It’s been a bad week. I ended up resigning from my job yesterday. It is time but its been a hard decision because there are a lot of people I like at the firm and I know they need me. This is my ninth and final resignation. But the cemeteries of the world are filled with indispensable people so the firm will go on. It will just be that much harder for the people I like and respect.
My week reflects in the poem I’ve written for d’Verse Open Link hosted by Bjorn. You can join in here: https://dversepoets.com/2026/02/12/open-link-401-and-february-live/
Vampirism
the more you give
the more some people take
attaching themselves
like starving leeches
gorging on your life blood
becoming fat and bloated
greed waxing into laziness
while you diminish
energy drained
passion destroyed
reduced to a breathing corpse
Then, they spit you out
moving on to exploit
the next high performer
W3
Svenja’s prompt: Haiga. You can join in here: https://skepticskaddish.com/2026/02/11/w3-prompt-198-weave-written-weekly/
The theme is “Let the overall theme reflect the long-awaited shift from winter to spring.”
South African weather is very different to Northern hemisphere weather. We get no rain for over six months during the winter period and as we exit winter, it gets incredibly hot and dry before the rains come in late October or early November.
My photograph is of a beautiful red rose after a rainstorm.
scorching sun
wilted flowers dream
of spring rain
Thursday Doors
For Dan’s Thursday Doors, I am sharing a video of a building I made in Brussels. The video shows a building with all the doors and windows. The fascinating aspect of this building is that its decorated with bicycles painted in the primary colours.
I am sharing this for my talented artist and dress designer blogging friend, Resa. You can find Resa’s amazing art blog here: https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2025/01/04/skart/. This post by Resa, titled Skart, features some amazing skateboard art and a poem about skateboarding written by me.
roberta-writes.com 
If you felt drained and exploited by your job, it was certainly time to leave. Your poem expresses that distress vividly.
I hope things work out for the best, Robbie.
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Hi Audrey, thank you for your kind comment. It is time to walk away from a situation that has been progressively deteriorating for 7 years 🌞💛
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I’ve read lately that you’ve been disillusioned with your job, Robbie. I’m glad you took the plunge and resigned. The stress isnt worth it. I know, as talented as you are, you won’t have any trouble finding the job you are meant for. Best wishes my friend. Gorgeous pic of the flower, too. 🌸❤️
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Hi Terri, thank you. I was pleased with the Haiga. I agree about the stress at work, you can’t buy health once it’s damaged.
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Oh so sorry to hear about your job Robbie; but at the same glad to know you are taking a stand firmly.
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Thank you, Michelle. One door closes and another one opens 🧡
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I had an inkling this was on the cards I wish you well Robbie in your next adventure just take some time to draw a breath and recharge…Hugs xoxo
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Thank you, Carol. I tried to help as long as I could but I have reached the end. Onwards and upwards.
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Absolutely, Robbie life is for living I know we have to eat and pay bills but we also have to look after our own wellbeing…xx
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This might seem strange coming from someone largely a stranger, but I was sorry to read about your experience with work. Nine resignations speaks of something very seriously wrong and your metaphorically explicit poem reads as a damning indictment of the workplace and employer. In my experience leaving unsatisfying employment often leads to a new and positive lease of life both within the workplace and at home. Considering your literary skills I expect you will find a new job soon. I hope it delivers everything it should.
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Hi Sean, thank you for your kind comment. Yes, the promises are never delivered on so it’s time to accept the situation and move on. The quicker the better. Thankfully my notice period is only 1 month 💖
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The poems are beautiful and I guess the Vampirism poem reflects your experience at work. Sometimes it is better to resign than to remain in a situation that is unhealthy for you.
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Yes, that is exactly it. Work can’t change, they’ve made promises 8 times. I’ve now accepted I’m the one that must change 🙏🩵
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You were stressed out for so long, Robbie! It’s not worth it. Your health and well being are more important than your job. I also thought my job needed me until I had cancer and had no choice but taking 6 months off (I only needed one more year to retire). Then I knew “the world still goes on without me.” This is your ninth resignation and they always got you back. You must decided what you want for yourself. Take care!
