I would really like to travel,
And I would like to stay at home.
I would like to have adventures
But don’t want to do them alone.
I would like to go exploring,
But I don’t like getting lost.
I would risk a business venture,
But I am fearful of the cost.
I relate to Bilbo Baggins,
Reluctant adventurers we.
A little worried of troubles
That I can or can not foresee.
In spite of all these worries,
In fresh waters, I dip a toe,
While stretching my parameters
As far and wide as they will go.
© Susan Joy Clark 2021
Just as I was ready to post, I noticed this quote and image in my WordPress Reader feed from Elena of Short Wisdom. It seemed so appropriate. Check out Elena’s site for other quotes.
This poem was written for the dVerse Poetics challenge, with the requirement that it had to include the word “risk.”
Beautifully written. I resonate with you, I want to take risks but all the same I am afraid of potential consequences and don’t want to do them alone either. I want to go mudding with a friend, actually, but I’m afraid she’ll kill us lol (even though she assures me she only trusts herself as most who drive are dangerous in the activity). Either way, you got to live a little as you say:
“In spite of all these worries,
In fresh waters, I dip a toe,
While stretching my parameters
As far and wide as they will go.”
Take each risk at a time, building it up to my limits. That’s something I should probably do to get more comfortable with the things that are more risky. Beautifully, beautifully said.
Ah, thank you, Lucy. I’m glad you can relate. Thank you for the nice comment. I was just contemplating how adventurous I am or am not when this “risk” poetry challenge came up, and it coordinated perfectly. I am a little braver than I once was. I was just talking to another blogger about kayaking. I would kind of like to try it but am afraid to try it alone and am not sure I can persuade current friends to try it with me. I’ve joined a Meetup group for the purpose, but it also seems risky to go on such an adventure with people I’ve just met. Ah. Hopefully, we can both get a little more adventurous. 🙂
You are right! To fail to take risks is no way to live. The only alternative is to live in fear!
Dip your toes and then jump on in …. the water is warm!
Thank you, Dwight. 🙂
You are welcome!
I learned early that taking risks felt exhilarating! Some paid off, other did not. But, oh the joy of going there! I really enjoyed your rhyming poetry!
Thanks so much, Helen. I don’t regret most of the risks I’ve taken either. <3 :)
A fantastic poem. I liked these lines:-
I relate to Bilbo Baggins,
Reluctant adventurers we.
A little worried of troubles
That I can or can not foresee.
Thank you, Kitty. 🙂
I love this
Thank you, Ron. 🙂
This seems like a fair approach to risk: to dip a toe in the water without jumping in with your whole body! I think I was like this a lot more until we moved abroad. I wouldn’t do anything crazy like a parachute jump though!
I am getting braver also, but I have been thinking about how adventurous I am or am not — a little bit of both, I think. A parachute jump would be a bit much for me too! 🙂
Hear, hear, Sue! I’m always getting lost. It’s the only way to find yourself. I enjoyed your cheeky ramble of a poem 🙂
Bilbo is an excellent example of overcoming fear of risk, and then reveling in the journey afterwards (though we often can’t appreciate it until the journey is over and the risk is passed).
Your parenthetical statement is probably true. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
Charming poem, Susan Joy. Adventurers, like Bilbo, we! Loved!
🙂 I’m so glad you like it, Selma.
Susan,
I love the rhythm and flow of this poem which matches the tone of going along safely until realization strikes, when in the last stanza the risk is taken and a very concrete action taken, “In fresh waters, I dip a toe” — Beautifully written.
pax,
dora
Thank you, Dora. 🙂
Nicely written with a good flow and clear sentiment.
Thank you, Shirley. 🙂
I think the best adventures in life come as a surprise… whenever they are based on decision we will opt out because of the risks
That’s an interesting thought, Bjorn.
So happy you dipped that first toe! Your verses are so relatable, we always have that inner dialogue warning us of what could go wrong. I try to counter with what could go right, and then weigh it. Thanks for sharing the quote as well! 💖
🙂
I can relate to those fears too. A “little” risk is not bad and makes for a nice adventure. Good one!
🙂 Thank you, Grace.
I enjoyed the playful character of this piece and Bilbo will always remind me of “dipping a toe”. Like Gandalf to Bilbo, I say, “Go!”
Thank you, Sean. 🙂
I love the positivity of this one- sometimes it’s necessary for us to take risks so as to accomplish goals! 💝💝 A little adventure is good 😉