Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Time passes so quickly, but unnoticed, until we’ve neared our three score years and ten,
Hence why we don’t give the thought to certain things that we should have ’till sometime ’round
then.
Yes, it’s sad but true, an oversight that in time we rue, and too often pay for,
And all because of distractions, attractions, that the hallmarks of foolishness bore.

First lost in the folly of youth, then shackled by those misdeeds, or, far too busy,
That is, caught up on pursuits that contribute little, or nothing, arguably.
Seasons of selfishness, petty behaviour — in other words, immaturity,
Moments that later haunt, miserably taunt, things we said or did injuriously.

Yes, discontented, wanting things too quickly, things we don’t need, shouldn’t want at all,
Rushing, striving, clawing, coveting, or just plain pleasure seeking, having a ball.
Often well-fed, adequately clothed and housed, and with all our faculties in tact,
Yet, still unhappy, restless, wanting more, better — oh, how childishly we act.

Such is how we waste precious seasons, moments that could’ve been, days, weeks, months and years,
Then wonder where the time went, so unwisely spent, hence our regret, sadness and tears.
Yes, instead of living for the moment, unselfishly so, and worthily too,
We simply get sidetracked, lost in our hang-ups, caught up on issues, wrong we pursue.

Time and age have a way of sneaking up on us, hence why each day should be treasured,
And the use of our three score and ten quota carefully and thoughtfully measured.
Time seems long when we’re young — an illusion — 'cause the bulk of our years lies ahead,
But not so when we’re looking back, and then, realizing how quickly those years have fled.

Time and opportunity squandered can lead to regret, sadness, trouble, tears and pain,
And even more so, our misdeeds, which choke and chain, fall on others like acid rain.
Thus, it’s better to guard each day, mind each word, each act, and live with our head held high,
Lest midst our declining years we encounter our worst fears, inwardly sigh or cry.

Yes, time passes so quickly, but unnoticed, ’till we’ve neared our three score years and ten,
And then, we rejoice looking back, or hang our head, the fodder of gossip and pen.
Yes, it’s sad but true, that more often we rue, misspent moments, days, weeks, months and years,
And instead of happy memories, are left with heartache and painful souvenirs.

By Lance Landall

2.  Didn't Solomon Say This?

You finally learn a thing or two, try your best to change, are sorry, sincere,
But by then your health’s packing up and the cost of living’s going up, oh dear.
And you more anxious, skint and even irritable than ever, and thinking,
“I just cannot seem to win,” and hope and happiness invariably shrinking.

Yes, mistakes oft costly, life no respecter of misfortune or injury,
Be the latter one physical or emotional, someone else’s cruelty.
And your head saying, “Didn’t Solomon say this?”, and you’re dead right, ’cause he did,
And this so many learning not long before someone closes and nails the lid.

By Lance Landall

3.  Odd As It Seems, Most Don't Think

Yes, odd as it seems, most don’t think — well, as deep, broad and much as they should do, nor outside the box,
Many not wanting to entertain whatever their desire, tradition or flawed thinking rocks.
Or, they letting others do the thinking for them, such being another perilous path some take,
For when we neglect to do our own study and research, we can make a very big mistake.

Sometimes we need to dwell on that which we don’t care for, and this, in order to far better see,
We trying to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and more so, those who act differently.
For those who don’t, nor try to come to grips with another’s way, more often misjudge and condemn;
They also not appreciating that but for the grace of God there goes a loved one or them.

Some folk seem to live in a vacuum, “Oh, I’d never have thought that,” they say, and that’s the trouble,
For it may have served them well despite the unpleasantness or bursting of some cherished bubble.
Yes, “No pain no gain,” is often said, and such is true, for it’s best we accept reality,
And give more thought to what we often avoid, lest in our ignorance, we somehow act wrongly.

Yes, odd as it seems, most don’t think, their minds and thoughts shallow, deeper issues not understood, and
Therefore why the complexity-cum-whys and wherefores of other lives they little understand.
For such requires much thought and effort, a thinking that's outside the box-cum-imagination,
We thus putting ourselves in someone else’s place; even improving on our education.

By Lance Landall





This poem contains a degree of Christian content necessary for the purpose.

