As much as...

As much as the morning grass loves the dew,
Skies open the clouds to show the blue,
The trees allow branches swaying in the wind,

As much as the rain loves to pour to soothe the shore,
The mountain tops love to stand so proud,
Sun shining down her love to the land,

As much as the stars love to light up the heavens,
Sharing the night sky with the moon above,
Showing all the way home safely,

As much as the water loves to go over the falls,
Bringing life to the other parts of the forest,
Giving life to all that partake in its love,

With the sparrow singing calls to her fledglings home,
And as much as you love me,
I love you too.

Social Studies and Morals

Today in our social studies class dear children, we will learn about what is inside

What guides our leaders, in integrity and how they may have lied

Courage is present in all of our stories from the dawn of time

As is perseverance; think of how our distant relatives struggled to save a dime

Even today you will hear lovely stories of compassion and grace

And how respect is earned and lost in our human race

I ask you today if you can think in the news of a story that we can study

Think hard now then – look ahead, the definition may be muddy

I believe you can find a story that can help us act like leaders with morals!

Once you have the answer – shout it out! Wait! Don’t start quarrels!

Consider a story with courage like the lion, dogs that have honesty 

Persistence like a bird building a nest, and show compassion modestly

All animals (as should humans) show respect to one another

From country to country we should act like we are brothers

Though throughout our history we have seen more war

Over any little thing, from beautiful women to winning a shore

Consider before you choose a perfect story, the other man’s side

As if you’re walking in his shoes, or in this day and age, his ride

Can you understand how his day may go – or what can affect his choice?

How does he handle his day when he may not even have a voice?

After you consider what may go on in his world or in his mind

Think about what you have offered in your life – share what you find

Please share with me the compassion you now feel for that other man

And how you can honestly help – who else is involved in your plan?

 Now tell me student, in your story does it show courage?

Is there a way to show the world compassion, a way to encourage?

I hope you chose a story that proved there is integrity in most good men

Prove to me it also shows perseverance – a sword verses a winning pen

I know this lesson was difficult, but with it, you’ll find respect for all

You graduate now knowing moral character – use it so you don’t fall

Radio

Once upon a time I was able to turn on the radio 

And listen without a memory crossing the lane 

Not the ones where friends circled around a fire 

Reminiscing on high school and quieter times 

Songs will play, slowly filling me with memories

Pushing tears, expecting them to show eventually 

Questioning why I do not sing along 

Even quietly, even though I know the words 

There are times when I'll even change the station 

On the days when the lyrics are just too much 

Too many memories flooding into my heart 

Allowing the threatening tears to push more 

How can I listen to the radio knowing this 

And allow the memories to rule everything 

Is there a way that I can just move on? 

Or will the next song change it all again? 

Time will tell when I can listen with no worries

For now I'll believe, the radio plays what I need to hear