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Jan 05, 2026
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Keep Your Wits About You
Advice is usually passed down by the older generations
Wisdom comes from those who have been around longer
But knowledge also comes from us with different vocations
Improving and making our critical thinking skills even stronger
Now that I’m older I value my mother’s guidance even more
But the world keeps turning and it’s constantly changing fast
In the digital age we must be more vigilant than ever before
Because each day can be very nefarious more than the last
Technology
I tell her “Don’t believe everything you see, at first glance
Do you trust the source or comprehend that point of view?
AI can be helpful tool but it can also put others in a trance
People will try to influence you or take advantage of you”
Politics
“Read books about certain topics and understand that history
Everything has a beginning when it comes to cause and effect
The past tends to revive in the present, it’s not really a mystery
Seeing and knowing the signs gives us time to pause and reflect”
Rest
“Rest more even though you take care of our grandmother
Stop obsessing over the cleaning and all the little things
You have several of us nearby to help one way or another
But mostly, enjoy life, you’re retired, your health is everything”
Thank you
“I wish I could have taken more action on the advice I was given
I was imprudent in my youth, I’m sorry for what I put you through
I appreciate your wisdom more than ever, now I’m very driven
Knowing what you meant when you said ‘keep your wits about you’”
About This Poem
Style/Type: Structured: Western
Review Request Direction:
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft
Comments
Lavender
3 months 2 weeks ago
Keep Your Wits About You
Hello, Wallyroo,
Being an older mother myself, I think this is great advice, also filled with much appreciation!
It sounds like a pretty solid mother/child relationship. (I especially get a kick outta the "...I'm sorry for what I put you through" line.
Thank you!
L
Wallyroo92
2 months 2 weeks ago
Keep Your Wits About You
Greetings Lavender, thank you for reading and commenting.
Now as a father (and grandfather) I often find myself thinking about the naive young version of me and all the stuff I put my parents (mostly my mother and grandmother) through. My mother and I have a great relationship. I was blessed to have a very centered person who was family oriented and always gave me good advise.
Hope you're doing well.