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Life Lessons Book Four A Poetic Guide to Life

BY PAT DEAVILLE

Life Lessons Book Four A Poetic Guide to Life

BY PAT DEAVILLE

Copyright © 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review. Additional copies of this book are available from the Author. Pat Deaville, P.O. Box 6294, Lake Charles, LA 70606 pdeaville3@gmail.com

Preface The writings contained in the “Life Lessons” series draw on my personal experiences, lifelong recollections, lessons learned, and acquired knowledge. These works also come from the heart. They are purposefully filled with emotion. Therefore, I used poetry for the most part. I am not a poet. Those with expertise in such matters will certainly confirm this. Nevertheless, my use of poetry enabled me to open my heart. These poems reflect a combination of my observations and experiences in the world at large. Clearly, my personal life colors what I have to say. A few of these poems are written in the “first” person. But most of them speak in terms of “we” or “you,” rather than “I.” The poems are obviously saturated with my personal beliefs and philosophies. I hope the reader will find some small dose of wisdom included in each poem. Some the poems in Book Four reflect upon the trials encountered during a difficult period of history. The year 2020 brought a global pandemic plus a severe hurricane season that greatly impact life in my region of the world.

Dedication To my father Paul Howard Deaville

Table of Contents

Battery Beat Up Blurry Broken Chains Forgotten Kindness Last Chance Lines One Permission Resilient Ride the Wave Rival Star The Wooden Ornament Timing Tunnel Vision Unity Validation Wings

Battery April 28, 2021 So much, of our life’s energy. Derived, from emotions. Feelings, ignite thoughts and movement. Help us, find solutions. Much like, electricity. Follows, cyclical path. Through ups and downs, giving juice. For multitude, of tasks. Positive and negative. Just like, on batteries. Are both involved, in the process. Lighting up, circuitry. People enjoy, positives. Uplifting, to their lives. But electrons flow, from negatives. On these, also rely. Actions sparked, by challenges…problems…tough issues. Obstacles, fuel our fire. Drive us, to push on through. Confidence, built in battle. Small victories, arrive. Negatives, transform us slowly. We stretch. Lengthen, our stride. Once a challenge, has been met. We may, be a bit tired. Yet sense, positive achievement. Perhaps, even inspired. When inspiration, kicks in. More energy, obtained. Take on, new opportunities. Momentum, is sustained. Negative and positive. Are not, places we stop. They’re but stages, in life’s current. Power us, to the top. (One side note, to consider. We must recharge, at times. By disconnecting, from our work. Step back, from daily grind.)

Beat Up April 13, 2021 Made a mistake, yesterday. Not, intentionally. The good news, it did little harm. But still, it bothered me. I’ve lived, for seven decades. Without, a perfect day. Accomplished much. Proud of my life. Yet admit, with dismay. That there are things, I have done. And things, I’ve failed to do. Wrong turns, decisions. Recklessness. To my own self, not true. None of this, sits well with me. Conflicts, with self-image. Might tell myself, to forget it. Yet can’t, ignore damage. At times, I’ll beat myself up. Be my, worst enemy. Causing, my own depression too. Heart hurt, repeatedly. Big picture. I keep working. Remaining, positive. The good I’ve done, throughout my life. Defines, my narrative. My errors, I acknowledge. While to myself, I’ll say. “We’re all, uniquely imperfect.” Reflect on that, each day. Won’t hide away. Live my life. Focus, on doing right. Understanding, I’ll still stumble. While fighting, the good fight. Self-criticism, crucial. Without it, I don’t grow. It also subdues, arrogance. Keeps in check, my ego. But there must be, a balance. When striving, for success. Must take chances. Boldly forward. Building up, confidence. Yes, I’m very human. My flaws, are on display. But my spirit, lights a pathway. Seeking progress, daily.

