'Have You Seen The Flowers?'

End of discussion!

My Grandma had a saying, one she dusted

off and used whenever the conversation led

to a topic she didn't want to hear any more about.

"Have you seen the flowers?" leaving you with no doubt

that particular direction of conversation was over and done,

about that topic, any more talking, there would be none.

It was a direct shot across your bow,

'cease and desist,' and right now!

It was her polite way of saying, 'Shut your hole!'

It was a gentle way for her to gain control

and guide the conversation to safer waters, where

she felt more comfortable, a topic that she could bear.

I wish more people used that phrase instead of it

degenerating into name-calling, 'You stupid dumb s**t!'

Reviews

[Paul Bell]

I think grandma should have been running the country. I would be directing those words to every politician out there. Well done granny.

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you much, Paul!

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked your Grandmother. My dear Grandfather was direct also. He said '" Keep your anger and arguments outside. My house is for family and love."
"It was her polite way of saying, 'Shut your hole!'"
She was a wise lady. Thank you Michael for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you, CP, and thanks for reading it, and you'r welcome!

[ReedWrite]

There is much to be learned from the older generation...so schooled in politeness and proper behavior...it's like a Southern woman saying, "Well, bless your heart." She doesn't mean the words literally...in fact, it usually means you've done something BAD. This is very cute...well written! Love it.

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you, and I totally agree that the older generation could teach us to be civil--with this contentious election, and I'll admit I'm not following her advice!

[ReedWrite]

LOL! Well, the election is over. We can't change the results. I think we have to realize it was a nasty one...propaganda and fear mongering are not new tactics for both parties...but this election the candidates took it to new levels. It will help if we step back, take a deep breath, and stop turning speculation into OMGs. As I told my daughters...take it a day at a time...face each challenge with courage, dignity, and a sense of humor...and do not fall into the trap that hate-mongering digs for us all. So...sorry to get so wordy. Hope something I said helps. Hugs.

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you, it may help some, and I'll try to be more positive, but I've never hated, I mean personally, a president more--I never thought I'd long for the bad old days of George Bush--but see, There I go again, veering off the positive track, and plowing into a Reality Tree!

[ReedWrite]

Well, the silver lining in this dark cloud is...what we saw happen Tuesday was the epitome of democracy. A nobody, more or less, without the mega-buck backers, coming from out of nowhere, and becoming president. Granted, he's wealthy...but he didn't have the money or backers Hillary had...so in that respect...what he accomplished was amazing. Regardless of who you voted for...everyone in this country should have the freedom to decide who they feel is the better option, and vote without fear of violence or retribution...that is what democracy IS...free elections. I have lived through a couple elections I thought would be the destruction of America--one way or another (in particular the second time Slick Willy was elected)--and you know what? There were some trying days, but all-in-all, reality is usually not as bad as our imagined fears. We project the worst...that's human nature. Whatever Trump was in his past...whatever mistakes he's made...he deserves the chance to lead this country, because he was elected. We can't change that. I know I've said and done things I regret...and would hate to have advertised. Being human, so has Trump. Maybe he's matured...maybe he will grow up and take on this huge responsibility. I hope so. If not...we, the people. still have options open to us. Personally, I think we will learn the power of the president is relatively limited. A lot of checks and balances in place. Wish I could offer you more...but hang in there. Sometimes the worst possible scenarios turn out to be a blessing in disguise. There was a lot of corruption in Washington...maybe this is our chance to do a little house-cleaning, and in four years, elect someone more qualified. And I'm sure the Reality Tree will take quite a few bumps and bruises for awhile. We are all still in shock. lol.

[Michael Stevens]

Well, I'll hang in there--like you said, it's over and there's nothing I can do about it. I don't hate him because he's rich, although we just have to take his word for it, as he refused to release his tax returns. I've heard speculation that he's not anywhere close to being as rich as he claims. That's not even why I dislike him so vehemently. No, I hate him because he's a 70 year old man who's acting like a 15 year old junior high bully, and believe me, I hated them then, and I hate him now. He's vindictive, petty, and defensive. Anyone who questions things he says is liable to feel his wrath. Not a good quality to have when you're the president, meeting with world leaders. And, you hated Bill Clinton, and I thought he was a good president, so I doubt we have the same world view. Still, Trump's like no one ever who's sat in the oval office. I don't think he's qualified to be the janitor, let alone president, but you're right, I shouldn't make judgments, but all I have to judge him on is the primaries, and the presidential election, and what I saw turned my stomach. An immature, defensive 15 year old 70 year old. What was America thinking? And thank you for keeping it civil, a trait that's sadly missing in today's politics, today's world.

[ReedWrite]

Time to pray for one another, and for our country. Take care of yourself...hug.

[Michael Stevens]

Yep, and thanks-you take care of yourself, also!