4.  Are You Balanced?

5.  Worth Bearing In Mind

The three crucial keys to good governance are: Integrity, balance and heart;
No deception, no foolish left or right swing, and no horse without its cart;
The heart connected to the head, the head connected to the heart, as should be,
That all may be well, sound and fair; and that their worthiness to rule, we may see.

And so, we not voting for our own ends, but the good of all, society,
Every government and each MP thinking in terms of humanity.
The past a lesson book, foresight and wisdom good friends, the future in our hands,
Which only the responsible voter and trustworthy MP understands.

By Lance Landall

6.  Why Governments Oft Poorly Govern

“Why are people cynical of politicians?” Fay asked her father, “Some folk disliking them intensely.”
Her father put down the book he’d been perusing, he taking his daughter’s question very seriously.
“Well, Fay, there are certain positions that quickly show the true nature of someone, where they stand morally-
Cum-how ethically or not they behave, whether they keep to their word, are transparent and trustworthy,

And here, of course, we’re talking politicians,

Of whom so many have let us down, if not in some big way, in lots of other ways, irresponsibly,
Oft disregarding the fact that they’re there on behalf of us, they pursuing their own ideology.
In other words, their own agenda, they oft feathering their own nest despite their perks and high salary,
And midst such, pointing the finger, behaving harshly towards the vulnerable within society.

Yes, on the one hand selling the country’s assets — treason, some say — and adopting slash and burn policies,
Or simply changing things too fast, their head not connected to their heart, they seemingly doing as they please.
And on the other hand, there’s a pandering to this group or that group, an imprudent liberality,
The hearts of these politicians not connected to their head, hence the entrance of many foolish things we see.

Most politicians run to the beat of a left or right drum, rather than they wisely acting neutrally,
Hence that seesawing when power changes hands, and all because of that tired old left and right mentality.
And adding to all this is the fudging, stalling, the dodging of questions, the withholding of information,
The playing with stats and figures, the what suits compromises, the bending and twisting of information.”

“Are you talking about skulduggery, Dad?” Fay interjected, “And certain behind the scenes activity?”
“Well, politicians are just as capable of such as anyone else,” her father replied cautiously,
"And we’re living in treacherous and changing times,” he added, “Hence all those conspiracy theories out there,
They often referring to secret goings-on, behind the scene players-cum-interference, which may steer,

And all such even messing up the plans of a good politician or party.

But such is another subject in itself (though certainly connected), and possibly better skipped here,
Lest you somehow lose sight of the general run of things that we’re discussing here, and thereby, elsewhere veer.
Perhaps we could discuss such another time, though I’d encourage you to research such very thoroughly,
For all should be well informed lest they err, or be taken in by something or someone, most perilously.

The truth is, that wealthy politicians are far more likely to be out of touch with the man in the street,
And then there are those who’re just seeking the baubles of power, they quite clearly undeserving of their seat.
And both of them thus no doubt lacking in understanding, empathy and required sensitivity,
They being driven by dollars, ambition and personal desire, rather than a love for humanity.

Thus it’s often a case of having to pick the best of the evils, both party and politician wise —
If you understand what I mean here, 'cause their shortcomings, untruths and shenanigans, neither advertise.
At the end of the day, a government is only as good as its politicians, those that we elect,
And getting back to where we came in, such is why few politicians (or their parties), have earned our respect.

Thus, as it is with soldiers and policemen, a politician’s only as good as his or her heart and mind-
Cum-his or her standards, values, principles, and love for their country, which of such, far too little we find.
Hence why we shouldn’t get caught up on looks, for those who look the part, often have an unsound mind or heart,
Or are charlatans in disguise, as it were, who a self-serving, corrupt and injurious path soon chart.”

“I guess that’s why some folk don’t vote,” Fay volunteered. “I’m sure it is,” her father agreed, “But utter folly,
For such can even worsen things, is most immature, and shows a complete lack of responsibility.
Such folk clearly don’t value the privilege of such, or not like they should, taking for granted liberty-
Cum-their freedom-cum-democracy, and why it pays for all to be knowledgeable politically,

And given the above, why governments oft poorly govern."

By Lance Landall


"There is nothing government can give you that it hasn't taken from you in the first place."
Winston Churchill

7.  Left, Right, Left, Right

Any swing that swerves to the left, and any swing that swerves to the right,
Is a swing that’s become unbalanced, for from the centre it took flight.
Danger always lies in the extremes, and on the flawed track to either,
Hence why those whose thinking is very sound, very wisely choose neither.