Blurry April 13, 2021 Rarely find, an absolute. Life, is not that simple. Earth’s not flat, nor perfectly round. Stars, don’t really twinkle. Most straight lines, are illusions. There’s a slight curve, or bend. Despite our efforts, to do right. We’re always, on the mend. Our mind’s eye, is not perfect. Vision, somewhat blurry. May misinterpret, things we see. Worse, when in a hurry. Can’t let this weakness, stop us. Though we might, trip and fall. Get up. Push forward. Do our best. While bumping, into walls. In ways, our blindness aids us. Protects, from constant fear. Of what, we don’t see or control. Dangers, distant and near. Our human limitations, are complex, and profound. We’re all, a little shortsighted. To many frailties, bound. These flaws, are not handicaps. That we, must overcome. They’re just part, of our existence. They don’t dictate, outcomes.

Broken June 19, 2021 Started, in my adult life. With so many, big dreams. I accomplished much, early on. But there were things, not seen. Some personal, decisions. Weeds growing, from my pride. Began to impact, who I was. Diminished me, inside. On the surface, tried to hide. The pain and doubts, I had. But before long, close friends could see. I constantly, was sad. I feared, that I’d been broken. Defeated. On the run. My dreams…dissolving illusions. With nothing, to be done. But crawl, slowly in a shell. Limit, expectations. Quiet existence. A shadow. Fading, aspirations. A darkness, had swallowed me. Clock ticking, life away. Looking back, seems impossible. You found me. And you stayed. Mending me. Uplifting me. Blending your life, with mine. Lighting the way. Warming my soul. Healing. Loving. Shining. Not all my days, are glowing. Challenges, do remain. But so do you, my miracle. Forever, I’ve been changed. In perspective, I can see. A hidden, master plan. I had to learn. I had to grow. Evolve, into a man. You taught me, to view myself. In, a different way. To understand, what should be done. The price, that I must pay. Setting aside, selfishness. To give more, than receive. Sacrifice, while remaining strong. And in myself, believe.

Chains May 17, 2021 Throughout life, we’re making chains. Link by link. Day by day. With our habits. Daily routines. What we think, do, and say. Our “good chains” can be useful. Help pull us out, when stuck. While “bad chains” are just burdensome. Keep us, in mud and muck. Make wrong choices, repeatedly? Bad habits, will be formed. Do the right things, consistently. Good routines, will be born. Thoughts and actions. Links in chain. What are you creating? Series of uplifting moments? Sad story, that’s crumbling? All chains we make. Hard to break. Human nature, is strange. Once, a pattern is established. So hard, to make a change. It’s up to you, to decide. Direction, you will go. Choosing what’s right? Breaking bad chains? You will reap, what you sow.

Forgotten September 1, 2021 Is your work, not recognized? Or, taken for granted? Feeling, unappreciated? Perhaps, somewhat ignored? We’re all members, of that club. At one time, or another. “Pat on the back” was not given. Withheld, when was deserved. Another thing, can happen. If we’re, enduring pain. May begin to feel, forgotten. Like we, don’t have a name. Supportive words, aren’t given. May seem, like no one cares. Might even feel, abandoned. Our feelings, cold and bare. Self-pity, gets us nowhere. Regroup, and carry on. Life’s often, neither kind nor fair. But are you weak, or strong? The only thing, that matters. Is that, you keep moving. Action, is the best medicine. For almost, everything. Yes, you are the solution. When you, are feeling down. Reward yourself, for what you do. Don’t pout, or mope around. Accept help, if it’s offered. But don’t, give up control. Be modest, if complemented. Do not, make praise a goal. You, are never forgotten. If you, remember you. Take pride, in your work and efforts. Believe, in what you do.

