Poems by Alora M. Knight

I have waited quite a long time to get old,
So I think I should try to enjoy it.
I can't turn it in for a refund,
And I surely don't want to destroy it.

They tell me that life is a one-way street,
As if I am too dumb to know.
I might as well keep moving on forward.
There's not much choice where to go.

I would like to lighten the luggage
I've accumulated over the years.
I'd be smart to release all the memories
That brought about heartache and tears.

That would make living much better,
Free up space that then could be filled
With appreciation for the good things in life,
With the promise that then I could build

A future that lives for the moment,
With little concern for the past.
My time will be filled with contentment,
No matter how long it will last.

So now that I'm ready for the rest of the trip,
I foresee no problems ahead.
I'll make each day be a worthwhile event,
With no regrets for the life I have led.

I see you looking at your children,
Wondering what their lives will be.
If you verify some answers
Then their future you might see.

Have you taught them to be truthful?
Have you taught them to be kind?
Have you given them the wisdom
Needed to be color blind?

Have you taught them to be caring
For those handicapped some way?
Do you read to them at bedtime?
Have you taught them how to pray?

Have you taken time to tell them
What a miracle life is?
How to be aware of nature,
Share the beauty that it gives?

Have you taught them how important
It is to have respect for one another?
To be grateful, not be prideful
When good fortune you discover?

Do you let them know you love them
In a way that leaves no doubt,
So they know that is one thing
That they will never be without?

We like to think we've done our best.
Sometimes that's very true.
Can you say 'yes' to all my questions?
I will leave that up to you.

I hope your answer is affirmative,
For then I know that you will see
A future filled with happiness
Like it's supposed to be.

Once in a while, if you are feeling blue,
When troubles seem to keep coming along,
If you will take the time to listen to music
It can lift your spirits on the wings of a song.

You don't have to be in a concert hall,
For nature provides its own symphonies.
There are no discords in the murmuring stream,
Or the wind as it gently hums through the trees.

Who has not heard the frogs' cheerful concert
When the nighttime shadows draw near?
If you will take the time to quietly listen,
The evening serenade of crickets you'll hear.

There's a rhythm to the lapping waves on the shore.
In the sky, every bird has its own melody.
Even the mightiest humpback whale
Sings its love songs down deep in the sea.

It may not change the problems that you have.
There are times when things will go wrong.
Still, it can help bring peace to your soul
When you lift your heart on the wings of a song...

Though there is gold up in the mountains,
Lovely pearls deep in the sea,
Those treasures do not mean as much
As your friendship means to me.
While diamonds may be beautiful,
And worth a lot of money,
They cannot give a warm embrace
Or share jokes we think are funny.
I know it's true some people
Will collect much priceless art,
Yet I have never seen a picture
That showed me a loving heart.
So I don't need to spend a fortune
To have what means the most to me.
Knowing that I have had your friendship
Will be a treasured memory.

I love a lonely winding road
That takes me where I cannot see
Until each softly rounded hill
Reveals its landscaped mystery.
Where nature's stage creates the plot,
What ever the scene may be.

I love the crocus call in spring,
The first to wake from winter's sleep.
Translucent bits of ivory joy,
So patient under snow banks deep,
'Til they can lift each star like face
And proudly nature's rhythm keep.

I love the fiery autumn hues,
Too harsh to bear in gentle spring
But welcomed by the strident wind
That makes the mighty pine tree sing,
Freeing the crimson leaves that dance
Like bright birds, high on wing.

I love the wonders of this world,
The secrets nature guards so well
From those who have no time to spend,
Who will not lift the ocean's shell
And listen to the murmured tale
That each one has to tell.