Opportunity

Our theme for our weekly Toastmasters' Meeting this week was Opportunity and I had the opportunity to give the toast, so I wrote a poem on the subject.

Opportunities Taken


Expand my horizons?
Oh no, I’m too scared
I don’t think I’d know what to do.
I’ve grown used to the comfort
Of just coming and listening
And maybe doing timing, or ah counting or quizzing
But take on a role of Toastmaster, no way
I might make mistakes. What would I say?
And table topics is frightening, people might boo
When I introduce a topic or two.

Expand my horizons
Do you really think I could?
The thought just scares me to death.
Well ok, not quite, but almost, but then,
that’s how I felt before I began
my weekly sessions at Toastmasters;
So maybe I can..
Ok, yes I’ll do it, I’ll step out in faith
sign me up.

I did it, I did it and I did ok
I really expanded my horizons today
And it felt so good I’ll do it again,
Why let opportunity just pass me by,
Without even looking to give it a try?
Just give me that schedule
And I’ll put down my name
I’ll start with the story or maybe a toast
It will give me an opportunity to stand up and boast.
Perhaps next week I’ll give my next speech
Or maybe even the word of the week.

My confidence grows with every new step
And I look forward to things that I haven’t done yet
I’m expanding my horizons and I’ll continue to soar
As each week I’ll do something and then one thing more.
Opportunities given, opportunities taken
The growth is amazing, there’s no mistaking
So look around at the things you can do
Who knows what next can happen for you!

Fran Watson
copyright Feb 7, 2011