All throughout this planet's history, that pendulum has been swinging,
Either to the left or right, and all because to either, folk keep clinging.
And hence why it's time that this old pendulum stopped swinging, either way,
Though such isn't likely to happen whilst people keep making it sway.

Yes, after things have swung to the left, it’s soon back to the right they go,
And then back to the left again, when things on the right have lost their glow.
Then after things have swung to the left, it’s soon back to the right they go,
And then back to the left again, when things on the right have lost their glow.

Hence why wise politicians, and those sensible citizens who vote,
This tired old political carousel very observantly note.
And hence why wise politicians, and those sensible people who vote,
Only a truly balanced position seek and endorse, or promote.

Yes, all those excesses on the left, and all those extremes on the right,
When it comes to the political arena, simply our lives blight.
It seems that some haven’t learnt from history, that swinging either way
Is the reason why so many things inevitably go astray.

Some things that are on the left are good, and some things on the right are good,
Therefore, taking what is good from both is sensible, and such we should.
For that is how we get a balance, a balance that will serve us well,
Unlike those unsound left and right swings, that repeatedly just bring ill.

Hence why the wise person (just like a tightrope walker), treads with great care,
Lest due to moving to the left or the right, they soon off track career.
And so too, the wise politician, lest history they soon repeat,
Due to not watching how they tread; which good governance will just defeat.

By Lance Landall

8.  Politicians

Those who govern our country should behave responsibly,
For they affect the lives of millions legislatively.
They shouldn’t lurch to the left, nor should they lurch to the right,
But rather, always seek a balance, lest ill they invite.

They should govern openly via acting transparently,
Upholding and championing freedom and liberty.
They should lead by example, behaving honourably,
And they should wed compassion to finance and policy.

Yes, governments should have a heart, one that’s generous but wise,
For where there’s no heart, unfairness and suffering arise.
Such can lead to dismay, distress, even anger, then unrest,
Hence why in each politician’s heart love should have a nest.

When it’s their debating time, they should show maturity,
Not shouting at opponents, but acting respectfully.
And when it comes to speaking, no other voice should be heard,
For each has a right to speak and have all hear every word.

It’s no light matter, and no small thing, running a country,
But something to be treated with the utmost gravity.
It requires those who’re principled, gracious, honest and true,
Those who can’t be bought or sold — and just what’s right, choose to do.

Good politicians act impartially, they’re there for all,
And for the baubles of power, and self delusion, don’t fall.
They run to none, cater for all, know that they’re there to serve,
And all that’s in the best interest of their country preserve.

Yes, they work with, rather than against, build bridges and not walls,
Whether in power or opposition, front benches, back stalls.
They shun cronyism — and for the greater good, put self last,
And are the ones remembered with fondness when their time’s past.

By Lance Landall

9.  We Salute You

In our hour of need (whatever it be), we remember those who treat us well.
Though here my thoughts particularly turn to those who work in a hospital.
The surgeons, the doctors, the nurses and staff in general who show they care,
Both in manner and application, and do their best to quieten any fear.

Hospitals can seem a scary place, ones life in the hands of others, and so,
Those who enter looking for reassurance, particularly if they’re low.
Hence the way they’re treated meaning everything to them, and their family,
Who so appreciate those kindly words and acts that express sincerity.

And therefore, praise and gratitude forthcoming, and my own acknowledgment here,
Having appreciated how I was treated, which made things easier to bear.
And I knowing that such kindness isn’t always acknowledged like it should be,
Though far more precious than gold, and such restoring ones faith in humanity.

So thanks to all of you—we salute you—so dependant on your help and care,
Aware that you’re often under pressure, and some unpleasant tasks have to bear.
I guess it’s all in a days work for you, those shifts that tire, but hey, in our mind,
It remains forever etched; so may this encourage come stress or daily grind,

And why as well,
yours sincerely,
Lance Landall,
this poem’s signed.

10.  Thank You!

It’s about time cleaners were really appreciated,
And high time that the role of cleaner was elevated.
It’s time cleaners were also financially compensated,
For the importance of their role can’t be overstated.

Without the cleaner, or the waste remover, where would we be?
For the roles of both are critical, a necessity.
Though they’re roles that few desire, both protect society,
Helping to prevent ill health, death, widespread calamity.