Kindness June 4, 2021 There’s kindness, all around us. Despite, partisanships. People do good things, all the time. Discarding, selfishness. The bad stuff, gets reported. Being, sensational. But efforts, to divide us all. Are just, not rational. Most of us, do lend a hand. Assisting, our neighbors. Likewise, seeking out those in need. Even when, they’re strangers. The world, is far from perfect. Bad actors. Hate and greed. But stepping back. Take balanced view. Still so much good, to see. I am not “Pollyanna.” We do, have differences. But must not let, issues and problems. Destroy, common sense. Rise above, “us versus them.” We’re in this, together. We can differ, yet still join hands. Making this world, better. On days, I am discouraged. I simply, look around. For acts of kindness, far and near. Fresh hope, is always found.

Last Chance May 2, 2021 She’d taken the test, three times. Fourth try, would be today. Must pass, to graduate with class. She studied, and she prayed. It was, the final hurdle. There had been, so many. Struggled, with coursework. Poor, test-taker. Just part, of her story. Left home, on sixteenth birthday. The cause, was never shared. Abuse was verbal, and non-stop. Just walked out. No one cared. Bounced around, from couch to couch. Then started, missing school. Lived off handouts, from a few friends. But most people, were cruel. Why did they treat her, this way? The reason? Hard to say. Frown on face? Anger in her heart? She’d push, people away. A distant cousin, found out. Just what, was happening. Then offered her, a place to stay. Gave gentle, lecturing. A deal was cut. Room and board. But school, she must attend. Pass classes. Stay out of trouble. No drugs. And no bad friends. It did not go, that smoothly. She was, so far behind. Her academic skills, were weak. Was worried, all the time. One teacher, and school counselor. Helped her, along the way. Monitored, and gave tutoring. There were, no easy days. Now, it had come down to this. Last chance, to earn the score. What if she failed? What would she do? So much, in prep she’d poured. Cousin, just might push her out. The deal, only two years. Summer school? Remediation? Then there came, a small tear. Told herself, to focus. “Don’t think, about all that.” “All I can give, is my best shot.” In testing room, she sat. When timed test, was over. Her heart and head, did pound. Results not revealed, right away. On desk, put her head down. 13

Lines April 23, 2021 For most of us, it’s the same. Feeling, we’re in a bind. Trapped, influenced, and controlled by, arbitrary deadlines. Juggling issues. Battle clock. A schedule, try to keep. Then unexpected, interrupts. The normal climb, now steep. Each day, there’re expectations. Plus steady, tiring grind. Mostly, we’re stressed, because we face, very structured, timelines. Conflicting demands, encircle. Growing tighter, each hour. Timetables, dictating the pace. Countdown, overpowers. Our “lines” intersect. Argue. We are, both pulled and pushed. In multitude, of directions. And yes, we’re always rushed. Hurrying. So much to do. The precious minutes, fly. It’s worse, when waiting on others. For input, or reply. Mistake to think, that we’ll cross. Illusive, finish line. For there is really, no such thing. Targets move. Redesigns. Accept that this, is part of life. Rather pointless, to whine. The good news is, we grow stronger. Our methods, get refined. Slowly, gaining perspective. Learn to take it, in stride. Discover, we’ve accomplished much. More confident, inside. Remember, that our value. Is not measured by “lines.” Rather, by growth. Outcomes of work. Instead, of man-made time.

One August 21, 2021 The awesome, power of one. Must never be, ignored. Amazing things, we each can do. When drawing, from one’s core. We all, have special talents. Unique, capacities. We’re blessed, with internal power. Within, possess a key. Yes, teamwork does have value. Together, efforts blend. But by yourself, you still can do. So very many, things. So please, don’t wait on others. Strike out, doing your best. Apply your skills, and use your mind. Stay busy. Make progress. It is not, necessary. To be told, what to do. Show initiative. Explore new ground. Try something, that is new. Study. Think. Research. Reflect. Opening up, your mind. Experiment. Revise. Update. Practice. Correct. Refine. Build. Create. Maintain. Repair. Address, essential tasks. Observe. Collect. Restore. Adjust. Acting, before you’re asked. Solve a problem, by yourself. Tackle job, no one dares. Breaking new ground. Invent new ways. Do something, that is rare. While you, are just one person. No one, is just like you. There is a reason, why you’re here. A purpose, deep and true. The awesome, power of one. Your life, is on display. Embrace existence, through your work. Make use, of every day.

