Gate of the Year ~ A Message to Myself

I’m always fascinated by timelines. What is daylight early morning here, is deepest darkest night somewhere else. I look at. say, America, Russia and China, and am fascinated by the time zones within each country. Whether it be the daily timeline of midnight, or annual timeline of the gate of the year I stand at, I can reflect …

As the gate of the year closes

behind us

we step beyond that time line

into the unknown

Some have already taken

that step

depending upon our time zone.

Look to the future

Cast an eye back

to check course

and not repeat mistakes.

When we are creative

let us hold our creativity

to our breast.

Be reticent and calm

Conceal emotions,

for to do otherwise

dampens people's

expectations 

on the finished product.

Some express delight

of course

out of duty or

sense of propriety.

And even after the event,

do not give a detailed report

on how the creativity affected me.

Remember the family injunction

'"… do not wear your heart on your sleeve!"

To do so will weaken you.

it will give others a foothold

to undermine your work

and even in time remove you.'

Wise words

alas, not always heeded

with the upheaval following,

consequent thereon!

Remember that other injunction

from long-lost days of childhood

'Do not presume that others see as

you see.

'Do not presume unqualified support

on projects you enter into.'

Help others, yes.

This rests on duty and desire.

But clouding judgment, permit not

for otherwise

others steal the ground from beneath.

Be wary upon whom

wise counsel and advice

is sought.

History is littered 

with miscalculation,

the forked tongue,

the lethal stab behind,

the kindly smile,

the reassuring word.

Always look into the eyes

especially of those

who seem heaven sent

answer to prayer :

‘this meeting cannot

be coincidence.

This is amazing.’

Never assume friendship

Never presume friendship

Human Nature is a peculiar form

Pretence is preferred …

Be wary

Recall the times

not heeded

recount again the cost

for good measure

It is indeed a sobering

and salutary lesson.

Be accurate in the reckoning,

I say again …

never assume or presume

See work for what it is

Just work

But rank it as the Crown Jewels …

for in this topsy-turvy

humdrum existence,

that is all one has

and there will always 

be those who will be envious

and seek to take for themselves.

Again, history!

It is the soul’s indictment.

Learn from it.

When asked to give a critique

a literary lending hand,

do so with equanimity.

Have no fear in praising work

that shades one’s work.

But never presume or assume

the the like will be given in return.

NEVER see one’s plight

as worse than others.

Remember that other injunction

from distant days, dacades even …

'There is always someone worse 

off than you. Remember that

and you will have a better chance

in life.

'Be ready to throw the lifeline

but never presume the lifeline

will be thrown to you'.

7 February 2023
All Rights Reserved

© Kenneth Thomas Webb 2023

Written 31 December 2013