The Golden Gift

One Hour of Time

Little Eyes

Five More Minutes

Don't Look Back

Today

Only One Childhood

Just Like His Dad

The Golden Gift

Some time ago, a friend of mine punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper.  Money was tight, and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."

He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found that the box was empty.  He yelled at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside of it?"

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty.  I blew kisses into the box ... all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed.  He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged her forgiveness.

My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years.  Whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us as parents has been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children.  There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

~Author Unknown~

One Hour Of Time

"Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"  With a timid voice and idolizing eyes, the little boy greeted his father as he returned from work.

Greatly surprised, but giving his boy a glaring look, the father, said, "Look, sonny, not even your mother knows that.  Don't bother me now. I'm tired."

"But, Daddy, just tell me please!  How much do you make an hour?"  the boy insisted.

The father, finally giving up, replied, "Twenty dollars per hour."

"Okay, Daddy.  Could you loan me ten dollars?"  the boy asked.  Showing his restlessness and positively disturbed, the father yelled, "So that was the reason you asked how much I earn, right?  Go to sleep and don't bother me anymore!"

It was already dark and the father was meditating on what he said and was feeling guilty.  Maybe, he thought, his son wanted to buy something.

Finally, trying to ease his mind, the father went to his son's room.  "Are you asleep, son?"  asked the father.

"No, Daddy ... why?" replied the boy, partially asleep.

"Here's the money you asked for earlier," the father said.

"Thanks, Daddy!" rejoiced the son.  He put his hand under his pillow and removed some money.  "Now I have enough!  Now I have twenty dollars!" the boy said.

The father was gazing at his son, confused at what his son has just said.

"Daddy, could you sell me one hour of your time?"

~Author Unknown~

Little Eyes

There are little eyes upon you,

And they're watching night and day;

There are little ears that quickly,

Take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager,

To do everything you do;

And a little child who's dreaming,

Of the day they'll be like you.

You're the little child's idol,

You're the wisest of the wise;

In their little minds, about you,

No suspicions ever rise.

They believe in you devoutly,

Holding all you say and do;

They will say and do in your way,

When they've grown up just like you.

~Unknown Author~

Five More Minutes

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.  "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.  "He's a fine looking boy," the man said.  "That's my son on the swing in the blue sweater."  Then, looking at his watch, he called to his son.  "What do you say we go, Paul?"  Paul pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please?"  The man nodded and Paul continued to swing to his hearts content.  Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son.  "Time to go now?" Again Paul pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad.  Just five more minutes." The man smiled and said, "O.K."  "My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.  The man smiled and then said, "My older son Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.  I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him.  I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Paul.  He thinks he has five more minutes to swing.  The truth is, I get five more minutes to watch him play."

~Author Unknown~

Don't Look Back

As you travel through life

there are always those times

when decisions just have to be made.

When the choices are hard

and solutions seem scarce

and the rain seems to soak your parade!

There are some situations

where all you can do

is to simple let go and move on.

Gather courage together

and choose a direction

that carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles

and take a step forward

the process of change can be tough.

But think about all

the excitement ahead

if you can be stalwart enough!

There could be adventures

you never imagined

just waiting around the next bend.

And wishes and dreams

just about to come true

in ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships

that spring from new interests

as you challenge your status quo.

And learn there are many

options in life,

and so many ways you can grow!

Perhaps you'll go places

you never expected

and see things that you've never seen.

Or travel to fabulous,

faraway worlds

and wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you'll find warmth

and affection and caring ~

a "somebody special" who's there.

To help you stay centered

and listen with interest

to stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort

in knowing your friends

are supportive of all that you do.

And believe that whatever

decisions you make,

will be the right choices for you!

So keep putting one foot

in front of the other

and taking your life day by day.

There's a brighter tomorrow

that's just down the road.

Don't look back - you're not going that way!

~ Author Unknown ~

Today

When I got made and hit my child,

"For his own good", I reconciled;

And then I realized my plight.....

Today I taught my child to fight.

When interrupted by the phone,

I said, "Tell them I'm not at home:;

And then I thought, and had to sigh.....

Today I taught my child to lie.

I told the tax man what I made,

Forgetting cash that I was paid;

And then I blushed at this sad feat.....

Today I taught my child to cheat.

I smugly copied a cassette,

To keep me free of one more debt;

But now the bells of shame must peal.....

Today I taught my child to steal.

Today I cursed another race,

Oh God protect what I debase;

For now, I fear it is to late.....

Today I taught my child to hate.

By my example children learn,

That I must lead in life's sojourn;

In such a way that they are led.....

By what is done, not what is said.

Today I have my child his due,

By praises for him instead of rue;

An now I have begun my guide.....

Today I gave my child his pride.

I now have reconciled and paid,

To IRS on all I made;

And now I know that this dear youth.....

