Rites of Passage

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.

Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, and I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane.

I had been called to examine a ten-year-old blue heeler, named Belker, who had developed a serious health problem. The dog's owners — Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane — were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four- year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me — I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody and being nice, right?"

The four-year-old continued ... "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

By Robin Downing, D.V.M.,

THE DASH

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend;
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears;
But he said what mattered most of all was the "dash" between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth;
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own the cars, the house, the cash;
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left (you could be at "dash midrange.")

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way the other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say —
about how you spent your dash?

~By Linda Ellis~

There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

A Poem by Portia Nelson:
Autobiography in Five Chapters

1) I walk down the street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I fall in.
.... I am lost — I am helpless.
.... It isn't my fault.
.... It takes forever to find a way out.

2) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
.... I pretend I don't see it.
.... I fall in again.
.... I can't believe I'm in the same place.
.... But it isn't my fault.
.... It still takes a long time to get out.

3) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I see it is there.
.... I still fall in — it's a habit
.... My eyes are open
.... I know where I am
.... It is MY fault.
.... I get out immediately.

4) I walk down the same street.
....There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
.... I walk around it.

5) I walk down a DIFFERENT street.

Portia Nelson (1920 - 2001) was a renaissance woman: author, singer, composer, lyricist, painter, photographer, and actress. Over the years she wrote the music and lyrics for many revues, television specials, and films. Portia authored the much-loved book There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery, originally published in the 1970's. There's a Hole in My Sidewalk was made into a musical based on the book, and Portia directed, created the music and lyrics, and performed in the production at the York Theatre in Manhattan. This amazing poem has been praised by psychotherapists, metaphysicians, and legions of fans from every walk of life. It is used in numerous 12-step substance-abuse programs, and has been quoted in such diverse books as The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and the preface of My Lives, Roseanne's best-selling autobiography. It also appears on a poster in Dr. Maguire's office (Robin Williams) in the film Good Will Hunting (1997). John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, says: "There's a Hole in My Sidewalk explains in a simple and concise way, how life works. It is full of practical wisdom that will allow you to embrace and change your life."

"Are you doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?"

The Flow of Life

If we think and say "I am no good, nobody loves me,"
that is what comes back to us in experience.
Whatever deep intentions we have in our subconscious mind,
we will receive exactly what we are thinking and speaking.
Now imagine saying what we truly want with creative
loving intentions and creative loving words.

The more we repeat consciously a positive thought to our
subconscious mind through affirmations, the more we mean
business. We begin to water down resistance from our past,
as we begin to believe what we are saying. For example ...

“I love and approve of myself exactly as I am.”
“I am a vessel for divine ideas.”
“I am divinely protected and guided.”
"I am at one with the Flow of Life."

How to do it?
Sit quietly, go inside,
slow your thoughts down and say ...

“I am open for divine ideas to flow through me”

and ask ...

“What is it I need to learn?”
“What is it that I could do?”
”What do I have to give?”

Then reflect upon
what comes up for you.

@Roger King

Be Thankful

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find,
in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
~Henry Ward Beecher

Be thankful that you don't already have
everything you desire — if you did,
what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something...
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times...
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations...
They give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge...
Which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes...
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary...
Because it means you've given your all.

It's easy to be thankful for the 'good' things...
Yet, a life of rich fulfillment comes to those
Who are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive...
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
And they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown

No String Attached

"Unqualified love means there are no prerequisites,
no contingencies, no requirements for your love.
It is a gift given with no strings attached."
~Ellen Kreidman, Ph.D.

I've nothing else to offer,
So, to you, it's love I'll send,
It's nothing that I borrowed,
And it's nothing that I'd lend.

It has no dollar value,
And it can't be overused;
It isn't fragile, so it can't break,
Though, often it's abused.

I've given it to others,
But each time it's unique,
Its meaning's always different;
It depends on what you seek.

It's something you can store away
To feel when you're in need,
But never is it on display;
Its beauty can't be seen.

