Promise Yourself Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Whatever it is decided you will do,
From this day forward.
Promise yourself and others too.
Reasons to find fault or place blame,
Is what a child does with attitude.
For what may or may not happen.

To already be known from past experiences.
Heard to hear as you complain, groan and moan.
Once to have shown this to do repeatedly.
Because of your commitment to not listen.
With a love to ignore constructive advice.
Unchanged to remain the same.

Promise yourself,
Whatever it is decided you will do.
Even though difficult the doing should prove.
Promise yourself.
With quivering lips and trembling knees.
That you will accept,
Whatever it is your decision made...
Leaves for you to receive.

And you will not be rolling eyes.
Or pouting lips.
As if someone else,
Twisted your arm making you choose...
To not refuse,
Something stupid only you chose to do.

Promise yourself,
You will stop doing stupid...
Stuff.
Over and over and over.

"So...
What are saying?
I don't pay attention? "

There is a difference between,
Paying attention.
And doing all you can to get it.
Promise yourself,
If and when this should happen again...
Listening to others to not interrupt,
Is a noticeable sign...
You have begun to finally grow up.

"Huh?
WHAT?
Excuse me? "

Apology accepted.