Anniversary Vow By: Jim Gandolf

Anniversary Vow

Poem

By: Jim Gandolf

©️10302025

Another year, the calendar turns its page,

And still, my love, you hold the central stage.

We look back now upon the years we've built,

A life of joy that time has richly gilt.

From hopeful youth to paths we had to pave,

The strength you showed in every fight you gave.

You are the anchor, steady in the squall,

The lovely wife who truly gives her all.

The finest treasures that these years impart,

Are the sweet faces that now fill our heart.

Our children's laughter, ringing clear and bright,

A testament to our enduring light.

You are my partner, my confessor, and my friend, plus my coffee partner,

A story of devotion that will never end.

My beautiful, my hot wife, my Renee,

You still take my breath away, day after day.

So raise a glass to all that we have known,

To seeds of love that we have bravely sown.

For every year that destiny has blessed,

It's in your arms that I am truly at rest.

Happy Anniversary, my forever flame, Renee

My heart is yours, I whisper your sweet name.

Jim Gandolf

The Weight of Company By: Jim Gandolf

The Weight of Company

Poem

By Jim Gandolf 

©️10222025

The circle we draw, the hands that we hold,

Are meant to be shelter, a story untold

Of battles we fight and the victories won,

A safe, sunny harbor when the daylight is done.

The friends that we choose are a mirror we seek,

A strength to hold onto when our own is too meek.

They should be the air that expands in your chest,

Not anchors of worry that steal all your rest.

For a friend is a lift, a hand in the climb,

A light in the darkness, a blessing of time.

They should fan your small spark till it burns bright and free,

And not drain the lantern that shines only for thee.

If the talk is all taking, the silence all strain,

If you walk from their presence feeling nothing but pain—

Then the "company" held is a weight, not a wing,

A discordant, dull note where your spirit should sing.

So, loosen the grip on the ties that bind tight,

If they steal all your energy, smother your light.

Your worth isn't measured by burdens you bear;

The company you keep should be joy, not despair.

Jim Gandolf

The Favorite’s Fall By Jim Gandolf

The Favorite’s Fall

A Poem 

By Jim Gandolf

©️10212025

The air was sweet, the light was clear,

When I said "yes" to quell a fear.

I was the one who always bent,

The willing tool, the time well spent.

A comfort held, a safety net,

The thing they reached for, no regret.

My value bloomed in what I gave,

A tireless worker, willing slave.

And so, I wore the cherished crown,

The "favorite" in their little town.

But that bright crown felt cold and tight,

It cost my peace, it stole my light.

I watched my own reserves grow thin,

As every plea was let right in.

Until the day I felt the break,

The silent vow that I would make:

To hold my ground, to be complete,

To trade the bittersweet for sweet.

The very moment that I drew

A line of "no," a clear-cut view,

The sweet air soured, the light grew dim,

The mirror cracked upon the rim.

The smile that always held its place

Was gone, replaced by cold grimace.

The calls grew few, the texts went cold,

A story that began to fold.

For when the giving hand is closed,

The willing heart that’s now composed,

Is seen as hindrance, not as friend,

A useful journey at an end.

The "favorite" title, once so grand,

Was passed to someone close at hand.

And though the sting of that neglect

Can make a fractured soul reflect,

There’s strength in this new, quiet space,

A truer light upon my face.

I lost the praise, but gained the whole,

The sovereign right to own my soul.

I am not their favorite, that is true,

But finally, I am mine to use.

Thank you for reading 

Jim Gandolf

Unforeseen Delay By:Jim Gandolf

Unforeseen Delay

By Jim Gandolf 

Poem

©️10172025

Unforeseen Delay 

The Pause Before the Dawn

The engine idled, humming a low tune,

The bags were packed beneath the silver moon.

A map of hope spread out upon the floor,

The movement ready to unlock the door.

A whispered promise of a better day,

To shed the burden and to find the way.

A shared desire, a collective breath,

To triumph over slow and bitter death

Of old stagnation. Freedom's road was near—

Then came the news that drowned the rousing cheer.

A sudden slip, a shift in solid ground,

A silent mandate where no voice was found.

The forward motion, swift and sure and bright,

Was halted, cast into a holding light.

The date rescheduled, the momentum bent,

The perfect vision suddenly was rent.

And now the hearts, so brave and keenly strung,

Break with the weight of waiting, yet unsung.

But listen close to what the silence keeps:

A field lies fallow only when it sleeps.

This unforeseen delay is not defeat,

It is the forging of the spirit's heat.

A deeper root sinks down beneath the dust,

A lesson learned in patience and in trust.

The hurried river, briefly held in check,

Gathers its force to flow without a wreck.

So let the pain of this sharp setback pass,

It fuels the fire beneath the broken glass.

For every pause allows the soul to mend,

To plan the route that will not quickly end.

