Stoical Geezer
@stoicalgeezer.bsky.social
🇺🇲🇬🇧🏴 Retired CIO, writer, humanist. Stoic by practice, skeptic by temperament. I write about life, democracy’s cracks, aging with clarity, and the small rituals—pens, journaling, quiet mornings—that keep us steady while the world tilts.
Pinned
My goal here is simple:
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
The #blueskyrelay prompt for December 8 is #lag
My dyslexia muddled the signs—
gal, lag, lag, gal—
I kept reading her name as my flaw.
But clarity arrived the Stoic way:
the universe doesn’t care
how I mix the letters.
I waited too long.
She walked.
#Prompt #Freeverse #Poetry #Poem
My dyslexia muddled the signs—
gal, lag, lag, gal—
I kept reading her name as my flaw.
But clarity arrived the Stoic way:
the universe doesn’t care
how I mix the letters.
I waited too long.
She walked.
#Prompt #Freeverse #Poetry #Poem
December 9, 2025 at 3:57 AM
The #blueskyrelay prompt for December 8 is #lag
My dyslexia muddled the signs—
gal, lag, lag, gal—
I kept reading her name as my flaw.
But clarity arrived the Stoic way:
the universe doesn’t care
how I mix the letters.
I waited too long.
She walked.
#Prompt #Freeverse #Poetry #Poem
My dyslexia muddled the signs—
gal, lag, lag, gal—
I kept reading her name as my flaw.
But clarity arrived the Stoic way:
the universe doesn’t care
how I mix the letters.
I waited too long.
She walked.
#Prompt #Freeverse #Poetry #Poem
Master what you can control. Stoicism teaches us to focus on our thoughts, actions, & responses—not the chaos around us. Strength comes from choosing our perspective, letting go of what we can’t change, & finding opportunity in obstacles. What can you release,& what truly deserves your energy today?
December 8, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Master what you can control. Stoicism teaches us to focus on our thoughts, actions, & responses—not the chaos around us. Strength comes from choosing our perspective, letting go of what we can’t change, & finding opportunity in obstacles. What can you release,& what truly deserves your energy today?
#2WordPrompt
#Exact,
that earnest word
we chase through notes and margins—
yet #research reminds us
truth is a shifting creature,
revealing itself
only to the patient.
We measure, question, return again,
learning that precision
is less a destination
than a disciplined way of seeing.
#FreeVerse
#Exact,
that earnest word
we chase through notes and margins—
yet #research reminds us
truth is a shifting creature,
revealing itself
only to the patient.
We measure, question, return again,
learning that precision
is less a destination
than a disciplined way of seeing.
#FreeVerse
December 8, 2025 at 5:56 PM
#2WordPrompt
#Exact,
that earnest word
we chase through notes and margins—
yet #research reminds us
truth is a shifting creature,
revealing itself
only to the patient.
We measure, question, return again,
learning that precision
is less a destination
than a disciplined way of seeing.
#FreeVerse
#Exact,
that earnest word
we chase through notes and margins—
yet #research reminds us
truth is a shifting creature,
revealing itself
only to the patient.
We measure, question, return again,
learning that precision
is less a destination
than a disciplined way of seeing.
#FreeVerse
#Emoetry prompt for 12/8/25: #Admired
Admired, they say—
though it’s hardly heroism
to perfectly brew my morning coffee
and immediately forget where I set it.
Maybe it’s the quirky confidence
of owning my habits—
the lost keys, the extra pens,
the stubborn joy of still being me.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
Admired, they say—
though it’s hardly heroism
to perfectly brew my morning coffee
and immediately forget where I set it.
Maybe it’s the quirky confidence
of owning my habits—
the lost keys, the extra pens,
the stubborn joy of still being me.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
December 8, 2025 at 5:17 PM
#Emoetry prompt for 12/8/25: #Admired
Admired, they say—
though it’s hardly heroism
to perfectly brew my morning coffee
and immediately forget where I set it.
Maybe it’s the quirky confidence
of owning my habits—
the lost keys, the extra pens,
the stubborn joy of still being me.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
Admired, they say—
though it’s hardly heroism
to perfectly brew my morning coffee
and immediately forget where I set it.
