Poems

The Starfish Story – We Can All Make A Difference

Author Unknown

There was a man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.  He had a habit of walking on the beach before
he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore.  As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure
moving like a dancer.  He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.  So he began to walk faster
to catch up.  As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead
he was reaching down to the shore picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out, “Good morning!  What are you doing?” 
The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean”.
“I guess I should have asked: why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”
“The sun is up and the tide is going out.  And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die”.
"But, young man, don’t you realise that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. 
You can’t possibly make a difference!”
The young man listened politely.  Then he bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said “It made a difference for that one”

Left on a Chain

I wish someone would tell me what it is that I did wrong.
Why I have to stay chained up and left so very long.
They seemed so glad to have me when I came as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do while I was growing up.
They couldn't wait to train me as a companion and friend.
They told me I should never fear being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me, said they'd brush me every day,
They'd play with me and walk me if I could only stay.
Now my family hasn't the time, they often say I shed,
They won't allow me in the house, not even to be fed.
The children never walk me, they always say, "Not now."
I wish that I could please them, won't someone tell me how?
All I have is love, you see, I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted me, then left me on a chain...
Author Unknown

Inner Strength

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can do all these things,
Then you are probably the family dog.

A GOOD DOG

by Rex Hickey

Anticipation, I'm sitting here under the tree,
A bow on my ear, someone special must want me.

There's a little boy he says something I don't know,
He says its my name so if he calls I will go.

I love my forever home, my toys and my bed,
There is so much fun here, I am warm and I am fed.

It's been awhile since I saw my boy,
Perhaps he is busy with some brand new toy.

I'm sitting here hungry, and I hate this chain,
What did I do wrong to lose my new name?

I liked that name, it was special you see,
I thought that someone might really love me.

I like to go for car rides, but this one seems strange,
Something is different, something is going to change.

Who is this strange man who seems in a rage?
He's dragging me, taking me, to that tiny cage.

Why is there so much barking, why do these dogs cry?
Their owners will be coming, I know they wouldn't lie.

There are people who ignore me almost every day,
I promise I'll be a good dog and not too rough when I play.

There's another little boy, he doesn't know who I am,
But he wants a tiny dog that fits his family's plan.

Here comes that man again, he's not so bad after all,
Maybe he wants to walk, maybe just play with a ball.

I'm really feeling sleepy now, I don't think this is a game,
I really am a good dog, I wish I could remember my name.

My eyes are feeling heavy, the lights start to fade above,
I really was a good dog, all I ever wanted was to be loved.