The Garden

The garden is created
Beautiful in simplicity
With the purest of flowers
And a baby, sapling tree

The temporary gardeners
Nurture with great care
Developing the garden
With the love they share

But busy with life
Tasks to do, no end
Some weeds will grow
They can’t always tend

The tree is always growing
Rooting deep in the Earth
It’s core strength develops
To branch out in self-worth

Seasons come and go
Years pass quickly by
The gardeners relinquish
For the owner to try

With supervision at first
The owner will learn
Where to place attention
And what is of concern

Much advice is given
And many seeds added too
By visitors to the garden
As they walk through

Tended often, or not at all
The garden will always grow
Flowers planted or self-seeded
Some develop fast, others slow

Most owners don’t weed at all
For many, many years
Until they come to realize
It’s developed all their fears

Venturing into their garden
Overgrown, some parts dense
Thistles, vines, thorns, weeds
The scale of the task.. immense!

Pulling on one single vine
Can reach far and wide
It was strangling many plants
They would have all died

An abundance of thistles
Prickly bushes causing injury
Overpowering all simple flowers
No light of day could they see

Starting in a corner
Pulling weeds, just a few
Brings a sense of relief
Clarity begins to seep through

Working in the garden
Clearing, no longer a chore
The owner now perceives
Simple beauty known before

Maybe clearing a path
Adding a seat in the sun
Enjoying the peace
Meditation begun

Opening the garden
To the Spiritual Reality
Communion with God
Ever there to simply be

Trina Graves – 18th August 2020

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About This Poem

Although this poem was never intended to be about this year, I do feel that it is relevant as we have all had – and are still having – time to ‘tend our gardens’ in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects, with the shutting down of our old way of life.

Many of my poems have been about, or mention, how a baby and child are shaped by the experiences and vibrations that surround them in the vitally important first seven years. ( Assimilation )

How our lives are shaped from our childhood was one of my first interests as I began my Spiritual path, and it has continued to be an important aspect for me to write on. As I am sure many older people would agree, – if I knew then (when I had young children to nurture) what I know now, I would certainly have done many things differently.

So, now I share my words in the hope that they will fall into the hands of any parents to ponder, and maybe make some changes that will enrich their children’s lives, and their own in the process.

I believe it is also important to know that it is never too late to tend to our own gardens, clearing away the weeds that have developed over the years. And, remember that the sweetest fragrance comes for the flowers of forgiveness, gratitude and love. Our parents (or caregivers) were tending our early gardens with the seeds sown in their own gardens.

Namaste

Joey (2013)

2020: Apex Of Duality

Right now keeping positive, as much as possible, is a priority for everyone. Being stressed suppresses the immune system, and with the revelations that are now coming forth it will be very easy to caught up in the high drama of it all. With this in mind, I have compiled a page of links to my poems that are relevant at this time:

About the pandemic
Affirmations to keep focused on God within
LightWorker poems
Wisdom for 2020
Sympathy poems for comfort 

There is also a slideshow of some of the poems with quotes from others too.

40 Years Of Joy

For my daughters 40th birthday

You Blessed my life
40 years ago today
Your presence has brought
Much more than words can say

A precious daughter to Love
Unconditionally and cherish
You changed my world
So on this day, I wish…

Your life be overflowing
Abundantly with Love
And any negativity
You calmly rise above

Each day to be filled
With the beauty all around
And by always seeking joy
Your Soul Path will be found

The strength and courage
To do what you must
And peace of mind
In God’s hands to trust

Good health to live
And do all you want to
Please remember always
To look after YOU!

For an empty well
Can give no water
Everything you give
You need, my daughter

40 years of joy and Love
I give thanks for today
I Love you, then, now, forever
A part of my Heart you will stay

As a baby you filled me with awe
As a child you filled me with delight
And as an adult with pride and admiration
But most especially, throughout all the years
… with LOVE

Trina Graves – 10th April 2019

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About This Poem

As stated, this was written for my daughters 40th last year. Yesterday my son also reached this milestone! With only fourteen months between them they grew up close together, I especially loved watching them explore their world together as little ones.

They are now parents themselves, my daughter has three children (daughters 12 & 10, son 5) and my son has a daughter (22). The years have gone by so very fast and now the world is changing so much too! I do believe greater things are ahead of us, once collectively we are able to see how much has been going on for so long that has held us back from being our true selves.