Maybe it’s the quirky confidence
of owning my habits—
the lost keys, the extra pens,
the stubborn joy of still being me.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
#OnThisDay 8 Dec 1987: Reagan and Gorbachev sign a landmark treaty eliminating medium-range nuclear missiles — the first pact to reduce, not just limit, arsenals. Thousands of weapons and launchers were dismantled, marking a pivotal step in easing Cold War nuclear tensions.
December 8, 2025 at 4:55 PM
#OnThisDay 8 Dec 1987: Reagan and Gorbachev sign a landmark treaty eliminating medium-range nuclear missiles — the first pact to reduce, not just limit, arsenals. Thousands of weapons and launchers were dismantled, marking a pivotal step in easing Cold War nuclear tensions.
The Pelikan M1000 and the vintage Parker 51 make quite a pair: the M1000 struts in like a heavyweight champ, gleaming and oversized, while the 51 sits beside it, calm and unbothered, the zen master of understatement. Together they prove that nib swagger comes in all sizes.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
December 8, 2025 at 4:36 AM
The Pelikan M1000 and the vintage Parker 51 make quite a pair: the M1000 struts in like a heavyweight champ, gleaming and oversized, while the 51 sits beside it, calm and unbothered, the zen master of understatement. Together they prove that nib swagger comes in all sizes.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
#OnThisDay December 7, 1941, at 7:55 a.m., Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as 360 warplanes descended on Oahu. The strike dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and propelled the United States into World War II.
December 8, 2025 at 4:24 AM
#OnThisDay December 7, 1941, at 7:55 a.m., Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as 360 warplanes descended on Oahu. The strike dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and propelled the United States into World War II.
Hearty beef stew from this Old Geezer’s kitchen—tender chunks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, peas, corn, peppers, and all the comfort a seasoned cook can stir into a pot. Topped with asparagus for a touch of class. Proof that age may slow me down, but it sure hasn’t dulled my appetite.
December 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Hearty beef stew from this Old Geezer’s kitchen—tender chunks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, peas, corn, peppers, and all the comfort a seasoned cook can stir into a pot. Topped with asparagus for a touch of class. Proof that age may slow me down, but it sure hasn’t dulled my appetite.
#Tangled
are the things I cannot control—
the noise, the chaos,
the world insisting on its own way.
#Want
shrinks to what’s mine to shape:
a steady breath,
a clear mind,
a calm step forward
in a world determined to fray.
#2WordPrompt #Prompt #Stoicism
are the things I cannot control—
the noise, the chaos,
the world insisting on its own way.
#Want
shrinks to what’s mine to shape:
a steady breath,
a clear mind,
a calm step forward
in a world determined to fray.
#2WordPrompt #Prompt #Stoicism
December 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#Tangled
are the things I cannot control—
the noise, the chaos,
the world insisting on its own way.
#Want
shrinks to what’s mine to shape:
a steady breath,
a clear mind,
a calm step forward
in a world determined to fray.
#2WordPrompt #Prompt #Stoicism
are the things I cannot control—
the noise, the chaos,
the world insisting on its own way.
#Want
shrinks to what’s mine to shape:
a steady breath,
a clear mind,
a calm step forward
in a world determined to fray.
#2WordPrompt #Prompt #Stoicism
Brimstone, our magnificent shadow-on-paws, moves with the quiet confidence of a creature who knows the universe revolves around him. Sleek, watchful, and wholly in command, he is equal parts mystery and mischief—a regal feline presence who graces our days with charm and imperious affection.
December 7, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Brimstone, our magnificent shadow-on-paws, moves with the quiet confidence of a creature who knows the universe revolves around him. Sleek, watchful, and wholly in command, he is equal parts mystery and mischief—a regal feline presence who graces our days with charm and imperious affection.
A Federal minimum wage coupled with a UBI raises all manner of serious complexities. Probably easier to argue for a higher minimum wage OR a UBI. I think politically tough (impossible?) to do both.
I'd shoot for:
- M4A
- Universal childcare
- Increased tax on mega-wealthy
- Eliminate tariffs
I'd shoot for:
- M4A
- Universal childcare
- Increased tax on mega-wealthy
- Eliminate tariffs
-Bust up monopolies
-Boost unions
-$20/hr fed minimum wage
-Ban Wall Street from buying homes
-Pass M4A
-Universal childcare
-Get rid of Trump’s tariffs
-Enact UBI
-Tax the rich
These are crucial steps to making America affordable again. Every Democrat must fight for this.
