"You're Ready to Touch the Sky"

For The Student Who’s Graduating

Students, there’s a big scary world out there,

Responsibilities on your shoulders rest, decisions to be made,

And discoveries to claim if you but dare,

Goals to reach or do nothing and let your dreams fade,

There are challenges you’ve already met,

With the support of family and friends,

But there are new goals that haven’t been set,

And your dreams have beginnings but no ends,

You’ll finish what others thought was an impossible task,

You won’t let this difficult world hold you back,

You’ll accomplish much more than the world might ask,

You’ve been honing your skills and none do you lack,

This world has had an awkward past,

Expect challenges and feelings of doubt,

Be prepared the best you can, life comes at you fast,

And the things you’ve planned may not turn out,

Obstacles might be placed in your path,

But don’t let that stop you from your quest,

Other ways exist from A to B, if you’ve done your math,

Education is just one part; life itself is the final test,

It’s a big intriguing world out there,

Take the first step and hold your head high,

Right or wrong, be brave, do everything with flair,

The world is yours if you choose to touch the sky.

Let Your Dreams Soar!

If you’ve been looking back at people you’ve known,

Wishing you’d been kinder, with more respect shown,

They led you up roads where challenges were steep,

Through pages of history where knowledge was deep,

Through languages, art, calculations and more,

They taught you learning is lifelong, and easy to store,

What? You think education was nothing but a one way track?

Then you’ve set limits on yourself, what’s holding you back?

You’ve been wasting your time seeing only with your eyes,

For knowledge is from experiences gained whatever you try,

Seeing well and listening well are taught right from the start,

 But true learning occurs with visions straight from the heart,

You may have broken dreams that you still need to mend,

Let all your cherished hatreds go, and love others to the end,

Try doing the impossible tasks you once set out to explore,

Don’t let anything hold you down, let your dreams soar,

Don’t look for Easy Street to help you go the distance,

The Path of Most Resistance will give you your best chance,

For sacrifices and challenges stir up the will to fight,

With each barrier you take away, dreams are released to flight,

Don’t look behind at each precipice you have crossed,

Keep focused on the goal ahead, don’t let your vision get lost,

And those leaders and teachers, prophets, parents and more,

Paved the way with their sweat and tears and opened the door,

So salute those who have expanded your worlds to explore,

Don’t let anything hold you back, let your dreams soar,

For the world is waiting for you to set a new trend,

You’re unique, talented, and educated, it’s time to begin.

New Year's Resolutions (Part Two)

This year I’ll learn to trust and treat everyone as a friend,

A handshake and a well spoke word will mean truth again,

I won’t live a life gone by, stewing in my own pot,

Wallowing in self pity, at a time and place I’d rather not,

I’ll enjoy all the challenges that life always poses,

But never for a day or a minute, forget to smell the roses,

I’ll plan for the future and dream about what could be,

With my feet planted in the present to keep my sanity,

I’ll dance like nobody is looking, probably that’s best,

I may not win a dance contest, but I’ll show some zest,

Love with my whole heart, halfway will not do,

Holding part of myself back, is not fair to me or you,

I’ll treat everyone with respect, in each and every relation,

For without respect there will not be a solid foundation,

I’ll spotlight my strengths and focus on what I do well,

I want this year to be positive, on faults I will not dwell.