Dear those who are feeling down in the dumps, just persevere
Think that whatever you're going through, it ain't severe
Don't be in fear nor shed a tear because we'll be here
Steer clear of negative thoughts and put on some withstanding gear
Rules you have to adhere, I won't interfere and I'll just disappear
But you'll have to be a pioneer who's sincere and a little austere

Prepare for whatever comes at you and don't be afraid of defeat
Face it with no holds barred even when you're dead meat
We know, it's no simple feat, not just a meet and greet
I'll be discreet and I'll happily take your seat
So you can retreat, reset and delete and then rinse and repeat
You're one of the elite, so remember to be upbeat, stand on your feet

That should be all you wanted to hear from a peer so excuse me, waitress? Be a dear, and hand me the receipt.

In my "Thought for the Day XLIII" (43), I spoke of poets that have been with me, and supported me for quite some time. Sally and Pradip have been with me since my first posting, "1894", nearly two years ago, and I have  "adopted"  Vicki, Catherine, Ryn, Deborah, Pamela Rae,and others along the way. There is Quinn, Phil, Pradip, Francie, Frankie J, Mike, John, Nat, SE Reimer, Sverre, "The 'Ole Storyteller!" and,"Larry, Moe, and Curly Joe!"  
Unfortunately, I cannot list everyone, in fear of overlooking writers who, collectively, mean so much to me. Please forgive me for that.
I will continue to "do my best" for all of the poets/writers/contributors to the HP site. I do not write for monetary remuneration, but for relaxation and recreation, with the end result, hopefully, bringing a smile to my peers. I thank all of you for allowing me to attempt, and occasionally, reach that goal.

Sincerely
Richard Riddle- June 03, 2015

Reading the works by Sally, Vicki, Catherine(SoulSurvivor), Ryn, Deborah, Elizabeth, and Pamela Rae, is akin to drinking champagne from a crystal flute. Me, cheap beer from a Mason Jar.

copyright:(revised) June 03, 2015

What happened?
What happened to that 4 year old kid?
The kid that everyone knew.
The kid that had a broad smile.
The kid that's always happy.
The kid that's always active and sporty.
The kid that loves to play ball and had no worries over life.
What happened?
Now,that kid has growned up.
As he steps in to the teenage phase
He thought that everything was going to be fine.
But that was his largest mistake.
Gradually after the days.
He changed.
From a person who smiles to a person that's frowns.
He gave up on everything
His favourite hobbies and sports all seemed to have lost his interest
He was no longer that happy and chirpy boy.
He became a suicidal and depressed.
His best friend.  
The person that he trusted the most.
Betrayed him.
He was left shattered into pieces.
Helpless from what was to come
His life took a dive
Everything when from bad to worse.
He needed someone.
He has lost all hope.
What else can he do besides surviving the onslaught of his problems?

This is River Monsters, mate, and I'm like Jeremy Wade
Helping myself to dates, while I'm lying in wait
Along the Strait of Rhymes, waiting for someone to take my bait
What can I say? It's three quarters to eight
Looks like no one's ready to be put on a hot plate and made irate
I'm Alexander the Great and I'm conquering this "poetic" estate

With words that are as venomous as a krait
Let me try to actuate you to think of rhymes to create
But you're not thinking straight, this is MY trait, you're too late
Heading for the home plate, around it I perform a figure eight
Although I don't skate, heh... Hey, your pupils are dilate!
Guess you didn't know, being inundate with my words was your fate

This is all you're able to tolerate, I estimate. It's not going to abate so when you're ready and you can relate, come find me, I'll be lying in wait.