Bent Over Backward

Givers and takers are part of it all,

and those who will take are straight as a cue;

yet givers don’t care if they’re not as tall

since they will bend over backward for you.

It’s just like the friend who steadies your need

when life is a train that jumps off the track;

the flexible one is there to concede

and ready to give the shirt off his back.

Takers are rigid as yardsticks of steel

and great is the force to get them to bend;

but givers are like the fabrics we feel

right next to our skin with form to extend.

An unselfish bend is help with a hug

and many such times is given at length;

action takes over instead of a shrug--

giving’s a virtue with much added strength.

Bent over backward gets up with the sun

and shines with the warmth of human regard;

it basks in the joy of getting things done

by self-sacrifice and trying real hard.

A lot of us bend a bit at the waist

and that seems to be quite easy to do;

yet those in the pose of backward embrace

are dear to the heart and royally blue.

Reviews

[emipoemi]

True true and true!! Love the musicality of this poem! And the imagery i strong ("when life is a train that jumps off the track" - brilliant!). Isn't the line "An unselfish bend is help with a hug" supposed to read "helpED"? (the sound of that line as well if great what with "help" and "hug" in close proximity - fantastic!). Well done!

[Woody]

very nicely penned and noble sentiments.
the takers will never know the joy of giving.

[Tate Morgan]

To have a grand and loyal friend
Is that you never wish to offend

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Richard,

A very fine piece full of the noblest sentiments and piercing observation of life.

"Bent over backward gets up with the sun
and shines with the warmth of human regard;
it basks in the joy of getting things done
by self-sacrifice and trying real hard."

That's my favorite stanza. Wonderfully worded and true as can be. It is a joy to meet people who face life this way.

A pleasure reading this. And oh, yes, congratulations on your award in the "Anything Best..." poetry contest.

Very best regards,

Rick