I'm giving it "no strings attached,"
No costly warranty;
This love that I am sending
Has a lifetime guarantee.

~Author Unknown

Rainbow's End Memorial

"It is at the hour of death that the good angel shows the greatest zeal in protecting and defending the soul committed to his care." ~Pascal Parente .

Honoring the Loss of A Loved One ...
(In memory of our dearest Mother on her 30th Death Anniversary, 16 May 1981)

Throughout history, the rainbow has served as a symbol — whether of blessings, peace, worldly transition or Divine promise, the rainbow has always been a sign of hope, a colorful arc of beauty that connects Earth to Heaven. Walking the Rainbow Bridge is also a mythic metaphor for the evolution of human consciousness to connect with Divinity, bringing Heaven down to Earth, where it is so desperately needed at this time.

We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days that we don't think of you are very hard to find.

Each morning when we awake, we know that you are gone,
And nobody knows the heartache as we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose someone like you no one will ever know.

Our thoughts are clearly with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly — in death we love you still.

There will always be a heartache and sometimes we'll shed a tear,
For there remain precious memories of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase and heartaches make a lane,
We'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you home again.

So we'll let our angels guide us — right to the Rainbow's End —
They'll walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

~Author Unknown (Adaptation)

DAYDREAMS

If thoughts could paint pictures that words dare not speak,
And daydreams built castles of that which we seek,

Then artists and architects all would we be,
Our hearts would be open, our minds would be free.

I'd build a castle as daydreams unfold,
Revealing the feelings I secretly hold.

I'd paint a picture of words left unsaid,
And feelings of closeness to which they have led.

But pictures are thoughts that so rarely are told,
For fear of appearing too forward and bold.

And castles are built in the daydreamer's heart,
A lifetime of wishes still lifetimes apart.

And yet we are richer for all that we feel,
No matter how abstract, no matter how real.

For joy is a picture we paint in our minds,
And love is the castle our hearts hope to find.

~Author Unknown~

Light Up Someone's Life Today

Let not a day go bye without being nice to someone,
Smile at a stranger and watch their face light up,
You never know just how lonely they might be
Or how good or bad their day might have been.
Pay an unexpected compliment to a friend
And thank them for being there.
Write a note of appreciation to your spouse or child
And watch them light up inside.
Hand a flower to an elderly person and see
The smile it will bring upon their face.
You never quite know just how long it will be
Before they go to their resting place.
Call your parents, tell them how much you care, and share your life with them.
Tell them you love them and you miss them so.
Just wait and see what it does to them, they'll be happy to know.
Reach out your arms and hug someone in need,
It may not mend all their sorrows but it might help for tomorrow.

So with each passing day,
Light up someone's life.
For these little gestures can help with some daily strife’s,
There may be a time, when you are down and out and just to see a smile
Or some reassurance on your way through life, would surely help with daily strife’s,
So put a little light in YOUR life, and light up someone's life today.

Copyright © Sherri Emily Avery

Source: Positive Thoughts

Be

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your help.

Be frugal with what you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.

Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change.
Above all, be yourself.

~Author Unknown

Source: Positive Thoughts

PURPLE CLOVER

There is a flower that bees prefer,
And butterflies desire;
To gain the purple democrat
The humming-birds aspire.

And whatsoever insect pass,
A honey bears away
Proportioned to his several dearth
And her capacity.

Her face is rounder than the moon,
And ruddier than the gown
Of orchids in the pasture,
Or rhododendron worn.

She doth not wait for June;
Before the world is green
Her sturdy little countenance
Against the wind is seen,

Contending with the grass,
Near kinsman to herself,
For privilege of sod and sun,
Sweet litigants for life.

And when the hills are full,
And newer fashions blow,
Doth not retract a single spice
For pang of jealousy.

Her public is the noon,
Her providence the sun,
Her progress by the bee proclaimed
In sovereign, swerveless tune.

