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THE GIFT

A special gift has been given to me
which helps me look where I once used to see.
My eyes now question that once took for granted
though seeds of contentment are firmly planted.
after all these years the pleasure I found
when I actually saw what lay around
as my body grew old my vision got greater
that impeding darkness can wait till later

I wander around this people’s palace
quietly reflecting on childhood malice
I find myself back at the now grown trees
I once stripped of bark forgive me please
I watch the birds in all their glory
that remind me of that children’s story
for like Cock Robin with my bow and arrow
I went hunting for that little sparrow

Even the humble pigeon I caught in a snare
I ask forgiveness by my constant stare
those little fishes we dragged from the pond
and took them in jam jars to their life beyond
the frogs the tadpoles and that ugly old toad
we caught in fishnets by the bucket load
I have never seen that ugly toad since
he now resembles a handsome young prince

I continue my quest of looking around
and stoop to look at holes in the ground
I find myself in graveyards reading stones
that dutifully guard a hole full of bones
I gaze at the stars in the sky at night
and write my poetry in a different light
I search for rainbows but not for their gold
I have found greater treasures in growing old

I’m the most fortunate you’re likely to meet
the sun always shines on my side of the street
I’m blessed with an ability to construct a rhyme
and can remember vividly far back in time
I can see opportunities where others don’t
and venture out where others won’t
I know no boundaries in my vibrant dreams
but that special gift is not what it seems

So what about this gift what can it be
that is so precious and was given to me
it was a gift of ability to see and do
the persistence and courage to see it through
the gift you possess will be totally wasted
if the fruits of your labour are never tasted
do not squander what you have been given
and you will walk tall as you enter heaven

And when that darkness finally descends
I will look forward to seeing old friends
I will thank God for the life I have lived
and also thank him for that special gift
I’m sure he’ll be pleased in what I’ve done
and welcome home this grateful son
I have achieved what I set out to do
this is my gift and I gift it to you.