Erika T.

Topeka, Kansas, USA

Erika has written poems for over a decade. Her first, published in 1991, was encouraged by her friend, Reverend Michael Delancy. Her writings have been published in the National Library of Poetry, in newsletters, and she has designed and written verse for greetings cards. Her first set of poems, compiled in 1996, is entitled "Genesis Collection." Her second in 1997, is "Collection II." She works in Customer Service at Blue Cross Blue Shield, is an active church member enjoys her family, cross-stitch, and country dancing, Erika says, "Writing is a wonderful outlet. It helps me examine feelings and appreciate life."

Reflective Time

Quiet Time, Tranquility,
When I look deep inside of me.
What do I want? Where am I going?
What kind of garden have I been sowing?
Do I plant flowers? Do I pull weeds?
Do I dare desire? Do know my own needs?
Do I stay here, or venture there?
Can I be truly happy anywhere?
Look at my life. Do you like what you see?
You should be striving for all you can be.
You have only one shot. Don't just stand still.
Discover your dreams. Pursue what you will.
Be true to yourself and others as well.
To live out a lie is personal hell.
Don't be afraid to try new things.
You may be pleased with what one brings...
To enhance your life and build you up
Transform you from that shy, scared pup
To someone who's serene, secure.
Look at life's deception. Seek what is pure.
Quiet Time, Tranquility,
When I look deep inside of me.
What do I want? Where am I going?
What kind of seeds should I be sowing?

Universal Quest

To love and be loved is a universal quest
That holds more importance than all the rest.
The need to be wanted and to want another
Whether stranger of friend, sister or brother,
Compels us to do many things that we do:
To plan, to ponder, to carry something through.
To evoke a response that is positive and caring
Is worth all the time, the trouble, preparing.
Encourage pure loving and shun your hate.
As reward in this life, hate just doesn't rate.
It destroys and spreads evil and horror and crime.
We don't yearn for hate, but true love anytime.
To love and be loved is a universal quest
That holds more importance than all of the rest.

Erika welcome ideas and comments. You can e-mail her at: ETTink@aol.com