Hold fast the vision for the greater good,

Missteps are simply well-misunderstood

Refinements to the glorious design.

The time will come; the stars will realign.

When that gate opens, it will not just start—

It will be stronger, moving, heart by heart.

Thank you for reading, 

Jim Gandolf

Gentlemen Rules for Dating By: Jim Gandolf

I am helping my son, to whom I have raised to be a Gentleman in today’s world! 

Jim Gandolf

(Author & Poet)

WMA Banking & Finance 

Bonded & Assured 

KOJC

G.U.T.

JGM

Being a gentleman in dating is about showing genuine respect, consideration, and integrity. While some traditional gestures remain, the focus in modern dating is on being a thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and reliable partner.

Here are the key rules for dating as a gentleman, categorized for clarity:

1. Planning and Preparation

 * Take the Initiative and Plan Ahead: Don't "wing it" for a first date. Suggest a specific time, date, and activity (e.g., "Would you like to go for coffee at The Corner Cafe this Saturday at 2 PM?"). Make reservations if necessary. This shows you value their time and are serious about the date.

 * Be Punctual: Arrive on time, or a few minutes early. If you are unavoidably delayed, call or text immediately to let your date know and sincerely apologize.

 * Present Yourself Well: Dress appropriately for the venue, ensure you are well-groomed, and your clothes are clean and ironed. Making an effort shows respect for your date.

2. Courtesy and Chivalry

 * Offer to Pay: A gentleman traditionally pays for the first date. If your date offers to split the bill, you can politely say, "My treat this time, but you can get the next one," which also sets the stage for a second date. Always pay graciously.

 * Be a Guardian of Comfort and Safety:

   * Doors: Open doors for your date (car, restaurant, building).

   * Seating: Pull out her chair for her to sit down.

   * Walking: When walking on the sidewalk, walk on the side closer to the street.

   * Pickup: If you are picking her up, walk to the door to greet her—do not just honk or text from the car.

   * End of Date: Ensure she gets home safely, whether by walking her to her door, waiting until her ride-share arrives, or driving her yourself.

 * Treat Service Staff Well: Be unfailingly kind, polite, and respectful to waiters, bartenders, and all service staff. How a person treats those they don't need to impress is a true measure of their character.

3. Conversation and Attention

 * Give Her Your Full Attention: Put your phone away—on silent, and out of sight. The only exception is an absolute emergency. 

Constantly checking your phone signals that you are bored or that something else is more important than your date.

 * Be an Active Listener: Ask open-ended questions and genuinely listen to the answers. Show sincere interest in her life, hobbies, and perspectives. Conversation should be a two-way street; avoid monopolizing the talk by speaking only about yourself.

 * Be Positive and Respectful:

   * Compliments: Offer sincere compliments, focusing on her appearance and her character or intelligence.

   * Avoid Negativity: Do not speak ill of ex-partners, friends, family, or co-workers.

   * Sensitive Topics: For early dates, it's often wise to steer clear of heavy topics like politics, religion, or your entire relationship history, unless your date initiates them.

 * Maintain Eye Contact: Confident, steady eye contact shows you are engaged and present.

4. Integrity and Respect

 * Be Yourself (Authentically): Be honest about who you are and what you are looking for. Pretending to be someone you're not is a disservice to both of you.

 * Respect Her Boundaries: Pay attention to her comfort level (verbal and non-verbal cues) and never pressure her for anything. A gentleman understands that time with her is the goal, not a means to an objective.

 * Follow Up: After the date, send a brief message to thank her for the evening and express that you had a good time. If you want a second date, ask for one in a timely manner (usually the next day).

 * Be Gracious in All Outcomes: If you decide not to pursue a second date, let her know politely and respectfully. If she is not interested in seeing you again, accept her decision gracefully without dwelling on it or playing games.

Jim Gandolf 

©️10132025

The Warden’s Inquiry By Jim Gandolf

The Warden’s Inquiry

A Poem 

By Jim Gandolf

©️10072025

"Who have you ever loved?" the Warden sneers,

A whisper laced with manufactured fears.

Not truly seeking truth or tender past,

But measuring the bonds that break the fast.

For the joy of the Controller is the string,

Not woven softly, but meant to sting.

I do not love the person, bright and whole,

I love the power to command the soul.

I stock your pages, map your whispered trust,

I turn your loyal friends to bitter dust.

I know the gentle heart you gave away,

And that’s the rumor I will spread today.

My love is in the pattern I design,

The elegant destruction that is mine.

To see your scaffolded life begin to lean,

A domino collapse, a perfect scene.

The answer to that question, sharp and clear,

Is what I use to carve out your despair.

The affection you once felt, the simple grace,

Becomes the weapon pointed at your face.

For I have ever loved the feeling when

I press the lever, and I win.

The love I claim is cold, decisive, vast—

The thrilling control that will forever last.

Jim Gandolf