Cleaning’s not a pleasant task, nor waste removal either,
Hence why it is that most people will choose to do neither.
However, when neither are done, folk are quick to complain,
'Cause they don’t like the results, that pile, that mess, smell or stain.

Both are tasks someone must do, though unpleasant they may be,
And tasks that in our own sphere we do individually.
But those who go beyond such for the sake of others too,
Deserve an elevation, and wage that hollers, “Thank you!”

By Lance Landall

11.  It's All About Others

I’m grateful there are doctors, surgeons, optometrists too,
Dentists, psychologists, those who medical research do.
And I’m grateful there’re nurses, paramedics, specialists,
Chiropractors, podiatrists, and physiotherapists.

The ones that touch my heart though, out of all those mentioned here,
Are those who show compassion mixed with tender loving care.
They’re the ones who put folk first, knowing money should come last,
Those who make sacrifices, and little of others ask.

Yes, it’s all about others (and so many are in need),
It’s all about callings, not careers, bank accounts or greed.
It’s all about easing someone’s plight, heartache, pain and aches,
And where such care is shown, what a difference it makes.

Yes, it’s all about others, many vulnerable and afraid,
Who are looking to others who are qualified to aid.
Yes, it’s all about others, many dependent on those
Who’ve the skills and equipment, and ability to diagnose.

Losing ourselves in others is what will truly satisfy;
We receive the greatest joy whenever ‘self’ we crucify.
Sacrifice and selflessness character will beautify,
And when practiced in one’s life will enrich and dignify.

Those who’ve chosen a calling because they desire to serve,
We should salute and applaud, for such our praises deserve.
They’re heroes and heroines whose compassion, love and care,
Makes us feel that we’re valued, makes life easier to bare.

Yes, I’m grateful there are those (who thinking of humankind),
Have sought out a profession that deals with body or mind.
That it’s all about others, is something that they’ve realized,
And why here in poetry my gratitude I’ve exercised.

By Lance Landall

12.  The Force

I’m grateful that there are people, who, thinking of you and I,
Are joining the police force, and waving comfort zones goodbye.
We cannot do without such folk, for should lawlessness prevail,
Anarchy would rule the day, and society would derail.

Yes, we all need to realize that they’ve a necessary role,
Upholding law and order, and keeping crime under control.
This task is far from easy, and it can take a heavy toll,
For every day they risk their lives as our nation they patrol.

It’s easy to condemn them, when some within the Force act wrong,
But who's the first to call on them, when some trouble comes along?
In every occupation, and in each organization,
Somebody, somewhere, sometime, will err or yield to temptation.

We have certain expectations, and I must say, rightly so,
For after all, they’re the law, and what’s right or wrong, they should know.
But before we condemn these folk, or point a finger their way,
Let’s first take a look at ourselves, as, what might our lives portray?

Yes, I’m grateful that there’re people who’re patrolling night and day,
People that we can call upon, should need of them come our way,
For while we are busy sleeping, or otherwise occupied,
They’re dealing with lawlessness, an accident, a homicide.

Imagine informing folk that someone they love has just died,
Or facing a gun or a knife, attending a suicide,
For although their role’s rewarding, it’s extremely stressful too,
Dealing with bar-room brawling, riots, and those thugs who ill pursue.

Yes, they're often abused, ridiculed, and by some, even despised,
Are under resourced, understaffed, under pressure, criticized.
Which is why there aren’t that many who’re rushing to join their ranks,
But to all those who have joined, I'd like to give my heartfelt thanks.

By Lance Landall

13.  Computer Rudeness

Regarding emails sent, there are those who don’t take the time and thought to reply,
Those who take far too long, or who skip questions you’ve asked — one left wondering why.
There seemingly no internet etiquette, good manners being left behind,
And that it oft comes from those who should know better, is disappointing to find.

Yes, it’s just so easy for many to operate like this, and rather rude,
Folk like me not impressed with what appears to be a very poor attitude.
Modern technology magnifying or revealing such character flaws,
And hence why over this state of affairs that can also annoy, one should pause.

People are getting away with too much these days when they should be pulled up, but
Little likelihood when the mouths of those who’re affected by such remain shut.
Best we say what’s annoyed us, or disappointed us, so that change might occur,
Or that an apology might be forthcoming from those who ignorantly err.

By Lance Landall

14.  Spammers

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