Karen Hardin

Los Angeles, California

Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets.

Soon, it will be 15 years that my pen and I have been best friends.  Writing, poetry, songs, and stories is a gift from God and I give Him all of the praise.  I am inspired by people from all walks of life to write and it is such a joy.  My poetry is shared with people across the nation through various means.  Fifth graders, at Oak-Hill Elementary School, Jacksonville, Florida crituque Heartbeat each year.  It is a segment of Mrs. Deborah Bankhead's Social Studies classes. 

I Wish

How comfortable are you in your home?
Only you know what it feels like not to be alone,or
Making the best one can, not being on the streets
Ever loving the comfort, of life being sweet.
Loved ones are there to keep you content
Echoes of laughter, helps you to vent.
Surely the ones with no where to sleep
Save their laughter to rejoice with food to eat.

Plenty of problems they have in their lives
Efforts to keep going when it seems they can't survive.
Only the bare necessities are sometimes in reach
Places of employment should they seek?
Leadership skills of those in control, are needed to
Educate the homeless, young and old.

People become homeless every day and every hour
Most of them because of thing beyond their power.
Sometimes by fires, floods or winds
Sometimes we don't know how, nor do we know when.
I just wish I could do something within my might
To make a unique and positive difference in the homeless' plight.

The Call

The Master is calling
For you and you,
The harvest is ripe, but
The laborers are few.

Your blessings will be manifold
When you live in His will,
Therefore, if you're moving too fast
Take time to be still.

Listen to His voice
As He assigns you your task,
He has given pastors, teachers and evangelists.

Equip yourself now
And study the Word,
It is the best guide for life
That has ever been heard.

Catching Up

Pansies or roses, What's my choice?
Neither.
My preference would be to hear your voice.
Soft and gentle, As a baby's skin.
I really would like to talk to you every now and then.
To tell you things I could never say.
Let's get together and spend the day
Catching up.