Elma Clark Norwood

Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA

Elma was reared by devout Christian parents, and has been an active church member since age twelve. God-given poems are self-published in "Marshmallow World", "Discovering Diamonds","Joyful Noise", and "Golden Years--God's Love-gift". Awards from The National Library of Poetry, Famous Poets Society, and National Author's Registry. Sharing, no higher honor!

The Motto

It hung upon the schoolhouse wall,
was framed, it's letters fading,
a motto for each one to see,
which didn't need updating.

Its message timely e'en today,
not ever out of sync',
as true for present as the past,
would cause the child to think.

Each day for years I read its lines
fixed deeply in my mind,
becoming such a part of me—
of that sweet past remind!

Still word for word it shouted out
each time I entered there!
When there were times it quietly spoke
I made of it a prayer.

So many times it helped to draw
my aspiring mind apart;
yes, all through life its inspiration
stayed engraved upon my heart:

"Yesterday is dead—forget it.
Tomorrow has not come—don't worry.
TODAY IS HERE—USE IT!"

Gift Of Morning

I stand on tip-toe
and eagerly watch
as God softly lifts gossamer veil of pre-dawn,
as first faint hint of light
breaks through eastern sky.

He flings peach-and-coral-tinged ribbons,
ablaze with morning joy,
across the heavens—
preparing for sunbeams' debut!
I'm watching God make a MORNING!

In this gift from our creator
such beauty I see!
This greatly moved spectator touched by it all!
Remembering with reverent awe
it's all for you and me.

His idea of sunrises
as delightful surprises!
Just another evidence he loves pampering his children!

"and God said, Let there be light;
. . . and God saw that it was good."
Holy Bible KJV Genesis 1:14, 18

Drink Deeply

Lord, help of this day to deeply drink
and so to my very best aspire;
truly giving of imploring self
is this eager heart's desire!