try to make sure each person you meet—
walks away happier than they arrived
I admit it. My philosophy has always been, "There's no such thing as a stranger, just a friend I haven't met yet." So, yes, I'll start a conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store. I'll help old people across the street, though most times I'm the one that could use the help. I say 'Thank You", "Please" and "Have a wonderful day". I try to have a smile even though I'm sad. It comes from being raised by parents that had next to nothing, but was always willing to share what they did have. A mom who showed only love and a father who gladly shared his gift of gab.
I'm not saying that my temper never gets the best of me. When it does, it flies out of my mouth like a sailor on meth. but usually it fades quickly. Now that I'm a little older and I hope a little wiser, I try to keep it hidden. I am trying to look at things from the other person's perspective.
Many times I've been told by my children that I am too friendly. But I don't think that's possible. A smile, a tip of the hat, a friendly wave, holding the door, letting someone merge onto your lane all cost nothing. Yet the rewards might be more than you can ever expect. Besides, who couldn't use another friend.
Tag: life
Monoku #415
her golden doodle wants to be a lap dog—
muddy footprints on her blouse
“Flamingo Paradise Motel”
2021 Jerry Brotherton
It was the neon sign of the
Flamingo Paradise motel.
Flashing lights into my eyes
that woke me up in that filthy hell.
It took a cigarette before I knew
where in the world I was.
And another to clear my mind
of the ringing from last night’s buzz.
There was gin on the table
so I took myself a little snort.
I looked inside my wallet and
I was five hundred dollars short.
I swear that when I went to bed
I had a woman by my side.
I told myself well ole boy
at least it looks like you’re still alive.
Chorus:
Imagine that.
Who would have ever thought,
this time it would end exactly the same.
Happens each time
I mix whisky and gin.
If I thought this time would be different,
I guess I only have myself to blame.
Well I tried to piece together
the events of the night before.
I remember there was a Llama
though I really can’t be sure.
I’m pretty sure she had blond hair,
not the Llama but the girl.
There’s a clown’s mask on the bed post
I’ll be damned if I know what for.
I don’t think she was a lady
or I a perfect gentleman.
I tried so hard to recall her face
but I just don’t think I can.
I went into the bathroom
to splash some cold water on my face.
There was a tuxedo and a bridal gown
strewn about the place.
(Repeat Chorus)
Written in lipstick on the mirror
was a note that someone wrote.
Said thanks for the good time husband
don’t worry—I returned the goat.
Now I swear this is the last time
I’ll touch another drop of gin.
Until the next time I’m in Vegas
when I’ll do it all again.
(Repeat Chorus)
~Modern Politics~
I'll keep searching
through
the rubble
and trash
trying to find
the answer that
perhaps
does not exist
thinking there has
to be someone
who can
make a difference
make a change
take a chance
to turn it
all around
though they
keep on
telling me
it’s futile to resist
I will never give in
Now That I’ve Reached a Certain Age (Part Two)
Now that I’ve reached a certain age
I worry that every bill
I get in the mail
could be the one
that tips the scale
that drops my accounts
below nil.
Even though
I’ve cut all the corners until
it’s now just a straight line
to the poor house
sliced the potatoes so thin
you can read the past due
notices through them
and still don’t have enough
left over to pay
attention or buy that
lottery ticket to salvation
Jerry Brotherton 