“Know When to Fold ’em”

/ pastorpete51 

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. Ecclesiastes 5:3 KJV

“Keep it simple stupid.” was the phrase our professors used when explaining how to teach the high school students that awaited us upon graduation. Though I didn’t teach for long, I quickly learned just how true that was. Keeping it short when writing poetry (and preaching) also matters., and might be best explained by Kenny Rodgers in his song, The Gambler”,

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em” (Grab the reader with the opening lines), “know when to fold ’em,” (edit ruthlessly,) “Know when to walk away,” (Know when to say amen!) “And know when to run!” (Once you’ve done your best, move on.) I certainly haven’t always adhered to these rules, and occasionally a longer presentation is worthwhile. But on the other hand, I have also discovered that editing poetry can be a lot like the day in shop class when I cut each table leg shorter until I had a table fit for kindergarteners! I lots of other illustrations I wanted to use but, I’ve got to run!

Here in my newest verse, and I hope a decent example of today’s class. To you guys sitting in the back and just doodling in your workbook, you’ll need to, stay after school for detention! Blessings all. 

Just Gently Sings

A sparrow who is hungry
Needs no bread to borrow
Nor earthly kings

The raven in the meadow
Without fear of tomorrow
Lifts up his wings

And mockingbird in morning
Who knows not of our sorrow
 Just gently sings

"Just Gently Sings"
by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2024
All rights reserved

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 
Luke 12:24 ESV



7 thoughts on ““Know When to Fold ’em””

  1. Amen, brother! The birds often trust in their loving Creator more than we do.
    Your writing style is a guide for my own, and your editor’s pen has improved more than a few of my ramblings. Thank you!

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  3. You’ve inspired me, Pastor Pete, to observe the individual bird-species for the lessons they might teach. You found such insightful ones! Of course, there are few species to choose from this time of year! I’m putting a Post-It in my journal, approximately in the section where I’ll be by spring, and already looking forward to the fun of discovery as soon as the birds return!

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  4. When my husband was a pastor, we had a joke. He would tell people “If you see my wife blowing me kisses when I speak, she is not showing me support or love. She is reminding me to “keep it short stupid.”

    Reply