First of All, I'd Just Like to Say ... - By John

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   ravirajan01posted 22 months ago

   John writes great poems that give us a beautiful " First message."The advice especially telling "winning isn't everything, and it is all about the sport," really drives the point home. Thanks for sharing yet another great piece of work and a great response to Brenda's challenge.
   
   https://hubpages.com/literature/First-o … ike-to-Say

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      Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Ravi. I really appreciate you taking the time to share this, and also for your generous comment. Cheers.

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      surovi99posted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Your poetry contains great content about your drive to be first in everything and excel. In other words, you make the most of everything, feeling good and attaining well. What a delightful approach to life! I find it mesmerizing once more. LOL! This article is one of your best among the best, John. Loved equally all the relevant quotes. Thank you for sharing.
      
      Ravi, thanks for sharing John's post.

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         Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

         Rosina, you are always so generous with your comments about my articles.  I really appreciate that and thank you for saying you feel this is one of my best. Kind regards dear friend.

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   Farah N Huqposted 22 months ago

   “As long as you do your best, it doesn’t matter where you finish.”
   What a wonderful reminder!
   Loved every line, John!
   I too believe in that “being the first” goal and sometimes I get too harsh on myself for this is now deeply instilled in me. I think a better way to go toward these goals would be the first line “As long as you do your best, it doesn’t matter where you finish.” Thank you for sharing yet another beautiful piece.

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      Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Thank you dear Farah, I am so glad that you that you could relate to this and that you found that line particularly important to remember. My father did his best to pass on many valuable lessons to me, and that I will never forget. Take care my friend.

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   RozlinMohsinposted 22 months ago

   Wonderful response to Brenda's word prompt, first, John. I enjoyed reading your hub. Poems are conveying a very good message. Thank you for sharing.
   
   Thank you, Ravi for sharing a link to John's article.

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   Jodahposted 22 months ago

   Hello Rozlin. thank you for reading this. Your comment is encouraging and
   I appreciate you taking the time to read my work.

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   Misbah786posted 22 months ago

   First of all, I'd like to say that Dear John, you have created a lovely hub that I thoroughly enjoyed.Thank you so much for brightening my day with your beautiful poems.
   
   I must be home before daylight,
   or I may be grounded for life. — These lines from your poem brings me back memories of happier times.
   
   “The first time it was quite a blast,
   foolish youth for me has passed.
   Now I've learned what to put first,
   don't race ahead in a blind burst.” — super strong message in these beautiful lines.
   
   The acrostic poem is equally beautiful. I loved where you said, ‘I would swallow my pride and congratulate the winner on their effort.
   
   I also enjoyed the video and the fun fact; thank you for sharing; it is an excellent response to Brenda's word prompt.
   
   Thank you so much for sharing John’s work, Ravi
   
   Blessings to both of you!!

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      Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Hello Misbah, I am sorry I missed your comment until now. If I am not on HubPages at the time I wait until I get an email notification that there has been a comment and then I check. For some reason I don’t get notifications of each one and they don’t seem to all show up in order. I need to check chronologically as you stated.
      I am so glad that you enjoyed this article and could relate to some lines especially. Your comments are always so generous and kind. Blessings to you my dear friend.

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         Misbah786posted 22 months agoin reply to this

         No need to say sorry, dear friend. Everyone of us experiences these glitches every now and then, and I understand. I simply thought that many folks on HP who aren't forum regulars might not be aware of chronological mode. I discovered it approximately six months ago at that time I was highly active in the topical forums.

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   ChitrangadaSharanposted 22 months ago

   Hello John!
   What a wholesome article. You have probably included everything, to highlight the significance of the word, ‘First.’
   As always, a beautifully crafted poem, and wonderful writing to accompany. Inspiring, insightful and thoughtful— I liked reading your excellent response.
   Thank you for sharing. And thank you Raviji for sharing John’s creativity.

