Richard Baird

Orange Springs, Florida

I was born Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 6-8-20. I moved to Florida in the late 40's and met Robbie, the love of my life in 1981; I was inspired to write poetry. I married Robbie in 1983. I won the Honeywell (Winning Edge) National Contest, and had several poems printed in Honeywell Publications. I've had poems published in anthologies by the National Library of Poetry. I was made a distinguished memeber of the International Society of Poets in October, 1995. In August 1996, I received two awards for outstanding accomplishments in poetry at the ISP convention. I also contributed to the World Peace Poem. I was elected into the International Poetry Hall of Fame in October, 1996. Poetry puts life in my years!

The Ties That Bind

We've had a happy holiday, to spend with those we love,
and; for "His" blessings in our lives; we thank "The Lord" above,
for "He" fulfills our every need, and brings good things our way,
we trust in "His" protection, as we all go on our way.
"God" bless us all and keep us, 'til we gather once again,
we'll treasure thoughts of all of you, until we see you then.
We thank you "father" for this gift, "your love we have to share,
and for "your" blessing in our lives, "your" guidance, and "your" care.
For time in joy! and revelry, refreshing to the mind,
we're thankful for a blessed chance, to share the ties that bind.

Courage

What does courage mean to me?
What does it mean to you?
To some, a single attribute, others, quite a few,
For courage is a lack of fear, inspired by faith and love,
Love of a person, place, or thing, faith in "our Lord" above.
In time of stress, the "Lord" provides, the strength to overcome,
It's courage! giving special drive! until the goal is won.
When danger threatens life or limb, it's courage to the fore,
A courage known by many names, as: daring! guts! and more.
Whatever name we give this trait, it's valiant! stout! and bold!
In action, it is fortitude, a wonder! to behold.

The Making of Angels

"God" has a very special need for angels in "His" realm,
"He" needs some workers on his ship, for "He" is at the helm.
"His" ship sails on the sea of life, of rough and troubled waters,
The same sea that's a training ground for mothers and their daughters,
For this is where they learn to deal, with all that comes along,
A training place that gives them heart, and makes them true and strong.
I'm sure that "God" has got a source, to greatly fill "His" need,
Where daughters learn from mothers, and will take their turn to lead.
A training place for angels, that will be in rich supply,
As mothers teach their daughters, to be ready when they fly.

Caresses

Caresses are a form of speech, a "touch" communication,
A means enhancing special moods, and need no explanation.
A versatile and useful form of special interacting,
They're sometimes used to stimulate, and some times for relaxing.
Caresses can! Be bothersome, a pain to some extent,
They must be shared in harmony, by mutual ! consent.
If you're upset, or feeling bad, an aching in your joints,
A shared caress or light massage, has beneficial points.
Sometimes we need to just be close !, no passion is involved,
Caresses are a soothing way, to have our need resolved.
Caresses used in other ways, to set some different tones,
Can activate a warm response, in your erogenous zones.
With finger tips, and palm of hand, caressing is an art,
Where giver, and receiver, take an active equal part,
They really are for sharing, in the true! sense of the word,
Caresses with a wrong intent, would only be absurd!
Like many other things we share, caresses are a gift,
Used properly, bring harmony, abused! can cause a rift.
Their purpose, is to show we care, whatever be the need,
They're only used in benefit, when mutually! agreed.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Richard Baird. All rights reserved.