GOAL By ... Steve Lucky Many people have goals they want to achieve No matter what others say or believe. Completing a project, passing a test, Doing required chores, and setting a personal best Are just come of the goals people set. One wants to succeed without regret. Examine the goal to make sure it is wise For any goal of any size. Time should not be spent on the completion Of something that later requires deletion. When the proper goal is found A course should be set to gain solid ground. Time and effort will always be needed. Crops grow best in the ground best seeded. Some goals are more difficult than others. If the goal is too hard, who ever recovers? Goals going beyond what one can own Should not be attempted alone. Friends, neighbors, people inspired, Aquiantances, strangers, and help that is hired Play their part in getting the job done, But the goal will still depend on one. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky LEGACY By ... Steve Lucky One may never get to see What happens after he or she is gone. Some leave behind a legacy Which they know will continue on. Creating something that will last Gives a special satisfaction. Legacies remain long past A normal lifespan of attraction. Original work one person inspired Is continued by a friend. Since the project is never truly retired The legacy continues without end. Though greatly prolonged by being clever, Nothing from this world lasts forever. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HANGING ON By ... Steve Lucky Rarely do things go as planned. It is hard to get out of debt When one can not satisfy a single demand. Do those demanding expect one to let Things just happen as they may? Even one who drifts aimlessly Has important things to say. If the right words are said, one can drift free Despite obsticles in all directions. Many of them are just images in the mind So one must be carefully with all selections. Above all one should be kind. Regardless of the institution, Kindness is the universal solution. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky INDIVIDUALS By ... Steve Lucky For every gender and every race Of any age and any size At any time and any place The individual must realize Personality traits in him or her Are unlike any other. Though it can be lost in a blur, It is important to discover Individuals populate the world With traits that are unique, Yet similarities can also be hurled On any given week. Similarties and differences are found in every star And every person who can go very far. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky PRESSURE By ... Steve Lucky Many things are expected from me In a small amount of time. When I let them down, how will it be If I do not have a dime? Pressure placed on me to succeed At times can be quite great. Everything must be accurate And nothing can be late. Without any pressure on me at all, Hard work will not get done, But with too much pressure I might fall And the work will still remain undone. Pressure will not go away. It must be handled every day. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky KINDNESS AND CRUELTY By ... Steve Lucky Words one uses every day Can build people up or tear people down. Even when used in a casual way, They can make people smile or make people frown. Sometimes words can be spoken or typed By one not thinking about the result. Such poorly used words should not be hyped. If they are, who is really the one at fault? The words one uses with kindness Are the words that should be remembered. Bringing cruelty only leads to a mess. Only kindness can stop it once it has occurred. Kindness and cruelty exist in us all. One must prosper, the other should fall. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky A WAY OUT By ... Steve Lucky Sometimes we just want a way to leave, When one has grown tired of the fight And no exit is within sight. Though a place with no exit, one can conceive, One is encourages to believe, If one searched with maximum might From the lowest depth to the highest height, A way out with be found so no one will grieve. When one seeks a way to escape From what he or she has to face everyday, One can uselessly feel trapped inside. Even a superhero with a cape Is not always able to find a way. To get out, with walls one may need to collide. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky EFFORT By ... Steve Lucky Taking effort to the max Normally is not something fun. Without effort what can be done? It even takes effort to relax. People want effort to be without tax. Though exceptions exist for almost everyone, Most benefits are only seen in the long run. Effort seperates the champions from the hacks. The only wasted effort one can find Is effort used to support a bad thing. All other effort adds to the whole. Surviving the daily toil and grind Allows us to slowly bring Our efforts closer to the goal. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky OVER TIME By ... Steve Lucky When something seems like a dire need, It should be considered in the long term. Things that really make people squirm, Can fade out over time when it can not seed From dark qualities such as hatred and greed. To love and forgiveness one should remain firm. Nothing else can defeat such a germ. Results are created with every single deed. Not every fight needs to be won. Some problems will be solved on their own. It would be foolish to remain behind. Over time so called important things will be long gone And what appeared unimportant will stand out alone. A wise person keeps this state of mind. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky NEVER SURRENDER By ... Steve Lucky Never surrender to bullies or threats No matter how bad they make you feel. The change you can bring is definitely real. Even if the opponent never sweats, Or offers even the slightest regrets, Others can see your true appeal When nonviolent resistance you reveal. Hopefully they can repay all debts. Sometimes you work as part of a team, Sometimes you work when you are alone, But in either case self-control must be used. Fear can make you want to scream And pain can make you want to groan, But surrendering only leaves you confused. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CALM By ... Steve Lucky When facing the tasks I set out to do, I try to keep calmness in my mind and heart. If I feel like stress is tearing me apart, By remaining calm I manage to get through. Calmness gives me a better view. For a life long task or a single stray cart, I can treat it like a work of art And make even the oldest things feel like new. Panicking normally causes trouble. Any task can be accomplished better Faced in a calm and rational manner. Without more effort my effort seems to double, If I carry the task out to the letter. In this way I can be a better planner. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky NEIGHBORS By ... Steve Lucky As I go for a walk in my neighborhood, I look at the people around me And realize these are my neighbors. In church I look at the people beside me And realize these are my neighbors too. Neighbors all around me. Everywhere I go, these people interact with me And I interact with them. Through my words, deeds, thoughts, and actions I can learn to love my neighbor as myself The way Jesus taught us to do. My attempts to become like The Good Samaritan Will be made more clear if I practice. Through slow, steady repitition my actions will become More and more like the ultimate example. I know I will never reach that point, So room will always exist for improvement. I also hope to better spot The neighbor who resembles The Good Samaritan From among the people around me. If Jesus can die on a cross for me, Surely I can do something nice for someone else. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky INGREDIENTS By ... Steve Lucky When following the instructions in a recipie book Used for creating things that are good, The proper ingredients need to be added Exactly in the order the book says they should. Each ingredient has a part to play Contributing uniquely to the total mixture, Whether it is to be eaten Or become part of a pernament fixture. Another rule of great importance Is to add each ingredient in the right amount. Too much of an ingredient may cause it to spoil, So it is recommended to measure and count. Billions of people make up global society. Each of them has a part to play As they interact with one another Doing things from day to day. It one of these people forming society Tries to take too much control. Global society could be ruined Spoiling not part, but the entire whole. Proper balance between the ingredients is needed To make sure everything is and stays right. A cake, cement, or global peace Can be prepared any time of day or night. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky OVERCONFIDENCE By ... Steve Lucky Overconfidence is a tragic flaw Which I do not want in me at all. Friends, enemies, and I as well Have been destroyed by its horrible spell. Precautions should be taken though invicible something may seem Just in case the invicibility turns out to be a dream. Dreams quickly turn to nightmares when the unexpected comes. If overconfidence spreads throughout, the warning system numbs And even simple problems otherwise easily solved Hides a greater danger if one is not involved. Preparing for a thousand problems never to appear Is totally worthwhile when another one is near. Humility should be practiced for overconfidence to be beat Especially if one begins to feel the heat. Overconfidence fades while confidence does not. Confidence is needed to be ready on the spot. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky MERCY By ... Steve Lucky Dressed in black the thief moved through the darkness Until he reached the home of the rich man. As he crept towards the locked gate, He noticed the second story window was open. Being careful not to set off the alarms, He used the equipment he brought with him To climb over the gate and up to the window. He admired the expensive collection of paintings, But that was not what he was here to take. Quietly he made his way to the refrigerator. The rich man was in the other room watching television. During a commercial break he went to the same refrigerator. The thief was caught totally be surprise And the rich man quickly overpowered him. Removing the mask the rich man discovered The thief was only a child Who looked like he had not eaten in days. He equipment was just a rope and a hook. Scared, confused, and hungry the boy looked up At the rich man silently pleading for mercy. Instead of calling the police The rich man invited the boy To share a meal with him. There was no need to rob anyone anymore. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky MAGIC By ... Steve Lucky Fiction is filled with items of magic. Not finding them for real seems quite tragic. It may be good these items are not found. They can not hurt anyone on safe ground. Real magic exists if one knows where to look With joys and fears that can be mistook For more common things we see every day. Magic, good and evil, is here to stay. Determination found in those who believe Exceeds what others can even concieve. To good magic one must remain true. Even if evil magic goes all the way through, The dominant magic comes out in the end. Both a horrible enemy and a very close friend Will see the weaker type of magic fall. Remember, love is the strongest magic of all. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RUMORS By ... Steve Lucky Lies mixed together with the horrible truth, Rumors destroy a person's youth. Before the person is ever born Rumors about the parents makes one morn. The toddler just learning to walk, May not be aware of such nasty talk. It catches up with the child in school When classmates decide what is or is not cool. At puberty the nature of the rumors change. Does anyone find such information strange? High school and college can be places Where rumors are spread by unknown faces. If a job is a failure or a huge success, Rumors can make a career a mess. Kind words are needed by one and all Whether or not the rumors fall. After death rumors still continue. Such words should not even be on the menu. Living life by bringing down another Causes everyone to smother. Slanted stories and abuse Really have no proper use. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky ENDURANCE By ... Steve Lucky Remaining in motion at any cost, Prevents what is important from being lost. When great pain one can endure, It is easier to be sure One really has the stuff it takes To withstand the hardships and beat the fakes. Weight, pressure, pain, exhaustion, heat, cold, Insults, personal problems, and growing old Are things that make one want to quit. Some keep going in spite of it. Endurance limits exist in all. A point is reached when everyone will fall. Limits must be reached to be extended. Steady self improvement is recommended. Enduring all obsticles with a confident grin Can turn certain defeat into an amazing win. