Poems by A.T. Alabi

On a bench, in Joe's little shed,
lying not too far apart,
were his ax and his switchblade,
having a quiet heart-to-heart.

"How small and weak you look,"
said the ax to the blade.
"You will never be able to do
those deeds for which I'm made."

"For it's me that Joe will use
to cut the boughs of trees.
You should see me at work sometime,
how I split a log with ease."

"A great help you are around
performing these hefty tasks,
but stuff I do for Joe, you can't,"
replied the blade to the ax.

"Would he ever count on you
to cut or strip a wire bare?
Try slicing open packages too.
I'd love to see just how you'd fare."

"We're designed in unique ways;
you're not superior as you claim."
The mighty ax and the nifty blade
needed by Joe all the same.

In the end, they both agreed
about their weaknesses and strengths.
Neither of them, they could see,
was truly a hundred percent.

From then on, they became pals,
got along and learned to relax.
Never again was there pride or strife
between the blade and the ax.

Once I did hear my brother call
The sun a giant fire ball.
How can that be?
For what I see,
Is something up high so small.

I see it at the break of dawn,
When it announces the day is on.
Its brilliant gold,
A joy to behold,
And being outside is so much fun.

John might be right, for I must say,
The sun is not so cool at midday.
Its shining light
Is just so bright,
I have to pull my eyes away.

Evening comes and it's so strange
How the sun still appears to change.
No longer small,
A bigger ball.
Its tone, now a lovely bright orange!

This curious ball hanging up high,
For me, raises many questions why.
But when it shines,
Then life is fine.
Thank God the sun is in the sky.

Rest, my soul, in God's love
as you live every day.
Relax in His faithfulness
as you go along your way.

Embrace other's happiness.
Share with those in need.
Seek peace with your neighbors,
both in words and deed.

Take things nice and easy.
Be glad for all you've got;
Not so fast and furious
griping on those you do not.

Fix your attention on God
and not so much on others.
Your times are in His hands;
that is all that matters.

Note to self, oh my soul:
As you do the best you can,
learn not to get upset
when things don't go according to plan.

Relax in God's goodness.
You know His ways are sublime.
He is never in a hurry
but is always on time.

Focus on self only makes
the world a dreary place to live.
But you make it a brighter scene
when you find a way to give.

Share with random strangers,
not only those you know.
It's by practicing such kindness
God's love in you will glow.

Be sure to give to people
who have no means to repay.
Such will always return to you
in the most unexpected way.

Practice giving to friends,
if only to make them smile.
Doesn't matter if they have it all.
It is a gesture worthwhile.

Be generous with your folks.
Kindness to outsiders alone;
Just how hollow would it be?
For charity begins at home.

Leave a gift for someone
who won't find out it's from you.
Directing all the glory to God
makes giving pure and true.

When you find a way to give,
you sow seeds of joy around.
You leave behind a scent of hope
and make the light of love abound.

You've got quite an easy style
with a tender heart to match,
and how you'd wear a cheerful smile
then that kindly voice attach.
You are a joy to behold,
even when the times are tough.
You offer a hand to hold
whenever the road seems rough.
You are thoughtful with advice
when you have some to share
and would show up in a trice
when you're needed to be there.
You are an angel, that much is true.
Thanks so much for just being you.

You pass off as no big deal
Lots of splendid, gracious acts.
Friends like you are rare indeed;
That is just a simple fact.

You've done it once again,
Put a sparkly glow in my day.
Your kindness meant more to me
Than these words can convey.

A trusty, kindly soul
You've always been from the start.
Helping out behind the scene,
That is what sets you apart.

I really appreciate what you did;
I know you didn't have to.
Though you made no big deal of it,
I'd like to say a big thank you.