"A poet is someone who is astonished by everything." 
                                                          -Anonymous

Poetry saves my sanity as far as my being able to express myself is concerned.  Whenever I write my OWN words of poetry or read the writings of OTHER peoples' poems, this fabulous medium has always given me a deep sense of satisfaction. Whether the poem is a happy one, a sad one, a funny one or a angry one, it remains the single most PERSONAL written form of self-expression that we have available to us as human beings...

And now we come to the EXCITING part, which are the actual poems THEMSELVES!!! 

How would you feel about me and you sharing our poetry right here in this web page? I for one would LOVE to be able to share my poems with you and I'm hoping that YOU will feel the same way about YOUR poems!  If you would like to participate, all you need to do is e-mail me whatever poems you wish me to post, plus your e-mail name and address (which I will put under your poem) and I will post them right here for all the world to SEE! I think it would be absolutely FABULOUS to be able to read each other's poetry as well as comment on what we FEEL about them, don't YOU?

Before we do anything further here, I have something kind of serious that I need to talk with you about, and this pertains to the privacy issue that is attached to our work...You see just because you and I have decided to post our poems here in an Internet web page, certainly DOES NOT mean that anybody reading them has the right to copy them and/or use them in any way that they choose, am I correct? I think you will agree with me on this.  Now what I am trying to say here is that should anybody want to copy one of these poems for their OWN private use,that's FINE, as long as you first send the author of the poem a private e-mail (I will post the author's e-mail address right under their poem) asking them for their permission to copy their poem. OK? ok.  Now that THAT'S settled, here are a few of MINE.  did I say a FEW???!!!! 
 

I've learned -
that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is
be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.

I've learned -
that no matter how much I care,
some people just don't care back.

I've learned -
that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned -
that it's not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned -
that you can get by on charm 
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned -
that you shouldn't compare
yourself to the best others can do
but to the best you can do.

I've learned -
that it's not what happens to people
that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned -
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned -
that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.

I've learned -
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I've learned -
that it's a lot easier
to react than it is to think.

I've learned -
that you should always leave
loved ones withloving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned -
that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.

I've learned -
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I've learned -
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I've learned -
that regardless of how hot and steamy
a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had better be
something else to take its place.

I've learned -
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I've learned -
that learning to forgive takes practice. 

I've learned -
that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned -
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned -
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned -
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned -
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I've learned -
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I've learned -
that just because someone doesn't love you
the way you want them to doesn't mean
they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned -
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned 
that you should never tell a child
their dreams are unlikely or outlandish.
Few things are more humiliating, and
what a tragedy it would be
if they believed it.

I've learned -
that your family won't always
be there for you. It may seem funny,
but people you aren't related to
can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.
Families aren't biological.

I've learned -
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you
every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned -
that it isn't always enough
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
to forgive yourself.

I've learned -
that no matter how bad
your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned -
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned -
that sometimes when my friends fight,
I'm forced to choose sides
even when I don't want to.

I've learned -
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned -
that sometimes you have to put
the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned -
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I've learned -
that you shouldn't be so
eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I've learned -
that two people can look
at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I've learned -
that no matter how you try to protect
your children, they will eventually get hurt
and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned -
that there are many ways of falling
and staying in love.

I've learned -
that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves
get farther in life.

I've learned -
that no matter how many friends you have,
if you are their pillar you will feel lonely
and lost at the times you need them most.

I've learned -
that your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned -
that even when you think
you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I've learned -
that writing, as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.

I've learned -
that the paradigm we live in
is not all that is offered to us.

I've learned -
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned -
that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.

I've learned -
that although the word "love"
can have many different meanings,
it loses value when overly used.

I've learned -
that it's hard to determine
where to draw the line
between being nice and
not hurting people's feelings
and standing up for what you believe.
                                        - Anonymous

LOVE

it comes to us in many fashions
personifying endless passions
ignoring gender, creed and race
just look around, it's EVERY PLACE!

you'll find it in a baby's giggle
and also in a puppy's wiggle
in April's rain when flowers grow
on winter nights in quiet snow

it's heard in songs throughout the land
and felt when someone takes your hand
reflected in your dear ones' eyes
when gifts are given for surprise

it does not judge, condemn or scare
but cradles gently, showing care
so hear it! see it! touch it! feel!
avail your senses, it's VERY REAL

it's here within the big and small
the fat, the thin, the short, the tall
it's what makes life worth living for
never enough! there's ALWAYS more!

                                          ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S. 

SNOW MAGIC

dancing down from virgin sky
each one unique like you and i
behold the magic they possess
as naked ground feels their caress

alone i walk this early hour
experiencing nature's power
with every single step i take
a million diamonds in my wake

so soft and quiet now the night
so calm and peaceful is the sight
and as my tears begin to flow
the trees transform beneath the snow

                                ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

SOULMATES

(Dedicated to my darling Chris)

our minds embraced one summer's eve
we shared our thoughts and did not leave
until the sun rubbed sleepy eyes
and scattered light throughout the skies

the catalyst its name is fate
knows every soul must have a mate
two kindred spirits you and me
together for eternity

                      ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

ALL ARE CONNECTED

we are all petals on the very same flower
and we are all notes in the very same song
we are all words in the very same poems 
so let's you and me try to right what is wrong

we are all hues in the very same rainbow 
and we are all waves in the very same sea
we are all threads in the very same fabric
we CAN make it happen! just TRY and you'll see!

we are all steps in the very same stairway
and we are all sand on the very same shore
we are all breaths in the very same body
and we hold the keys to the very same door

ALL feel the pain when we hurt one another
we MUST throw away what we've already learned
don't you agree that it's time that we changed this
together we'll work and the tide will be turned!!!

                      ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

QUESTION IN THE STORM

gazing out my window i can see
that the storm has started now
as the wind gets stronger steadily
tiny fragile heads do bow

watching flowers fight against the wind
oh how desperately they try
but this wind is very powerful
i can hear the flowers cry

want to run outside and save them all
for they don't deserve their fate
what is stopping me from doing so
is it love or is it hate???!!!

                       ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

THE GIFT

(Written for Lanne born 9-5-93)

one plus one and now there's you
baby mine a dream come true
through your eyes my world will be
rediscovered ecstasy

as you grow so i shall too
baby mine you're hope brand new
sleep the sleep of one who can
gift of nature's own great plan

what advice can i impart?
baby mine as life you start
love all things with love that's true
this is what i try to do

someday you may say the same
baby mine to one you name
then i'll smile and nod my head
hearing words that i once said

OCEAN LOVER

ocean lover calling me
whispers softly from the sea
warm caresses he'll provide
as we kiss beneath the tide

                           ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

THE CURE

so you think you're so wise?
well i'm smarter than you guys!
you can wave your degrees
i don't scare that easily

they play games with no rules
oh what silly, silly fools
try to win end up dead
for i'm always steps ahead

hey now what's this i see???!!!
moving slowly toward me???!!!
get away with that thing!!!!!!!!!
ow!!!! that point it had a sting!!!!!!!

feeling strange from within
doctor, why that nasty grin?
did you do something here?
should i panic, should i fear?

hard to breathe, could it BE?
oh what have you done to me???!!!!!!!
my reign's over i'm sure
can't believe AIDS has a cure

                            ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

FEVER PITCH

oh the valley has a fever
mr. sun is smiling down
how i wish that he would go to sleep
and relieve this poor old town

traffic lights too hot to blink their eyes
listen to the cars complain
mother nature is so thirsty
can't remember how to rain

don't believe the fall will ever come
on september twenty-first
seems a million trillion years away
yes this summer is the worst!

brought my temper to the beach today
where it cooled off very quick
said somethings i never meant to say
it's the heat that made me sick

there's no place that i would rather be
than the valley here with you
i'll ignore the fact that the temperature 
hit one thousand fifty-two

when we're hungry we can fry some eggs
on that pavement over there
do you think someone will notice me
cause i'm absolutely bare?

                            ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

ATTENTION EARTHLINGS

attention all you earthlings
i've come to tell you now
it's time to stop your nonsense
and i will tell you how

the next time you see someone
who may not be like you
don't be so quick to judge them
for they have feelings too

and those of you who think that
your lifestyles are the best
i'll take you to my planet
so you can meet the rest

back there there is no "better"
yet no one is the same
our children are so happy
they know not how to blame

and so i come to warn you
before it is too late
you're destroying your own planet
you're destroying your own fate

i do not choose to live here
and so l go away
i hope i've left you thinking
with what i've said today

                           ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

LULLABYE LOVE

your bed is singing come to me
how soft and warm its melody
your pillow joins as down you lie
their voices are a lullabye

the twinkling stars are watching you
now don't you cry or they will too
sweet angel close your tired eyes
tomorrow waits with new surprise

so go to sleep my precious one
the moon is waving to the sun
as pleasant dreams come out to play
i love you more than words can say

                        ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

THE SAND WONDERS WHY

two hands joined together
footprints in the sand
eyes upon each other
a lifetime being planned

now the sun is setting
they gaze out to the sky
the seagulls laugh above them
as a sailboat passes by

salty tender kisses
their passion knows no bound
as night turns into morning
their love the only sound

when suddenly it happens
with anger swift and strong
the shots rain down upon them
their love thought to be wrong

the sea shells were their witness
the gulls begin to cry
the sand is turned to crimson
as each grain wonders why...

                           ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

DEBUT

now just a minute! who are YOU?!
to wake me up! my dream's not through!
hey wait! you're pulling on my head!
i'd rather stay right here instead!

does mommy know? is she upset?
it's time to go? oh no! not yet!
but i'm not ready! and i'm scared!
i have 2 months! i'm not prepared!

my eyes are hurting from the light!
now how did i get in this plight?!
i can't believe i just got hit!
and right where i'm supposed to sit!

no i don't like this place at all!
be careful now or i will fall!
i want my mommy! where is she?!
would she leave here and not take me?!

oh hiya mom hope you're aware
that i was only kidding there
you must believe me for i see
your face is beaming happily

i feel so loved against your chest
this seems a perfect time to rest
forgetting now why i was mad
you know, this may not be so bad :)

                        ©Copyright 2000 Marilyn S.

SLOW DANCE

have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?
ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun into the fading night? 

you'd better slow down
don't dance so fast 
time is short 
the music won't last

do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask "How are you"? do you hear the reply?
when the day is done do you lie in your bed, 
with the next hundred chores running through your head? 

you'd better slow down 
don't dance so fast
time is short
the music won't last

ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow 
and in your heart not seen the sorrow? 
ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say "hi"?

you'd better slow down 
don't dance so fast
time is short 
the music won't last

when you run so fast to get somewhere
you miss half the fun of getting there
when you worry and hurry through your day,
it is like and unopened gift....thrown away

life is not a race, so take it slower, 
hear the music before the song is over.

                                  Author Unknown

DEATH OF AN INNOCENT 

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road, 
the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,
the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom..  I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?  My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom.  The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank and I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?  It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now.  Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.  Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave

Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.  I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom.  When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

                                          Author Unknown

THE KILLER

He is as old as time yet vigorously young.
He works by day, by night to get life's strings unstrung.
In every corner of the room he lies in wait;
At each and every meal he sits upon your plate
He crawls upon your skin, invades each body part,
He infiltrates your brain and then attacks your heart
He owns your nervous system, flows throughout your blood.
Contagion he: man, woman, child are all his food.
The only cure is Love, if not applied too late...
His name is hate!
            
                      ©Copyright John English, Canada, 1998

POLITICAL WALKER

Political Walker walks on air
Yet he doesn't know if he's Here or There.
The only thing that he knows he has
Is the public eye...the glitter...pazazz!
The power and glory he needs so much,
Like a limping man who seeks a crutch.
Electorate needs?...Not his concern...
Its a Name and a Seat, and money to burn!

Political Walker knows he's IN;
You can tell when the camera catches his grin.
He plays to the gallery, plays to the crowd.
He thinks he's a star so he speaks very loud.
He wants to be heard ... though he's nothing to say.
It's part of the game and he's learning The Way.

Political Walker walks his beat
In the riding that gave him that glorious Seat.
He smiles to the left and he smiles to the right
And kisses each baby that comes into sight.
But when his constituents ask his advice
He smiles and it's: "...meeting you - ever so nice".

Political Walker walks all around
So that when he is needed he cannot be found
When he's asked hot questions about his past
He starts then to wonder: can this really last?
If called to account could they then make him talk?
So he picks up the pace of his long daily walk.

Political Walker walks in fear...
The time for elections is fast drawing near
And just for a moment he wonders why
His palms started sweating, his mouth had gone dry.
Could it be possible? could it "explode"?
Come to a crash in the riding he rode?
Shaking himself in an effort of will
He just keeps on walking...right over the hill.

              ©Copyright John English, Canada, 1998

SOLITUDE

Should I deny my need for solitude
Because the herd thinks that it must be rude
And far too independant thus to stray
Far from the grazing fields it found that day?

Should I deny my need to be alone
And get away from all; shut off the phone,
Ignore the doorbell, leave the mail unread
And travel to my inner self instead?

Should I deny my heart and soul and mind
Chance to explore and see what we can find
When travelling together, far and wide
From molecules and atoms deep inside
To outwardly explore our endless space
And visit stars in their eternal race?

So to deny would surely be to lose
God given contemplation's power to choose
New ways to think, to dream, to be, in life
To move towards a world that's free from strife.
In solitude the great inventions came
When mind and heart and soul were set aflame!

                   ©Copyright John English, Canada, 1998

IMAGINATION 

Imagination knows no bounds
It is as limitless as space
It is unfettered as the wind
In its eternal swirling race.

It is an atom soaring far
Yet is galactic in its scope
And orbiting the nearest star
Grows to become the source of Hope.

Gaze at the stars when in despair
See...can you count how many there?
Let your imagination rise
To meet the pulsing of the skies.

                     ©Copyright John English, Canada, 1998

SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

Look how God made me!
Look at my special smile!
everyone is special,
With Different smiles,
And different skins.
We are all like
Beautiful flowers.
Like beautiful rainbows
And feathers
That fall so gentle
Onto our hands.
Just look at us!
God made us so special!
We are beautiful people,
And we should
Share our smiles
All of the time! 
                      ©Copyright Mattie Stepanek

STILL RISE

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
                              ©Copyright Maya Angelou

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