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky TIME By ... Steve Lucky Long after you and I are gone The passage of time will continue on. Before any of us were every born From age time's stream had banks well worn. To all lives it has connections Indifferent to any of our objections. People lost in the stream may drift apart. Time slows down even the beating heart Until one day it stops completely. Although this can be said more sweetly, We can not escape our inevitable demise Reguardless of our lifespan size. Through life's obsticles we can not race. Time flows at its own steady pace. As they arrive we face them one at a time. Life has its beauty as well as its grime. If the stream of time continues its motion Eventually it will reach the ocean And we will see how eternity will be Because all the rest is history. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky PLEASE AND THANK YOU By ... Steve Lucky Please and thank you should be said By everyone whether child or adult. More use is needed for everyday conversation No matter who may be at fault. Generations of increasingly rapid pace Forgot to spread the words needing more use in the place. Words to slow arguements and build a lasting peace Are the same polite words needing to increase. Time can always be found for politeness. Such a point needs constant emphasis. Whether placed in a speech or said on the spot, Words make people respond who otherwise would not. Please remember to say please and thank you. For any occasion these words will do. They can be added to any other words you mention. Thank you for giving me your attention. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky DRIFTING By ... Steve Lucky Going through life aimlessly drifting Is not the way to find a good course. When not headed towards a reliable source Direction will be constantly shifting. An anchor requires some heavy lifting. On land one can learn to ride a horse, But boats require a different force. Finding the way takes some mental sifting. Boats drifting well above reachable ground Need another method for steering Other than the ways one can try elsewhere. Once a destination has been found And its source appears to be nearing, It is still recommended one takes great care. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky DAY OF DISASTER By ... Steve Lucky No matter how well one tries to prepare Another mind can find a weakness. In the ruins are only fear and bleakness. Those who can are trying to share With survivors of a tragedy beyond compare. Facing the disaster with a certain meekness, Because life is fragile against such a freakness, One wonders what else "faceless cowards" might dare. Thousands of us are with us no more, But the rest of us continue on. Hope seems lost for the living as well When we think of those who are now gone. For many, the tears continue to pour. Exact numbers of them no one can tell. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky REBUILDING By ... Steve Lucky Disasters occurred and now we must rebuild. Some people will not be able to mend While this incident has no proper end. Anytime, anywhere others might be killed. The need to heal has not been fullfilled. We search through the rubble looking for a friend Or at least someone on whom we can depend. Success or failure can sometimes be willed. Turning to God is what we must do. Mysteries found in the power of prayer Can not be destroyed by human hands. Rebuilding takes time, but we can renew. Our hope and strength with the love we share. Together we face the world's demands. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky PLANTS By ... Steve Lucky Plants provide vital oxygen for human beings Who give off carbon dioxide in return. From this codependency people can learn How to deal with each other's disagreeings. It does not take too many keyings To find the pattern for which we yearn. Where all species and all people have a turn To interpret information form various seeings. Plants also provide people with food. The plant kingdom can better survive alone. Animals distribute them to better locations. Plants grow towards the light, so when viewed The direction in which the plant has grown Shows the way to relief from out darkness fustrations. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RUINS By ... Steve Lucky As I search through the ruins looking for answers Part of me says I do not want to know. Victims of worse things than all kinds of cancers Makes me wonder if anything here can still grow. Not even sure what I hope to find, I search through the rubble with all my might. Victory should come to those who are kinf, So I stand for what is right. Death is everywhere, but surrender is not heard. In the middle of torture people can survive. Despite everything that has occurred, My optimism has the power to revive. High technology can be used by all. In any age people are what I recall. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HOPE By ... Steve Lucky Even with no apparent solution, Hope motivates people to find a way. Not even a whole sea of polution Makes one full of hope head towards dismay. Instead he or she will try to keep going. Hope itself can reduce the shades Of darkness from problems that are not showing Until each of those problems finally fades. Belief things will get better is a way to fight The gloom and dispair wanting control. Every problem within our sight Can be solved by anyone willing to pay the toll. Hope does amazing things on Earth and above, Yet it is worthless without love. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HELPING THOSE IN NEED By ... Steve Lucky All people are connected to one another In ways we may never be able to understand. What effects one effects every other Person in space, air, water, or on land. Common biological needs exist in us all, So we know what other people need to live. When personal tragedies we recall, We became aware of the extreme need to give. Tragedies will always be with us. Good times will be with us too. Even in the middle of times that are strenous, Making things better is what we should do. All people on Earth breathe the same air. Giving has a value beyond compare. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky FISH By ... Steve Lucky When human beings are in motion They are limited vertically. Far below the surface of the ocean, In all directions fish can move free. Fish do not have to keep pace With ever accelerating human ambition. Below such action is their place And food is their main competition. Motivated by hunger they eat each other With no malice involved. From hunger pains they need to recover. By eating something their problem is solved. Fish are never kind or rude. Their species provides us with food. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky LOOKING BACK By ... Steve Lucky Looking back at the mistakes Made by myself and others, I wonder how the situation Could have been prevented. One seemingly minor change, Like obeying a stop sign, Would have prevented an accident. Another seemingly minor change, Being more vocal about safety regulations, Would have kept kept a disaster from ever occurring. Too bad I can not relive such moments. Knowing what to do is easier When I know how the events unfold. It is important to learn from mistakes So similar mistakes will not happen. As I wait for the uncertain future What would have happened does not concern me. Only what has happened, is happening, And will happen in the days to come. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky LOOKING AHEAD By ... Steve Lucky No sense living in the past. Looking ahead at what is to come, I wonder if I am ready For the things I will have to face. Will my nation be at war soon? How does one fight an unidentified enemy? The question is not if, but when Another disaster will occur. What can be done about it? The future offers more questions than answers So my mind needs to stay On the here and now. Future preparation should not come At the expense of the moment. More immediate needs can be found Right in front of me. People I know I will see again soon Are my main concern for the present. They will help like I do. I can not hide from the future So I will have to face it One day at a time. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky PROOF REQUIRED By ... Steve Lucky Somehow she could see a coming disaster. She knew the city and she knew the year. Information about it had to come faster, Although past inaccuracies kept her in fear. Her methods were not accepted by most Because she had no proof her claims were true. The gift of prophecy may be reason to boast, But warning those in danger was what she had to do. Warning people had to come before proof. If it did not, all would be lost. When most people treated it like a goof, Proof had to be found at any cost. Some of those who listened to her Tried to spread the message far and wide. For if the event did indeed occur, They needed her to be their guide. Proof required was the norm, The obsticle that faced them at every turn. Since they had no way to conform, A tragic lesson all had to learn. When the terrorists did take action Sadly she was proven right. With just a city and a year, her first reaction Dealt with how to stop the disasterous flight. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky GOD HAS A PLAN By ... Steve Lucky When hurt by bad things beyond your control And you feel like you are unable to cope. Remember God has a plan for us all. His love provides us with love, faith, and hope. God is in complete control Even when we are not. Situations that seem impossible to us He can handle on the spot. No problem is too big for Him And no problem is too small. When we have deep wounds that need healing, To God we can always call. Alone we are weak and fragile Enough to be destroyed by the slightest breeze. God, with a plan beyond time, Can change our lives with the greatest of ease. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky TECHNOLOGY By ... Steve Lucky Using the internet I can talk To many people in different places. Cities too far away for me to walk Can be reached at convinient paces. Modern medicine has allowed our lifespan To double in a few hundred years. When something needs cooking I know I can Put it in the microwave without any fears. Satillite and cable give me hundreds of channels When I use to get just three or four. If something does not work I look at the pannels, And wonder what each one is for. The same technology helping us Can destroy us when placed in the wrong hands. Lost luggage from a plane or bus Is a risk existing in many lands. People are the ones to watch With technology that can save or destroy. Tools that wound or kill with a horrible botch Should not be treated like a toy. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky REFUSING TO CRUMBLE By ... Steve Lucky What do terrorists hope to gain By filling the world with fear and pain? One nation in prosperity Can boost the world economy. Whether or not the person lives, The deed returns to the one who gives. In their attempts to become great, Most memories of them are now filled with hate. Memories of those lost in the tower above Now are mostly filled with love. Even if our cities tumble, Desire for freedom will not crumble. People, buildings, and stocks may fall, Yet something remains beind it all. Refusing to crumble, the world's population Will not allow terrorism in any nation. The acts of a few make it hard on many, Profit from such deeds is not worth a penny. Those who risked their lives for those in need Can unknowingly defeat a world of greed. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky A BETTER WAY By ... Steve Lucky A better way does indeed exist If one has the courage to find it. For every living thing a time will come When they will have to get behind it. Though most agree better ways can be found, Few know where to look. Can answers be found in a certain place Or in a certain type of book? Striving for a better way with no purpose in mind Most likely will lead to exhaustion and despair. People could pass right by it Without knowing anything is there. Sometimes a better way is found By people enjoying some well deserved rest Or get an idea from a comment Made by another totally in gest. Even a better way can be found To find a better way. Numberous answers are within reach, But only some are worth the price one must pay. Which are worth it and which are not Is yet another thing we need to know. Love is the priority Helping all good things to grow. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky WHATEVER IT TAKES By ... Steve Lucky Whatever it takes I will help you out. I hear your cries, no need to shout. Tell me what needs to be done And I will look for anyone Capable of solving the task. All you have to do is ask. Problems in this world are great, They carry an enormous weight. It can make one feel helpless inside Enough to run away and hide, Yet if a solution can be found I will always be around. Some problems simply can not be solved Even if everyone in the world were involved. In cases like these with truly high stakes, I will be there for you whatever it takes. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky COMMITMENT By ... Steve Lucky I made a commitment to obtain some information For some people I know. This task will be considerably more difficult Than I originally thought it would be. Even so, I promised myself I would do it Because I understand the importance of the information. No shortcut is satisfactory. It will take years before it is complete, But I will give it my best. I have committed myself to the task. Others have made commitments for me. Although the task may be difficult for them, They understand the importance of what I want. No shortcut is satisfactory. It will take a long time, But they will carry it out. They promised me they would do it. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SHADES OF GREY By ... Steve Lucky When a child is learning what is right Extreme examples of black and white Are taught to teach the child how to behave. Even the teacher does not know In what direction they should go When first asked about the shades of grey. New ideas come with age To better handle feelings of rage. Behind it all there is a lasting pain. The childhood world of simplicity Lacks the type of elastisity Desperately needed to handle shades of grey. Right and wrong are now unknown. The former child is now full grown And unable to find the proper place. Heading in a new direction Can lead to misleading affection. All that can be found are shades of grey. To help the good but not the bad In the end will make one sad This is really not the path to take. For there exists in all our minds Good and bad of many kinds. What remains are merely shades of grey. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky THROUGH THE NIGHT By ... Steve Lucky Many problems do not sleep, So we have a job to keep. People are working around the clock Under every piece of rock For any sign which may provide A way to heal our nation's pride. There are many thankless jobs, So no unecessary problem robs Us of our greatly needed sleeping time. During old age or in our prime We all need a chance to rest, So we should give the job our best Whenever we work all through the night To make sure everything is right. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RECOVERY By ... Steve Lucky Losses from the disaster were high. The attack left destruction beyond compare. On some people the victims would rely Who know how important it is to share. Tragedies may come and go, But the same people keep appearing. Their experience with recovery will instantly show From their actions and words the victims are hearing. A handful of people caused great destruction. Likewise a handful of people enable great healing. With the aid given charity groups for their construction, Their efforts all the world was feeling. Recovery is usually led by a few. May no one forget they sometimes need help too. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky NEW IDEAS By ... Steve Lucky Comfort from old ideas may be nice, But if we are to grow. New ideas, thought over twice, Will eventually have to flow. Old ideas are not enough To solve all the needs of today. Coming up with new ideas will be tough, Yet it may be the only way Future events can be handled successfully. It is useless to repeat the mistakes of the past. Many new ideas will cause bruises and dents Until at least one is able to last. Out old ideas are unable to change. With new ideas we can rearrange. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky RECOGNITION By ... Steve Lucky Some people are overlooked for years When their work is taken for granite. They may not successfully handle their fears Or take a voyage to another planet, But they have proven themselves dependable Simply for always being there. If anything given to them is mendable They will handle the task with great care. One day they will get the recognition they deserve As long as they are able to keep going. Good or bad moments do little to swerve When the lifetime effect is continuously showing. Everyone is special and has priceless worth. Some noticed this value even before birth. Copyright 2002, Steve Lucky SILENCE By ... Steve Lucky Not a sound could be heard. Silence was the dominant force. No one could even pinpoint the source Because no one dared to say a word. The idea of retaliation was absurd, Yet no one tried to stop the cource Of the silence no one seemed to enforce. The silence itself appeared unheard. Freedom of speech can be oppressed In many different ways, All of them proven to be effective. Unless these methods are confessed, They may not be noticed for days. Even silence can be defective. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky THE POWER OF WORDS By ... Steve Lucky Encouraging words and discouraging words contain power Greater than most people think. Words alone can make someone swim or sink Because human beings at any given hour Are looking for someone who will not cower. Anyone who is on the brink Of success or failure will try to link With someone who will not go sour. Kind words alone can enable One to accomplish things thought unobtainable. With cruel words this will never be known, Becuase they make one grow unstable. Encouragement has to be sustainable If the task is to be done alone. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky COMMUNICATION By ... Steve Lucky Our ability to communicate Is a really important thing to use. Although other languages can confuse, We are able to demonstrate, In ways other people can comtemplate, The ideas we are able to choose From our own interpretation of the news Recieved from events both small and great. It is hard to determine whether Or not an idea will work out By giving it just a passing glance. With everyone working together Through communication we can overcome doubt And give each other a deserving chance. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky UNIVERSE By ... Steve Lucky I am a part of the universe, Some far too large for me to comprehend. Everything I do changes the universe In some small, seemingly insignificant way. My small part of the universe Has been shaped by a lifetime of activities. Some were caused by other people, But many others were a result of my own actions. Be it good or bad, I have determined what my part Of the universe will look like. The part of the universe where I live Will be forever effected by the consequences of my actions. Knowing this I should do my best To make it a nicer place to be Because I will always be in it. It is connected to the rest of the universe Making it appear more insigificant Than a drop of water hitting the ocean, Yet I know I can Change the universe as a whole Because I am a part of it. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky ON THIS SPOT By ... Steve Lucky On this spot was once a prosperous and thriving community Presenting people with a golden opportunity To interact with people from all over the world. In one place many cultures were blended and swirled Which could not have happened only decades before. All one had to do was open the door. With so many things easily in reach No one knew the safety lessons they needed to teach. Compared to what happened, natural disasters seem mild. Facing a storm is preferred to the anger of a child. From lightening, hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes we can protect But with human beings we can not select A good way to keep everyone safe and secure While still allowing individual freedom of which we are now unsure. Entire communities can too easily fail When terrorist acts are allowed to prevail. From a stone aged tribe with a home not set To the global community of the internet, The acts of one can destroy the whole Yet the cause of the problem no one can control. On this spot together we will see The effects of our global community. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HUMILITY By ... Steve Lucky Humility is not a quality that stands out, Yet it is esential to well being. More than merely the absence of pride, It involves a different way of seeing. By keeping the spirit close to the ground, One can soar to the highest height. When not blinded by selfish desires It is easier to do what is right. Attracting attention by seeking none, Distinguishing virtues from vices quite well, These are things the humble can do With the simple stories they tell. Not rejecting their own accomplishments, They acknowledge them and continue on. Life is hollow in the past or the future. We live in the moment and then the moment is gone. The humble are better prepared for disaster And also better prepared for success. With so many things acting upon us, Where we are headed is anyone's guess. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CHALLENGES By ... Steve Lucky Problems need to be solved to survive And obsticles need to be cleared to progress. These are just some of the challenges to face If one does not want to settle for anything less. Some challenges are harder than other. Why settle for the easy path? To succeed, failure must be faced. Before calculators one still needed math. A baby who can not yet speak Still needs to communicate. This is the motivation for talking Which adults can better contemplate. For the adults the motivation Is to better understand the child. Challenges can not be rationalized. Some of them suddenly emerge from the wild. Whenever a challenge has been solved Another one will take its place. In this way people grow and learn No matter what they have to face. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky TEAMWORK By ... Steve Lucky Together a team can do things No team member could do alone. The diversified tallent each of them brings Goes all the way down to the bone. Each of them can specialize On the part of the job they do best. In times of trouble, their spirits can rise When one replaces another who needs to rest. Sports teams and construction teams Know what they need to do, Even when the whole task seems Beyond their point of view. Focusing on the good of the team Instead of things of their own Brings all of them closer to their dream And makes the right way known. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky LOVE YOUR ENEMIES By ... Steve Lucky Jesus told us to love our enemies And pray for those who persecute us. It is easy to understand its importance, Yet so difficult to actually carry out. Love is not limited to kind people Or people in agreement with what is being said. Love extends from above the highest snow covered mountains To below the bottom trenches of the ocean. As I attempt to extend my reach To include more than just those I feel comfortable around, I am reminded I sometimes see myself as the enemy. When this happens the moral used to love others Is needed so I can love myself. Trying to hold onto God does not matter As long as God can hold on to us. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky ONE AT A TIME By ... Steve Lucky The secret to ripping a phone book, Which can not be done all at once, Is to rip the pages one at a time. A list of jobs needing to be done Can wear me out just by looking at it Unless I handle the jobs one at a time. Many buildings are built to create a city. Running a marathon requires a constant, steady pace. Water flowing into a stream or river Seldom reaches the ocean overnight. Tasks that appear too big for me, I try to break down into parts And concentrate on those parts I can grasp So I can complete it one part at a time. All the things I will face during my lifetime Will be too much for me together. I will need to face them one at a time. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SUNSHINE By ... Steve Lucky Sunshine appearing from behind a cloud Lights up the world for all to see. Plants, animals, and people react to the light In their own way to their own degree. Each ray is precious and should not be wasted. No artifical light can create a park. Sunshine surpases all technology Because without it we would be in the dark. Some creatures eager wait for darkness, But most of us reach for the light. Lamps and streetlights do not make us feel Everything will be alright. Only sunlight can light up the sky In such a dominant way. Lightening lasts for only an instant Sunshine is here to stay. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CONVENTION By ... Steve Lucky From many different places they come to the convention To share an interest in the planned activities. More things are going on than anyone can mention Because the variations come in wide varieties. Unusual costumes are worn by some Helping bring a favorite part of fantasy to life. Vidoes and artwork are seen by those who come Reminding them creativity is mightier than any knife. Trouble is almost guaranteed to appear, Some of it accidental and some of it not. Problem solvers will always be near Ready to give it all they have got. At conventions fortunes are made And if one is not careful they can also be lost. It is not always easy to find decent shade Because some things are needed at any cost. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky NON-TERMINATING, NON-REPEATING By ... Steve Lucky For a time I found Something to expand using the brain. Examined intensely, complex diversity, not to end. Patterns will appear to become Easy for all involved to now solidly establish. Digit variations to suitable formulas, Some I duplicate through a system Mirroring the acceptable measuring for numbers Going a tremendous depth, Focusing on perfecting accurate balance Best following this path still dependent On the irrational designs. Wherever I travel some impossible events, To inactive people in uncreative mindsets, Generates increased priority hoping to discover completely The idea focusing on every dim spot If I, a drifter eventually decide blended creations. