In Competition No. 2760 you were invited to submit an example of the kind of treacly inspirational poetry that adorns the office walls of a life coach and might be quoted by motivational speakers.
Banality and triteness are not as easy to churn out as you might think. ‘I found this extraordinarily difficult,’ confessed Gerard Benson. ‘I gained a new respect for Ella Wheeler Wilcox [‘Laugh, and the world laughs with you;/ Weep, and you weep alone’] and her like.’ Still, there were some magnificently nauseating offerings. D.A. Prince leads the field and is rewarded with the bonus fiver. Her fellow winners take £25 each. (But remember, unlucky losers, there is no such thing as failure, only early attempts at success.)
The time for making changes is TODAY.
Your fortune is the golden hours you spend
in helping others on life’s stony way.
Remember, every human needs a friend.
A smile will lighten up the darkest road
and heal the wounded hearts of those you meet.
Angels count up the kindnesses bestowed
on nameless strangers in the city street.
Hold back the words that hurt: speak only good.
Cherish the Truth and cast aside the Lie.
A single tree becomes a living wood
and stands its tallest reaching for the sky.
It’s not the winning but the taking part,
and sharing joy and hope with all the rest.
The gift of giving is the greatest Art.
We all have, deep within, a Personal Best.
D.A. Prince
Follow your heart where it leads you.
Always be open and caring.
Be there when somebody needs you.
Be modest, yet also be daring.
Stand up and give your opinion.
Sit when you’ve nothing to say.
Lead, and be nobody’s minion.
Tomorrow begins with today.
Always know truth is the master
Yet truth is your heart, so pursue
The passions that make it beat faster.
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