Permission March 28, 2021 Invest much time, acquiring. Self-discipline. Control. Resisting, the selfish urges. As work ethics, we mold. There is no doubt. This is good. Essential, for success. For if we can’t, control ourselves. We’ll never, be our best. Despite, the value in this. It can be, overdone. Our imposed rules, can also cause. A sad life, without fun. There’s a place, for sacrifice. While enduring, life’s grind. But self-denial, for too long. Destroys, more than refines. It’s equally, important. To let go, on some days. Giving yourself, the permission. To stop, and step away. It’s not, a sign of weakness. Strength, actually shown. By taking, a pleasant detour. You’ll see, how much you’ve grown. Your plans and goals, won’t fall apart. Your career, won’t be hurt. Instead, you’ll gain some perspective. Balancing play, with work. To truly, be accomplished. Must focus, on key tasks. To reach, your full potential though, find time in sun, to bask. Grant your soul, fresh breath of air. Distancing, from that desk. Your self-control, will not vanish. By taking time, to rest. Your drive, will be there, for you. When you, shift back, in gear. Have faith, in what you’ve built inside. It won’t, just disappear. You’ll return, to your job. With greater sense, of worth. Plus, increased desire and purpose. A meaningful, rebirth.

Resilient June 3, 2021 Resilience, is within us. Hope’s never, truly gone. The basic instinct, to survive. Drives us, to carry on. Might find ourselves, exhausted. Unsure, of what to do. Feel overwhelmed. Angry or sad. Each day, more tragic news. Through trials, that are large and small. Inside, there is a flame. At times, just flickering light. At times, a blaze untamed. Even in, darkest moments. When there may be, much doubt. Our flame just bends, with blowing wind. It simply, won’t go out. There are physical limits. Won’t always, be our best. Soul and body. Hurting and spent. Must be allowed, to rest. After pause, we’ll continue. Returning, to the fight. There are no short cuts, to be had. Just keep doing, what’s right. One day, there’ll be a sunrise. New chapter, will arrive. Then we can say, with heads held high. Did more, than just survived.

Ride the Wave July 21, 2021 Looking right, in front of you. At school, this coming fall. Do you see, opportunity? Or do you see, a wall? The way, you view the future. Will drive, or hold you back. Can motivate. Inspiring you. Or be, a torture rack. Will you, break apart? Breakdown? Turning, to pessimism. Or will you make, a strong breakthrough? With, positive vision. There is not, an easy path. Don’t waste effort, looking. But do take time, to consider. The mindset, you’re building. Work, is not your punishment. Work, is your reward. You have the chance, to help the world. Accept, it’s often hard. Embrace, every little step. Each small task, in your day. You won’t, solve every problem. But really, that’s O.K. Just chip away. Keeping moving. Riding, momentum’s wave. You attitude, is your surfboard. Make those who watch you, rave. Keeping balance. Persevere. Rising, to the wave’s crest. Visualize, successful outcomes. Then give each day, your best.

Rival September 1, 2021 Competition, can uplift. Inspiring, to great heights. Provides us, with motivation. Fuels, a guiding light. Rivals, help build our focus. Increase, concentration. Sharpen our desire, to succeed. Hone, determination. Process, in competition. Self-measurement, for growth. Finding weaknesses. Along with strengths. And understanding both. Fixing our flaws. Through research. Or with, trial and error. Perhaps in studying, rivals. See a way, that’s better. Build on positives, we have. Knowing. we must advance. Rivals, will be doing the same. As their strengths, they’ll enhance. Embrace, the competition. Striving, to be your best. But do not let, your heart turn dark. Always seek, fair contests. Take your best shot. Aim to win. Staying, competitive. Respect opponent’s, skill and fire. Maintain, good perspective. There will be, many rivals. Encountered, on your way. Some are tougher, than others. Can change, from day to day. Who is, your biggest rival? The deep truth, it is you. Becoming the best, you can be. Spirit, each day, renewed. Must be honest, with yourself. Stretching, and evolving. Assessing what, must be addressed. While to growth, committing.

