Dawn Cahoon Kniff

Houston, Texas

Granddaughter of Ashley Pelham Vaughan, one of the founders of The Galveston-Dallas News. Born in Houston where she worked as a Model in her teens. Lived in Chicago and New York City. Returned to Houston 1986. Attended Art Institute and Sherwood Music School, Chicago. Has sung in Opera and Oratoria, Soloist Christian Science churches, and was Vocalist with a Dance Band. Has won sixteen awards for poetry and two Golden Poet awards. Individual exhibit at Opening of new building at Goethe Institute for Foto Fest, March, 1988. Individual Exhibit at The Houston Fine Art Show at George Brown Convention Center, 1990.

Prosperity

Success in what you put your hand to...
Fulfillment of all your right desires.
Old friendships that grow... and some, brand new.
The spirit that lights ambition's fires.

Bounding energy for each new quest.
An outlook full of richness and health.
Appetite that's always at it's best...
Taste, quite good, and a sense of true wealth.

A broad vision ... no limitations.
Faith to start - and also see it through.
A love of God, Man, and all Nations.
Attraction toward beautiful and true.

To believe in failure... much too wise.
In the darkest night ... "sitting it out."
With deepest joy, to see the sunrise,
and learn what the day is all about.

To know what it is to really love...
The purest waters of life to drink.
Always aware of the One above...
I'll feel prosperous -- what do you think?

The Garden of Love

May the seeds that I sow, fall into good ground,
and the purifying rain, cause them to grow.
The beautiful sunshine bring warmth all around.
In the heart of the day, gentle breezes blow.

And, may each stage of the unfoldment bring joy.
From the roots growing deeper; through Winter days,
Faithful efforts to protect, nurture... I employ ...
Into Spring's full bloom, my grateful eyes, to gaze.

Painting colors... blended on a canvas, green.
this beautiful Art- Work of nature is free...
For all passing by, to be enjoyed, when seen...
Complete, within framework of Birds in the Tree.

The finest of Perfumes, float into the air...
Lifting the spirits... and the senses inspire.
May all who in this infinite beauty share,
Have their hopes and aims lifted a bit higher.

At nurturing, may I always do my best,
So I may see continued blooming, each Spring,
With deep faith that Divine Love will do the rest.
And into my Garden, purer beauty bring.

Untitled

Music is the "food of love", I've been told.
Love is the power that makes music flow.
Under it's spell, the timid become bold.
On stage or off, it brings to life aglow
Soul - satisfying rhythm unites all.
Vivace, andante ... and in between.
Inspired with beauty, one will hear the call.
Aesthetic paths to happiness are seen.
Choreographed in one Symphony, life's notes fall.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Dawn Cahoon Kniff. All rights reserved.