The Challenges And The Choices! Poem by Denis Martindale

Behold each challenge when it starts! The double-dares received,
And chicken sounds someone imparts, yet do not get deceived.
Remember, you should count the cost before you set a course
And dignity gets crushed or lost, which could lead to remorse.
Why climb a mountain risking life? Why swim the Channel, friend?
Why bother with such pain and strife when you should comprehend?
Through vanity, you lose your soul, and risk your body, too.
Where is your choice for self-control? That's what I'm asking you.
Some folks are so far out of touch that fantasy is king.
Some folks love money way too much, so they'll do anything!

Do I need to climb a mountain? Or swim across to France?
I still remember moments when this guy once took a chance.
He lost four teeth that sunny day! Things didn't go that well!
He never smiled the same old way! So people wouldn't tell.
And he saw others play the fool when thinking they were smart,
Assuming they were somehow cool, that's when the troubles start.
Just one mistake with injuries, that's all the nitwits need,
With aches and pains that seldom cease, when wisdom they won't heed.
I need not drive a racing car, or ski a mountain slope,
I'm not James Bond, I'm not a star, and yet I'm not a dope!

No! I'm not a stuntman, fall guy! Or Superman, or Flash!
I'd rather stop and question why I need to be so rash.
I'd rather watch my telly safe and warm inside my home,
Than to pretend that I'm so brave this whole wide world to roam.
For there are creatures I'd avoid, as they don't make me smile,
In fact, I know I'd get annoyed and even run a mile!
I will not go to India to face a tiger there,
Or Russia, where I'd live in fear, that I could face a bear.
I'm even scared to face a cub! That's such a carry on!
There's a spider in my bathtub! So, I'll wait till it's gone!


Denis Martindale.22nd of May 2026.


Here is a little bitty poem written by the Poemhunter poet Denis Martindale.

The title is 'The Challenges And The Choices! '

At first, the poem presents the case for not taking any chances. It gives examples of somewhat foolhardy challenges that could risk life and limb. Real life isn't like the movies or heroic TV shows such as Star Trek or Hercules. The poem explains that the poet isn't a super-spy like James Bond. The poet isn't a member of the Justice League like Superman and The Flash. The poem suggests that it doesn't make sense to visit foreign countries known for lions, tigers and bears! Oh, my! Discretion is the better part of valour, and that's how the poem concludes.