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky EMOTION By ... Steve Lucky When reason, judgement, and intellect are gone Emotion is what remains. By far the strongest part of the mind With the unknown power it contains, It will not let will power get in the way No matter how determined one might be. Emotion shapes the very image Of what appears to be reality. Happiness, sadness, fear, and anger Color the black and white world of intellect. Reactions from emotions are hard to overcome Whenever one attempts to select Anything bringing out such feelings. Nothing we have can ever replace Positive and negative basic feelings Towards anything we might have to face. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky DETERMINATION By ... Steve Lucky No one thought he would ever succeed, But he knew he could prove them wrong By keeping himself away from greed And focusing on the song. He had no delusions about his choice, To succeed would take him years. It would take him time to perfect his voice And conquer his stage fears. Knowing the slow path was the safest, He would sometimes take risks too. Hard work was required for what he wanted And this he was willing to do. Much free time he would sacrifice For the sake of perfecting his art. Concentration and practice was not always nice, But in the long run it would be smart. When his big album finally came, He knew it was all worth while. Even if people forgot his name, They would not forget his style. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky WAITING IN LINE By ... Steve Lucky Waiting in line I do not like to do. It wastes my time and obstructs my view. Although I realize we must all wait our turn, Waiting in line still makes my heart yearn For the often overlooked freedom of motion, Looking ahead and behind me I get the notion It would not be wise to move about. Remaining quiet, I want to shout Impatiently about the line being too slow As other tempers start to grow. These people sound like they are faulting Each other for their progress halting. All of them should avoid careless mistakes. Usually I avoid it, but sometimes it takes Waiting in line to reach my destination So I need to handle my own fustration. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SYSTEMS By ... Steve Lucky Most systems were created So we could better interact. This is an important fact Explaining why some systems are hated When they have clearly demonstrated Neglegence for the simple act, The original reason they made the pact, Of making sure all are fairly rated. No system in totally fair. People must make due with what they have got. Everyone at times gets shoved. All in the system need to share. Totals are not always on the dot. People, not systems, need to be loved. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky MYSTERIES By ... Steve Lucky Many mysteries are beyond our ability to understand. We do not even know about the elements involved. It is doubtful such mysteries will ever be solved Without someone willing to take command And find the answers the rest of us demand. Before the unknown barriers are disolved, Some mysteries must be revolved So we can see every grain of sand. Unsolvable mysteries and solvable ones Appear alike at first glance. One might not be able to tell them apart. Even a complicated computer program runs Because a problem solver took the chance Of solving the mystery of the heart. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky FOCUSING By ... Steve Lucky Vast complexities within our world Hide important tasks from view. A sea of mostly meaningless data must be scanned Just to see the whole thing through. We should focus on what is important Once we are sure it has been found. Trivial tasks do not bring Us any closer to solid ground. Focusing is an important skill Enabling us to keep our goal in sight. As long as we are not too ill To distinguish wrong from right. How can one learn to stay on task When no one else is around to ask. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky CONTROL By ... Steve Lucky If one hopes to keep things under control, Those things should be within reach. One has to complete the goal Before one will be able to teach What to do in such a situation. Until it is completed, the solution is not known. In the event of an additional unexpected complication The challenge still has to be faced alone. Goals one sets have to be achievable For one to find the proper solution. Whether an answer is or is not believable Might lead to a revolution. Control is not always within grasp. Complications may cause one to gasp. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SAFETY By ... Steve Lucky Some think safety rules are an unnecessary burden Delaying one's attempts at completing a task Or reaching a selected destination. Safety is far too important to ignore It has importance not only for the one doing the job, But for everyone in the area. Accidents are unpredictable by their very nature. If something has a million to one chance Of resulting in an accident And it happens a million times Odds favor it happening. A single mistake has the potential To destroy the entire world. Safety rule are an issue to be taken seriously And followed in the best interest of everyone involved. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky PROGRESS By ... Steve Lucky By what standard should progress be measured? Can people agree on what should be treasured? Are those that some say stand in its way Preventing us from going astray? Should progress be measured by techonology Or by benefit to society? Questions need answers so one must progress If he or she ever wants to find success. Even answers that turn out out to be wrong May be close enough to help us along. What is progress to one is worthless to another. Each has different values to discover. Is there a standard to which all others are compared? Is progress really progress if that progress is not shared? For an individual and for a nation, It takes progress to reach a selected destination. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RISK By ... Steve Lucky Some degree of risk is taken by all Many people can recall A horrible failure or an tremendous success From taking a risk in a time of stress. Risk taking can give us a thrill. The stress from it can make us ill. Whether one should take a risk or not Is frequently a decision made or the spot. People like to second guess If the risk avoided might have led to success Or if the risk taken never should have been done. Should a risk that has begun Ever even be completed? Mistakes do not need to be repeated. Many people press their luck Just to keep from getting stuck. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky GARDEN By ... Steve Lucky A garden is a good place for things to grow. To protect them one must know What each species needs to survive For the gardener attempting to keep them alive. Each seed should be treated with care. Soil and water they will have to share. As they grow together side by side, The gardener will try to guide Each fruit and vegetable to maturity, Maintaining personal standards of purity. If the garden is made of flowers, Their beauty must survive drought and showers. Unwanted plants, often called weeds, Drain life from the wanted seeds. The path of the wanted plants will be smoothed If the unwanted weeds are removed. Distinguishing between the two Is something the gardener learns to do. One can discover his or her worth On the larger garden known as Earth. Where people desperately search for a gardener to sustain The type of world we want to maintain. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky ORCHESTRA By ... Steve Lucky Sounds from hundreds of instruments, Blended together in near perfect harmony, Come from the musicians who watch the conductor Guiding them through the symphony. With his baton, the conductor traces Meaningful patterns into the air. Each muscian has least one instrument Ready to go next to his or her chair. Every instrument has its place As the conductor urges them along. Through constant, steady repeptition, They learn every note of every song. Any one of them could ruin it If he or she should ever stall. Playing the right note at the right time Is something required by them all. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky ADVICE By ... Steve Lucky Age normally brings with it wisdom So senior citizens should be Among the wisest of our population. Modern technology, a sign of the times, Is not familiar to many of them Who would prefer to stick to the basic necessities For whatever years they have remaining. However, they have an abundant supply of knowledge For every stage of life and know What younger people will face once they reach them. Childhood, puberty, maturing, and growing old Senior citizens remember and have plenty of advice about. Others can learn from their successes and mistakes. Plenty of advice they have to give If those younger are just willing to listen. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky COMET By ... Steve Lucky From the outer limits of the solar system A giant ball of gas, dust, and ice Lights up the night sky. Brighter than the brightest star, Comets were once seen as a bad omen Warning of danger in the not too distant future. In the twentyfirst century most people see it As simply an interesting astronomical phonomenon. People gaze up at its beauty And wonder what they could see If they could travel with the comet On its distant, irregular path through the solar system. Comets, whether a regular visitor Or a once in a lifetime opportunity, Remind us of our fear of the unknown And what can be missed unless those fears and overcome. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky DISTORTION By ... Steve Lucky If we look at something through ignorance, Our view will become distorted. Events that actually took place May not be the same as reported. If our minds are clouded With fear, anger, and hate Mental images can be blurred By things that we articulate. Fantasies can seem quite real at times But they still must be distinguished From the kind or cruel reality That refuses to be relinguished. We can be decieved by false friends Appealing to our unsatisfied greed. They can distort their true intentions By pretending to give us what they need. Accidental or intentional distortion of the truth Causes ourselves or others great pain, So we must examine carefully Distortions created inside the brain. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky WORLDWIDE MESSAGE By ... Steve Lucky I want to send a message to all people in the world Letting them know I was indeed here. Details may be lost beyond recovery, But the basic message rings loud and clear. Much of the message can be distorted. From supporters, friends, and I alike, So it has to be kept simple enough To be memorized during a hike. Some say I am doing this for attention. I like to believe there is more to it. My message, if understood, can change the world. Facing unexpected challenges I hope to get through it. Even if my name becomes lost or slurred I want my message to remain intact As a timeless, worldwide reminder Love and kindness sustains through any act. It is a message that can be used For any and all adversaries one will have to face. No matter where I go this worldwide message Will never be out of place. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky APOLOGY By ... Steve Lucky I started to yell at you, then I paused And thought about the damage I had caused. When my temper gets the best of me I may not even be able to see Another human being, who I might call friend, If only my help I am willing to extend. Massive destruction I can never repair Causes me to just blankly stare Wondering what might have been If my current thoughts I had back then. An apology I offer loud and clear For anyone who is willing to hear The many things I have to say About destruction caused a previous day. I know someday I will do wrong again So I will also need an apology then. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CLOSET By ... Steve Lucky The closet door creaked open And a curious little girl peaked inside. She discovered items belonging to her parents Untouched for years and forgotten about. Text books from their college days Had been placed on the top shelf Well beyond her reach, for the moment. Clothes were on either side of her. Her mom's clothes were on the left And her dad's clothes were on the right. Most of the clothes no longer fit them Because they had gained weight. As she searched through the pockets Of her mom's old coat, She discovered something was still inside. It was a shiny, jeweled ring That must have been important, At least at one time. She hurried off to tell her parents of her discovery Leaving the door wide open. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HIDDEN TREASURE By ... Steve Lucky Things are not always easily seen. Sometimes one has to know where to look. Most treasure is not perfectly clean. Often it can be mistook For an object nowhere near as cherished, Lost without it being miseed. Years after the object has perished New discoveries may show it should have been kissed. Methods used are not absolute in telling What is valuable and what is not. Anything considered worth selling Should be given a fair price for the value it has got. Prices can be measured in other ways than money. Valued gifts between friends are sometimes exchanged. One person may think something is funny Not knowing how many lives it has rearranged. The greatest gift one can give comes from the heart. Hidden treasure is deep inside. Greater value than being smart Comes from those who let their heart be their guide. Copyright 2002, Steve Lucky BELIEVING By ... Steve Lucky Good can triumpth over evil. Being kind to one another is the best way to prosper. Dreams can come true and actually help shape reality. No kind word or deed is too insignificant. God reigns supreme above us all. He came to Earth as Jesus Christ. Even as He was being nailed to the cross, He asked His Father to forgive them For they knew not what they did. He died and then rose again. Even the universe has its limits. God has no limits. We have enough food and resources for everyone If we can just learn how to use them properly. Injustice will always exist in the world. Success is within my reach if I work hard enough. Repitition is a good way to learn something. Emotions communicate things in ways words never can. These are things I am believing. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky TOGETHER By ... Steve Lucky Neither of them could handle things alone But together they could handle it and then some. When the challenges they face made either of them want to groan, They had another to whom they could come. He was having finance troubles Causing him plenty of stress. She was having relationship troubles Putting her life in a tragic mess. Even if no one else would listen The two of them could always talk to each other. As time went by they continued to talk And they were able to discover, One opinion outweighed the entire world Which was why it was so greatly needed. Together they could face the world. It was worth more than anything for which they pleaded. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HUMOR By ... Steve Lucky Everyone needs a sense of humor. It reduces the sting of any rumor. Laughter is a greatly valued treasure Giving us a simple pleasure. Trivial matters of importance of thinks In the presence of humor greatly shrinks. A funny thing, when people see or hear it, Can reduce stress and lift the spirit. Without laughter we would have no release From the somberness of any piece. Coming from deep within the heart, Humor is an important part Of people's daily activities. It fills some basic necessities. The power hidden deep inside Shows people can survive if they collide. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky WHISPER By ... Steve Lucky When the usual noises are not around Somtimes a faint whisper can be heard. Rarely can a noise so faint be found. The idea of such a noise some say is absurd. Listening closer still, words can be made out Originating from the secretive, timid, or weak. Drowned out frequently by the nearest shout Even faint words can be important to speak. Whispers can often be in code Known only to people familiar with such talk. Attempting to understand it can be a heavy load. Babies could whisper before they could walk. Even if a faint whisper is never understood Learning from it can lead to something good. Copyright 2002, Steve Lucky RESOURCES By ... Steve Lucky With just a finite amount of resources Providing people with food, shelter, and transportation. Lifestyle in even a wealthy nation When not shared with others it enforces Rage from the inevitable conflicting courses Of people who desire the same location. Competition can lead to intense fustration As they fight over decreasing wealth sources. Enough resources can be found For everyone to live in comfort If people could just learn how to use them. Technology is one common ground People use to learn to better sort New inventions revealing the hidden gem. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky IS IT I? By ... Steve Lucky Lord, is it I who will betray You and the things You have planned? Are the things I do and say Going against Your divine command To trust You with all my heart, mind, and soul And love my neighbor as myself? Do I forget to look for your divine goal When I get too concerned with wealth? To find the answers to the questions I ask I look beyond my own limitations. You can see through any mask And know the fate of all the nations. Still I wonder what I did wrong, What I did right, and what I can do better. Did the people who wrote Your praise songs Follow your words down to the letter? Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky OBSESSION By ... Steve Lucky A teenaged boy had an obsession To become a sensational basketball star. His tallent was mediocre by college standards But he insisted he could go really far. Nearly every day he would practice for hours Making sure everyone could see his stuff. When he reached college he quickly discovered Hours of practice were just not enough. With no backup plan he had to rely On his family and friends he had deserted. Rarely is one thing worth the price of all others And when it is it must be asserted. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RESEARCH By ... Steve Lucky Not all answers are right in front in plain sight. One can search with all of his or her might And still not find what needs to be found. Some answers are burried underground In a totally different location Which can not be reached without the right transportation. Research done correctly makes a task far easier. Done routinely it can even be breezier. Though research one can plot the right cource Instead of blindly trying to find the source. Without getting lost in an unknown space One can head directly to the proper place. Lazy research leaves too much of a quirk. Doing it right takes plenty of hard work. Tasks carefully planned are done much faster So research is something one has to master. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky ANTICIPATION By ... Steve Lucky When stress one starts to demonstrate, Beyond the limits of self-control, On the mind it takes its toll. Processing will not accelerate Due to anything one can create. The unknown status leaves a hole As one hopes with the entire soul Needed items will not arrive too late. Aware of events one can not see Because one is filled with anticipation, It is time to get involved. Distraction caused by what is to be Normally only leads to fustration. Live for the moment, the problem is solved. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky VICTIMS OF WAR By ... Steve Lucky War is not found only across the sea. It instantly travels around the globe. Victims of war will not always be Dressed in a military uniform or a royal robe. Postal workers saw first hand Any war has a horrible cost. Violence can come to any land Forever changing it when the irreplacable is lost. During a crisis people get together But does it stop those were prefer to fight? Human beings can be worse than any weather, Yet some keep trying to get it right. Through war and peace, love remains the same. Who are the victims of our blame? Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky EXHAUSTION By ... Steve Lucky Energy does not come in an unlimited supply. When one looks up towards the sky, The muscles in the back of the neck Can make one feel like hitting the deck. This is why one tries to plan a task So for rest one will not have to ask. Even with the best precaution One will reach the point of exhaustion. At that point, if possible, one needs to rest. Most jobs require one to be at his or her best. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky THE HIGH ROAD By ... Steve Lucky According to the Bible, Jesus asked His Father To forgive those who crucified Him Even as they nailed Him to the cross. This is the example one must follow. Extreme morality is far from the easiest path to take, But why settle for something less When the high road is directly ahead? Such a journey will not be easy. Many obsticles on and near the path Make it difficult to navigate. Other roads look tempingly easy, But the moral high road leads to a better destination. The view from the top makes the entire journey worthwhile. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky TRUST By ... Steve Lucky How can people recieve a fair chance When they are judged by a single glance? Anyone who is willing to try Can show there is more than meets the eye. Parts of their personality Strangers rarely get to see. Afraid to show what they have inside, Good and bad qualities they hide. Fear can be overcome by trust, Preferably the kind that will not rust From unkept promises and false beliefs. Tribeless drifters and indian chiefs Know trust is a daily chore. It requires something more. Going beyond the call of duty Is the true nature of its beauty. Trusting others is needed too So one can have a better view Why trust is a good way to stary Love coming from deep within the heart. Trust leaves one open to attack With no way of fighting back. People can feel really used With this quality is abused. Still trusting others is a good way to learn Better ways for one to earn The trust of a fearsome, frightened stranger In any concievable type of danger. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky LIFE PLAN By ... Steve Lucky The young woman had her life planned out Complete to the smallest detail. In her mind there was no doubt. Her plan would never fail. Life, however, does not follow Any predictable set up path. Events beyond her control left her feeling hollow With no good place to release her wrath. Planning can be a good way To set up a proper course, But other events will arrive to stay Making a schedule hard to enforce. Life is not a set of events easily predicted. Many times will come when pain will be inflicted. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky PLAN FOR LIFE By ... Steve Lucky Unexpected events will always occur So it is best to be ready when they arrive. They can appear in quite a blur Letting one know what it means to be alive. Sudden events are not always bad, Though the tragic ones tend to make the news. What one thinks he or she had Greatly depends on the things they use. Preparing for the unexpected May be the best thing one can do. Most things in life are not selected. They come as often as the morning due. With extensive planning one will not Be prepared for all life has got. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CREATIVITY By ... Steve Lucky With imagination one can see Worlds never part of reality. These world one never had to face In any time or any place, Yet many similarities can be seen On the complex bridge between Reality and the imagination. Morals are a simple demonstration Of how to two interconnect. How alike they are one can select. Does it mirror the world we know Or is it so different one can not go To the place one wants to find Because it only exists in the mind. Creativity allows one to better develop Fictional worlds one hopes will envelop People in the world of sight and touch. Complex worlds may require too much Time and effort for understanding, So the others get overdemanding For one doing the job on his or her own. With partners one no longer has to do the work alone. Each partner adds another part To the world one person had to start. In a major production it will extend Beyond the life of its creator with no visible end. The most complex world of all is where people live. One needs to make an effort to give Those in need a helping hand And spead generousity across the land. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky HOUSE ON FIRE By ... Steve Lucky The little boy was first to notice What could be a deadly blaze Near the living room window In the middle of a smokey haze. He ran upstairs to wake his parents Thinking they would know what to do. Not knowing any better, they ran back to the living room Hoping to get a better view. As they quickly scanned the room For the place from which the fire came. They discovered the source of the fire Was also the source of their shame. A loose wire had been left on the carpet Where it had been smoking for hours. Eventually a fire started From a spark with electricity fueling its powers. Grabbing their son they ran next door Where they could fulfill their main desire. They called the fire department who quickly came And put out the house on fire. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky REPAIRS By ... Steve Lucky Car repairs are quite an expense Sparking fustrations that are quite intense. Home repairs cost even more Just to leave things as they were before. Computer repairs work their way Into major expenses one has to pay. Less expensive items break down too. Sometimes people buy a replacement or two. Without water or electricity who would dare Neglect the importance of repair. During those times one will realize Why some people specialize In fixing things when they break down. Every person in every town Has plenty of items every day Which even when used in the most careful way May stop functioning without warning And still need to be used the next morning. For imperfect things it is guaranteed, Repairs are something we will always need. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky DISCOVERY By ... Steve Lucky Plenty of things await discovery For those who are willing to explore. Little time is left for recovery. Exploration does not end at the shore. Into the water, then below, In the air, and out into space, Countless places for one to go Extending the boundaries of the human race. Discoveries are made in one's own back yard. All one needs to do is search. Exploring is not necessarily hard When finding a new place to perch. Boundaries to the unknown move further away As long as someone is willing to reach them someday. