Marianne L. Reed

Dayton, OH, USA

Marianne L. Reed was born May 25, 1923 in Dayton, Ohio. She was the 3rd eldest of six children born to Ralph A. and Ruth A. Von Derau. She graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1941 and attended Sinclair Community College and Normal State University. She worked for the US government and county government and spent 20 years n social service work. She has written poetry from age 13 and won national and international awards and, at age 74, is still writing. She has a son, John D. Reed Jr., of whom she is very proud.

Time

This is a measure of time, say I.
A lifetime of living, a minute to die;
A moment to laugh, or to share with a friend;
an hour for a meeting, or days without end.

A childhood to spend, the future to gain
Years to squander, or to honor your name.
Smiling, or tearful, your hours will fly
'Till you suddenly find all your days have gone by,

An era, an epoch, three score and ten,
How can you measure? Starting from when?
This I can tell you -- you've only one chance
To find peace and contentment -- or even romance!

So live for today for yesterday's gone,
To plan all things tomorrow is certainly wrong.
For today's hours are precious, there's only a few...
To spend them all wisely -- It's all up to you.

Words of Kindness

Say something kind to your neighbor,
To a friend a greeting of cheer,
To your loved ones a word of endearment
Something tender to dry up a tear

Give praise to the host of deserving,
Say a prayer for someone in need.
A simple "please" said, or "thank you,"
Can make a day better indeed.

Say something wise to the children,
Be firm and strong if you must!
But always be sure that you utter,
Are words you know they can trust.

Don't say words cruel and thoughtless
They can cut through a heart like a knife,
Keep them in check whatever you do,
Or you'll sadden and burden a life.

Use only the words of comfort and strength,
And those that can sting - never say.
For the words you use to a stranger or friend,
Can brighten or ruin a day!

New Tomorrows

Thank Heavens for tomorrows
To erase our yesterdays,
That there are still some paths to take
To help us find our ways.
That all the errors that we make
Can all be rectified,
And all the scorns and hurts we bear
Will still be nullified.
God must have planned this special way
To unburden all our sorrows,
By giving us a choice to make
When we begin "Tomorrows."