Lessons from 'The Doctor'

"Never be cruel

never be cowardly

and never, ever eat pears!

Hate is always foolish,

love is always wise.

Always try to be nice,

but never fail to be kind.

Laugh hard.

Run fast.

Be kind."

      —The 12th Doctor

 

I  will not grow old and bitter,

I will watch the words I choose.

I’ll build a wall around my heart

to try and save from being bruised.

I’ll not give up, I won’t succumb,

and never lose my empathy.

I’ll not cede into dark despair

nor reach the point where I don’t care.

 

I will not grow old and bitter,

—I say without apology!

I’ll keep an open mind to change

embrace new ideology.

We’re all different, yet the same

I  accept each as they are,

my strength and my resolve remain

for nothing that we do’s in vain.

 

I will not grow old and bitter,

I’m not here to criticize.

I will walk along beside you

and won’t insult or patronize...

I’ll call out all who speak in anger

and every hate-filled, knee-jerk spew.

No, I will not grow old and bitter

and maybe, someday, all will see 

that each of us has higher purpose

it all comes down to you and me.

 

© Ginny Brannan 2023