My youngest will turn forty at the very beginning of 2023, she has four children (daughter 17, sons 16, 8, 6)  I truly hope and envision by then we will be through the worst that needs to surface for our planetary healing, and we will be creating our New Earth of Love, Compassion, Joy and Peace for all. Then by the time my grandchildren start reaching this age (2037) our world will be totally unrecognisable from the dense duality we now live in.

My three treasures in 1984 (I have this picture by my screen to keep me uplifted)

The Face Of God

There is the purest moment
Of time, for all Mothers
Most will feel this Bliss
A Blessing, above all others

Looking into her newborn’s eyes
In their first Loving embrace
Divinity in the purity
Of looking into God’s Face

A fresh, new Spirit of God
Here to live on our Earth
Unconditional Love is felt
At this Joyous time of birth

A peak experience of life
The reflection of God is there
Two Souls aligned with Source
This beautiful moment to share

The newborn, full of Light
Source Energy at full blast
Lifts the Mother’s core
A Divine spell is cast

The Mother is being shown
How much of God, she’s a part
For how she feels right then
Is the Presence of God, at Heart

Nurturing, caring always
Watching as they grow
Living each precious moment
Blessed in the Joy they show

Letting them go to make
Their own world of free-choice
Always patiently waiting
To hear their deLightful voice

Unconditional Love always
No matter what they will do
Always being there, if they ask
Guidance to see them through

Leaving home, but not forever
One day to re-Unite
Even if not on this Earth
All is perfect, ever-bright

The Mother sees with God’s Eyes
The Divine, in her arms and Heart held
But, also the Face of God is looking
At her… It’s the purest meld

Trina Graves – 21st November 2019

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About This Poem

The moment I first held my newborn and gazed into their eyes has always been the most treasured memories of my life. I have written several other poems of this (Those Moments I Treasure, When They First Placed You In My Arms, The Greatest Blessings, Now You Know) and this has always been the memory I use to bring forth my strongest feelings of unconditional love.

I knew that I wanted to write another poem of this moment and the title came to me one morning on waking, this happens to me often, so I know it’s one to follow through. I knew what I wanted to portray, but didn’t feel the urge to write it straight away. In 2019 I came across the channellings of Kryon by Lee Carroll and these have brought me a much greater understanding, but also wonderful confirmations of many of my life experiences that I thought I might never know the truth of until I moved out of this physical world. This title and knowing I had of that precious moment of life was confirmed to me by many Kryon teachings that I came across after receiving the title and acknowledging my inner knowing.

Today is Mother’s Day in many parts of our world, and is like no other we have ever experienced. In the UK our Mother’s Day was on 22nd March (the day before we went into official lockdown) and we were advised not to visit our Mothers, so most did not. 

I had planned to add a different poem this weekend as my belief of this time is not the one portrayed in mainstream media, however on waking this morning I knew that this one was the right choice for today.

God Bless all Mothers worldwide and Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today.

Namaste

My daughter Emma with her firstborn Lucy (2002)

Now You Know

Now You Know
The beauty of your Soul
Life will never break you
Your essence remains whole
Now… You Know

Now You Know
Love is who you are
Unconditional and eternal
Radiant as the brightest star
Now… You Know

Now You Know
The Light is a part of you
Source Energy, God
Shines in all you do
Now… You Know

Now You Know
Life is about having fun
Creating and expanding
Forever learning from day one
Now… You Know

Now You Know
Everything is a reflection
Of thoughts and beliefs
Mirroring your attention
Now… You Know

Now You Know
You create your reality
You hold all the power
To be who you want to be
Now… You Know

Now You Know
You are singularly unique
No one will ever be the same
In mind, or in physique
Now… You Know

Now You Know
You are One in Unity
With all life, your Soul
A Source Spark eternally
Now… You Know

Now You Know
We are never apart
Separation is an illusion
We’re always together at heart
Now… You Know

Now You Know
The love I feel for you
At entry and exit to life
It overpowers to guide me through
Now… You Know

Now You Know
Life is eternal, on the other side
We choose to stay, or be re-born
To go for another enlightening ride
Now… You Know

Now You Know
Transitioning between the two
At birth and death, a doorway
We all pass our way through
And There… We All Know

Trina Graves – 1st August 2019

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About This Poem

The title of this poem just popped into my head one day, so I wrote it down with a note that it would be a sympathy poem.

