Angel On The Ground

One chilly night, my young son crawled into my bed and we cuddled under the covers.  As we talked one of us said to the other, “You’re my angel on the ground.”  I honestly don’t remember who said it, but I loved the thought that angels could be guiding us here on Earth as well as from above.  Our “angels” don’t just comfort us during the rough times; they uplift our spirits and triumph in our victories along with us.  The phrase stuck in my head for months before it gave birth to this poem.

When the world begins to crumble/ And my wings can’t take off in flight/Your gentle love envelopes me/ Until I know I’ll be alright/ Somehow you lift me up/ And help me learn to fly again/ You guide me with a love/ That knows no boundaries or an end/ And when the world is on my side/ Life goes as I think it should/ You’re the first to say, “Let’s celebrate”/ Or “I always knew you could”/ You’re my angel on the ground/ My slice of Heaven from above/ The special gift God sent me/ So I’d always feel His love/ You’re such a cherished gift to me/ I can’t tell you what you’re worth/ Except to say you’re living proof/ Angels do live here on Earth

Glimmer Of Hope

Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark in the late summer of 2005.  The devastation left thousands without homes or jobs, and for some, without loved ones.   Despite all of the tragedy, not all of the stories and images on the television news were heartbreaking.  In a time of such horrific loss, people from all over the country and the world pulled together in hopes of restoring some of what Mother Nature so violently destroyed.  It reminded me of what can happen when a glimmer of hope smolders among the ashes.

Shattered lives and shattered hearts/ Shattered worlds torn apart/ Tattered clothes and tattered dreams/ Life blown asunder, so it seems/ From the dark of night, all is lost/  Devastation too high to count the cost/ Yet amidst all the misery that abounds/ A glimmer of hope can somehow be found/ In an open heart and an outstretched hand/ A compassionate smile helps us understand/ We’re not alone in our desperate plight/ Someone can help us win our fight/ With a little faith and a little hope/ We’ll find some peace and a way to cope/ Thanks in part to someone who cared/ Who was willing to give and willing to share

Sleep Tight, My Little Darling

One of my favorite poems, “Sleep Tight My Little Darling,” evokes a familiar endearing feeling, as do many of our favorite lullabies.  I would sometimes recite this poem to my son as he was falling asleep, wondering where his dreams would take him.

Sleep tight, my little darling/ May your dreams take off in flight/ As you cuddle to your pillow/ Your face glows softly by night-light/ I kiss your forehead gently/ As to not disturb your dreams/ Maybe you could bring me back/ A rainbow or some moonbeams/ Sleep tight, my little darling/ May your dreams be just as sweet/ As the child here before me/ Nestled gently in the sheets

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