I'll Love My Neighbor

I’ll Love My Neighbor, My Community, and My World

When I was a child I felt secure in my mother’s arms,

I didn’t worry whether she would keep me from harm,

My world was limited because my vision was small,

But my understanding of relationships grew tall,

My nights were filled with moonlight and dreams,

Dreams of people who were part of a living stream,

Thus I began my quest to learn who they were,

And find where I would fit within this endless blur,

The search to belong became my secret song,

I wanted real relationships with the bonds strong,

Real questions that had meaning I wanted to ask,

To know my neighbors, was that too big of a task?

I wanted to exchange truth, not cause anyone strife,

Not to tell me they’re okay, then take their own life,

I wanted a community that found common ground,

Where people of all kinds were happy to be found,

My house would be open to all who passed through,

Not just for old friends, but even the new,

Failures of yesterday would become foundations for today,

Each mistake used to motivate to find a better way,

Relationships building up each other, with mercy and respect,

The rewards would keep returning, more than I expect,

I love my neighbors, my community, and my world too,

I would like to start somewhere, so what can I do?

No one was meant to be alone, whatever may befall,

You’re invited to my house, whether you’re different or not at all,

I’ll do what I can to share my life and maybe so will you,

We’ll build bridges across our differences and see what will ensue,

For all the world to see, our friendship would be on display,

If it’s all the same to you, there’s no reason to delay,

I’ll care for my neighbor like myself, compassionate and loving too,

I’ll seek good whenever I can, and that’s all I’ll ask of you.

Your Words are Treasures!

It’s time to clear your mind of clutter,

Of harmful words that you might utter,

Clear the slate of words that sting,

Think of terms that love might bring,

When the air is filled with words of praise,

They warm the nights and soften the days,

Those words build relationships deep,

Forging bonds that your heart will keep,

A base composed of appreciation and trust,

With treasures that won’t break or rust,

Positive words will increase self-worth,

There is a shortage of those on earth,

Those sweet words that build self-esteem,

Are given to you when angels dream,

Your body language and tone of voice,

Can strike fear or give cause to rejoice,

Show mercy to others as given to you,

What goes around, comes around, you know that too,

Let terms of endearment sweeten your tongue,

Let your kindness be legendary, your praises sung,

If respect is given to both young and old,

Your hair might turn silver, but your heart will stay gold,

Encourage others to search for a star,

Give them a boost if they can’t reach that far,

And let them know your heart, tell them you care,

You’ll love them forever, and always be there.

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.

My Son, Listen to My Words of Wisdom

My son, there are a few things you ought to know,

First off, don’t eat the yellow snow,

When a girl tells you she likes you as a friend,

She means, adios, goodbye, the end,

The tongue has the power of life and death,

Say something nice, or save your breath,

When you think you know something, speak out,

Listen and look wise, when in doubt,

Son, life has no easy answers on how to be smart,

Being always observant is quite an art,

If you look at the friends who surround you,

Your own character comes into view,

When people are angry, listen to what they say,

For what they believe is true will come your way,

Now for the things that can make you better,

Hold these truths close right to the letter,

If you hold anger inside and don’t turn it loose,

It won’t be long before you stew in your own juice,

In colloquial terms, you have to dig,

If you stir a stink, it only gets big,

If you’re knee high in clover you’re doing well,

You’ve hit pay dirt as time will tell,

If you’ve got it made in the shade,

You have no worries, your fortune is made,

The best things in life are not gold or shiny rings,

Love, respect, and honor, are what happiness brings,

Be a person of action, be a person of thought,

Keep out of trouble and do what you ought,

You are wise when you know others and what they say or do,

You are wiser yet, when you really understand you,

My son, I’ll tell you a secret, don’t ever get old,

It’s only for the tough, the simple, and those who are bold,

Now for the real things you asked me about,

The differences between sexes that you have doubts,

If you think you understand women you’re in danger,

The simple truth? Men are strange, women are stranger,

Know that women think differently than a man,

You’ll always be wrong if you don’t understand,

If you ever think you’re perfect, it’s time for a wife,

She’ll love you and correct you the rest of your life,

Men want women to stay the same always,

Women want men to be different every day,

Women can’t keep secrets, you should know that,

If you have a secret to keep, keep it under your hat,

Love builds bridges across unchartered lands,

Everyone is richer, no matter which side you stand,

Love can be magical when your heart it does claim,

Love also can be an illusion that you’ll never tame,

Love takes normal things and dims the light,

You won’t see faults and everything looks right,

A beautiful woman? If you wish to be wise too,

A beautiful woman is the one who loves you,

The best thing in life I hope you soon learn,

Is to love completely and be loved in return.

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.

Things Worth Living For

Things Worth Living For

I hope somebody plants trees,

When I was young I loved the breeze

From high in the sky,

I think I could have taught Tarzan how to fly,

I hope there is grass, lots of grass,

I loved the feeling of grass beneath my feet,

And mud between my toes was a treat,

I loved the massages earth gave my feet,

I’m always trying to worry less and love more,

Trying to guess what’s in store,

I think I’ll just love until I can love no more,

The world is bigger than my dreams,

I want to go where I’ve never been,

See places I’ve never seen,

Someplace where it’s green and clean,

I want to see everything with fresh eyes,

Perhaps now and then with surprise,

Taking nothing for granted, not even my name,

For I know things change and never remain the same,

I want to show respect for others in all ways,

It may not lengthen my days,

But somebody may help me out of my maze,

And I can go back to loving more,

And that’s worth living for,

The freedom to climb trees, feel the breeze,

Feel the mud between my toes,

Going across the world,

And it won’t matter how it goes,

I want to respect others and love more,

And that’s worth living for.

Telling Lies at Christmas

Mark asked, “What’s your name?”

My son looked at him with a sparkle in his eye,

This was going to be a fun game,

“George. If you ask me again,

I’ll tell you the same,”

My son was smiling and having some fun,

I couldn’t see how that would hurt anyone,

But Bill took exception and looked Richard in the eye,

“You’re going to hell for telling a lie,”

I was shocked at Bill’s words for they were so strong,

Did he really believe that teasing was so wrong?

Bill turned to Mark and quickly said,

“I think you’d better head on to bed,

It’s Christmas Eve, did you forget the date?

Santa won’t come if you’re up too late!”

“I’m sorry, dad, Mark whispered (because he truly believed).

Santa was still coming, Mark was so relieved,

Fantasy was one thing, and truth was another,

Bill’s perception of lies was between one and the other,

Despite Bill’s protests I left in a huff,

Friend or no friend, I’d heard enough,

On the way home I explained to my son,

“Our words should not be used to hurt someone,

Respecting others is one of our goals,

I don’t care if you believe in the North Pole,

A Christmas Fairy with a magic wand,

The Magic Kingdom or deer that can fly,

Is that all in fun or just telling lies,

Allowing others to dream and have some fun,

Why should we want to hurt anyone?

Santa is a fun story to tell to the young,

To see their eyes light up when stockings are hung,

When you were teasing I didn’t think there was harm,

Especially for Bill to shout an alarm,

I’ll be expecting Bill to apologize,

Unless he can prove that reindeer fly,

Otherwise he was the one telling a lie.”