DON’T
From the time I was small,
I’ve always heard these words,
“Don’t do this or that,
stop acting so absurd.”
Don’t cross the street
unless you look both ways.
Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t stop too long to play.
As a teen, this continued.
“Don’t date that high school boy.
He’s sure to want only one thing
and will treat you as if you’re a toy.”
“Are you sure you want to marry?
Don’t you think you should wait?
Don’t you want to change your mind
before it becomes too late?
There never seems an escape.
Do I not have a mind of my own?
Do people always need to boss me?
I’d much rather be left alone.
Even as I got older,
the advice never stopped.
“Don’t take that new job,
be happy with what you’ve got.”
“Don’t have another baby.
The world is such a mess.”
Opinions can overwhelm,
but from some I expect no less.
As the years continued to fly,
I heard, “Don’t retire just yet.
You should work a bit longer.
just to hedge all your bets.
I’ve not always been good
at doing as I was told.
I make my own decisions,
though some think me too bold.
Even as a senior citizen
the ‘don’ters’ continued to moan.
When I lost my husband
many said “Don’t live alone.”
“Don’t stay in the south,
there’s nothing for you there.
Move back to your children
in case you need their care.”
Again I ignored the talk
as I began to begin again.
I eventually tried dating
and found a fantastic friend.
Time continued to march on
as our affection grew.
I was told “Don’t marry,
or let him move in with you.”
As usual I did as I wished.
My life is as happy as can be.
Don’t is not always a good word
Especially if it’s happiness you seek.
The moral of these words
is to trust your own decisions.
Turn a blind eye and deaf ear
to potential criticisms.
© copyright Donna Hale Chandler
DONNA HALE CHANDLER
Author of:
LIFE HAPPENS (My Story)
Co-Author of:
THE HINTS BOOKS
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is to trust your own decisions.
Turn a blind eye and deaf ear
to potential criticisms.
I appreciate the philosophy and advice that you have shared through your verses, Donna. Thank you. Love and best wishes,
Regis
The contraction "Don't" broken down is "do not" which
can be considered 50/50 "do" or "not"...to each his own.
Lady Vivian
Great advice, Donna. I struck out on my own also, but unfortunately my way was the highway and trouble loomed. Thanks for the read of my short story, "The Operation." Yes, the ending wasn't quite . . . er . . . normal.
Anna
Chip Bergeron
Enjoyed this one, Sweetie. Thanks Dick
fee
Namaste
Tony
Cheers,
Dan