Copyright 2004-2023 all poems on this site are the original work of Sheri McFarland. All rights reserved.
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Longevity
Long life was once seen as a blessing desired
But these days it is seen not to be.
Now old ones are seen as just burdens to young,
And the selfish just want to be free.
When bodies grow weaker and feebleness comes
And they need extra help from the strong.
They earned the respect and the care they require
For they gave and worked hard for so long!
They cared for their children, provided their needs
They worked and gave all that they could.
Now they should rest and receive tender care
Loved ones giving them all that is good.
Remember, young friend, your youth too will end
You one day may need extra care.
Give the love that’s deserved and care for your own
You’ll find that your own will be there.
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Rescued
Lost and wandering in darkness alone
Feeling that all I once held to was gone
Doubting that all I believed in was true,
Caught in a vortex, I thought I was through.
Hardness and anger gnashed at my soul
Self pity and apathy soon took control.
Destructive choices dragged me further down
Weights I collected were making me drown
A still small voice in my head kept calling
I pushed it away and of course I kept falling.
Sternness would never have helped me to see
But kindness and love are what set me free.
Slowly this kindness untangled the cords
Prayers of faith brought the angels with swords
Slowly the numbness started to wane
Gradually new strength I started to gain.
Beginning to see through the mist of the mire
Feeling the stirrings of a whole new fire.
Wary of snares I have already known
I cling to the truth and I am not alone.
2016
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Hope for Dawn
April 2007
The woman laughed and danced and sang in the land of Shangri-la.
Romanced and treated to delights, her suitor gave them all.
She dared to think this joy could last, all sadness left behind.
She never thought this man she loved would soon just change his mind.
No one knows what lies ahead, we all just take a chance.
A slipper lost can be restored long after the last dance.
Perhaps the dance at Shangri-la forshadowed things to be.
Perhaps the joy tomorrow brings will pale that memory.
No matter how the darkness falls it is not here to stay.
Just hours after midnight there will dawn another day.
So be about your living now and bravely move along.
Have faith in love and love just may return a happy song.
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The Journey
December 2006
Where are we going?
I’m not sure hon.
How do we get there?
Steps one by one.
Will you go with me?
Of course I will.
But travelling costs,
We must pay our bill.
Can we travel together?
Perhaps at times.
When climbing a mountain
Each climber climbs,
Hand over hand,
Foot over foot,
Finding each crevice,
Steps carfully put.
Sometimes together,
Sometimes as one,
Sometimes seperate,
We’ll take time and have fun.
We’ll get there together,
At last, in the end,
And we’ll enjoy one another,
Our dearest best friend.
No need to hurry!
Cast away fears!
We don’t have to worry,
Nor dwell on our tears.
Our end is our journey,
Our making our way.
For our pleasure is sharing
In living each day.
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Life’s Blows
October 2006
Flying, soaring, wind whipping by
Thinking you’re ruler of the whole big sky
Suddenly a deafening blast is heard
And you’re tumbling and falling, a stricken bird.
Life deals some happiness,
Life deals some pain
There is some sunshine
There is some rain.
The darkness won’t last
The dawn will return
And you will understand
What you were to learn
Falling, falling, spiralling down
Knowing the end is the hard, cold ground
Suddenly stabilized, floating in air
you surrender your heart and float without care
You were just knocked a bit
Not what you feared
It wasn’t a fatal hit
The worst has now cleared.
Let go of your heartache
Let go of the pain
Let your love re-awaken
Fly high once again.
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Sorrow In Springtime
(2004)
Where is the spring time of this year?
Where is the happiness, joy and cheer?
Instead of hope for a new tomorrow
I feel only loss and pain and sorrow.
The one I truly love has withdrawn,
The one who loved me most is now gone,
The one I’m bound to is cold as stone,
Those bound to me are sometimes alone.
This spring has changed from other years
The sky today bears only tears.
The air so cold; like a lonely heart
Bruised and broken and torn apart.
Will the sun soon come out again?
And will the birds sing then?
Will the flowers cheer the earth
And will new love come to end this dearth?
As I grasp at hope with all I’ve got
And then open my hand to see what I’ve caught;
Will I find a treasure there?
Or will I have missed and find only air.
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Iraq
“How long mother?” the sad girl cried
It had been two years since her father died.
“Child, hush now and pray for peace,
And pray for your grandfathers soon release.
The cold dark prison has held him long,
But still his faith is holding strong.
Someday, I know we will be free
And an end will come to Sadam’s cruelty.”
“Mother, why did he kill our men –
Father, Galeb, and Uncle Yasin?”
“Child you dare not question these men.
They killed for less and will do so again.”
“Mother, look! who are these foreign strangers –
I read one badge and it said Rangers!”
“Heavenly Father, can it be true?
It must be for I see red, white and blue!”
“Child, these are our deliverers!
They are here to help and here to serve!
“Mother, will more men have to die?”
“I am afraid so dear, and yes, we will cry.
But freedom has never come without cost.
Brave men have paid and lives have been lost.
Their deaths have never been in vain.
But have brought an end to nations pain.
Hitler ruled with an iron hand
It took many men to free that land.
We needed someone strong and bold
To overcome Saddam’s evil hold.
Thank you America! We love you, it’s true.
God bless Mr. Bush and the red, white and blue.