Star December 2, 2021 Be the star, on someone’s tree. Beacon of hope, and light. Improve their outlook, in simple ways. Bring peace to them, at night. With word or glance. Tender touch. An understanding smile. Encouragements. Condolences. For challenges, and trials. Be the star, in someone’s heart. Showing, you truly care. Reach out. Giving emotional gifts. Find ways to heal. Repair. Take time. Important, not to rush. Wrap what you give, with love. Then share gift. Very, delicately. Like gentle, cooing, dove. Be the star, that someone needs. Your own, December goal. Each day, an act, in Christmas Play. A star, your Christmas role.

The Wooden Ornament December 1, 2021 Lady bought me, from country store. I’m made, of wood and glue. Not adorned, with paint or glitter. Look old, rather than new. She took me, to her modern home. And placed me, in a tree. Secured me there, with soft warm yarn. For everyone, to see. At first, it was sort of lonely. But soon, had company. Beautiful tinsel. Colorful. And bright lights, warming me. A big gray cat, did stop and stare. It tried, to pull me down. A little girl, shifted me up. A higher branch, was found. From there, was moved quite often. As frequently, replaced. By ornaments, much prettier. I must be, a disgrace. And then, it finally happened. Was no space, left for me. The big man, untied me slowly. Removed me, from the tree. I was sad, when plucked from my nest. And put, in a tiny barn. Surrounded by plastic animals. And straw, yellow as corn. In some ways, I felt out of place. So distance, from my tree. Then, very small porcelain child. Was gently, placed in me. I cannot, describe the feeling. Simply, overwhelming. The reason, that I existed. The purpose, of my being. . Family admired, their tree each night. Decorated, with care. And then the man, lady, and girl. Would kneel, and say a prayer. Since then, repeated every year. December tradition. First on the tree. Then cradle child. My true, Christmas mission.

Timing June 2, 2021 Most conversations, simple. Small talk. Polite exchange. Back and forth, expressing thoughts. Casual feelings, framed. But serious, discussions. Occur, with much at stake. Relying, on your expertise. Position, you must take. What you say. And how it’s said. Can make, true difference. Two possible outcomes, from your words: Consensus. Resistance. The right words, at the right time. Can be, so meaningful. A clear statement, when needed most. Is almost, magical. But timing, is essential. For impact, to be felt. Until proper moment, arrives. Best cards, should not be dealt. Wasting good words, will happen. If blurted out, too soon. Better to hold back. Wait a while. Let others, sing their tune. How do you know, when to speak? That’s done, by listening. Absorb with care, what’s being said. Search for, understanding. Until you grasp, points of view. Others, are expressing. It’s best, to be patient. Thoughtful. Your ideas, refining. You may find, you are impressed. By what, others reveal. Perhaps altering, your approach. See new way, to close deal. Or could be, just the opposite. Others, are on wrong path. Find right moment, to state your thoughts. By doing, mental math Agendas. And dynamics. Mood, being cold or hot. Are all pieces, of the puzzle. That help you pick, your spot. Don’t waste words, on unplowed ground. They’ll just become, crow’s feed. Use good timing, to make your words. Properly planted, seeds.

