by Rolph David
Prologue
They met in ways that broke them first,
Each life a thud, a hunger, thirst.
Not born to lead, nor raised to shine,
But time had worn them past their line.
What castaways might find anew—
You'll see, if you read all way through.
The Mule (Once a Builder)
He once laid brick with steady pride,
Now drags his boots from site to site.
His back's a map of breaks and bends,
He buri...
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Tuesday 5th August 2025 10:50 am
narrative poem social critique found family redemption homelessness resilience Bremer Town Musicians contemporary myth
by Rolph David
A figure slumped beside the road,
a heap of ash and thread.
No face, no shape, just heavy cloth,
and eyes that looked half-dead.
“Who are you?” asked the wrinkled one,
with voice both calm and kind.
“I’m Sadness,” said the shape, half-formed,
“the one all try to bind.”
“They turn from me,” the figure said,
“as if I bring disease.
They smile too wide, deny the weight,
pretending th...
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Monday 30th June 2025 12:39 pm
sadness hope healing emotional pain comfort compassion resilience inner strength loneliness acceptance
by Rolph David
I’ve sipped from empty cups too long,
Been told to wait, to play it safe,
To shrink my voice, to just belong—
But silence never saved the brave.
They fed me crumbs, called it enough,
Said, “Be polite, don’t reach too far,”
I smiled through hunger, swallowed tough,
And wore my limits like a scar.
No mo...
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Monday 2nd June 2025 10:04 am
empowerment courage self-worth personal growth resilience authenticity motivation
by Rolph David
A giant rises — towering, proud, severe,
Yet check the sun before you yield to fear;
For oft a dwarf, by stretching out his hand,
Can throw a giant's shadow on the land.
It is not the wind that drives the course you sail;
The set of your own sails will tell the tale.
The storm may roar, the sky may fall to grey —
The sail decides if you advance or stray.
The clever man will not o...
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Saturday 19th April 2025 7:34 am
resilience self-discovery perception strength change growth wisdom overcoming adversity empowerment sails storms learning
by Rolph David
When tempers flare and voices rise,
It’s wise to breathe, not moralise.
A quiet word can cool the flame,
While shouting only spreads the blame.
When someone mocks or plays unfair,
Step back – don’t answer with a stare.
For digging traps for someone’s fall
Might lead you to your own downfall.
If rumours swirl and trust is thin,
Let honesty speak from within.
Your name is worth more th...
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Saturday 12th April 2025 7:20 am
wisdom resilience self-reflection strength personal growth kindness life lessons overcoming adversity inner peace emotional intelligence relationships mindfulness
by Rolph David
“The Bitter Cup” reflects the themes of enduring hardship and finding strength
in the face of suffering, inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Surrounded by Good Powers...”
The sonnet explores the idea of accepting life’s trials with quiet courage, symbolised by
the "bitter cup," and trusting that even through pain, we move towards light and renewal.
It echoes Bonhoeffer’s own spirit of res...
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Thursday 10th April 2025 1:43 pm
The Bitter Cup sonnet suffering resilience hope strength courage hardship inspiration faith Bonhoeffer
by Rolph David
Today, three years ago, Russia launched its brutal invasion of Ukraine, shattering peace and unleashing a wave of destruction. Towns were levelled, lives torn apart, and a nation thrust into an endless struggle for survival. Despite the relentless violence, Ukraine remains unyielding, its people refusing to surrender. The world has watched as the cost in blood and suffering continues to rise, and ...
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Monday 24th February 2025 1:27 pm
Ukraine war resistance resilience destruction freedom sacrifice loss defiance survival tragedy strength sovereignty unyielding war crimes resistance spirit brutality hope war anniversary courage suffering
by Rolph David
This poem is about a society increasingly divided, where accusations fly and truth seems lost. It speaks to the urgency of listening instead of blaming, understanding instead of judging, and choosing hope over fear. In a world where opinions are quickly voiced and emotions run high, the poem urges a shift in perspective—one that values connection, love, and the strength to find hope, even in diffi...
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Saturday 25th January 2025 5:09 pm
hope society change understanding social media love strength truth hope vs expectations division listening resilience future empowerment
by Rolph David
In Wang's Dīngzihù*, the poem explores the unyielding defiance of a man who refuses to let go of his home in the face of relentless urban development. Wang’s small "nail"house becomes a symbol of resistance, standing firm against powerful tycoons and the machinery of progress. As legal battles and societal pressures mount, Wang’s fight is not just for his land, but for his identity and legacy. It ...
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Monday 6th January 2025 9:15 am
resistance defiance legacy pride heritage nail house urban development resilience struggle
by Rolph David
This poem challenges the myth of inherent greatness in those who rise to prominence and reminds us that success often comes from luck, influence, or fear—not brilliance or charm. It inspires readers to value their uniqueness, silence doubt, and pursue their own path with determination and pride.
Do you feel small, unseen, unheard?
Does the world seem tilted, its justice absurd?
Remembe...
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Sunday 17th November 2024 1:18 pm
self-worth individuality resilience overcoming doubt success and luck inner strength finding purpose challenging perceptions
by Rolph David
Dear Parent,
In your quest to shield your child from every scrape and stumble, remember: life’s greatest lessons often come from facing challenges head-on. Helicopter and lawnmower parenting may seem loving, but overprotection can rob children of vital experiences that foster resilience, independence, and confidence. By removing obstacles and fears, you might inadvertently create a world where yo...
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Thursday 10th October 2024 4:33 pm
overprotection interference resilience
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