Today has learned from the truth.

The alms I give are not for show,

And yet, this child must surely know;

That charity is worth the price.....

Today he saw my sacrifice.

I clasp within a warm embrace,

My neighbor of another race;

The great commandment from above.....

Today I taught my child to love.

Someday my child must face alone,

This world of fearsome undertone;

But I have blazed a sure pathway....

Today I taught my child to pray.

~Author Unknown ~

Only One Childhood

I stopped to watch my little girl

busy playing in her room.

In one hand was a plastic phone;

in the other a toy broom.

I listened as she was speaking

to her make believe little friend

and I'll never forget the words she said,

even though it was pretend.

She said, "Suzie's in the corner

cuz she's not been very good.

She didn't listen to a word I said

or do the things she should."

In the corner I saw her baby doll

all dressed in lace and pink.

It was obvious she'd been put there

to sit alone and think.

My daughter continued her "conversation,"

as I sat down on the floor.

She said, "I'm all fed up I just don't know

what to do with her anymore."

She whines whenever I have to work

and wants to play games, too;

she never lets me do the things

that I just have to do.

She tries to help me with the dishes,

but her arms just cannot reach

and she doesn't know how to fold the towels

and I don't have the time to teach.

I have a lot of work to do

and a big house to keep clean.

I don't have the time to sit and play

don't you know what I mean?"

And that day I thought a lot about

making some changes in my life;

as I listened to her innocent words

that cut me like a knife.

I hadn't been paying enough attention

to what I hold most dear.

I'd been caught up in responsibilities

that increased throughout the year.

But now my attitude has changed,

because, in my heart, I realize

I've seen the world in a different light

through my little darling's eyes.

So, let the cobwebs have the corners

and the dustbunnies rule the floor,

I'm not going to worry about

keeping up with them anymore.

I'm going to fill the house with memories

of a child and her mother

for God grants us Only One Childhood,

and we will never get another.

~Author Unknown ~

Just Like His Dad

Well, what are you going to be my boy,

When you have reached manhood's years;

A doctor, a lawyer, or actor great,

Moving throngs to laughter and tears?"

But he shook his head as he gave reply

In a serious way he had:

"I don't think I'd care to be any of them;

I want to be like my Dad!"

He wants to like his Dad! You men, 

Did you ever think as you pause

That the boy who watches your every move

Is building a set of laws?

He's molding a life you're a model for,

And whether it's good or bad

Depends on the kind of example set

To the boy who'd be like his Dad.

Would you have him go everywhere you go?

Have him do just the things you do?

And see everything that your eyes behold,

And woo all the things you woo?

When you see the worship that shines in the eyes

Of your loveable little  lad,

Could you rest content if he gets his wish 

And grows to be like his Dad?

It's a job that none but yourself can fill;

It's a charge you must answer for;

It's a duty to show him the road to tread

"Ere he reaches his manhood's door.

It's a debt you owe for the greatest joy

On this old earth to be had;

This pleasure of having a boy to raise

Who wants to be like his Dad!

~Author Unknown ~

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism,

He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,

He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world.

~ Author Unknown ~

Daddy I Was There

Daddy I was there for you to love,

Not for you to hurt.

I was there for you to cuddle,

Not for you to fondle.

I was there for you to teach

Not for you to breach.

I was there for you to protect,

Not for you to reject.

I was there to be you little girl,

I was there just to be your world.

It went on and on for ten long years,

I have cried and cried so many tears.

Ten years of my life I spent in fear.

And I've had night terrors for year after year,

I remember the guilt and shame,

I also remember all your head games.

A little baby's dream is shattered,

Not that now it even matters.

Trusting?  Well that is hard to do.

To think that people can be true.

Daddy why did you do this to me?

Why couldn't you just let me be?

Daddy you were not alone, there were more,

All be told, together there was four.

In relationships it's hard to feel,

For the wounds are deep, and slow heal.  Daddy I was there after you met your own demise,

By your own hand, I couldn't believe that you had died.

It was hard for me to go back to that room,

The one where all I felt was gloom and doom.

I thought to my self "How cruel and mean

the spilled blood and filth you left for me to clean."

Daddy the ONLY present you ever  gave was on my

sweet 16th birthday....

A poem... when I read it, it went on to say...

"What is a Daughter?

A daughter is someone lovely and dear...

Who just grows sweeter year by year."

You made me cold and bitter for a long long time,

But because I forgive you.  NOW my soul is mine...

I'm a survivor Daddy... oh yes in deed,

Love, safety, and security is all I need.

~ By: Darlene J. ~

* The more I look around the net for poetry the more I see "Author Unknown" I am not sure why this is, or if ones are decided to just put the Unknown there.  Either way I want to give proper credit for anything that I use so if you know of the Authors of these poems please email with the address so I can give the credit to them. Thank You

EMAIL