The bravest of the host,
Surrendering the last,
Nor even of defeat aware
When cancelled by the frost.

~Emily Dickinson

Life's Mirror

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true,
Then give the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need,
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind;
And honor will honor meet;
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.

Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn,
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thoughts outborne,
Though the sowing seemed but vain.

For life is the mirror of king and slave,
'Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

~Madeline Bridges

Learn Who You Are and Be Yourself

Two gents of ancient vintage came
To the park each week to chat.
In the cooling shade of an ageless tree,
On a rickety bench they sat.

They spoke of events going on in the world,
Of their children, grandchildren and wives.
They spoke of various concerns they had,
Influences shaping their lives.

One said that he yearned to interact,
To participate in a group,
But with some groups he felt that he
Had dropped out of the loop.

"Why fret about that," the other replied.
"You should not be concerned.
"Loops change as people within them change.
"By now you should have learned."

"Just try to accept the hand you are dealt.
"Do not put yourself to the test.
"Enjoy the people, work hard at your role ...
"The role you find fits you the best."

"While you are involved, be part of the group,
"Avoid being left on the shelf.
"But learn who you are, and never try
"To be anyone but yourself."

© Shelby Forrest

YOU'RE OKAY

(You’re Just Not Fully Hatched!)

It’s not easy…
to be someone
who so easily falls.
Because, when you fall
you have to pick yourself up…
that is, if you want to get anywhere.
Someone who falls frequently…
has stronger muscles in different places
than someone who doesn’t fall very often:
Why?
Well, to get up
you use your arms,
your hands, your legs,
your stomach and buttocks
your back muscles, (and brain).
So, in some ways, you are stronger
than those who don’t fall as often!
And, after you have pulled yourself up
you must look up - with head held high
In order to see where you are going…
Yea! And, once you pull yourself up
you have to catch your breath,
and gain your composure —
take one uncertain step
And, after that —
take another…
You see —
If you are going to get anywhere
close to where you’re are aiming for
all those strong muscles will come in to play —
And, eventually, you’ll see — the result will be…
unusual balance, unusual poise —
And hey, your hard-won victory???
It will be clothed,
in well-deserved dignity!

~ By N.O. Tate (Reprinted with Permission) ~

EARLY SPRING

"That is one good thing about this world there are always sure to be more springs." ~Lucy Maud Montgomery .

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure;
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

~William Wordsworth

Eulogy Fit for a Dog

The “Eulogy” to Old Drum

“Gentlemen of the Jury, the best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith.

The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

Gentleman of the Jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and the sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert he remains.

When riches take wings and reputation fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”

Senator George Graham Vest (1830-1904): US Senator from Missouri,
Confederate States Congressman, Confederate Veteran, attorney, famed
orator, conservationist and champion for the rights of Native Americans.

Source: Inspiration Line (http://www.visitwarrensburg.org)

Just Enjoy Life

We all get caught up in our hopes, dreams, and sorrows.
We race around and plan for tomorrow.
But in a single day, there's only so much we can do,
and for our happiness, we should also be true.

Sometimes we need to sit back, relax, and unwind,
let the stress go-- free our minds.
We need to abandon our cares and
forget the grind, pressure, and strife
and do something we love and just enjoy life.

~Anon~

GOOD MORNING !!!

An Untiring Love

This is a true story that happened in Japan.

In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan tore open the wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside was hammered into one of its feet. He saw this, felt pity, and at the same time he was curious. When he checked the nail, he remembered it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built.

What had happened?

The lizard had survived in such a position for 10 years! In a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and mind boggling. Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed!

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it had been doing, and what and how it has been eating. Later, not knowing from where it came, appeared another lizard, with food in its mouth.

Ahh! He was stunned and at the same time, touched deeply. Another lizard had been feeding the stuck one for the past 10 years.

Tears welled up in the man's eyes. He set the nailed lizard free.

Such love, such a beautiful love! Such love happened with this tiny creature...

