Peace Begins With Me - Richard D. Marco III Peace begins with me Starting over and breaking free. Peace begins with me Opening my eyes and beginning to see. Peace begins with me Curious about what I am going to be. Peace begins with me Knowing I no longer have to flee. Peace begins with me Having self dignity. Peace begins with me Taking on more responsibility. Peace begins with me Because peace is being happy. And this is why peace begins with me! The Wispering Wind - Daniel Listen close and you shall hear the whispering wind both far and near. Truths revealed while all alone that you might find the way back Home. The Park Bench - author unknown The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, For the world was intent on dragging me down. And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play. He stood right before me with his head tilted down And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or to little light. Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat next to my side And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise, "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. That's why I picked it; here, it's for you." The weed before me was dying or dead. Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need." But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it mid-air without reason or plan. It was then that I noticed for the very first time That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play, Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and wondered how he managed to see A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. How did he know of my self-indulged plight? Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see The problem was not with the world; the problem was me. And for all of those times I myself had been blind, I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine. And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. The Breath of Spring -John McLeod The breath of Spring Lifting on wings that feel The pulse of Life Hope that will bring A sense of 'real' After the shadowy, wintry days Now gone.... The dawn's first whispering Of gentle birdsong 'wakening To splendid day, The heart takes wing And soars majestically On freedom's way.... What joy indeed! The poet in me Rejoices midst the gentle need To happy be.... And counts his blessings! If I Could Catch a Rainbow -Author Unknown If I could catch a rainbow I would do it just for you and share with you its beauty On the days you're feeling blue. If I could build a mountain You could call your very own A place to find serenity A place to be alone If I could take your troubles I would toss them in the sea But all these things I'm finding are impossible for me. I cannot build a mountain Or catch a rainbow fair But let me be what I know best- A friend who's always there. Dreamer - Michelle Keesling Climbing higher mountains I will not descend downward Until after I have conquered that fear Clasping stars within my hands They shall not stray from my touch I am a dreamer My wings lie in my mind Where they allow me to divide the clouds As I ascend through their cotton-like tufts One cannot pierce my heart with any arrow It is filled with pure bliss and compassion No one will ever be able to seize that from me Although at times my eyes may look wounded My strength has never fled. However Cold the Winter -Garnett Ann Schultz However Cold The Winter However cold the Winter, I find the golden sun. However dark the night hours, The dawn is sure to come. Though storm clouds often gather, There is still peace to lend. And when the storm is over, A rainbow 'round the bend. However cold the Winter, The spring will melt the snow, And then the Maytime flowers Will set the world aglow. The ever-changing seasons Have so much to impart, And somehow each in turn it seems Lends laughter to my heart. The beauty of the Autumn, The summer's magic bliss, And each December snowflake is like an angel's kiss. Each sunrise-every sunset Has so much warmth to bring. However cold the Winter, It always ends in Spring. Untitled -Neill MacRae If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart, If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part, If you caused a laugh that chased some tears away, If tonight your name is named when someone kneels to pray, Then your day has been well spent.