My Cardboard Box

I live inside a cardboard box

This box is my little world

My box is brown and has six sides

For which I am the reigning Earl

I decorate my box with bobbles

And lights and other things

I love that sense of well-being

And the comfort that it brings

I never go outside the box

I’m afraid of what I might see

I only know what goes on in here

And from the images on TV

What would happen if I cut a hole

A window, a door or skylight

I wonder exactly what I would see

Do you think it would be alright?

I’m sure it will so I give it a try

I carefully cut a hole in the top

Trembling slightly with a little fear

I’ve come too far to stop

As the piece of roof top fell

Something amazing happens

A bright light shines inside my world

And becomes my new best friend

Curious now, I thirst for more

So I hoist myself right outside

The sites are quite astonishing

The tears well in my eyes

Waterfalls, rivers and mountains

Trees, grass and gardens of flowers

Birds and animals and insects too

Sunshine, clouds and rainbow showers

I need to look outside my box

To understand more than what I see

It’s more beautiful than I ever imagined

This growing knowledge inside of me

I live inside a cardboard box

This box is my little world

The box is now lit on all six sides

And I'm a happy girl

XO

The Eyes Have It

A child's eyes so full of light

Innocent, pure, sweet delight

With wonder yet intelligent

Perfect love and so immense

The eyes are the window of the soul

Where all the lies and truths be told

Where tears of wounds and love are found

Of blue, of green, of violet or brown 

Then one day the light is replaced

With shadows of hurts we all must face

A few short years, it's not that long

The has light faded and then moved on

So we adapt and become who we are

Some of us fail and some become stars

We learn and we grow, that is our fate

Today contributes to our future state

One day when we are really old

The wisdom in those eyes that hold

Eyes are faded from their former glory

Another page written of our story

Human eyesight has betrayed us for sure

Memories blinded, others just blurred

Yet somehow we see better than ever

Appreciate life and all it's treasures

The eyes are tired and need a rest

Close them now, take the last breath

As the memories in our eyes fade away

The eyes of our spirit will light the way.

© Sherry Irvine – May 28, 2011

Old and Gray

Balding women and balding men

Gray or coloured and short again

A time ago it was their crowning cap

Bouffant, curly or slicked right back

Wrinkled skin and spotted faces

Aging inside their separate spaces

Each wrinkle represents their life

Some are happy, some with strife

The eyes are tired yet they are wise

Eyes that smile and eyes that cried

The eyes have seen some beautiful things

Births and deaths, the moments life brings

Pardon? Hello?  Some hard of hearing

Some confused, but still endearing

Speaking softly or speaking loud

It’s hard to tell, there's such a crowd

Backs are straight and some are bent

Some bodies lean and some are spent

Others bodies are obese and wide

What matters most is what’s inside

The careful movement of their walk

Slow and cautious and a bit distraught

Take my arm – I’ll help you – I’m strong

Some in wheelchairs pushed along

Every old person has a story to tell

Stories of love and stories that compel

Stories of compassion and of hard work

Jobs, children and passionate quirks

This is what I saw at the clinic today

A little glimpse of being old and gray

One day I’ll be there, just like them

So I wouldn’t forget - I picked up my pen.

© Sherry Irvine – May 25, 2011

SPRING CLEANING

Everything is so bright and green

After the rain, refreshed and clean

Open buds during morning glory

The winter's past it's final fury

See the sun shine over the land

Smiling across the faces of man

Rejoice the happiness of the day

For all there is and all to say

The night time sky is starry and clear

Free from the clouds so far yet near

I make a wish upon a sparkling star

The one thats near but yet so far.

© Sherry Irvine – May 24, 2011

WHAT IF.....

A backpack filled

Blood has spilled

People can’t hear

They only see fear

A human insane

Has caused the rain

What we have seen

Seems so extreme

Hearts are sad

People get mad

WHAT IF I suggested

These souls that are “dead”

Made a pact with the One

To show us the work

That needs to be done

To wake us

To shake us

Look deeper than blood

The flower IS inside the bud

WHAT IF it means

We'd be free

Together as One community

To protect each other

To fix our errors

Renewed, refreshed

Take a deep breath

Surrounded by love

From the One above

Open our eyes

Look deep inside

We are not perfect

So much to correct

We are human

And we should act like One

WHAT IF we gathered

With love abound

Hear the sounds

See the light

Forget the fight

Open our hearts

It’s a start

Forgive the pain

Enjoy the mundane

Take care of each other

Like sisters and brothers

What would it be like?

A life without strife...

Food to eat

A place to sleep

Wars have ceased

Replaced with peace

We are One as a team

WHAT IF

all we have to do is BELIEVE?

© Sherry Irvine – May 24, 2011

My Family Tree of Love

I wrap my arms around the tree

I feel it’s heartbeat inside of me

It’s love is growing as tall as can be

This beautiful tree growing inside of me

My tree is old but it still bears the fruit

The apples and oranges of human truth

It’s skin is wrinkled yet reflects my youth

Perfectly timed with my life’s commute

It’s roots run deep inside my earth

It drinks my love to ensure rebirth

This simple desire quenches my thirst

As my soul is bathed and rejoices mirth

It’s branches reach out to the sun and sky

It’s leaves gently waving hello and goodbye

Secret messages and meanings hidden inside

Each shapely leaf both narrow and wide

The leaves burst forth in the light of spring

In summer I love the shade that it brings

Bright colours fall when the leaves are dying

A blanket of snow for rest and renewing

My family and I reside inside this tree

This tree of love growing inside of me

Our state of minds refreshed from spiritual debris

Forever together we make our family tree.

©Sherry Irvine – May 16, 2011

Fine and Dandelion

Dreamy yellow flowers

A symbol of spring time

Nice and bright against the grass

Dancing for all mankind

Every child will pick you

Lovingly with mothers in mind

I see you more than just a weed

Oh I  can see the beauty you shine

Now please feed us your dandelion divine

© Sherry Irvine – May 13, 2011