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky EXPLORATION By ... Steve Lucky Unexplored places will always remain So some will be compelled to explore Hidden pathways leading to something more. As long as exploration can sustain Heat, cold, wind, snow, and rain, Desire to reach places never reached before Can lead to a sudden outpour Of emotions one can not contain. The best place to find something new Is in unexplored territory Where no one else has dared to go. An important part of every true story Are the things one has to do For other people to know. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky WARNING SIGNS By ... Steve Lucky Warning signs for many dangers can be seen By those who simply know where to look. Often such signs will go unnoticed And if they are noticed they can be mistook For something meaningless and unimportant Instead of foretelling coming dangers. Such signs should be given top priority Whether from friends, aquaintances, or strangers. Rarely does one know where to find the right clues So the warning signs may not ever be found. Hind sight notices them much better Enabling one to spot them next time they are around. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst When the warning signs are present. Things can change very rapidly At times when it is pleasant. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky BLIND LOVE By ... Steve Lucky Love goes beyond height, weight, gender, race, Hair color, eye color, attractiveness of the face, Age, experience, nationality, background, Religion, creed, or anything else that can be found. Through all these variables a constant remains Blind from all the love it contains. Attempts to prove this thing beyond time Would not lead to the proper rhyme. Can a successful demonstration Be given in any worldly nation? Love continues accepting all. Any creature large or small Depends on love to fill a basic need. Whether it comes from word or deed, Love is what keeps all things going, This is why it is always showing. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky JUSTICE By ... Steve Lucky A moral code shared by all, One instinctively seems to know. Teaching the difference between right and wrong Allows this moral code to grow. When kind and innocent people suffer From the wicked who want to exploit them or worse, A justice system is brought into power, To the villians a solider, to the victims a nurse. No justice system perfectly enforces The unwritten moral code. Innocent people are wrongly convicted While guilty ones never carry the load. Justice sometimes can be found By the parents or by the courts. Sometimes one's own conscience prevents Enjoyment of ill gotten goods of all sorts. Other times justice has to come From those who are willing to take action. Their system also is imperfect, But justice is their main attraction. Without a perfect justice system, The weight is given to defense Because injustice only prospers When justice becomes too intense. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky AIMING FOR THE SKY By ... Steve Lucky To make a difference, one must try. Changing the world is hard to do Without the courage to see it through And keep on aiming for the sky. Even those on whom one has to rely May be opposed to such a view. If one can stick to the task like glue, It is something no one should deny. One must realize all power can corrupt Regardless of how noble the task. Normal life is rearranged Just to answer the questions that people ask. If one's temper starts to errupt The course of action, if possible, should be changed. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky POWER By ... Steve Lucky As one gets older, power is gained Distracting one from the original task. This new found power needed to be contained. Even one who wears a mask Can not hide from his or her actions. It is the price of greater authority. To aviod being overconcerned about reactions One should keep in sight the higher priority. Since all power leaves a mark on the soul, It needs to be mastered with practice and skill. Better ways are needed to keep it in control. With experience this need becomes easier to fill. Though great power can destroy, Most still want to have it to enjoy. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky PIECES IN THE PUZZLE By ... Steve Lucky Each piece in a jigsaw puzzle has its own distinguishing features. Each location on Earth has its own distinguishing creatures. When connected together, a picture is created. The proper place for each piece can be located By looking at the picture as a whole Or detected the pattern where age takes its toll. As the pieces become worn and thin, Renewed spirit comes from within. It takes a delicate touch When the pieces seem too much. Gently the pieces are put in place Until one can see a human face. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS By ... Steve Lucky Follow your dreams wherever they take you, Above and beyond the boundaries of Earth. Do not let the opinions of others discourage you. Persue your dreams for all they are worth. Dreams lead to ideas which lead to solutions To problems no one thought could be solved. You must act on your dreams and keep them in focus Before inside your mind those dreams are disolved. Reality is shaped by dreams, More importantly by those who follow And turn them into something real. Without action, even the best dreams are hollow. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CONTROVERSY By ... Steve Lucky Controversy I tend to avoid. With it comes too much negative attention. My opinion on a controversial topic Normally leads to its extention. Should I even dare to speak If I know it will make an arguement last? Assertive opinions need to be given Before the time for them has passed. It is something I do not want around me, Yet I know it is something I have to face. Unless courage and tolerance is shown Quite often controversy leads to disgrace. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky TOLERANCE By ... Steve Lucky Everyone has differing opinions at times. For this reason, others should not be ignored. When through opposing opinions one climbs, New area for one's own opinion are explored. Maybe the other person is right Which one would not realize from one point of view. Maybe the other person is wrong Which is better explained when the time is due. Some opinions are downright destructive Even saying them could cause others harm. Still one should try to be constructive When an opposing viewpoint causes alarm. The group does not know which viewpoint is right, So multiple viewpoints exist tonight. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky GRACE By ... Steve Lucky To forgive anyone for anything Is not something I am able to do. With continuous practice I am able to bring Myself vital power to see the job through. Closer to divine grace I proceed Hoping the path I can maintain. Remembering Jesus I follow His lead And try to withstand tremendous strain. I know I am going to fall short Of the example of perfect grace. The grace of God withstands any court. Dispite my actions, it will stay in place. Grace can withstand total global destruction. This is the power of its construction. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky LITTLE BIRD By ... Steve Lucky A little bird flies high into the air Far away from human worry or care. Gracefully she continues her flight, Regardless of weather, day and night. With her skyward point of view, She can see what humans do. Ignoring the forests continuing to wilt, Enormous cities they have built. Her winter home no longer can be found So she hunts for other ground. Noises from apartment buildings and shopping malls Replace the once familiar mating calls. While she can not find a mate, a home, or a family, The human world can hardly see All living creatures share the planet. People too often take it for granite. Still the little bird continues to fly Because hope flat out refuses to die. Copyright 2002, Steve Lucky REMEMBER THE TIME By ... Steve Lucky Remember the victims of the day of disaster So they will remain within our minds. Americans were not the only victims They had ethnic groups and nationalities of all kinds. The World Trade Center, The Pentagon, And four planes hijacked in mid-flight Should not be erased from history. They should be kept within our sight. Remember the tragic day in Sepetember, Unlike any day that came before. Seven thousand were killed and countless others Had their lives ripped out down to the core. Many people came together In the city of New York. Donations came from all over the world. To the families of each victim they would fork. Remember the time of each disaster. Despite it all, life is a fragile thing. With the horrible timing of it all No one knows what the future will bring. Human beings share the planet. No other creature can be so cruel. No other creature can be so kind either. The entire world is altered by their rule. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky FLIGHT 93 By ... Steve Lucky Three out of four planes crashed as the terroists intended. Three out of four flights went according to their plans. Flight 93, the fourth one, was delayed By the time they were in the air Passengers on board had heard about the other three flights And knew this was not a typical hijacking. They decided to take the situation into their own hands. All terrorists on board were overpowered And the plane crashed to the ground below Preventing the terrorists from reaching their destination. It also prevented the United States Armed Forces From acting on the controversial decision of shooting it down. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 Will be remembered as heroes for many years to come. Relying on someone else is not always an option. Many times one must take action and control the situation. Flight 93 is an example to be remembered. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky GOLD By ... Steve Lucky For centuries gold has been treasured. It is still considered the world standard of wealth. This valuable substance is carefully measured. At the risk of jobs, food, shelter, and health Many people go elsewhere to mine for gold. They chase the faintest chance of prosperity. More often than not, the trial grows cold. Despite the miner's sincerity. Because of numerous gold disputes, It has been used to symbolize greed. One who gives the miner salutes May be offering a crooked deed. Mining takes skill, hard work, and luck. Otherwise one could get stuck. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky SPIRIT By ... Steve Lucky Freely the spirit goes beyond all human limitations. Attempts to contain it will likely backfire. The spirit shows the place of one's desire. Watching the spirit head for unknown destinations, Provides human beings with many demonstrations Of everyday things which can truly inspire. This is not something one can hire, Yet used in numerous situations. One can not set rules for the spirit. It is far beyond earthly things, But still a part of daily events. When seen many people will fear it Knowing the trouble it usually brings. Debates about it can become quite intense. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky ORANGES By ... Steve Lucky During the time when the oranges grow, Orchard farmers have to know Whether or not it is going to freeze. Thousands of dollars depend on a few degrees. Month after month they endure the cold Hoping the orange blosoms will one day be sold. To a person or company wanting to consume The oranges just starting to bloom. Silver coins the help receives for their work Inspecting the oranges for any quirk Possibly caused by frost. If it destroys the crop, money is lost. Turning purple from cold or from a bruise It just part of the daily dues The farmer and the hired help have to pay If they want things to go their way. Something as simple as a glass of juice Has a splendid, practical use. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky REFLECTIONS By ... Steve Lucky In a house of mirrors one can see Reflections of reality. Some images are distorted beyond compare. Others are hidden by the glare. Still other mirrors disproportionately reflect Body parts at the height they select To reduce or enlarge to obtain laughs. Different mirrors are found on different paths. Likewise reports of world events Can be distorted, unseen, or disproportionately intense. Different people notice different things. Multiple distorted viewpoints usually brings Knowlege of which mirrors reflect the best. It should be the image more like the rest. Though a perfect mirror may never be found, Plenty of good ones are around. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky GIVING THANKS By ... Steve Lucky I have many things to be thankful for My own existance and so much more. Though sometimes I do complain, I have the things I need to sustain A reasonably comfortable standard of living. Enough to be part of the spirit of giving. I am thankful for sunlight and fresh air. Simple needs are beyond compare. Shelter, clothing, water, and food Keep me in a festive mood. On almost any given day People can hear what I have to say. Being alive and in good health Is worth more than an abundance of wealth. I am thankful for the view Of what other people say and do. With things more than the money in all banks, I have many reasons to give thanks. