Velocity
Definition of Velocity
velocity
vɪˈlɒsɪti/
noun
*the speed of something in a given direction.
“the velocities of the emitted particles”
*(in general use) speed.
“the tank shot backwards at an incredible velocity”
synonyms: speed, pace, rate, tempo, momentum, impetus; More
ECONOMICS
*the rate at which money changes hands within an economy.
noun: velocity of circulation; plural noun: velocities of circulation
Velocity
by John Hansen 2016
Most people live a life fast paced,
Each day’s a dragster race.
If they stopped to smell the flowers
A bee would sting their face.
They rush from home to work and back
In a routine they can’t crack.
Stealing moments for themselves
Is a luxury they lack.
Everything has “best by” dates,
Or penalties if late.
No time to pause and contemplate,
Keep up the frantic rate.
The city moves at break-neck speed,
It never stops to sleep.
Commuters need to hold on tight,
The altitude is steep.
We used to save and pay in cash,
Now we need it in a flash.
So we pay by credit card
And into debt we crash.
Our society is in a rush
Like an out of control bus.
No time to pick up passengers,
This does not bode well for us.
We’re on a roller coaster ride,
There is nowhere to hide.
It will not stop to let us off
And the weak fall off the side.
Stop and think about your life,
Your husband, kids, or wife.
Prioritise your happiness,
Don’t suffer grief and strife.
Success and money drive us on,
But I think these goals are wrong.
The world should be a painting,
And living it, a song.
Now I find myself branching out and experimenting with short fiction, and thoroughly enjoying this, especially flash fiction.
I have been fortunate to have two poems made into songs and recorded. The first "On the Road to Kingdom Come" by Al Wordlaw, and the second, "If I Could Write a Love Poem" by award-winning Israeli/British singer Tally Koren.
My services increasingly in demand as a freelance writer and I have ghost-written the text for a number of children's books and educational tutorials.
It has taken me many years of searching and restlessness to realise that my life's passion is to write. It saddens me that I wasted so many years not devoting to that, but thinking positively, the experiences gained over those years are now wonderful material for my stories and poems.
I want to try to bring a new focus on poetry and try to make it appealing to a new generation of young people and those who thought they never liked or understood it before.
- The First Word – A Flash Fiction Story - January 18, 2024
- Dawns Song ~ and Twilight Serenade - December 1, 2023
- Weave Me a Story - June 15, 2023
So true, John. Very well-written, it flows right along nicely. I have been living fast paced this year, which was unusual for me. I enjoyed it so much, but it is time for me to “stop and smell the roses.” Some wonderful new blessings have come into my life and I will be taking the time to enjoy them and be grateful for it. I love reading your poetry, thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Phyllis. I had to practice what I preach here, and sut down and write something for myself instead of other people. I am glad you enjoyed the poem and found it worthwhile.
Wow, John! You said it all, and summed it up in your last line. So many people are on the fast track. So sad, but yet so hard to control at times. Nobody should miss the message in this one.
I like it. A good reminder. Although I mainly suffer from slowness.
Thank you William. Unfortunately life always seems to be in the fast lane. I am glad that you support this worthy message and think it should be shared.
Haha Eric, so do I from time to time. Now and again life gets out of control though. Glad you liked this as a reminder.
Very well emoted and so true. I no longer live that life and it has been the saving of me. Money isn’t the answer to happiness, never was. Fulfillment comes from doing what we love and caring for those whom we love. great work John.
Thank you for your very wise words supporting the sentiment of this poem, Tony. Those who value money above all else will never have true happiness. I appreciate your kind comment.
Well said John,
I was walking my four year old to preschool this morning, and noticed he was dragging behind a little, he wanted to stop and smell the beautiful Plumeria. Im glad I was in tune enough to slow down. I try so very hard not to catch him up in the rush of life, and it has been a very rewarding effort to be present in his discoveries.
We all need to slow down and remember what this life is about, and you have conveyed that here for us.
Thank you
Best,
Mel
Melissa, thank you for sharing that wonderful example that illustrates the point of this poem. We need to take the time to share in our children’s discoveries…and enjoy every aspect of life.. It is so fleeting.
Our society is so in a rush, and the funny thing is, we are going no where. I loved this piece John. It reminds me how we zig zag, and cut people off in traffic just to all me up at the red light.
Life is a song and the poets are the ones who stand still, listen, and share. Jamie
That is so true, Jamie.