step it up, speed up, hurry up and wait
never mind divine design or providential purpose
achieve at an unnatural speed and don't be late
it must be your intention to become great
you must believe in and aspire to a surplus
step it up, speed up, hurry up and wait
whatever dream you have, you must not hesitate
those moving slow and noiseless will be left in the dust
achieve at an unnatural speed and don't be late
the pressure from society will not abate
you cannot be impartial if you wish to join the upper crust
step it up, speed up, hurry up and wait
if you make furtive listening your finest trait
if glitter and jewels are eminent objects of your lust
achieve at an unnatural speed and don't be late
pose as a friend to control your rival's fate
listen for clues to earn your victim's trust
step it up, speed up, hurry up and wait
achieve at an unnatural speed and don't be late
~ornery owl~
For Ebenezer Scrooge and Charles Dickens and for my dad
notes
The title and the dedication may seem to be a bit of a non-sequitur, so let me explain.
The social climber who desires achievement and advancement of their position at any cost will not have a place in their cold cash register of a heart for trifles such as old-fashioned Thanksgiving celebrations.
My father loved holiday celebrations. He began reading Charles Dickens Christmas Carol every year from the time I was quite young. I believe I was only around four years old when this tradition commenced. I looked forward to it every year.
My father died close to Thanksgiving in 2010 so this time of year takes on certain importance for me.
In some ways, my father died believing that he was a failure because he never amassed significant wealth. However, he gave us many gifts that were far more important than money.
My father gave me stories.
Scrooge, the spirits, and the lessons they taught have been my companions from early childhood and I am thankful for them.
I only wish that I could let my father know.
prompts
Prompt: Write a "speed up" poem
Prompt: Write a Villanelle
The Icky, Sticky, Nit-Picky Legalese If You Please (Or Don't Please)
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