Tell Me, Where Do You Go To…?
Tell Me Where Do You Go To…?
Tell me, where do you go to
when you’re alone in your head?
How do you know what’s important
to achieve within your good stead?
Take opportunities presented-
try everything once if you can.
Don’t let dreams pass by because it’s too hard,
because adversity makes you a man.
Contemplate both the good and the bad,
prioritize, study, and plan.
Try to solve puzzles that challenge the mind,
don’t be just a flash in the pan.
Some people travel life’s journey
with no destination in mind.
Fortune may make some successful,
but others are left far behind.
Don’t criticize people’s intentions-
if you’re sinful, hold onto those stones.
Keep skeletons locked in the closet-
try not to disturb their bleached bones.
If you are accepting and honest,
and are pure and noble of heart,
You will overcome all of your worries-
when lives finish new ones will start.
Sometimes you may get tired and weary.
Try your best, but rest when you must.
Slow and steady is better than no real attempt-
and your effort will win people’s trust.
Just do what you know is important,
“common sense” is not common at all.
Let your heart and your brain work together-
as a team, they will make the right call.
by John Hansen © 2021
Today’s World
When I talk about today’s world, I don’t know where to start. Well, I guess the first thing mentioned has to be the pandemic and how it affects almost everything else in life, both locally and abroad. With sickness, death, lock-downs, restrictions, protests it is impossible to avoid.
Sometimes we just have to sit and reflect and try to think about what is really important in our lives and sort out our priorities. Only worry about the things that we can have control over, and hope and pray those beyond our scope eventually work out for the best. Each of us needs to concentrate on being the best person he or she can be in this troubled world.
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
That last stanza says it all common sense is no longer common in this crazy world. Nice introspective piece John leaves one to think about their own actions. Good work..
Thank you for reading this poem, Paul. This is the craziest I can remember the world ever being and I have been around more than a few years now. I am glad my words made you pause to contemplate. Take care.
“Tell me, where do you go to when you’re alone in your head? Well me…I go to read this Poem over and over again! The words put together in this Poetry work helps to motivate me through these ‘trying” times that you mention at the End of your Poem. John, Great Read! Slow and steady…tired and weary…(that sounds like me)…and I will overcome. Very straight forward good “common sense” thinking, yet uplifting.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for the encouraging comment. I am glad you found this poem uplifting and motivating. Sometimes keeping the message simple is the best way to make it affective. Read as many times as you like, and have a great week.
Great work – as always John – you are one of my favorite poets…
So many great and wise words of advice in this poem, John. It can be difficult to deal with things at times, but having good and wise friends like you helps to make life easier. 🙂
I loved these lines:
“Don’t criticize people’s intentions-
if you’re sinful, hold onto those stones.
Keep skeletons locked in the closet-
try not to disturb their bleached bones.”
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful poem.
Blessings always!! 🙂
Misbah, I am glad you found these to be wise and beautiful words. I am also pleased that you can relate and take something important from this poem. Take care always.
Thank you, Kurt. Just doing what I enjoy. It is always a pleasure to receive your comments.
Wow! Well done, John. I like the deep thoughts on how things are in the world today and your inspirational follow-up write.
Hello Phyllis, it is always wonderful to see you. I am so glad you enjoyed this. Take care.
“Prioritize, study, and plan!” Yes, yes and yes. Great advice from a well written poem. Jamie
Thank you for reading this Jamie. I am glad you agree with the message.
Reminds me of the Peter Sarstedt song ‘Where do you go to my lovely,….’
Common sense certainly isn’t common, especially amongst the high-fliers and politicians, I find! What a shame!
Good phraseology and choice of words. You’ve given us plenty of food for thought which is what we need in this, as you say, crazy world. Someone needs to keep a level head!
Hello Ann, actually I was thinking of the song “Where Do You Go To My Lovely” when I wrote this. So glad you liked the phraseology and found my insights food for thought. Have a great day.