the autumn poem, though for me it’s all memory out here on the edge of the desert.

    And ‘respect’ on the respect poem.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Paul, I completely agree with both of your comments about inconsistent people. I thought about delving into possible reasons for such behavior, but decided that I wasn’t really qualified to do so. Thanks for all of your comments.

      Reply
  5. Yael

    Very nice; I enjoyed reading this interesting trio of delightfully short poems, thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thank you Yael. The poem about respect was from my career experience, but my awareness of the subject began with what a former employer advised me of when I started my business forty years ago.

      Reply
    • Russel Winick

      That’s Evan. He has a real gift for aligning pictures with poem topics.

      Reply
  7. Warren Bonham

    Great wisdom in all 3 told in a humorous way. New Priority should be required reading in business courses. I’ve met a lot of business leaders who never got there with foreseeable results.

    Reply
  8. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Russel,

    In these three poems, you have captured what you have observed in people and nature with your pen in a way most enjoyable to read.

    Thank you.
    Gigi

    Reply
  9. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Russel, I especially like “New Priority” – it taps into the very core of me which compels me to be honest, no matter what. I try to be diplomatic with it but truth by its very nature makes enemies not friends. I am just waiting to reach the age at which it doesn’t bother me – the age my grandmother told was the bonus of being old. When I speak out and care not a jot, I’ll know I’m there. Let’s hope I’m lucky enough to experience that delight. Thank you for bringing back some great memories of my fun and feisty gran.

    Reply
  10. Margaret Coats

    Russel, I agree with Susan about the sterling quality of “New Priority.” Likeability is a fitting concern for the young; it helps them learn concern for others, and the importance of equanimity in groups who work or play or study together. But when someone advances to a position of trust and authority, as we do when we become parents or teachers or executives or business owners, respect is a must–and it is earned by truth in all our dealings. Feelings are still vital. With truth as our standpoint, though, true compassion is easier!

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks Margaret – we’re in agreement, though this was a lesson that did not come quickly or easily. I’m glad you liked the poem.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.