After reading my brother's 1998 version of some thoughts about weight loss and energy, I decided to have a creative "conversation" with him. Here is how I imagine our interaction –

Tim: Your poem won't make much sense to those who never met you.
Bob . . . So what are you saying?
Tim: Well, if you want to attract a broader audience some revisions might be helpful.
Bob: But isn't it obvious I was writing for myself? This poem clearly states it is a form of "self-coaching."
Tim: Let me suggest this – since many people struggle with the same issues you did, why not transform some of the personal "I" statements into broader, more inclusive "we" statements?
Bob: (sighing) ...in a revision?
Tim: Yes. I'd like to stretch the ideas a bit, but also let readers enjoy the earlier version.
Bob: (with a shrug) Word play is okay as long as you remember there's a deeper logos beyond all text.
Tim: (winking) Okay. Instead of passively accept texts, I believe each readers should playfully attempt to find ways that their voice can resonate with each author.
Bob: Resonate voices – hmm. Well, it might be an interesting experiment...

Self-Help:

A Personal Coaching Session

Just about an hour per day
our health can go a better way.

Instead of allowing our bodies to fall apart
we can make a better start.

With no huge push, just a gentle try
we can live longer and less awry

By budging ourselves bit by bit
we can feel lighter, instead of sit!

What most people need instead of talk,
is to take regular daily walks

So little effort does it take
to use shovel, lawn mover, or rake

By doing regular chores while moving around
we can feel more energy & lose pounds.
Bob: (Laughing) Ah, you left out the part about celibacy! I sort of expected that . . .
Tim: (winking back) Yeah, celibacy has seldom been a personal aspiration. As you know, I'm deeply allured by the feminine.
Bob: Well, then why not become even more allured by being celibate? Instead of wasting energy, store it wisely!
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