Tunnel Vision July 5, 2021 Focus, and tunnel vision. Simply, are not the same. Focus, is very important. To winning, in life’s game. But tunnel vision, restricts. Limiting, what you’ll be. Eyes blind, to possibilities. Chokes, creativity. Cursed, tunnel vision. We often, do not grasp. How the world, evolves around us. We’re locked, into the past. We measure, those around us. Using, a narrow view. Reshaping world, with our perceptions. Distorted. Bent askew. Desires and egos, rule us. Deny. Manipulate. Want to see, what we want to see. And then, it is too late. Crash, into a real-world wall. Might blame it all, on fate. Or point fingers, criticizing. Employing words, of hate. Mere craftsmen, of illusion? It this all, that we are? Do we have, the capacity, to find, the true north star? Yes, we do. It can be done. Setting somethings, aside. Venturing, off the easy path. And taming, selfish pride. Elevating, how we think. Being, more objective. Listen, seeking understanding. Minds open. Reflective. We are better, than we seem. And stronger, than we think. What will we do? What lies ahead? From what cup, will we drink?

Unity September 20, 2021 We can, be brought together. Likewise, be torn apart. Which happens? Often determined. By what, is in our hearts. Unity, multiplies force. Bonding, muscles and brains. Division’s, also powerful. In ways, we hate to name. These may seem, polar concepts. Yet dwell, within us all. “United we stand!” “Us or them!” So often, both get called. United, by basic needs. While divided, by tribes. Strive to think, independently. Still, on others rely. Constantly, we’re influenced. This fact, we can’t deny. But often, it is positive. Here’re some examples, why. We are led, to be trusting. Taught, to be skeptical. Guided to help, those who’re in need. But recognize, false calls. Encouraged, toward teamwork. Debating, when we should. While not agreeing, all the time. Clasp hands, for greater good. When differences, yield frustrations. Feelings, may overflow. Could say or do, contrary things. Yet talking through, we’ll grow. I have, one word of warning. About, a darker vision. Forever, there’ve been, specialists. Living off, division. With motives, deeply selfish. Profit, by dividing. Old as time. Divide and conquer. Veiling, what they’re doing. We make the choice, every day, about, how we proceed. Unite. Divide. Argue. Align. Reflected, in our deeds. In the end, it’s unity. That lifts us, to our peak. Division, may sharpen the blade. But unity, must seek.

Validation October 11, 2021 When we are praised, by others. Sense of pride, is normal. The positive feedback’s, welcome. Casual, or formal. Simple, straightforward, “thank you.” Likewise, is uplifting. We get satisfaction, from such words. Sense of worth, we’re feeling. Yet also, should be cautious. Is what you’re told, valid? Or just fits, someone’s agenda? Could there be, sly motive? Beware, manipulation. For praising you, could gain. An influence, on your thinking. A slick part, of some game. When seeking, validation. Of our plans, and actions. We should be careful. And thoughtful. Make, evaluation. Smoke and mirrors, can disguise. What’s, really happening. Don’t be a pawn. Or sell your soul. Stay sharp, in your thinking. Likewise, don’t turn cynical. Most praise, is genuine. Be gracious, and professional. Or wrong message, you’ll send. In quest, of affirmation. Valued opinions, seek. Plain talk, tempered with suggestions, could lead, to higher peak. Accept applause, and rewards. When they’ve, been truly earned. But don’t be tricked, into the flame. Fame’s heat, can also burn.

Wings May 19, 2021 There are heroes, without capes. Angels, with hidden wings. Both helping and protecting us. From outside, and within. Most of them, ordinary. In appearance. Manner. We see them, but ignore them too. While they, make our lives better. Found in schools. Churches. Clinics. In patrol cars, and stores. On fire trucks. And on oil rigs. Or climbing up, tall poles. Kitchens. Repair shops. Online. Planes. Trains. Ships on the seas. Offices. Eighteen-wheel drivers. Builders. Deliveries. Take many things, for granted. We rarely, stop to think. Of people, we depend upon. Of how, our lives do link. May not, even realize. You might be, one of them. Perhaps, you don’t feel heroic. You don’t see, your own wings. Yet every day, with things you do. A difference, you do make. For someone else. Seen or unseen. Some good, you will create.