-Boost unions
-$20/hr fed minimum wage
-Ban Wall Street from buying homes
-Pass M4A
-Universal childcare
-Get rid of Trump’s tariffs
-Enact UBI
-Tax the rich
These are crucial steps to making America affordable again. Every Democrat must fight for this.
December 7, 2025 at 3:00 AM
A Federal minimum wage coupled with a UBI raises all manner of serious complexities. Probably easier to argue for a higher minimum wage OR a UBI. I think politically tough (impossible?) to do both.
I'd shoot for:
- M4A
- Universal childcare
- Increased tax on mega-wealthy
- Eliminate tariffs
I'd shoot for:
- M4A
- Universal childcare
- Increased tax on mega-wealthy
- Eliminate tariffs
Perfect: like a quiet reckoning, stripping love of its comforting myths. The line breaks feel like someone exhaling truths they'd rather not voice. It isn’t cynical, just sober—the last two lines landing beautifully, exposing the paradox—how fiercely we cling to the very myth we’ve just dismantled.
The lies we tell
about love-
that it’ll
find you,
that true love
exists,
that love
can be unconditional,
that parents
love their children,
that love,
and only love
Will set us free
# Mpprompt @malformed-poetry.bsky.social #poetry
about love-
that it’ll
find you,
that true love
exists,
that love
can be unconditional,
that parents
love their children,
that love,
and only love
Will set us free
# Mpprompt @malformed-poetry.bsky.social #poetry
December 7, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Perfect: like a quiet reckoning, stripping love of its comforting myths. The line breaks feel like someone exhaling truths they'd rather not voice. It isn’t cynical, just sober—the last two lines landing beautifully, exposing the paradox—how fiercely we cling to the very myth we’ve just dismantled.
#Emoetry prompt for 12/6: #Vigorous
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
December 6, 2025 at 10:35 PM
#Emoetry prompt for 12/6: #Vigorous
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
OnThisDay Dec 6, 1865: The 13th Amendment is ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S. Its declaration—ending slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime—marked the Civil War’s most profound constitutional change.
December 6, 2025 at 7:59 PM
OnThisDay Dec 6, 1865: The 13th Amendment is ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S. Its declaration—ending slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime—marked the Civil War’s most profound constitutional change.
#OnThisDay December 6, 1921 The Irish Free State was declared, ending a five-year struggle for independence. Though it initially remained in the British Commonwealth under the king, it later cut ties and became Éire—today the Republic of Ireland.
December 6, 2025 at 7:58 PM
#OnThisDay December 6, 1921 The Irish Free State was declared, ending a five-year struggle for independence. Though it initially remained in the British Commonwealth under the king, it later cut ties and became Éire—today the Republic of Ireland.
My goal here is simple:
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
December 6, 2025 at 7:13 PM
My goal here is simple:
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
Observe clearly—seeking clarity, not certainty.
Write honestly—Stoic reflections, free verse, curmudgeonly humor, & the small rituals that keep us grounded: pens, ink, journaling.
Endure with humor.
Enjoy good company and their perspectives.
#Stoicism #Poetry #FountainPens
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle
Aristotle reminds us that discipline and consistency shape who we become. Small choices, repeated over time, build mastery. What habit today brings you closer to the person you want to be?
Aristotle reminds us that discipline and consistency shape who we become. Small choices, repeated over time, build mastery. What habit today brings you closer to the person you want to be?
December 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle
Aristotle reminds us that discipline and consistency shape who we become. Small choices, repeated over time, build mastery. What habit today brings you closer to the person you want to be?
Aristotle reminds us that discipline and consistency shape who we become. Small choices, repeated over time, build mastery. What habit today brings you closer to the person you want to be?
“Love the life you have while you create the life of your dreams. Don’t think you have to choose one over the other.” — Hal Elrod
We don’t have to choose between today’s joys & tomorrow’s ambitions. Appreciate the present, pursue the future, and let both shape a life that feels whole.
We don’t have to choose between today’s joys & tomorrow’s ambitions. Appreciate the present, pursue the future, and let both shape a life that feels whole.
