Missed Opportunities...

by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

Even in the most trying circumstance,
Life/Luck/Destiny offers us a chance...
To extricate ourselves from the mess,
By choosing the option, “No” or “Yes”.

It is up to us to recognize the opportunity...
To act swiftly, decisively and with alacrity.
But often, we wonder, ponder and dither,
And run without deciding hither and thither.

Once we take charge of the decisions of our life,
We become geared to face opposition and strife,
The key is not to blame others for our “woes”;
A firm stand may need stepping on some toes.

Due to their deep mistrust and doubt,
Warring nations tend to often miss out,
Great opportunities for calm and peace,
And indulge in warfare without cease...

Arranged marriage offers the bride one chance,
If she is unwilling, to take a firm and bold stance.
Else, she is thrown into a lifelong relationship,
That often results in unending brinkmanship...
If she is sure, the marriage can lead to fissure,
She must say “no” without yielding to pressure.

I quote this as just one of those many instances;
There may be other equally trying circumstances,
That try our patience and grit up to the brink,
Creating situations with a choice to swim or sink...

When we take a less trodden path,
Let’s be ready to face some wrath,
Often of people close and dear to us,
That may lead to our missing the bus.

That unequivocal stand, that firm “Yes” or “No”,
Can stop us in our tracks or keep us on the go.
That unique and unexpected “chance” is a test
Of how we put our discerning skills to use best.

18-Feb-2014

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Views: 1461 Comments: 4

Comments on this Poem

Thanks Kingshuk for the appreciatin.

Padmaja Iyengar
25-Feb-2014 09:18 AM

Excellent...........voiced the similar thought almost, which I read in a book called OUTLIERS.......yes, it's about taking a step, when the opportunity comes on our way.
Thank you Padmaja for sharing a lovely poem.!

kingshuk
25-Feb-2014 07:29 AM

Welcome bck Mr. nair. Missed you. Thanks for your appreciation.

Padmaja Iyengar
20-Feb-2014 23:00 PM

Your poetry is full of excellent advice and guidance. Great rhyming too. Missed the recent happenings here. Have to catch up. Am travelling. Regards.

Madathil Rajendran Nair
20-Feb-2014 14:07 PM