Father Time

Father Time

By Jennifer Faith Wirick

Father Time is his name

It never changes

It's always the same

He went up to a boy one day

Who happened to be blind

And said "Would you like to see the passing of time?

Open your eyes and you will see

What will be, what is, and what used to be

Open your left eye and you will behold

All the beauty of stories of life gone and told

Open your right eye to that so clear

To all the horrors and fears to come 

and don't forget the tears

But it can be changed with the help of someone

Open both eyes

And you will see a world

Filled with gangs, tribulations and tears

Love, lust and fears...

The list goes on 

You live in a world filled

With people being killed

Over petty things

As when someone looks the wrong way

Now my child you can see

Mans  blunder in life 

And all his humility

Now go out and do the same thing

Open other peoples eyes 

And help them hear life's terrible ring."

I wrote this poem for my seventh grade reflections contest. I didn't win, I can better understand now why, however at the time I thought it was a work of art and was astounded to the very core when my name wasn't called at the awards ceremony. However that didn't kill my desire to write poetry and I continued all the way until I was a freshman in college. Though other people raved about my poetry and told me I had talent, I only really like a hand full of them. I may write again someday but first I'll need to review my old stuff. 

Ushering in the Holidays

Although there are many holiday's throughout the year, none are so poignant, so anticipated, and so dreaded as "The Holiday Season." Namely Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving marks the kickoff of the mad rush to show Christmas cheer everywhere except in the stores and on the road. It marks the time of year when the day's are the shortest and emotional and seasonal depression increase, cholesterols raise, waists expand, and anxiety medication is sought after. All for the sake of family and good times. For some people the holidays are a time of anticipation and excitement. It's a time of feasting, sharing, giving and laughing with family and friends. For others it is merely a reminder of what they lack, another day to job hunt, house hunt, another reminder that their life is not how they had always planned or hoped.  Some people live comfortably in either the former or latter example, others bounce between the two, constantly striving for balance and security. May we all remember those this holiday season who's lives and expectations are not what they had hoped. May we all remember to be more gracious, even when we are looking for that special gift, or rushing off to that important party. May we all remember that the presents are not as important as the presence of those we love. May we all remember to help those who are lost to find their way and love all as our Savior does love. Whether your holidays are filled with tears or laughter, or a healthy mixture of both, may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving (for we all, no matter how low, have something for which to be grateful), and a wonderful and safe holiday season. Just hold on tight, and we'll all make it through together. :-)

The "awe" of life.

I have a single friend around fifty. She's been married and raised her kids but now she is single and once again searching for a companion with whom she can share her life, her joys and pains. I'm not yet thirty, never married and searching for the same. Recently she has found someone who makes her happy, her experience gives me hope. In listening to her speak of her beau and the time they spend and the letters they write, I realized that people don't really grow up. Sure we get older, we take care to fulfill our responsibilities. Somedays we may even "feel old" but somewhere in the world there is someone who has the ability to make us feel young, excited and energized. Someone who helps us to see ourselves as a child of God with exciting and endless potential. Suddenly every dream is possible and the world is at our feet. you can run faster than a speeding bulet and leap over tall buildings. Nothing is impossible. Why? Because someone you care about cares about you. Someone sees the good in you and mercifully overlooks the flaws. Someone who loves you just the way you are and inspires you to be better. How wonderful to know that this joy is not only for the young 20's but can be found at any age. Love and joy is for everyone. We were made to have these things and how sweet it is when it comes into our lives, always when you least expect it.