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Phyllis Popkin's Poems
The Many Aspects of "LOVE!"
Hey, folks!
Have you heard that "We're nothing unless somebody loves us?"
(lyrics from many a love song ... )
But giving it some thought, we know love means so much more,
and we can prove that that theory is wrong!
Some songwriters DO help people to wake up
and begin to look all around.
Then so often their eyes widen with delight
at all the lovely sights and sounds!
They see the love glowing in the eyes of new parents,
as they marvel at the birth of their child;
And notice little children pretending to have wings,
dancing with love and a big smile!
Also, seeing oceans and flowers and trees,
they are filled with awe at nature's beauty.
Then caring more for the Earth, they don't want to destroy it -
because of great love, not just duty!
As we gain wisdom, we realize we're all special —
that we have talents and ideas galore;
So what if our bodies are not the epitome of beauty
we have inner strengths to love and value more!
And how about our love for music and pets,
as well as our love for good food?
Do you see how blessed we are with all these treasures?
And just picturing them can improve our mood!
So seeing other aspects of the word love,
we realize we have enormous power -
An incredible gift to us from our loving Creator,
can we harness it and help peace to flower?
Can we look beyond the mean things that many people do,
knowing they have a loving self, but it's submerged?
When we do, we soften and stay calm, not angry;
allowing love's healing power to emerge!
So how about a new song saying our lives have a purpose,
even if our love isn't returned!
And we can be joyful because of our faith,
and all the heart-warming things we've learned!
Love and hugs,
Phyllis Popkin © 2008
A Certificate of Appreciation
For All Emergency Personnel!
(We're so lucky to have you!)
What an important and tough job you've all taken on,
you who provide services that are essential:
Firefighting, police, as well as rescue squads,
telephone, plumbing and heating, and electrical.
And when disaster strikes, extra health workers may
be needed,
often traveling in terrible weather.
(Thank God for the road crews who clear trees and
snow and ice.
They also need to be brave and clever!)
Always responding swiftly with compassion and skill,
all of you who resolve crises area treasure!
When you decided to serve others, you needed much
training and experience
to meet your group's high standards.
Working together, you develop close relationships
with team members -
so special, it's hard to put in words ...
On the job, you see families suffer when they lose power,
and have no water, food, or heat!
Or when their houses burn, people and animals are in pain,
or their cars are wrecked because of sleet!
And so often you have to endure cold weather and biting winds,
smoke-filled air that exhausts your lung power,
Danger, hours of tension without rest or sleep,
and no chance of a cleansing shower!
But knowing all this, you still come to the rescue,
freeing friends and neighbors from worry!
I wish you could see the thousands of smiles
when you service-providers are there in a hurry!
For you know how to fix things that they know nothing about,
and are too afraid to touch!
So they regard you as heroes for your unique skills,
and are eager to thank you so much!
And we can't forget your loved ones, praying for your safe return;
it must be hard for them to watch you go.
Yet understanding your great desire to help your community,
they know in their hearts you'll be successful, 'cause you're
a "PRO!"
With happy tears,
we cheer you
"OUR HEROES!"
Love from Virginia,
Phyllis Popkin © 2008
Seeking INNER Beauty!
Listening to all those commercials?
Want to look very thin?
Can't stand those age spots and wrinkles?
STOP— and look UNDER your skin!
Do you happen to LIKE yourself?
Do you have TALENTS that you're
developing?
Do you have HIGH SELF-ESTEEM?
Are you pleased that GOD'S LOVE is
all-enveloping?
They say beauty is only skin deep;
So maybe you don't need to spend
your money
Prettying yourself up on the OUTSIDE —
You could HUG YOURSELF and say,
"I love you, honey!"
And when you VALUE who you REALLY ARE,
You no longer let the world control you!
You glide more peacefully through your day,
And your INNER GLOW warms you
and so many others, too!
(Thank you! You're
helping the world to be
be a better place when you
are the best that you can be!)
Love,
Phyllis Popkin © 2008
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