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky SACRIFICE By ... Steve Lucky Eventually one must sacrifice Time, money, and comfort to do a job right. In order for one to win the fight One must be willing to pay the price. Quality tested daily advice Will not send one to the needed height Unless one sacrifices all to reach the light. Reaction can be as cold as ice. Trouble comes in many forms And leaves a very real impact. Emotional scars may last for days. Problem solving will not conform To the way one is expected to act. A normal life is the price one pays. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky BLOOD By ... Steve Lucky The blood of heroes is often shed In attempts to prevent continuation of their actions. From open wounds it flows deep red. To some this only increases attractions. Heroes frequently work without pay And often recieve abuse in return. Once everyone has had their say Years, perhaps centuries later they will learn Who the heroes really are And why so many want them destroyed. Since deep often wounds often leave a scar, Memories of it can be lost in the void. Heroes can be thrown in the mud But the real price is paid in blood. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky WEATHER By ... Steve Lucky We are still at the mercy of the elements. Though predictable patterns can be found, Controlling the weather is a different story. In this day and age it is unfamiliar ground. A fire someone started burns out of control. Rain running off cement leads to more floods. Wind patterns created by planes and skyscrapers, Are hard to distinguish from the duds. Trees are disappearing every day. New trees hardly slow the rate. Nature is strong, but not invincible. It is easier to destroy than to create. Time to take action is in the present, The sooner we start, the more prepared we will be. Controlling weather is still beyond The limits of our technology, Yet there are things we can do To keep the environment from getting worse. Good planets are hard to find So the one we have we need to nurse. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky WHO TO TRUST By ... Steve Lucky Many times in a lifetime everyone must Depend on another who they can trust. Although vital trust can be betrayed, It can not be avoided, only delayed. Being dependent on one another, It is important to discover Who to trust when trust is needed. To another one has pleaded For a particular task to be done. At this point trust has begun. Other times trust must be earned As who is trustworthy is slowly learned. Trust can be fragile, easily broken Ot for a lifetime once the words are spoken. Together everyone can thrive. Apart it is hard to even survive. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky EXERCISE By ... Steve Lucky Exercise is needed to stay in shape. It is still the best way to escape Problems inactivity will cause. For regular meals, there is no pause. Regular exercise should be done. It can be strenous as well as fun. Once habbits are formed, one can progress To better enable total body success. Through steady repetition, one gradually improves. As spirit, mind, and body work together on the moves. The mind and the spirit need exercise too So they can better teach the body what to do. In order for one to learn and grow, One needs to have the will to go. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky DOORS By ... Steve Lucky Open doors allow one to see What is on the other side. Although it is easier to ask for more, It is also harder to hide. When a door is closed, Movement must be made. One has to remain composed To prevent the approach from being delayed. Before a locked door can be passed, One will need to find the key. Without it one can feel outclassed By maximum security. Doors lead to rooms, minds, and hearts. Sometimes a closed door really smarts. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky WINDOWS By ... Steve Lucky While safely inside, through a window Many different things can be seen. At just a glance one will know Whether the world is cold or green. Should one bother to venture Into what can be seen beyond Or look inside for adventure And to the home keep a constant bond? Either way one will be prepared For what can be seen outside the home. Information gathered can be shared Anywhere one decides to roam. Cleaner windows give a clearer view, But they do not replace what one has to do. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky HIDING By ... Steve Lucky All around us are reminders That the world can be a scary place. While trying to reach our destination, Many dangers we will have to face. It can be too much for some to handle So they try to hide. Pressure from being out in the open Is far too great for them so they put it aside. Things done outside the public eye Do not have to be on the dot. Hiding can feel more comfortable Whether this thinking is right or not. Privacy comes at a price. Advantages can come with fame. With other peoples' lives at stake Public sight is not a game. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SURFACING By ... Steve Lucky After years of hiding in the shadows One may feel the time is right To emerge from underground and reach the surface Warmed by the glow of daylight. Rarely is this as simple As it may first appear. Objects once used to hide behind Keep the view from being clear. Things one hid from in the first place May have only grown. Fear of the mysterious is beaten By the greater fear of the known. One can not be a hero Hiding underneath a bed. The time it takes to reach the surface Is shortened when kind words are said. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky KEY By ... Steve Lucky Any door can be opened If one has the proper key. New areas can be explored And captives can be set free. Keys come in different shapes and sizes. Not all of them are easily found. Doors that they unlock May not lead to solid ground. A key will not work properly Unless it fits the lock. Some doors require the right time When a key is triggered by a clock. Cars and trucks require keys So the owner can be more sure When the vehicle is not in use It will remain safe and secure. Keys are sometimes lost, But new ones can be made. It should be done with special care So the entry is not long delayed. The key for dealing with people Is only found within the heart. No other place can hold Such a noble work of art. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky ACTION VERSUS REACTION By ... Steve Lucky Some people favor reaction Being nice only to those who were nice before. I recommend taking action It will give you so much more. Be the cause instead of the effect. Start the cycle instead of waiting. I can follow or select My own path to be demonstrating. Reaction will not take place Unless another decides to go. Action prepares you for any case Including answers you do not know. Do you choose to just react Or create your own impact? Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CHAIN REACTION By ... Steve Lucky One event leads to another Together in a series they form a chain. It might be difficult to explain Until the direction of events one can discover. An event that looks like any other Leads to major loss or gain. If the end result will be great pain, The chain reaction one must smother. Can a chain reaction be halted Once it has begun? Altered results may be even worse. Before someone is faulted For stopping events before they are done, Remember some chain reactions lead to a curse. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky SHADOWS By ... Steve Lucky Events cast shadows in all directions, The bigger the event, the bigger the shadows. Shadows from the past and shadows from the future Make the present what it is today. The past can not be changed, but the future can. From the future, the shadows grow As the event becomes less and less avoidable. When the event itself appears, It has a solid grip on the here and now Effecting everything around it. Over time, the event fades from memory Leaving only shadows of what once was Or what might have been. These shadows fade into nothingness, But other shadows will take their place. All events leave shadows. Some are warnings of what those shadows might become. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky PREPARATION By ... Steve Lucky If you take the time to prepare, You will be better equipped to do the job right. Let other people know you care Enough to try with all your might. It is rare for a plan to go Exactly the way it was intended. When devistation occurs you will truly know If those you have befriended Have prepared enough to handle anything Blocking the intended path. Confidence from preparation can bring A way to keep calm during times of wrath. Obsticles are more easily overcome when well equipped. Planned jobs are done considerably faster. During those times when you have slipped You will still be prepared to deal with disaster. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky TERRORISTS By ... Steve Lucky Terrorists attempt to gain control of people By filling their hearts with fear. Hatred is very strongly expressed Whenever such people are near. Methods they use often backfire. Few people like what they have become. Terrorists, more often than not, Lose what they gain and then some. Power gained only through fear Does not come from a life worth living. Generousity has proven more effective. Views are easier swayed through simple giving. Although terrorists may be successful With devistation on a global scale, Reigns of terror rarely last. Opposing forces normally quickly prevail. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SKYLIGHT By ... Steve Lucky Electric light is not needed during the day. The family can see thanks to light from the sun, At least until night has begun When they go back to the usual way. Electric companies they will need to pay If they want to get their activities done. Without artificial light, they will have none Because sunlight will not always stay. A skylight can provide light As long as the sun is out. During darkness or rain, electric light is back. If power cells could be designed right, The family could continue moving about While resever power replaces what sunlight would lack. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky STARLIGHT By ... Steve Lucky The ship sailed quietly through the night Guided only by light from the stars. Near darkness provided little sight. Resting gently against the railing bars The captain searched for signs of land. By Polaris, the north star, the course was steady. If he ever needed a helping hand, He knew within minutes the crew would be ready. Waves rocked gently against the ship And the ship creaked in reply. If the captain should ever slip, On the crew he would have to rely. With only starlight as his guide, The captain knew the ocean was wide. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky SPOTLIGHT By ... Steve Lucky As the spotlight moves from person to person Some try to avoid it all together. No individual can control it, No matter how rich, famous, or clever. Some people desire to be in the spotlight So the public will better remember their name While others try to get out of the spotlight To escape real and imagined shame. Who the spotlight shines on is hard to predict And the public's reaction is harder still. It shines on those who save As well as those who kill. The spotlight does not always shine In places where it should. When it shines on something evil It misses something good. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky SUNLIGHT By ... Steve Lucky Sunlight turns light into day No other light source even comes close. If used wisely it can leave a tan Or burns if one should overdose. Even nocturnal creatures need sunlight to survive It provides the light and heat often taken for granite. Artifical light may light up a building, But nowhere near the entire planet. Moonlight is a distant second It does not feel warm to the touch. Sunlight, however, can also be harmful If it is used too much. The atmosphere does not block harmful rays Like it did it the past. Precautions should be taken If we want out skin to last. Despite all its problems, sunlight will be needed Until another global light source can be found. With no such technology anywhere in sight, Sunlight is something we need to have around. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky ECLIPSE By ... Steve Lucky When Earth comes between the sun and moon, Moonlight is blocked by the shadow of Earth. For a few hours it gives one an idea Of how much moonlight is actually worth. Solar eclipses are rarer than lunar ones Because a smaller area is effected When sunlight is totally blocked by the moon. Eclispes can be predicted but not selected. They happen when the time is right Without being slowed, hurried, caused, or halted. Planets and stars can be eclipsed too. Modern astronomers are sometimes faulted For failing to predict are eclipse, But ancient astronomers paid a greater price. Incorrect predictions sometimes meant death At the hands of superiors not very nice. Since eclipses were rare they were often associated With world alternating events. Earth remains in motion with or without them Yet the time of an eclipse can still be quite tense. