This monthly column brings us close to life’s myriad things, aptly put down by US based writer Elena dal Friuli who can be contacted at elena@thesipoflife.com and her writings can be viewed at http://www.helium.com/users/535823

AT THE POUND

Daily, hundreds if not thousands of pets are surrendered to local animal control centers across the world. Some of these pets are strays, others belong to a family who no longer can or want to care for them.

Dogs come in waggling their tails, until they realize a cage awaits them. No more petting, no more playing, no more jumping for them in the next few days. Cats look scared from the back of the cage. Where has the lap they used to sit upon gone? Why has the hand that used to stroke their back stopped the caress?

And then, there are the strays. The original parents were never spayed and neutered so they produced more offspring, which in turn produced more offspring. This poem is a plea to care for the animals you have. Do not abandon them. Spay and neuter them. They love you unconditionally; give them your love back. And, should you want to get a pet, search for one, or two, at your local animal control center.

I am confused,

How did I get here?

Was I not roaming free

And without fear?

Now I see cages

And others like me

Trapped behind bars

In their eyes a plea.

A prison of sort,

Food and water I get;

But I want to play ball

And be someone’s pet.

Take me home with you

And love I will give.

I will make you happy

For as long as I’ll live.

MID YEAR

Many times we look back and wish we could do things over, we could forgive and ask for forgiveness, we could love and be loved, we could lift others, we could find ways to amend for things that have not gone right.

This poem is to remind us that now is the time to do all those things we wish for, before it is too late.

Half the year has gone,

What has been done is done.

That time is now forgone

And a new one has begun.

It is important to review

What you have done so far.

Don’t wait for the year to be through,

Bring all things now up to par.

If errors have come your way,

Now take the time to mend.

Live and love day by day

And don’t forget to amend.

For time is a precious gift

Not to be wasted and lost.

You’ll agree it is oh so swift,

Don’t let yourself by regrets be tossed.

STORMS

Thunders echo across the town

Dark clouds hover all around.

Lightning soon will follow sound

Raindrops too will abound.

In the valley the young trees bend

As storms approach and there extend.

Then the clouds their message send

And raindrops with the earth will blend.

Fierce winds visit the once calm sea

And high wave rise as sailors plea.

The big dark clouds their fury free

Now raindrops fall in the dark blue sea.

Storms advance for one and all

Loss of health, or wealth, or something small.

Strong winds come and make us fall

Tears like raindrops flow as we face all.

In the storm ripped town, valley and sea.

The calm will follow and the sun will be.

So in our lives, our tears will dry

With the brand new beginning given from on High.

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day comes for many

On the second Sunday in May.

Yet for others this day comes

At other times, on the calendar array.

On whatever day this celebration falls

It is to women of then and now

That the day is dedicated to

As our heads we gently bow.

For every woman is a mother

When she cares for one and all.

As she dries someone’s tears

Or lifts someone from a fall.

So when you see a woman

Who helps you like a mother would

Kindly thank her for all the things she does

With a love that is understood.

SPRINGTIME IS HERE

Nature awakens

Under the feeble sun,
As raindrops of water nurture

Life that has begun.

Green tender leaves

Dress the once naked trees,

As young blossoms of flowers

Open, under buzzing bees.

Chirping young birds

Eagerly waiting for food;

They will soon learn to fly,

No longer a brood.

Colors of rainbows

Come in different hues;

They paint our surroundings

And chase away blues.

Open your eyes

And open your heart,

Let the renewal of nature

Joy swiftly impart.

WHAT IS IT THAT I SEE…

What Is It that I See?
A nation crumbled
Under the weight of a quake.
What is it that I see?
I see others bring aid, all give and no take.
A city destroyed
By the quick strong twist.
What is it that I see?
I see others rush in, give help, and assist.
A neighborhood hurt
By the street gang last night
What is it that I see?
I see others fight to make it right.
A family in need
After illness crept in
What is it that I see?
I see others step in through thick and thin.
No boundaries exist
When needs arise.
No race and no language
Stop us from heeding the cries.
Words left unspoken
Are expressed in our deeds.
Although strangers in life
We are friends in our needs.