Poetry: Myself by Edgar Guest

I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as days go by,
always to look myself straight in the eye; I don’t want to stand with the setting sun
and hate myself for the things I have done.

I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf
a lot of secrets about myself
and fool myself as I come and go
into thinking no one else will ever know
the kind of person I really am,
I don’t want to dress up myself in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect
I want to deserve all men’s respect;
but here in the struggle for fame and wealth
I want to be able to like myself.

I don’t want to look at myself and know that
I am bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me;
I see what others may never see;
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself and so,
whatever happens I want to be
self respecting and conscience free.

Poetry: Quitting is not the way by Julie Herbert

Go ahead and quit,
If you can’t see it through.
But don’t come crying to me,
When quitting is all you do.

Those who start to quit,
When things start getting tough.
Start to see quitting,
As a way to get out of stuff.

They never stick things through,
And can’t complete a thing.
Is this the type of person,
You see yourself being?

Quitters never win,
No matter what you’ve heard.
Have you ever heard a quitter,
That is picked to be referred?

Of course that would be silly,
Why would someone refer?
Someone who can’t even accomplish,
They are their own saboteurs.

Next time you want to quit,
Think who you want to be.
Quitters never win,
I want more than this for thee.

I want to see success,
Surround you every day.
I want you to be happy,
And want to scream hooray!

I want you in a job,
That makes you’re world so good.
I want the work you do,
Feel just like childhood.

But most of all I want,
To see you see things through.
But not because you should,
Because you really want too.

And I realize you may be scared,
That you can’t see it through.
But I’m hear to tell you, you can,
Do anything you put your mind to.

Poetry: “Grammar” by William de Witt Hyde

Live in the active voice, rather than passive.
Think more about what you happen than what is happening to you.
Live in the indicative mood, rather than in the subjunctive.
Be concerned with things as they are, rather than as they might be

Live in the present tense, facing the duty at hand
without regret for the past or worry over the future.

Live in the singular number, caring more for the approval of your own conscience
than for the applause of the crowd.

Poetry: “Just One” by Maryam Kazmi

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what’s true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it’s up to you!