Knuckle Down

A Line My Father Told Me Many Times

When it comes to memories I have more and more every day

Doing well in school was not my strong point

So when my father thought I could do better

He felt I slacked off

I wasn't giving it my all

He wouldn't hesitate to call me out

No holding back

You can do better than this

So why aren't you ?

I responded with an honest answer

I am trying my best

I just don't get it

I can study during the day and night

Certain things don't come easy

For some reason he didn't think I was telling the truth

If you studied you would do well ?

Now that makes perfect sense

If you just open the book and dilly dally

Then of course that isn't going to work

You have to apply yourself

Listen to the teacher

Use your head for more than a hat rack

Kids today don't know how good they have it

I would listen intently

Whenever my father asked a question

You never answered with I don't know

That was a cop out

Being lazy and basically saying I don't care

I don't give a dam

As I got older there was no changing his mind

When I went to high school and stayed up late into the night

He would curse because he could see the light on

What are you doing up so late ?

Nobody stays up till three in the morning to study

Then has to get up at six thirty to go to school

I thought if I practiced harder it would come to me

It didn't

I did it any way

I never complained and stayed at it

The years of studying didn't get me any better grades

What it did do is prepare me for life

There were those people who didn't open a book

They were the same people who said they didn't study

I seen there A's and the B's

I wasn't jealous or envious of them

Because I know that wasn't good

I was happy for them

What did they know that I didn't ?

I didn't skip classes

I took notes

Some of my friends said I took too many notes

I studied too much

I don't believe that

I do believe we are all different

What some people are good at other people aren't

I enjoyed school

I got mostly in the seventies on tests or worse

That was as good as it gets

I didn't take it out on the teachers

They were just doing their job

I use to dream

One day I will find something that comes easy for me

When that day comes

I will shine in the light

Until that day

I will do what I know best

I am a slugger

I will keep on slugging away

To all those who are struggling with a problem in their life

I feel for you

I have been there

It will all work out in some strange way

Don't give up

Put a smile on your face

Feel that pat on the back

I am proud of you

It will only be a matter of time

Other people will be too

Comments

DREAM ON (author) on December 04, 2017:

Gypsy Rose Lee Follow your heart and your dreams will grow to new heights. I am so happy for you. Keep going and doing your best. Hang in there in tough times. Soar to great heights in the best of times. Giving and sharing along the way. Thank you so much for keeping me in the loop. Have a wonderful afternoon.

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on December 02, 2017:

As everyone says never give up on your dreams. I am read to go. Where? self-publishing but I am approaching with caution. I have the information about what font to use for formatting next up I will read all the information that I can on Create Space and someone informed me there are YouTube tutorial videos too. Once I get all of that over with it is upwards and onwards. I am so anxious and excited.

DREAM ON (author) on November 30, 2017:

Kari Poulsen The problem is I have always had issues with doing something once. I get easily addicted to things I enjoy. So with one pat there are many more that follow. I get encouraged easily and motivated for no reason at all. I can't explain it. I don't know why. I do know I feel great inside from people who take their time out of their busy schedule and read what I wrote. Then I get thrilled when the same people come back to read another hub. All I can say is thank you for your kind thoughts and your soothing words. Have an enjoyable night.

DREAM ON (author) on November 30, 2017:

Dora Weithers I use to wonder why me ? That got me know where. Then I changed my mind and thoughts and said there is a reason for this one greater than me. So take this time of aggravation, frustration, pain, constant turmoil and see it to the end. Each day I would be tired and because I was so tired I didn't have the energy to be upset. Instead I found pleasure in little things that did go well. Waking up and feeling healthy. A little extra sleep when I could get it. An idea that would come to mind. Listening to the radio because it didn't talk back. Taking walks on windy days and feeling the wind push me all over the place. Watching squirrels run about happy in their own world. The list just keeps on growing. I want to thank you for reminding me that I even had determination and perseverance. I thought it was more like stubbornness and to naïve to know when to quit. The thought that my writings can inspire is more than I could ask for. I am so happy that you would take the time to read my thoughts and my ideas that keep bouncing around in my head until I let them out. I don't know what I am going to write next until I sit down and my thoughts start to burn like twigs in a fire pit. Sometimes they spark sometimes they don't. (lol) Have a very relaxing and peaceful night.

DREAM ON (author) on November 30, 2017:

lunaticdiaries What a wonderful thing to say. Well the first thing I would say you teach me more than I could ever teach you. I hope that every day you come in with energy and gusto and leave with an adrenaline rush. Remembering this is your life. You can make it the most amazing life that can bring you endless joy and pleasure that will naturally flow over to help other people all during your incredible, passionate life. Make no mistake about it. You are here for a reason. If you were an apple I would say you are the tastiest and delicious right down to the core. Even though other apples are mighty fine and good too you are the same but different. Excel when and where you can and don't let anyone ever tell you any different. It is my honor and pleasure. Thank you for caring and sharing. Make today a good day.

lunaticdiaries on November 30, 2017:

DreamOn you’re a natural born writer, thinker & teacher.

Thank you for letting me into your classroom

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on November 30, 2017:

Proud of you for your determination and perseverance! Now you inspire.

Kari Poulsen from Ohio on November 30, 2017:

Thanks for rooting for us! I felt that pat on the back. :)