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This is my final resignation, Miriam. Thank you for your kind advice. It’s time for me to change my working life. 💛
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So sorry about your resignation. Life can be such. We have to the right thing for our peace of mind. Hugs to you.
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Thank you, Bella. It’s okay, I have other options.
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Hi Robbie, Great news. You are so talented in everything you do. Success will always bless you. Much love bella
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Nine resignations is a bit crazy, Robbie. Sounds like you’re going to have to be hard-hearted for a while and take care of your own interests. Much easier for me to say than you to do, but I hope you see it through. Happy Valentine’s, hon xx
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Hi Jo, thank you. This resignation is fine. The previous ones were cries for help and I hoped things would work out and get better. This one is an acceptance that work can’t change so I have to 💗
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So sorry you experienced this, there are a lot of vampires in this world unfortunately…. sometimes we have to make the move if we can – make the shift – love your haiga 💞
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Yes, I am at peace with my decision. Thank you 🩷
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What fun to come across the bicycle building. The lovely holidays you have at least allowed you to step away from your busy work life and think what you should do. My daughter just changed jobs because it was so stressful with management above having no regard for their staff and piling more and more on them. Good luck and take sometime out!
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Yes, this is exactly what’s happened to me. I already have options but won’t make rushed decisions.
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Its important to be happy, and it sounds like you weren’t because you wouldn’t have resigned.
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I’m so sorry about your job and the stress it has caused you, Robbie! Nine resignations–wow. You gave them a chance. You’re health is more important. I’m sure you will find another job if and when you’re ready.
That rose is so beautiful, and I love the bicycle art!
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a big move, Robbie but you made it: honour to you. The powerful poem, appropriately called ‘Vampirism’ explains why; you will move onto something better —
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Here’s to a break from the Vampires… blessed rains to relieve the dryness and loads of love surrounding you and those who mean the most to you!!!
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Robbie, well done on taking the courage to leave a situation that was so negative and toxic. Your poem powerfully shows the absolute selfish and impossible environment to work but still it must be heartbreaking to leave behind colleagues and friendships formed over the years. Thinking of you and wishing you well. Take good care of yourself. Xx ❤️❤️
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Your poem says it all. It’s hard when you’re not appreciated for the work you do by your employer and to leave on such a note is painful, Robbie. Those co-workers who hate to see you go will miss you but you have to take care of your own mental health and well-being. God bless you, Robbie. Sending lotsa love and hugs. 🤗 🥰❤️
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There is a lot to consider in leaving a position, but in the end it becomes a reboot for you. Retirement is not the end it a door that opens into your next great life! Wishing you the best Robbie!
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I love her post and the skateboard poem is wonderful, Robbie.
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I am really not a poet, but this resonated so hard with me. I got into a situation where I had to stick it out to gain my pension, but when I did, I had had enough of that place to last a lifetime. All the best to you.
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I hope you find a job that gives you contentment. It’s no fun being stuck in a job that you dread. Beautiful poetry, Robbie, and that bicycle door/building is so cool!
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I’m sorry to hear it went that way, but I admire your decision and fortitude and your ethics.
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Love the bicycle decorations! Kudos on making the decision to take care of yourself Robbie by leaving a bad job.
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Do what you think is right about your job, Roberta. The poem says so much about bad people. The building in Brussels is very impressive. I hope you get some rain for your plants.
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I know a few metaphorical ‘vampires’ who fit your poem perfectly.
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Dear Robbie, I’m sorry that things came to such a state that you had to resign. But judging from your poem, I think you’ll be better off away from these blood sucking vampires. Lots of hugs.
Love your photos and poem dear friend.
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I admire you – I am in a similar situation right now.
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Very sorry about your job situation, Robbie, but it sounds like you made the right decision. Being exploited/used/etc. is not a good thing. Your poem eloquently expressed your frustration.
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Hugs Robbie
Not an easy decision to make, but your poem reflects how the job was making you feel 😥
Wishing you happier days ahead 💖
Take care xo
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