Becoming

My mother taught me kindness
when she was kind.
Even when others (including myself)
weren't always kind in return.

My mother taught me to love learning
as she was a natural teacher
who was always learning herself
and made sure we learned lessons
before we went out to play.

My mother taught me to work hard
as she woke every morning well
before the sun to put in
more than a full day's work.

My mother taught me to do my best
as she always tried to do better.
And always expected me to
do my best in school, at church,
and in my relationships with others.

My mother taught me to be brave
and do hard things with her
never-ending encouragement,
her support, and full investment in me.

My mother taught me to put God first
when I saw her quietly studying her
scriptures, sharing gospel insights
over dinner, and the faith and trust
she always put in God.

All that I am or ever hope to
become, I learned from my Mother.

Clunker

First it was the radiator.
Then it was the carburetor.
The tail lights,
and a flat tire--
you're in for a whole new set.
The left gasket goes out
The right one too
The side door's dented
The oil leaks.
Then the brakes
Then the a/c
Then the starter
and the battery
Then the
Then the
Then the
Then the....
Everything is broken.
The original is gone,
a mish-mash of pieces and parts.
An empty frame that
sputters on;
it's fate looming on the horizon:
A used car junkyard.
R.I.P.
Rust In Pieces

You're unfixable--
A clunker with too many flaws.

Told time and again,
it must be true.

Cherry Blossoms

In the spring the time does come
when trees are laced in white;
the blossoms flutter in the breeze
like dresses twirling in delight.

The sweet scent drifting on the breeze--
it sinks into your soul;
it spreads all through you deep inside,
you find it's your heart it's stole.

You long for it to keep you there,
all bright and white and new;
New life bursting all year long--
Bursting, blooming out of you.

But petals fall and flutter down,
they go just one by one;
the rich green leaves will take their place,
their glorious beauty done.

And soon the rich green leaves will fall,
they'll tumble to the ground;
the limbs all sparse and barren,
no sign of life is found.

Until another year begins
and dances in with style;
Twirling, spinning, life returns,
rewarding life's dim trial.