December 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
“Love the life you have while you create the life of your dreams. Don’t think you have to choose one over the other.” — Hal Elrod
We don’t have to choose between today’s joys & tomorrow’s ambitions. Appreciate the present, pursue the future, and let both shape a life that feels whole.
We don’t have to choose between today’s joys & tomorrow’s ambitions. Appreciate the present, pursue the future, and let both shape a life that feels whole.
Baklava
Golden layers,
fragile as any promise,
holding together only because
syrup insists they must.
I take a bite
and remember—
the world may be cracked and bitter,
but now and then
it tastes like this.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
Golden layers,
fragile as any promise,
holding together only because
syrup insists they must.
I take a bite
and remember—
the world may be cracked and bitter,
but now and then
it tastes like this.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
December 5, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Baklava
Golden layers,
fragile as any promise,
holding together only because
syrup insists they must.
I take a bite
and remember—
the world may be cracked and bitter,
but now and then
it tastes like this.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
Golden layers,
fragile as any promise,
holding together only because
syrup insists they must.
I take a bite
and remember—
the world may be cracked and bitter,
but now and then
it tastes like this.
#FreeVerse #Poetry
#Emoetry prompt for 12/5/2025: #Unbearable
This world’s so insane, so unstable,
its nonsense is frankly unbearable.
So we pour a cup of tea,
face the chaos with glee,
and endure — because quitting’s unthinkable.
#Limerick #Poetry
This world’s so insane, so unstable,
its nonsense is frankly unbearable.
So we pour a cup of tea,
face the chaos with glee,
and endure — because quitting’s unthinkable.
#Limerick #Poetry
December 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
#Emoetry prompt for 12/5/2025: #Unbearable
This world’s so insane, so unstable,
its nonsense is frankly unbearable.
So we pour a cup of tea,
face the chaos with glee,
and endure — because quitting’s unthinkable.
#Limerick #Poetry
This world’s so insane, so unstable,
its nonsense is frankly unbearable.
So we pour a cup of tea,
face the chaos with glee,
and endure — because quitting’s unthinkable.
#Limerick #Poetry
“What gets measured gets managed.” — Peter Drucker
Drucker reminds us that what we track, we can guide. The Stoics add this: choose metrics that reflect virtue, not vanity. Count what strengthens discipline, clarity, and character. If you’re measuring wisely, you’re already managing your life well.
Drucker reminds us that what we track, we can guide. The Stoics add this: choose metrics that reflect virtue, not vanity. Count what strengthens discipline, clarity, and character. If you’re measuring wisely, you’re already managing your life well.
December 5, 2025 at 6:21 PM
“What gets measured gets managed.” — Peter Drucker
Drucker reminds us that what we track, we can guide. The Stoics add this: choose metrics that reflect virtue, not vanity. Count what strengthens discipline, clarity, and character. If you’re measuring wisely, you’re already managing your life well.
Drucker reminds us that what we track, we can guide. The Stoics add this: choose metrics that reflect virtue, not vanity. Count what strengthens discipline, clarity, and character. If you’re measuring wisely, you’re already managing your life well.
Decades have taught me this: most chaos isn’t worth raising my blood pressure over. I’ve traded anxiety for acceptance and urgency for a slow cup of coffee. If I can’t control it, I won’t worry about it. Aging turns out to be the ultimate life hack—realizing most of it never really mattered.
☕️🤷♂️
☕️🤷♂️
December 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Decades have taught me this: most chaos isn’t worth raising my blood pressure over. I’ve traded anxiety for acceptance and urgency for a slow cup of coffee. If I can’t control it, I won’t worry about it. Aging turns out to be the ultimate life hack—realizing most of it never really mattered.
☕️🤷♂️
☕️🤷♂️
Tonight’s Super Moon glows like a gold lantern over the mountains, bright against the deepening blue. It hangs steady above the tangle of red lights and traffic, serene and unhurried—a small, perfect reminder that even in the evening rush, the world can still offer wonder.
December 5, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Tonight’s Super Moon glows like a gold lantern over the mountains, bright against the deepening blue. It hangs steady above the tangle of red lights and traffic, serene and unhurried—a small, perfect reminder that even in the evening rush, the world can still offer wonder.