Poems by Abimbola T. Alabi

On a bench, in Joe's little shed,
lying not too far apart,
were his ax and his switchblade,
having a quiet heart-to-heart.

"How small and weak you look,"
said the ax to the blade.
"You will never be able to do
those deeds for which I'm made."

"For it's me that Joe will use
to cut the boughs of trees.
You should see me at work sometime,
how I split a log with ease."

"A great help you are around
performing these hefty tasks,
but stuff I do for Joe, you can't,"
replied the blade to the ax.

"Would he ever count on you
to cut or strip a wire bare?
Try slicing open packages too.
I'd love to see just how you'd fare."

"We're designed in unique ways;
you're not superior as you claim."
The mighty ax and the nifty blade
needed by Joe all the same.

In the end, they both agreed
about their weaknesses and strengths.
Neither of them, they could see,
was truly a hundred percent.

From then on, they became pals,
got along and learned to relax.
Never again was there pride or strife
between the blade and the ax.

That friend,
Would you two have had more fun
If you knew how long he'd be gone?

That possession,
Would you have allowed others to borrow
If you knew you'd lose it tomorrow?

That stranger,
Would you have helped to ease his pain
If you knew you'd meet him again?

Those kids,
Would you have held them dear years ago
If you knew how fast they'd grow?

That neighbour,
Would you have tried to say goodbye
If you knew he was going to die?

Life is volatile, time is short,
And better is the smallest deed any day
Than the greatest intention tucked away.

Make it count.

There is this funny guy I know.
Sleepy by name and sneaky as can be.
I never know where he comes from,
Only that he creeps up on me.

He is very cunning, you see.
He often makes me feel like a fool.
He jerks my head or slurs my speech,
And he sometimes makes me drool.

He can put things in a swirl
So I can't tell which is which.
And the stuff I don't want to let go,
He easily takes out of my reach.

Still, a generous guest is he,
Always comes with a soothing balm,
To lull my body and renew my strength
And make my mind to be calm.

When he leaves and where he goes,
That is hard for me to say.
But as rude as he is, I'm always glad
For Sleepy's sly visit every day.

Once I did hear my brother call
The sun a giant fire ball.
How can that be?
For what I see,
Is something up high so small.

I see it at the break of dawn,
When it announces the day is on.
Its brilliant gold,
A joy to behold,
And being outside is so much fun.

John might be right, for I must say,
The sun is not so cool at midday.
Its shining light
Is just so bright,
I have to pull my eyes away.

Evening comes and it's so strange
How the sun still appears to change.
No longer small,
A bigger ball.
Its tone, now a lovely bright orange!

This curious ball hanging up high,
For me, raises many questions why.
But when it shines,
Then life is fine.
Thank God the sun is in the sky.

How I wish to trust
In life, no questions asked,
Hanging on God's words,
Confident and relaxed,
Just like a child.

How I long for conscience
As mild as the breeze,
Having goodwill with others
And always at peace,
Just like a child.

How I long for courage
That laughs at fear,
Knowing I'd surely be caught
When tossed in the air,
Just like a child.

How I wish to take
Life's journey with ease,
Jolly through thick and thin,
As cool as you please,
Just like a child.

How I need this grace,
So dear Lord, to you I come.
Help me to believe
And receive your kingdom,
Just like a child.

Rest, my soul, in God's love
as you live every day.
Relax in His faithfulness
as you go along your way.

Embrace other's happiness.
Share with those in need.
Seek peace with your neighbors,
both in words and deed.

Take things nice and easy.
Be glad for all you've got;
Not so fast and furious
griping on those you do not.

Fix your attention on God
and not so much on others.
Your times are in His hands;
that is all that matters.

Note to self, oh my soul:
As you do the best you can,
learn not to get upset
when things don't go according to plan.

Relax in God's goodness.
You know His ways are sublime.
He is never in a hurry
but is always on time.