Do Not Give Up In Defeat
Villanelle Challenge entry. Inspiration, encouragement, motivation.
Without looking backwards, when moving forwards, without learning from our history, our mistakes we are doomed to repeat
Arrogance, fool, yes arrogance be thy name
Creatures of comfort, creatures of patterns, we need to work hard, fight hard, break the cycle and do not give up in defeat
*
Same old same old, all the same, never different, different is too hard and the striving for better can leave you replete
To give in, now, though, would be a shame
Without looking backwards, when moving forwards, without learning from our mistakes, our history, we are doomed to repeat
*
It can feel safer, easier, better, right now, on your heart, soul and body, to drop out, tune out and fail to even compete
If you do that, you only have you to blame
Creatures of comfort, creatures of patterns, we need to work hard, fight hard, break the cycle and do not give up in defeat
*
The sins of the past, those that leave you feeling less than you, can still hold you captive, those sins that you want to beat
But, don't exstinguish the future's flame
Without looking backwards, when moving forwards, without learning from our mistakes, our history, we are doomed to repeat
*
That same path we like to go down, the path of least resistance, is a trap and one filled with empty promises and deceit
The lies we tell, the truths we disclaim
Creatures of comfort, creatures of patterns, we need to work hard, fight hard, break the cycle and do not give up in defeat
*
Before you give up, before you give in, before you lay down or find yourself a nice dark hole or cave where you can retreat
Your life and future, you can reclaim
Without looking backwards, when moving forwards, without learning from our mistakes, our history, we are doomed to repeat
Creatures of comfort, creatures of patterns, we need to work hard, fight hard, break the cycle and do not give up in defeat
*
Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: May sound a bit preachy, but wanted to write something important and not patronising as it's meant with the most genuine of spirits.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Scottish-Italian poet/writer from Glasgow.
Overflowing in English language torture and word abuse.
"Every man has a sane spot somewhere" R.L Stevenson
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection is now available!
https://paulspoeticprints.etsy.com
Keep reading
More stories from Paul Stewart and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (16)
A common maxim among church folk is that when we confess our sins to God, God casts them into the deepest parts of the ocean & posts a no fishing sign. I've taken to revising my prayers. I don't want God to forget. I want God to help me to do better.
Not preachy at all, very open and honest. Good way to leave this year and begin the new
Cycles of comfort, poison indeed. Well done.
I really needed a pep talk. Thanks for sharing this! 🙇
This was really beautiful and uplifting 🤍✨🙏 thank you 😊
Nahhh, I don't think that was preachy! It was solid advice and your Villanelle was so powerful! I loved how the first and third lines were long but the second was short. A very Paulitical Villanelle! 🍩🥐
Not preachy at all man, and a terrific message! ☺️👏 Loved this line particularly, “That same path we like to go down, the path of least resistance, is a trap and one filled with empty promises and deceit”. Tru dat!
Super inspirational!!!❤️❤️💕
Well said... "Your life and future, you can reclaim Without looking backwards, when moving forwards, without learning from our mistakes, our history, we are doomed to repeat"... learning from history's mistakes & improving our lives.
The message in this inspires one to keep moving forward do not despair! Leaves one with something to give thought to. Well done..
Yes!
Nice job. I like the juxtaposition of the meaning being to not repeat history, but having to repeat the same lines for the poem to be what it is.
Yeah. Feeling and needing this RN. Sage advice Paul 🤍
Sounds like sound advice to me, and no doubt needed by many. Preachy? Not so much, although I'd love to hear you read it from a pulpit!
There's a lot of truth and inspiration in there. Well done, Buddy.
🖤