Ancient philosophers knew
that only flexible reeds
were left unbroken by
harsh, winter winds.
Evergreen branches that yield
to weighty snow do not
snap in two.
Sages of long ago understood
that survival depends on
calculated bending.
Author notes
Prompt: compliance
A contest entry
- Quickie PIF by carole21.
850 points, ended July 16, 2008, 9 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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wow...a wonderful theme.,,this is mind-shattering..wonderful take on something so simple..but u made it a piece of art..i just wish it was longer...u left me begging for more..lovely write..and a very impressive piece
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'calculated bending' is wonderful. Congratulations on the trophy.
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Very nice.
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Yes I agree with you that one needs to learn to bend in order to succeed even with honesty. Congrats for bronze.
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Excellent
Wonderful take on the prompt. And so deserving of the bronze. Congratulations.
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Flexibility in so many features of life is essential for survival and growth!
This makes it so very important to choose carefully the principles on which one will be unbending, the commitments one finds worth "the whole ball of wax."
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Thanks for your responses to Bending. I find, even at this stage of life, I am still discerning the important battles to pick.
Betty
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thoughtful write for the prompt . . thanks for the contest entry . .
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"unable to comply, so eager to defy."
That's a quote from a song called Endangered Species by the hard rock band flaw.
As for the poem, it reminded me of that song. There are certain inevitabilities that we as human kind must face, but we love to wear the facade of stregth.
Great poem.
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