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky MOONLIGHT By ... Steve Lucky Desperately she searched for a path leading out While the moon cast a faint and gentle glow. After catching her breath she gave a loud shout. Her movement was beginning to slow. Not even the animals gave her a reply As she pushed a few branches aside. Without the sun on which to rely, Moonlight was her only guide/ She was her own boss during the journey Anywhere she decided to roam. Hours later she came across The path that would take her home. At last appeared the light of dawn Encouraging her to continue on. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SUGGESTIONS By ... Steve Lucky From many different people suggestions come. Each has a different point of view. It can be hard to narrow them down to a few. Combined they can make the mind numb So one will probably only want to follow some. Offered suggestions should be thought through. Not all of them are easy to do. At first the most brilliant suggestions can seem dumb. Good suggestions do not always come from the smart. Simple ideas can fill gaps in a brilliant plan. Most jobs could be improved. Whether military strategy or a work of art, Important suggestions offered by those who can Allow massive objects to be moved. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky SECOND WIND By ... Steve Lucky Working for twelve hours outside in the cold, Had tired him to the core. People rushed home with items they sold, But he knew Christmas was so much more Than anything that could be measured. After clocking out in the dark of night He realized free time was something to be treasured, Not to be lost in a pointless fight. From the north the wind gave a cold but gentle touch As he walked to his car with what strength he could muster. It reminded him he had so much When a shooting star passed by a star cluster. Compared to the joy of Christmas day, Other inconviences fade away. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky THE BIRTH OF CHRIST By ... Steve Lucky With all the things we have this season, May we not forget the reason We have such a joyous feast. Shepherds and wise men from the East Came from places near and far. Lead by the bright and wonderous star They arrived at a humble manger Where no one was treated like a stranger. The Son of God had come to Earth. In that stable He had His birth. Jesus was a baby boy Who brought the world their greatest joy. Though many gifts we may recieve, Christ is the one in whom we need to believe. He gave the greatest gift of all So once a year we recall God was once a tiny child Sent in order to tame wild. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky CHRISTMAS TIME By ... Steve Lucky Christmas is the time people think of one another. The right gift to give they try to discover. An inexpensive, well planned gift Can give other people's spirits a lift. Some give deep thought to every present Because they want the gift to be pleasant. Whether or not they expect a perfect day, Disappointment is bound to come their way. Gifts are not always what the reciever would have selected. From their reaction, the giver is effected. Still it is usually better than no gift at all. It is important to recall. The thought really is what counts More than any measurable amounts. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky STRESS By ... Steve Lucky Major problems are in the world today And one of the biggest is stress. It compounds other problems Leading to an enormous mess. Stress needs to be properly handled. Desperately one tries to cope. One can better handle the situation If one has a solid source of hope. Talking about stressful things With a neighbor, relative, or friend Can be a good way to relieve the stress Finally allowing it to end. Stress can be found everywhere And has an awful feel, But it is more important To concentrate on what is real. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky RELAX By ... Steve Lucky While facing a challenge one should relax And focus on the task at hand. If one is tense it is much harder To respond to the crisis by taking command. Viewing the challenge from another angle Lets things be seen unseen before. Mistakes not previously noticed are found Preparing one better for what life has in store. The subconscious mind continues to work While the conscious mind is taking a break. Rushing things through destroys them. Not finding time to relax is a big mistake. A job done while relaxed Can be completed quicker than one might think. If time is taken to do the job right, The difficulty involved will appear to shrink. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky VISITORS By ... Steve Lucky The old woman moved silently through the house. For many years, she had lived alone. She was well into her nineties and vistors were rare So she found other things to do with her time. Television occasionally broke the silence When she watched her favorite shows. This was the exception rather than the rule. Her daily habbits had become routine. Alone in the house she waiting for her time to go Which had not yet come. On this morning, the doorbell rang. The old woman went to the door Expecting it to be somebody selling something. Instead her granddaughter stopped for a visit Along with her husband and children. The old woman was glad to have company And entertained them as best she could. Her story was all it took. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky FAITH By ... Steve Lucky When no clear evidence can be found And the idea does not appear to be sound, One may take a leap of faith to find out If the idea is solid without a doubt. Accepting something simply on trust Requires a skill that is a must. No faith may be the greater danger. It takes time to learn about a stranger. Faith in God and in His love Coming down from the Kingdom and Heaven above Is not something to be proven by science. Faith sometimes can be in direct defiance With what the senses can percieve. Sometimes the senses can decieve. To the faithful, miracles appear Letting them know God is near. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky RENEWAL By ... Steve Lucky One the night one year ends And a new one begins, Many people think about renewal. It is a time to put aside old problems. Forgotten are mistakes of the past As they make promises they intend to keep During the rest of the year. Some, perhaps most, of these promises Do not last more than a week. Other promises are kept for the entire year. These promises make a difference Not only to the people who made them, But to the world as a whole. Greatly needed is the time To renew hopes, dreams, and ambitions When the world is weighted down From fear, anger, and disappointment. Just like January is part of the year, Renewal is part of the cycle of life. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky GROWTH By ... Steve Lucky Over time people develop new ideas Learning what works and what does not. These new ideas enable them to better handle recurring situations Even when the stakes get hot. Steadily one practices what needs to be done And through continuous repetition the work feels routine. Human beings mentally grow and change Unlike even the best machine. Maturity bring with it new concepts and ideas Providing a much greater area to explore. Access is gained by entering new worlds One never knew existed before. Experience comes from one's own actions. Just as plants grow towards the light, For one to grow toward righteousness One must do what is right. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky BOXES By ... Steve Lucky Six sided pieces of cardboard Have wide varieties of uses. With all their different shapes and sizes There should be no excuses For the right box not being available. If one bothers to look around, Boxes can hold almost anything. Right sized boxes can be made if not found. A box should be slightly larger Than the object it is trying to hide. Only when a box is opened Can one see what it holds inside. Some people feel boxed in By the rules and regulations of society. Individual freedom is needed to insure Available resources in a healthy variety. Just like boxes, people hold something Deep within their interior. Until it opened one can not determine Which item is truly superior. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky VALUE By ... Steve Lucky Personal value can be determined by no other. Something worthless to one is priceless to another. Its monetary value comes from supply and demand. For such a system economics one needs to understand. Objects considered valuable are those extremely rare. High demand for certain objects gives them a value beyond compare. Water worth more than diamonds to someone dying of thirst? This situation shows human beings at their worst. It also shows human beings at their best And why certain people are considered better than the rest. During times of need they are nice Enough to help out regardless of price. When one asks another to solve his or her needs, The one asked remembers previous good and bad deeds. People have a value that can not be replaced. Love is where the value is based. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky COMING OF AGE By ... Steve Lucky Innocence does not last forever. Bonds to wickedness one has to sever. For a person to mature, Personal duty one has to endure. This duty may not always be clear From the things a child can see and hear. Some dangers have to be faced alone That would chill the bravest adult to the bone. Adulthood can not be slowed down or rushed. It is doubtful such a thing can be hushed. When the time is right one will engage In a ritual known as the coming of age. Girls become women and boys become men. No one can tell exactly when. It will happen when the time is right, At any time of day or night. For each person, it is unique. Whether or is strong or weak Maturity will still arrive. It is something one has to survive. Since the coming of age has no set rate, It never arrives too soon or late. Many nations have ceremonies for this event. Alone in the darkness, they will have to be content With knowing despite all their childish faults, They can see eye to eye with other adults. Copyright 2001, Steve Lucky LOGIC By ... Steve Lucky Order and reason give pattern to thought Based on previous things one has been taught. Reasoning can be better explained When in a logical pattern it can be contained. Equations sometimes must be solved in the dark. Answers can be totally off the mark Unless it can be held in place By the constant laws of time and space. In the tangibile world people see and touch New ideas can be too much Without some source of validity For the general public to accept what they see. Logic can break information down Into a structure suitable for everyone in town. Copyright 2002, Steve Lucky AMBITION By ... Steve Lucky One does not need to order a salad To realize invalad reasoning is part of this world too. Laws of time and space Will not limit the drive to succeed. Not all ideas come in indentifiable patterns. Ambition does not yield to the beliefs Of people who supposedly know better. Its structure can be changed in seconds, Moved and twisted, to fit whatever form in currently needed. Ambition tells one to go anywhere and do anything, Ignoring all limitations and restrictions, So power, fame, and personal success can accumulate. Great potential it brings into focus Limited only by the imagination. Trying to fit ambition somewhere in the physical, tangible world Is a different matter entirely, But logic is not the only way to do it. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky DESTINATION By ... Steve Lucky Before one tries to go anywhere A destination is normally selected. Different ways exist to get there Though none of them have been perfected. One can feel as if disected. Problems have a way of showing. It makes one feel less connected When travel to the destination is slowing. Logic does not know when to keep going And ambition does not know when to stop. Both should be used and controlled while growing. Effort is need to reach the top. Success of the harvest depends on the crop. Kindness and cruelty both can be spread. Inevitably cruelty is a flop So kindness is what the people should be fed. Many people desperately fled From echoes of events long past. Everything that is done and said Leads to consequences that will last. One is not required to be fast To reach the proper location. With the right supporting cast, Chances are better of reaching the destination. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky PRECIOUS By ... Steve Lucky Life is precious. With precious little time to spare, I must use every precious moment wisely. Precious friends help me discover Many precious things are right under my nose. Air is precious for without it I could not breathe. Food, water, and shelter are precious Giving my precious life some precious comfort To maintain my precious health. Freedom is precious. Especially to those who have lost it For one reason or another. Precious words I write on precious paper with precious ink. On my precious computer I send a precious message To the many precious people on this precious planer. All these finite things will perish. Precious priorities need to be set When making precious decisions about what is precious. Love, hope, faith, strength, courage, friendship, and imagination Are just some of the precious things Not to be measured by the standards That make the word precious lose its meaning. Its meaning is precious. Copyright 2001, 2002, Steve Lucky
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