Poems by Alora M. Knight

What seeds have you been planting
In the garden of your heart?
What will be forthcoming
When the germination starts?

Thoughts are the seedlings that we use,
Of this there is no doubt.
The fertile soil within our minds,
We never are without.

If gracious thoughts are planted,
The returns will surely be
A harvest full of beauty,
Which you will plainly see.

If your thoughts are dark and dreary,
You are very apt to find
That weeds will soon be growing--
The most depressing kind.

Once they have gained a foothold,
They will not want to leave.
They'll thrive on your unhappiness,
Making sure that you will grieve.

It is hard to keep bad thoughts away;
Some are bound to filter in.
The thing that's so important
Is that you must sweep them out again

Before they get a chance to grow.
That way you're sure to find
Each day will be rewarding,
For you'll have peace of mind.

Just between you and me, Lord, I'd like to say
It's not always easy to follow Your way.
I understand what you mean by the Golden Rule--
To create a good life, there is no better tool.

Still, what if you've been taught to look down on others?
Do we want to believe that we are all sisters and brothers?
It's hard not to resent the neighbor next door
Who does so little work, yet has so much more.

There are so many tragedies that happen worldwide.
It brings much unhappiness - that can't be denied.
I sit here complaining when I know it is true
That all of those troubles were not caused by you.

Yes, it just seems to me, if I remember it right,
You did give instructions that could shed lots of light
On the way life could be if Your rules were obeyed.
What a wonderful world it could be if all prayed.

I'm glad of the chance to discuss this with You.
I'll try not to forget what I know I should do.
You gave me free will, so it's now plain to see
I will need Your help often, just between You and me.

I was given a smile the other day
From someone who passed me on their way.
I wasn't sure what I should do.
Perhaps, I'll leave it up to you.

If I should keep it for myself,
Put it on the kitchen shelf.
Then it would be a certainty
To bring some happiness to me.

Somehow that doesn't feel just right
For me to keep it in my sight
When there were others who might need
A waft of warmth, oh yes indeed.

It doesn't take so very much,
A cheerful smile, a gentle touch,
To lift the cloud another bears,
To help them feel somebody cares.

There is one thing we all should know.
A smile is like the candle's glow.
No matter how many candles share
That light, its fullness still is there.

So when I go out on the street,
No matter whom I chance to meet,
If I share with them my precious smile,
Do you think that will be worthwhile?

For hopefully, they too, will understand
That a smile is like a helping hand.
I'm hoping that you will agree
And someday share a smile with me.

There is more to poetry
Than rhythm and rhyme.
It's a window to our souls,
Undiminished by time.

It's where tears and joys
Are clearly expressed.
It's the thoughts that ordinarily
Might be repressed.

It can be set to music,
Increasing its worth,
Sending joy to the heavens
That encompass the Earth.

You can make almost anything
Become immortal
By poetic words
Sent over the portal.

So put down your thoughts
When you have inspiration.
You'll be adding your part
To the whole of creation.