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| a young white boy calculates a tip for a much older black waiter |
Magnanimity
We bend and sway
of our own volition;
a timeless battle
between vice and virtue,
our magnanimity
reflective of who we are.
How simple for some,
heroic for others.
Margaret Bednar, September 9, 2013
This is for Magpie Tales #185, a weekly photo prompt with many talented poets and writers.
Also linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Night & dVerse Open Link Night #113.
Magnanimity is a tongue twister for me - but certainly a word worthy knowing - "Generous in forgiving an insult or injury, free from petty resentfulness. High-minded, noble. Proceeding from or revealing generosity or nobility of mind."
it is definitely a good word and one i wish i lived more of. :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, somehow you and Friko happened onto the same picture. What do you think he ordered for breakfast?
ReplyDeletenicely done Margaret...thanks for sharing this
ReplyDeleteindeed Margaret, harder for some than others... well worth cultivating, even when it comes easier at times.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you pointed to the heroism magnanimity is for some, taking apart an indescribable social force.
ReplyDelete"heroic, for others" - BRILLIANT! Yes, that smile and warmth and kindness is noteworthy, in this situation. Wonderful write!
ReplyDeleteI just have to echo Sherry's comment. This is a wonderful, thoughtful piece.
ReplyDeletedo you think there has to be a difference between simple and heroic?
ReplyDeletei def agree on the sway though...and nice play off the sway of the train in that...
Brian. Thanks. Ill give that some thought.
DeleteMargaret, this is lovely ... glad I could read that tongue twister of a word, didn't dare read it out loud.
ReplyDeleteBrian - I pondered your above question for quite some time and I think there usually is a difference between simple and heroic - if not "simply" because of human nature... Yes, I think it is often a seemingly simple gesture - but often extremely difficult as giving up vices usually are.
ReplyDeletelovely poem- I loved the use of swaying - especially as I was riding on a train at the time.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem, - and sentiment.... And of course "Magnanimity" screams from Rockwell's painting.. (I never knew that was his son.)
ReplyDeleteSaw "The Butler" a couple of weeks ago.... The sentiment there is simply overwhelming...
Magnanimity...an interesting word - had to look it up - and i know what you mean with the last stanza
ReplyDeleteA wonderful word that could use more exercise. Thank you for sharing it so eloquently.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLiked the sounds and the sway and the quiet acceptance in your words. Wanted to stop in and thank you for your comments at Poets United, they are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Makes me wonder what brought this thought on? If a word prompt, I get it and I'm behind in reading...if it came out of nowhere or if had the picture that gave you the idea..whatever, it'a cool word and cool presentation
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I am also wondering where this was prompted. I hope the little boy tipped very well.
ReplyDeleteWe must have been in a similar mood, because mine is about a different kind of magnanimity... but also a rant!! I love your attitude, Margaret. Amy
This is in response to the Magpie Tales (or The Mag as some call it now) challenge. It is a weekly photo prompt.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it was your explanation of the word magnanimity - but I sat hear and read it at least 5 times out loud, trying to get my tongue around it ..I think I succeeded. That being said I enjoyed your accompanying words Margaret- thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree... well done, Margaret... & I love the word. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of bending and swaying between virtue and vice. Well said.
ReplyDeleteWhat is a simple action for one person requires heroic strength from another. I love the rock and sway of this - so in tune with the motion of the railway carriage.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteHow appropriate on the 9/11 anniversary. Free will - so much exerted that day - the will to kill, the will to live, the need and ultimate will to accept and forgive. Well said.
ReplyDeleteThe picture, the word and the poem makes a completeness that is striking
ReplyDeleteThe picture. The poem. Perfection! What a great piece!
ReplyDeleteThe bevel of free will is the balance we continuously walk~ Brilliant work. Faithfully Deb
ReplyDeleteA lot of truth to that
ReplyDeleteThe battle is never ending even until now ~ Like that ending verse, such is life ~
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely responses to my post ~ I will be checking out that slow cooker pot soon ~
Hi Margaret ~~ That's an ordeal for all the ages but it becomes more set in the later years.
ReplyDeleteMagna-nimity? I am having trouble fitting "vice or virtue" with it, especially the vice bit.
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Jim. Mag-nan-im-I-ty. I gave the definition above. The more vice, the less generous, the less forgiving, noble (etc). Does that help?
Delete..i think you wrote this perfectly to fit with the painting well... & oh, my filipino tongue struggled seriously in pronouncing that 'magnanimity' if i may say so... def a new word i've fortunately gathered from you... loved it... smiles...
ReplyDeleteNew word for me too. Love pics with writes.
ReplyDeleteTo be magnanimous, I think you're right, it can be easy for some and not for others...maybe sometimes it looks as if it is easy, but isn't. This image struck me so differently than your take, but that's what I really like about it. I didn't write to it, but read some other responses. Really like what you did.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem. Resonating with me are the lines,
ReplyDelete"our magnanimity
reflective of who we are."
A lot of truth here. Thanks for sharing.