This week’s W3 prompt is as follows:
THEME: Write a poem to encourage someone not to give up—urging them to persevere, try again, or push forward for just one more time or day;
STRUCTURE: Use no more than 11 lines;
Choose any form or rhyme scheme you prefer;
You can join in here: https://skepticskaddish.com/2025/02/12/w3-prompt-146-weave-written-weekly/
The ladder
You are climbing the final rungs on the high school ladder
It seemed to have no top, but now you can see
A new world of adulthood nearly within your reach
Your ladder has been a long and difficult clamber
Rungs were stretched apart, and you had to jump
Some parts were oiled, and you slipped back some way
Obstacles blocked your climb, and you used picks and ropes
Some rungs were weak and broke when you stood on them
You got splinters in your hands and fingers from holding on
But you have prevailed, and climbed your extended ladder
I’m right here behind you, pushing you upwards
roberta-writes.com 
Aww…i feel like you are talking to me through this poem Robbie❤️
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Hi Michelle, that is really lovely to know. Thank you.
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Brilliant example of this form. I’m thinking you have soon to be graduates in the house.
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Hi Violet, thank you so much. Yes, my oldest son is in his final year of Uni and my younger son is in his final year of high school.
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I hope the rungs are strong and the ladder not to rickety! Nice imagery.
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Thank you, Jacqui. Ladders are always unstable.
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A perfect poem for a young person. I know you wrote it with your son in mind, but it applies to many. It would be good to send to someone about to graduate.
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Great, Robbie. Achieving is like climbing a ladder sometimes.
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HI Tim, you are right. This concept certainly applies to life in general.
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The ladder feels exciting at first, then the risk of falling feels more worrying the higher you climb, so good to have that support behind you … parenting 💞
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Hi Suzanne, yes, that is right. The ladder could apply to life in general too so your daughter might appreciate this concept. Hugs.
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Two minds think alike – I have been reading many of these poems out loud over coffee together as we chat in the mornings. She likes poetry and is developing even more of a liking and even writing some in a journal I bought her☺️ thank you for thinking of her 💞
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My pleasure, Suzanne. I know how hard it is in these situations.
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A great and very empowering poem. Thanks for sharing, Robbie! Best wishes, Michael
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HI Michael, it’s great to see you. I’m delighted you enjoyed this poem.
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The ladder is a good metaphor for perseverance, and to know there is always a someone supporting the ladder.
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Thank you, I’m pleased you liked this metaphor.
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You’re welcome.
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A marvelous metaphor for high school, Robbie!
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Hi Dave, I’m delighted that you enjoyed this poem. Thank you.
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A heartfelt poem, Robbie. I’m sure your son appreciates your love and understanding.
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Hi Merril, both my sons are close to me, but Michael does rely on my support a lot. He’s had a hard time with his health, and it has had an impact on his life in general.
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Hi Robbie.
I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t close to both sons, but only one is addressed in the poem.
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I didn’t take your comment to imply I wasn’t, I was just explaining the difference between the two. Greg is independent and Mike isn’t.
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😊
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What a heartfelt poem – filled with encouragement and brimming with love.
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Thank you, Donna. This is a lovely comment.
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Such an inspiring poem for someone still mired in the high school mindset!
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Thank you, Luanne. I’m glad you think so. High School is a difficult time filled with self-doubt and anxiety.
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Yes, it is. I found it terribly hard and thought I was the only one at the time 😉 haha.
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I think it is hard for most ordinary people who aren’t ultra privileged and thus protected by a lot of money, or a jock.
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Those are the truest words!
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The youngster looks like he is reaching for the stars and the poem you wrote is PERFECT. I never have enough “people pictures.” If the snow melts and the weather gets a bit warmer AND we are finally healthy, we have plans to be outside as much as we can manage.
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Hi Marilyn, I’m delighted you enjoyed this poem. I am always careful taking picture that include people as they can get upset about it, even if it’s just a location shot.
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Me too. I try to get people from the back or from the side. I also don’t want to show people’s faces unless they agree. You can get bitten by taking the wrong pictures.
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Yes, that is exactly right.
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People can get weird about having their pictures taken and I try to be VERY careful.
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A ladder partially oiled and slippery with some rungs far apart is a good analogy for kids in highschool, at least those who struggle. It was a nice and I think helpful poem.
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HI Thomas, I’m pleased you could relate to this analogy. Thank you. School is not an easy time for many.
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Robbie, your poem paints perseverance with such vivid, tangible struggle. I love how the ladder becomes a journey of resilience, and that final push of support makes it all the more powerful!
Much love,
David
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Thank you, David. This prompt worked well for me and this came to mind quickly.
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*hug*
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This is a perfect poem to describe life, Robbie. I loved the last line.
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Thank you, Carla. Life’s ladder is rarely easy.
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comments jump off the page, Robbie. Not the first time.
thanks for writing this. Applies to me as well. Thanks.
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My pleasure, Selma. Commenting has been difficult through WP recently. Hopefully all will be resolved soon.
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A brilliant poem, climbing our ladder isn’t easy, but with family and friends we can do anything.
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An inspiring poem for many of us, Robbie. Well done!
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I’m glad you found this poem inspiring, Lauren.
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That last line is marvelous, Robbie. That’s what mom’s do. A beautiful poem about perseverance and family.
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Yes, this is what mom’s do. Thanks, Diana
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What a heartfelt poem, Robbie. I enjoyed this. The struggle is real!
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Hi Colleen, yes, it is a real struggle for many kids.
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I love the imagery and your poem — brilliant and heartfelt, as always. ❤️
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Thank you, Gwen
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yes ! yes! yes! a terrific poem , Robbie, an ode to endless effort and ultimate triumph; and what a fabulous surreal pic !
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Hi John, the picture was a lucky find. I’m so pleased you like my poem for Michael.
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it’s lovely, Robbie —
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hi, Robbie 😍
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted for the very first time by our beloved Artie Camenzind, is now live:
Enjoy❣️
Much love,
David
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Thank you, David.
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*hug*
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welldone, Robbie. I liked the ending especially
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Thank you, Yvette 💝
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😊😊
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Right on, Robbie!
Your words are encouraging, hopeful, supportive and positive.
Thank you! xx
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I’m glad you enjoyed this poem, Resa 💛🤗
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💖🍒
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⭐️🧡
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