Dan has some fabulous doors to inspire writers and poets for the Thursday Doors Writing Challenge.
You can see all the doors here: https://nofacilities.com/thursday-doors-writing-challenge-2025/
The Teacher
I see you watching me
Observing my every move
Noting my habits, choices, truths, and lies
I can hid nothing from your probing eyes
You learn from my example, good or bad
Everything I am moulds you
Into everything you will become
If I strike you, I teach you violence
If I snap at you, I teach you impatience
If I lie to you, I teach you deceit
If I envy others, I teach you discontent
I try to control negative impulses
Knowing you will grow up in my image
I read to you, teaching you to thirst for knowledge
I show compassion to others, teaching you kindness
I encourage you to build on your strengths
Thereby giving you the tools to succeed in life
I encourage you to work hard on your weaknesses
Thereby demonstrating the power of perserverence
But, most of all my son, I love you
I put you first, I give you my time
Teaching you to be a giving and loving man
I’m sharing one photograph from my recent trip to the Pilanesberg National Game Reserve. We saw a leopard early in the morning. It was just getting light and the leopard sat like a queen on top of the rocks.
roberta-writes.com 
I’ve always felt the same way about being a good example for my children. I hope they know that. 😊
Amazing door by Resa! Fantastic capture of the leopard. What a magical moment that must have been!
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I have always tried to set a good example. None of us is perfect and that in itself is a life lesson for children. The photographs are great this year.
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💙
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Beautiful poetry and photos.
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Thank you, Michael.
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You’re most welcome, Robbie.
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This is so wonderful, Robbie. You’ve summed up the complex role of being a parent so well. This should be required reading for new parents. Great use of the door, and I love that photo of the leopard.
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Hi Dan, I’m so pleased you liked this poem. I hope Resa likes it too. 🙏🩷
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I’m sure she will.
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A profound, wise poem about the importance of good parenting, Robbie. And your leopard photo is amazing!
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Thank you, Dave. There are so many sad tales of poor parenting. Not setting boundaries is a form of poor parenting. It takes hard work to guide a child.
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Such a moving poem. I have never raised a child, but the guidelines set out here make me secure in my choice. Lovely photos as well.
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Thank you, Violet. Good parenting requires time and effort just like everything else in life.
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I am touched by your pictures and, especially be your poem, which seems to me a life lesson not just for children, but also for adults! Many thanks Roberta for your Sunday message:)
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Hi Martina, thank you for your lovely comment. This poem is as applicable to parents as to children.
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Raising kids is trickier than it sounds, but I think–as you say–if they know you do out of love, all is forgiven and learned.
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Hi Jacqui, I do think you are right. We all make mistakes but the intention is important. I try but I sometimes fail. Then Michael says “Don’t be judgy, Mom” – haha!
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It’s so important to teach children well and to be role models for them. Love the photo 💗
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Thank you, Esther. Such a lucky shot. The sun popped up and there she was.
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A message for all people Robbie.
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Thank you, Paul.
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Beautiful life lessons, and tribute to your son Robbie. And the leopard does look like a queen.
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Thank you, Brad. This was such a lucky shot. It was dark and then the sun came up and there she was.
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😊
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Love the Leopard shot Robbie!
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Thank you, Wayne. I thought of you when I took it.
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well, such a honour Robbie!
Thank you and I’m sure you’ll be getting more soon!
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You have influenced my photography. I try to learn from you.
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should I invoice you?
Great to hear Robbie, my best student ever!
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Haha, I’m glad you think so. I think an artistic spirit helps a lot with photography.
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true, an artistic spirit fits into almost every endeavour.
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Yes
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A very important message in this poem, which should apply to more people in addition to parents. The leopard stikes a regal post for your camera!
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Hi Liz, yes, I suppose this could apply to caregivers and teachers too. Probably employers …
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Yes to all three!
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Agreed
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beautiful sentiments, Robbie…🤍
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Thank you, Destiny
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This is wonderful, Robbie. As a parent, I tried to teach by example and nurture them. What a gorgeous photo!
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Hi Dale, I have no doubt you were a great parent. I’m delighted you like this shot.
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Oh, I might have had my not-so-great moments… And I did, very much so.
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The door image is fascinating. Your poem is a wonderful lesson for parents. The leopard looks magnificent.
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Thank you, Tim. Resa’s pictures are amazing. The leopard was wonderful.
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Wow, what a beautiful poem. The best way to teach our children is to be a good example and your poem says it so beautifully.
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Hi Thomas, you are exactly right (as always – smile!) Thank you.
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Teaching one’s children is perhaps the hardest and trickiest thing we will do. Love the leopard!
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I couldn’t agree more and yet anyone can do it without any training or guidance.
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Great poem. Are you familiar with “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills & Nash? It’s a great song. I love the leopard on the rock.
