Friday, January 17, 2014

Look Out… It’s Catchy!--By Lisa DeVinney--United States

Look Out… It’s Catchy!

There is an ailment that can spread
Like wildfire does.
It can’t be stopped by shots or masks,
Or even rubber gloves.

It leaves its victims suffering
From headaches and fatigue.
An upset stomach sometimes comes,
And wrinkles set in deep.

It’s not uncommon, if unchecked,
To quickly lay aside
Entire families, in its wake;
For there’s no place to hide.

It’s far more catchy that the mumps,
Or chickenpox, or flu.
“What is this ailment?” you may ask.
It’s called a Rotten Mood.

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 NKJV


Lisa DeVinney is a homemaker and mother of six in upstate New York. She enjoys photography and writing devotional poetry in her spare time.

12 comments:

  1. This could almost be considered somewhat satirical in its description of a rotten mood and certainly we can all relate to having this malady. Love the referenced proverb - says so much on how we express and not react to negative experiences. Life is, after all, a learning process........ Sheri

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    1. Sheri, I can identify so well with your observation about life and learning. This is a lesson I wish I had learned when my children were younger. The Proverbs are so full of practical advice. And this is one every family can benefit from. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Lisa

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  2. Sheri, your a gal after my heart. How often we react instead of act when found around us the malady of a Rotten Mood. You described it's symptoms perfectly. Indeed a soft answer does turn away wrath and a most apropos scripture to go with it. Thank you for a great reminder today for me that I must remember to act and not be acted upon. Loved the poem.
    Love, Charlene

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the poem, Charlene. As a mom of 6, there have been many times our home has been less than harmonious all because I got up on the wrong side of the bed, and it spread like wildfire. As they've gotten older, I've learned to stop in my tracks when a bad mood tries to set in. God's Word is the best parenting book out there! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Lisa

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  3. Well done Lisa. I like the fast pace and blended rhythm all leading up to a strong statement at closing. I am an optimistic person, but even I can be in a bad mood at times. keep on writing. Robert

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging words, Robert. Yes, we've all been there. It's what we do with that bad mood that counts. And recognizing it as soon as it sets in is often the key to overcoming. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Lisa

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  4. You have me smiling reading this one as we all suffer from this from time to time and it is catching. Wonderful writing on this bad mood illness. Janet

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    1. So glad to hear it brought a smile to your face, Janet. A little humor can sometimes help those tougher lessons go down. Thanks for sharing your comments with me. :) Lisa

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  5. Yes, Lisa, you are exactly right, "a rotten mood" is something that spreads if we don't contain it. This is a creative and fun poem that brings about remembrance of always being on the lookout of how our mood is affecting us and others. Great read. Continued blessings!

    -Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
    TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
    www.tgbtgpublictions.com

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    1. Thanks for taking time to read and comment, Maurice. So glad you enjoyed it. Lisa

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    2. Dear Lisa:

      I was so with you in this rhythmic journey as it hurried along to that dreaded disease we can all suffer from. Already my scowl is loosening.

      Very wise.

      love,
      Kathy

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    3. Glad to have a part in loosening that scowl. :) Blessings! Lisa

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