Best Friend

I am my own best friend
and I despair the need for more
than my own steps upon this narrow walk
Around the unrelenting clock
That beating shadow, pushing me
Toward my dimming destiny
And should I ever hesitate
I hear it mock our crueler fate
Your hands to touch, your eyes to see
Your fragrance, taste, and melody
All must be sensed! I cannot block
Sensations in me as you talk
Nor can I to cruel time deny
That I do need you more than I.
 

Back to Poems

But You Didn't

I looked at you and smiled the other day
I thought you'd see me but you didn't
I said "I love you" and waited for what you would say
I thought you'd hear me but you didn't
I asked you to come outside and play ball with me
I thought you'd follow me but you didn't
I drew a picture just for you to see
I thought you'd save it but you didn't
I made a fort for us back in the woods
I thought you'd camp with me but you didn't
I found some worms 'n such for fishing if we could
I thought you'd want to go but you didn't
I needed you just to talk to, my thoughts to share
I thought you'd want to but you didn't
I told you sbout the game hoping you'd be here
I thought you'd surely come but you didn't
I asked you to share my youth with me
I thought you'd want to but you couldn't
My country called me to war,
You asked me to come home safely
But I didn't.

Stan Gebhardt
"2nd helping of Chicken soup for the soul"
 

Back to Poems

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember
what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible
without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak
your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the
dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud
and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If
you compare yourself with others, you may become vain
and bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser
persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep
interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real
possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise
caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of
trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere
life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither
be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly
the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things
of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a
wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and
the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it
is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it
should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you
conceive Him to be; and whatever your labors and
aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with
your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

1927
 Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)
 

Back to Poems

Don't Tell Me

Don't tell me that you understand,
don't tell me that you know,
Don't tell me that I will survive,
how I will surely grow.
Don't tell me this is just a test,
that I am truly blessed,
That I am chosen for this task,
apart from all the rest.
Don't come at me with answers
that can only come from me,
Don't tell me how my grief will pass,
that I will soon be free.
Don't stand in pious judgment
of the bonds I must untie,
Don't tell me how to suffer,
don't tell me how to cry.
My life is filled with selfishness,
my pain is all I see,
But I need you, I need your love,
unconditionally.
Accept me in my ups and downs,
I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry, and say,
"My friend, I really do care."

Author Unknown