Mary Angela O'Connor

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA

Mary Angela is presently a caregiver. She was an enthusiastic elementary educator for forty years. "Praise effort rather than success" was her motto. The National Library of Poetry published all her submitted poems. She has received prizes and certificates for outstanding achievement in poetry. She was elected into the International Poetry Hall of Fame and was nominated as a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets in 1996. Mary Angela intends to publish a collection of poetry for children, spiritual poems, and greeting card poems. She hopes her creations will inspire and influence both young and old.

The Gift of Speech

Speech is a precious gift given to all mankind
To convey to another what is in one's mind.
It is a powerful weapon to degrade someone.
It can also praise and produce lots of fun.
Our words can motivate, encourage, and console.
They can also demean, devastate, and cajole.
Words can truly uplift and heal a broken heart
Or they can discourage and tear someone apart.
Our words need to be selected with wisdom and care
As those uttered with malice may led to despair.
Words can be a source of inspiration for all,
Or they can insult or cause somebody's downfall.
May each of us reflect on the words we say,
And sprinkle them with love and kindness every day.
May our speech be laced with gentleness and charity
To challenge, reprimand, and protect one's dignity.

True Love

LOVE is truly patient, LOVE is kind.
LOVE brings happiness to all mankind.
LOVE endures through suffering and pain,
And LOVE in spite of hardships will reign.
LOVE forgives and assists the offender.
LOVE aids the oppressed and is their defender.
LOVE casts out fear and helps those in need.
LOVE is seen in every thought, word, and deed.
True LOVE comes from God and his only son
Who suffered and died to redeem everyone.
He said, "Love one another as I have loved you."
And that is the greatest thing one can do.

Different Colors of Skin

God made humans with different colors of skin
To show us what demeans a person comes from within.
Never judge individuals by their outer layer.
Search every heart and soul and the answer will be there.
The color of one's skin doesn't make a difference
As it's who a person is that people reverence.
Everybody admires those who are honest and true,
And those who are always just and fair in what they do.
The color of one's skin matters not at all
When one volunteers to answer a frantic call.
No one questions the skin color of those who are brave
And who dauntlessly risk or give their lives to save.
The color of someone's skin is not what counts
When one is in dire need or when trouble mounts.
It's what is within people that helps them to care,
And be ever mindful of another's welfare.