Poems About Life & Life Reflections as Your Young Children Grow
Poems about life—why did I decide to write about this topic? I spent a few hours creating a post this week, and then everything disappeared. On two separate days, I spoke with my web host for over two hours. I hope that this issue is resolved. In the meantime, I reflected on how I communicate.
I blog like I teach – friendly but informative. I’d love to be that happy-go-lucky friend who creatively combines words with spirit and humor – but that’s not me! If you’ve ever read Gretchen Rubin’s book The Four Tendencies, you know that I am a dutiful Obliger. I tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist and often find myself ready to help someone.
As a retired teacher, I aim to provide as much information as possible on early literacy. But, faced with the task of recomposing and retyping an educational topic… I thought I would divert, step outside my comfort zone, and share a bit about myself.
As a grandma, I do fondly remember the early years with young children. And… I recall the stresses that went along with it! Throughout my life, I found myself writing poems to try and sort things out in my head… and reading verses that caused me to stop and reflect on what’s important in life. At the time I wrote this verse, I was taking a parenting course. We had three young children…. a three-month-old, a three-year-old, and a five-year-old. Can you relate? Do you collect inspirational poems about life events?
MOTHERHOOD Oh, that good mother I strive to be. What about me? The dishes, the laundry, the mending and such Drive me amuck! What's for dinner? Is it thawed? Preparation. Gives me a feeling of desperation. The dust is mounting. The carpet shows crumbs. Some people think I'm having fun! The beds need making. Towels need changing. Please teach the boys all about 'aiming'. A ring in the tub. The sink is stained. The grass need cutting, and it's just rained. The children need toys. That's what they say. Hope they'll learn to pick them up one day! The boys are fighting. One is crying. The other's concerned about who is lying. The baby needs feeding. The father's distraught. Have I forgotten what I've been taught? The house seems to close in around me and then I realize what life is again. Life is loving and caring and sharing Even if the children ARE a little too daring! Time for another, feelings to share, Giving a pat on a bottom that's bare. Laughter and sorrow, embraces and smiles, Give you strength and make life worthwhile. Time for me I'm sure will come... Even if some of mothering's undone. A few minutes here. An hour there. A family who loves. A family who cares. - L. Fyke
I’d like to share some of the “poems about life” that I had collected… with you.
These verses provided inspiration or reflection. We have 2 boys and a girl. The verses are certainly not gender-specific! Do you remember when your child was 2-years-old?
I TOOK HIS HAND AND FOLLOWED
My dishes went unwashed today, I didn't make the bed. I took his hand and followed Where his eager footsteps led. Oh yes, we went adventuring, My little son and I... Exploring all the great outdoors Beneath the summer sky. We waded in a crystal stream, We wandered through a wood... My kitchen wasn't swept today But life was gay and good. We found a cool sun-dappled glade And now my small son knows How Mother Bunny hides her nest, Where jack-in-pulpit grows. We watched a robin feed her young, We climbed a sunlit hill... Saw cloud sheep scamper through the sky, We plucked a daffodil. That my house was neglected, That I didn't brush the stairs, In twenty years, no one on earth Will know or even care. But that I've helped my little boy To noble manhood grow, In twenty years, the whole wide world May look and see and know. - Unknown
Whenever I felt like I had too much to do… this next verse would come to mind. I’d reflect for a minute or two, and then, whenever possible… I stopped to take the time to play and share some laughter! I do remember the year I returned to teaching AND started taking university courses. On my daughter’s 5th birthday, one friend arrived early, and my daughter cautioned, “Mommy’s working. Let’s not bother her.” Everything was ready to go… but it just hit me. I needed to take the time to be in the moment… I would never have this chance again. Returning to the classroom and looking after three kids was enough. I quit the course and enrolled the next year. I had stretched myself too thin!
TO MY GROWN UP SON
My hands were busy through the day; I didn't have much time to play The little games you asked me to I didn't have much time for you. I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook, But when you'd bring your picture book And ask me please to share your fun I'd say: "A little later son." I'd tuck you in all safe at night And hear your prayers, turn out the light, Then tiptoe softly to the door... I wish I'd stayed a minute more. For life is short, the years rush past... A little boy grows up so fast. No longer is he at your side His precious secrets to confide. The picture books are put away. There are no longer games to play, No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear... That all belongs to yesteryear. My hands, once busy, now are still. The days are long and hard to fill. I wish I could go back and do The little things you asked me to. - Alice E. Chase
As your children grow, there are times when you wonder who they are… and how little they think you know. What wonderful and occasionally challenging years! And then your family grows.
from KAHIL GIBRAH’S “THE PROPHET’
Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come though you but not from you. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, And he bends you with his might That his arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, So He loves also the bow that is stable. - Kahil Gbran
Have a great day! Life can get busy. Enjoy your family!
Sending hugs to everyone!
Laurie Fyke
P.S. If you’ve written a verse or enjoy a beautiful poem about life that may help or inspire others, please add it to the comments! Thank you!
Have you seen Life’s Reflections on losing a pet?
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