I Sat Down to Write

03 Feb I Sat Down to Write

But I got distracted

I gathered my laptop, some ginger tea, and a portable ambient light in preparation for a cozy writing session. I logged on with the intention of selecting a dusty old poem to revisit for my Behind One Verse project, but instead, I found myself on an entire side quest digging into the archived folders on my PC.

Besides some interesting pictures (i.e., glamour shots from 7th grade and adorable puppy photos of my 14-year-old dog), I stumbled upon something writing-related that I just had to share. I can’t stop laughing at this long-forgotten memory.

Behold: A Certificate of Registration from the Copyright Office of the United States, effective November 16, 2005.

I was roughly 21 years old when I decided that I needed to copyright a volume of my poetic work. I am laughing at the listing of poems included in Part I and Part II of this masterpiece. I must have been drunk.

But, onto the point here. I am now determined to find all of these poems, most of which I don’t even remember. Some, I am scared to find – like Pet-trified. What? 😂

Wish me luck, ya’ll. I have no idea what I am in for. But, rest assured, I will be sharing them – good or bad – so that you can laugh, cry, or enjoy along with me.

In good faith, I offer you the only one I have found thus far, The Ten Commandments of Raising Children. All I remember about this one was that it was a school project for which I received a high grade. The image is likely hard to read so the text will be transposed beneath it.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF RAISING CHILDREN | 2002

1. Learn to Laugh
    A sense of humor will keep you sane.
    In screaming there is nothing to gain.
2. Be Supportive
    Never compare their problems to your own.
    Let them know they are not alone.
3. Let them live.
    Offer guidance rather than control.
    Mistakes are what will make them whole.
4. Refrain from hostility.
    Not every problem should end in a fight.
    Explain what is wrong and make it right.
5. Show by example.
    If you don't practice what you preach,
    Don't think they'll listen to what you teach.
6. Comfort them.
    Hug them, kiss them, wipe their tears.
    Try your best to ease their fears.
7. Give them independence.
    There comes a time to set them free
    to develop their individuality.
8. Practice patience.
    Hold back your temper and try to be strong.
    Be calm and collected when things go wrong.
9.Enjoy them.
    Talk to them and be their friend.
    Make the best of the time you spend.
10. Teach them love.
    Tell them you love them and make sure it shows.
    Guide them through life and watch them grow.

Bonus shot of the pup on the day I took her home: