IF we are afraid of what the future has in store,

It helps to focus on today. One thing we know for sure:

A day that’s lost in brooding, fearful of a future sorrow

Will not ease any plight or pain that may arrive tomorrow.

And when it seems that every anxious moment lasts for ever

And conquering each task is such a difficult endeavour,

Remember, the view from the top is always worth the climb,

And that the future comes to us just one day at a time.

A BRIGHT April morning,

A brisk April breeze,

It hops through the hedgerows,

It tickles the trees.

It dusts down the alleys,

Through houses in rows.

It whispers, it teases

Wherever it goes.

And folk in the city

Lift hopeful heads high

To breathe in its freshness

To feel it dance by.

They hear its glad message,

The promise that’s clear:

The blue skies are coming,

Springtime is here!

I WISH for you a smoother path,

All problems left behind,

A little joy, a lighter heart,

A calm and quiet mind.

..

I wish you hope and happiness

Along the path you tread,

And gentle, sweet tranquillity

To fill the days ahead.

…

I wish you peace to soothe the soul,

Each doubt and fear dispel,

And love which grows and knows no bounds  

And whispers, “All is well.”

WHAT a world of miracles,

Of angel clouds and crescent moon

Still smiling in the morning sky,

As planes streak silver contrails behind,

And restless rooks awake and cry!

What a gift, God’s masterpiece

Of galaxies and mysteries,

Our wealth of nature’s flowers and trees,

Of verdant valleys, mountains, hills,

Eternal, mighty, endless seas!

Morning – fresh absorbed I stood,

Awash with thoughts and morning light.

Filled with awe to hear birds sing,

I lifted up my heart with thanks

In gratitude for everything.

THERE’S a man who owns a candle,

And a man who has a match;

They’d like to get together,

But alas, there is a catch,

For neither trusts the other

Not to steal the precious spark.

So blinded and divided,

They stay stranded in the dark.

So let us draw a lesson

From this sad, misguided pair,

And try our very utmost

To love and trust and share.

For with determination,

And faith in human worth

We’ll light so many candles

As will brighten all the earth.

I PAUSE on the footbridge and gaze at the stream

So often I stop here, to stand and to dream,

I watch as the water goes dimple-dance by

Reflecting the sun and the blue of the sky.

A dragonfly skims on a rainbow of light,

A ribbon of minnows slides swiftly from sight.

A blackbird is singing, bright notes fill the air

The water runs chuckling, bereft of all care –

It’s just an oasis of coolness and calm

A welcome small moment of Nature’s soft balm.

DAFFODILS on my doorstep

Greeted me today,

Bright as morning sunshine,

Although the skies were grey.

..

Two bunches tied with ribbon,

I picked them up with care.

I hadn’t heard the doorbell . . .

Who could have left them there?

…

But once I found the little card

It all became quite clear.

The writing was unmistakeable –

“Spring flowers for you, my dear!”

….

Ah, friends make all the difference.

I felt my spirits sing

At this lovely gift of kindness,

Holding promises of spring!

WHAT does friendship mean to you?

Does it lift and warm your heart?

Does it comfort you by night?

Does it help the day to start?

Just a kindly word or deed,

Now and then a cheerful smile,

An unexpected card or letter

To make life’s journey so worthwhile.

Never underestimate

The friendship you have found,

And share the love, the hope, and joy,

Then spread it all around!

The knots that lie

Inside my head,

Slowly dissolve

And unwind.

I turn to a friend

And smile and say,

‘It’s good to talk –

What’s been on your mind?’