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Hi Timothy, thank you for that reference. I will look it up, I can’t say it is familiar to me. I’m delighted you like the leopard.
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Beautiful poem about the incredible responsibility of parenting, Robbie! This is very well written. My husband sometimes is impatient and says things shouldn’t have said. He realizes later the girls pick up his expression.
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Hi Miriam, my husband gets impatient to, especially with Michael. I remind him that he must appreciate what he has with his family and children.
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I know, Robbie! Guys don’t seem to see the whole picture and are quick to react. They’re not good in appreciation. At least we understand them.
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Yes, we guide them. They are quick to react.
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Another amazing photo.
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Thank you, Craig. So lucky, the sun was just coming up.
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Parenting is a complicated task. (K)
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It is and it is a huge time investment.
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Words are cheap, but actions are noticed, A lovely poem! And that photo of the leopard is amazing!
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Thank you, Jan. Exactly right.
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Sucha beautiful piece with great meaning. Kids learn far more from our actions than our words. You are a born teacher, Robbie!
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Thank you, Pete. I do try really hard. It is such a worthwhile investment.
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An amazing poem Robbie… and as always that photo is stunning. ♥
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Thank you, Sally. A really lucky shot – in fact, they are all lucky really.
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No Robbie, it takes an eye to find the shot and then take it so well..♥
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This is a beautiful band wise poem Robbie, just like the leopard who I guess is probably one who teaches her cubs/ kittens but example. 💜💜💜
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Hi Willow, yes, it is the female cats who raise the litter.
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Yes indeed and is she the hunter too like the Lioness?
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Oh yes, all female cats hunt.
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What a wonderful interpretation of eye and door! You are both to a child, of course. This serves well as both affirmation and admonishment to all of us, whether parent or not. And it reminds us that our eyes are on them too, as they teach us.
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HI Maureen, you make a great point about us learning from our children.
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I know that I sure have!
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🧡
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A wonderful poem Robbie. Perfect mantra for a parent. 🫶🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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Thank you, Sadje
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You’re very welcome
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That’s a stunning photo. And your poem has a profound message. That you are aware of how much your behavior affects your son, so you can then pass down positivity and kindness. 🌞
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Thank you, Dave. I know they watch and learn from us. I’ve tried to instill positive behaviour in my sons.
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I’m currently on holiday with very dodgy WIFI. Yesterday I couldn’t get on any websites even though it said I had an excellent signal. Today is better but ve–ry slo-o-o-w. The picture hasn’t loaded at all.
So if I don’t reply to your posts, it’s not because I’ve died (probably), just that I can’t get onto your site!
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Hi Viv, that is no problem at all. I hope you enjoye your holiday.
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Beautiful poem, Robbie. Yes, we are the best teachers of our children. I love that pic of the leopard!
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Thank you, Stevie. We are, indeed. You can’t push parenting onto others, including teachers.
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I agree.
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Fab photo, Robbie, and fab son too, I rather think xx
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Thank you, Jo. He is fab most of the time – smile!
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Very moving poem and absolutely stunning photo of the early morning leopard at Pilanesberg National Game Reserve. ❤
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Hi Donna, that leopard photograph was such a lucky shot. The sun came up and there she was standing on that rock.
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❤
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Thanks, Annette
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Robbie, this is such a lovely, mindful response to the door prompt. Beautifully done. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. I wrote for your goat too. It’s on my other blog together with one of with Resa’s 😆
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A gorgeous photo, Robbie. And your poem is wonderful. What a beautiful description of how parenting impacts the people our children will become. Loved it, my friend.
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Thank you, Diana.
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Beautiful picture Robbie. And a loving, wise and heartfelt poem to your son. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. Hugs
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❤
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A wonderful poem, Robbie. And so true.
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Thank you, Olga.
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Wonderful, Robbie! With this poem you give a wonderful guidance how to teach with positive sustainability, for a better world. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy a nice week! Best wishes, Michael
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Wow!
I’m so impressed with the poem, and that you got all of those words from that door.
You are a great mom, and I know you are teaching your sons well.
I wish all kids could have great moms.
The leopard pic is fantastic. Sending hugs!
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post, Resa. It is interesting how the doors evoke different creative responses, some serious and some humorous. The leopard pic was a very lucky shot.
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Yes, artistic inspiration is quite a personal thing.
I’ve managed to visit a few. I’m glad Dan organizes them into a grid! It really helps. ❦💙❦
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It does help to visit the grid. Thanks, Resa.
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Honest poem, lovely photos.
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Thank you, Dawn
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What a great poem with such a great message, Robbie. A magnificent picture!
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Thank you, Carla. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post.
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Oh, my goodness, what a meaningful poem. I loved it. The powerful impact of a parent so nicely expressed!
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Really beautiful poem. I love the pictured too – Pleased I came across this post 🙂
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Thank you, Laura. I’m pleased you enjoyed this post
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