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      Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Hello Chitrangada,
      Your comment is most welcome and I am glad you found the article “wholesome.” I tried to cover a number of firsts in my writing, at first..haha…it was quite challenging but after awhile more popped onto my head and I added to the poems. Thank you again.

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   Pamela99posted 22 months ago

   John, You have consistently been voted by your fellow Hubbers to be the best (first) poet. The poems you wrote in this article certainly meet your Hugh standards.
   
   I heard the same things growing up as you did, but who doesn't like being first. You covered the different aspects of being first quite well. I enjoyed reading your article John.
   
   Thanks for posting John's article Ravi.

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   Jodahposted 22 months ago

   Hi Pamela, I am humbled by your kind words. I am sure many people can relate to those words of advice, but we'd all be lying if we at least didn't try to win whatever we compete in. I am glad you enjoyed this article.

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   Venkatachari Mposted 22 months ago

   What a beautiful presentation, my Dear John! My soul gets delighted reading your poems.
   
   An incredible response to the word prompt "First". Both your poems and the prose in between everything are so impressive.
   
   During my primary and middle school stage, there always used to be a competition between four of us students - two boys, and two girls. I used to be first most times and the other boy or girl used to be second. The boy used to weep often whenever he doesn't come first.
   
   Thanks for this nice treat, John. And to you Ravi Rajan for sharing this link so that I can comment.

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      Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

      Greetings, Venkatachari. It is great to receive a comment from you and such a generous one. I am glad that you could relate to the points I made in these pieces.i had a friend at school who also used to cry when he always came  second in our races. One day I deliberately stumbled to let him win, and he was so happy.

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    Brenda Arledgeposted 22 months ago

    John
    In your article "First of All, I'd Just Like to Say ..." you tell us how your myse is often inspired by several different types of word prompts.
    
    That photo from pixabay certainly jars my memory.  I remember those first steps on the moon.
    
    Your poem, "First" tells us how in life we  have so many first moments.
    From the time we are born...to our first kiss.
    Then we grow up & decide what we want to put first.
    We understand what we are meant to do & with confidence we will see it through.
    
    In your piece, "First of All, I'd Just Like to Say" you share with us your desire to be first in what you do.
    I can relate to this...i even switched classes in high school if it looked like I might fail...like with typing....i just knew it wasn't going to get me an "A."
    
    You Express the need to be a good winner by always congratulating the one who wins even if it's not you.
    
    Doing your best is good enough, you don't need to always come in first.
    (But that's hard to accept)
    
    Your poem, "There is No Number Two!" is a cute little poem which ultimately reveals the truth.
    
    No one wants to come in second...we all want to win.
    
    Your section on "Fun Facts" taught me something I didn't know.  It's amazing that these songs were played.
    Question...I wonder why?  Were we trying to see if another civilization was there?  And what would have happened if there was?
    
    Your poems are great as always. You've picked the right journey in your life.
    
    It takes alot to wish Congratulations to someone else just after you have lost. 
    
    But as you say...we need to be a good sport.  Tomorrow's another day where we can excel.
    
    Next time..we'll finish first.
    
    Great messages in this work & it gives us another glimpse into your world.
    
    I'll post a link in the word prompt article.

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       Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

       Brenda, I always love to read your analysis of my work, and you give it additional depth and meaning for the readers. I hope the reader gets a glimpse into my life from what I write and also picks up a positive message or too. Thank you for posting a link on the word prompt article too.

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    AliciaCposted 22 months ago

    John has created an enjoyable and interesting combination of prose and poetry in response to the "first" theme. I loved the line "a new day's ahead - the future's vast." I'm going to remember this. The thought is very motivational!

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       Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

       Hello Linda, thank you for reading and enjoying this work. I am glad that particular line stood out to you and you will use it for motivation. Much appreciated.

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          Olealeaposted 22 months agoin reply to this

          Grandpa..you were grounded by your father when you didn't return home before daylight?  Is this a poem that is inspired by reality or is it just merely a poem?

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             Jodahposted 22 months agoin reply to this

             Olea, it is a little of both thank you for reading.

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