What can love do?
It can do wonders!
Love can do miracles!

Just think about it; one lizard had been feeding the other one untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its partner.

If a small creature like a lizard can love like this just imagine how we can love if we try.

~Anon~

The Four Candles

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly...

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Do you let Hope burn brightly? Hope is like "happiness insurance." As long as you have hope, happiness is just around the corner.

~Anon~

Our Love is Like a Flower

It's simply wonderful to think of,
The careful tending of a rose,
Which is like the way our love works,
How every day it grows.

It's something very special,
For my eyes to behold,
To watch the fragile petals
As they gracefully unfold.

Like a beautiful flower
Reaching up to kiss the sun,
I feel so very close to you,
Because I know that you're The One.

Even when the rain does fall,
It's a comfort still to know
That eventually the skies will clear
And it will only help us grow!

You're an amazing person,
Because of everything you do,
And I just want you to know
How much I truly do love You!

~Author Unknown
from BlessTheDay.com

The Train of Life

"If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to lead a life which they have imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." ~Henry David Thoreau

Some folks ride the train of life looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by and marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was and hang their head and cry.

But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds and not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine, as securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front, to see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change, blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds, as I move from place to place.

I want to see what's coming up, not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy, while you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find, your life has jumped the track.

It's all right to remember, that's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening, there's so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward to another year and ten.

It's searching all the byways, never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life, you gotta drive the train.

~By Marv Hardin
(Contributed by Ron who lives in Bend, Oregon)

Make This The Best Year Ever

I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy
spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share
this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers
there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before,
I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else ... perfection does not
exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy.
I will admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my
favorite music, pet a kitten or puppy, and soak in a bubble bath.
Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

I will learn something new; I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

I will live life this year in a way that
I can look back on it fondly and without regrets and
I WILL MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR EVER!

~Author Unknown

Light Your Candle

Light the candle in your soul,
Carry it into the dark.
If you find a flame that's lost its glow
Light it with a spark.

The flame only grows brighter
When it gives another light,
And a billion burning candles
Can drive away the night.

Believe in yourself to the depth of your being,
Nourish the talents your spirit is freeing.
Know in your heart when the going gets slow,
That your faith in yourself will continue to grow.
Don't forfeit ambition when others may doubt,
It's your life to live, you must live it throughout.
Learn from your errors, don't dwell in the past,
Never withdraw from a world that is vast.
Believe in yourself, find the best that is you,
Let your spirit prevail, "Steer a course that is true."

Hold up your candle for all to see,
Reach from shore to shore,
And light the world with kindness
Now and forever more!

~Anon~

Ripples

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

~ By James W. Foley (1874-1939) Poet-laureate of North Dakota 1930-1939

GO GENTLY WITH THE FLOW

If the sky above seems cloudy, and you are left out in the rain,
If you are searching for a rainbow, but the colors bring you pain,

If your world is not revolving, and there is no end in sight,
If you are looking for the sunshine, but all you see is night,

If all around are smiling, but all you can do is frown,
If you are tired of all this living, when life just brings you down,

Then look beyond your teardrops, at the wonders of this land,
The beauty of a flower, like velvet in your hand.

Feel the air around you, the smell of new mown hay,
Laughing children in the park, the innocence there at play,

Imagine floating with a butterfly, as she flutters between the trees,
Or the whispers of the ocean, on warm hot summer's breeze,

Think of the taste of candy floss, as it melts upon your tongue,
Or the melody of morning birds, as they greet each day with song,

Remember words of beauty, told in your mother's embrace,
Feel the gentleness of her touch, as she softly kissed your face,

Seek the good within you, cast the clouds from your sky,
Don't look toward the pavement, but hold your head up high,

Think not what life owes you, but of all you have to give,
Forget about tomorrow, then you can start to live.

So bless this age you are living in, with the gifts you can bestow,
Don't disregard the stream of life,
Go gently with the flow.

~ © Shawnee Kellie