I was reminded of how I received a message from my grandmother at Spiritualist church (she died when I was six), With the description of her and what was said, I had no doubt that it was her, but what stuck in my mind most was her saying that when she was alive she would never have set foot in a Spiritualist Church, but now she was so happy to be able to speak to me at one! 

When I was writing the poem, I was about half way through when I realized it was not just about someone who has died, but also about babies at birth too.

I believe all babies come with this inner-knowing, so fresh from Source it is the reason they shine so bright and we are so intoxicated by them. In our dense world, and with all of the negative programming that has continued throughout the ages, the majority of children loose their inner-knowing as they grow up. Although, of course, it can be re-awakened at anytime.

I also believe that we are now in a time where children are able to hold onto these truths. Many of the arrivals so far have been given the ‘labels’ of crystal, indigo or rainbow children, but I believe the majority of babies will soon be able to sustain their Light throughout childhood and into adulthood. 

image from Pixabay – ddzphoto

Today’s Father

The Father of today
Is free to take his role
In any direction he wants
He can set his own goal

Fathers of the past
Were shackled to society
Having to always fit in
Blinkered from other ways to be

Not allowed at the birth
No sharing of the nurturing
Only some playing allowed
But all the money to bring

Slowly change crept in
Allowing Father participation
Opening the floodgates of truth
Love: the heart’s revelation

Taking an active role
Feeding, changing and cuddling
Fully supporting a newborn Soul
Opens the heart to truly sing

Continuing to learn together
Through the years never truly apart
Helps balance the dual energies
Spiritual growth will impart

Trina Graves – 11th June 2019

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About This Poem

After writing ‘Father: The Changing Role’ I knew I wanted to write another poem about Fathers to also depict how the change has worked to bring more balance to the male energy. We all contain both male and female energy, but in the past the male energy has been way too dominant in many men. I believe becoming a father is a chance to experience a love that can break the cycle of the past and attune to a new way of being.

Much Love, Light & Blessings to all the Father’s everywhere: in physical, in Spirit and especially those who take on the nurturing role of father to those children who were not born to them.

Happy Father’s Day!

My son and his newborn daughter (1997)

 

Father: The Changing Role

Each generation brings change
To all the roles of family
As each new unit forms
Different ways are clear to see

We are moulded by the experiences
Shaped in our early childhood
Our parents views of their roles
Became the truth we understood

Different families merge
In life, their ways and goals
May differ, so children change
Their perception to new roles

Also, over time societies grip
Has loosened its stranglehold
Now more people are fully aware
They don’t have to fit to the mould

In my grandfathers generation
Men had to be hard and strong
Physically and emotionally
Showing emotion deemed to be wrong

Financially supporting their family
Through all the trouble and strife
War an ever-present reality
Burying emotion was a fact of life

And now three generations later
The change and growth is clear to see
My son and nephews, many fathers
Demonstrating devotion to their family

Expressing words of love to their children
Cuddling and kissing even into adulthood
It’s beautiful to see and know
The role of father has changed for the good

The two generations in-between
My father and brothers are a part
Of this great change I perceive
As love worked to open their heart

Through the years it continues on
Working it’s way in both directions
The younger and older generations
Continue to grow in love perceptions

Trina Graves – 11th June 2019

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About This Poem

With Father’s Day approaching I wanted to write something new for the day. It’s easy for me to write a poem for Mothers as I have the experience of being one, but obviously I do not know what it is like to be a Father! I can only write from the perspective of the father relationships that I know of in my family.

My son has the most beautiful relationship I know of for a father and daughter. His relationship with her mother didn’t last more than a few months into her life, but he was able to regularly have his daughter stay over. Interestingly, this was due to the lack of contact her mother had with her father who had left when she was little, so she wanted her daughter to have a father in her life.

My granddaughter is now in her twenties and lives quite far away, but she always comes to stay with her dad several times during the year. It is so wonderful to see how close they are: talking about anything and everything, and doing things together. Obviously, as she gets older and hopefully begins a family of her own she won’t have as much time for her dad, but I know the bond they share will always be there, no matter what.

A Father’s Role

A Father’s role for his daughter
Is so important and crucial too
She constantly learns so much from him
He is a guide, her whole life through

I was Blessed with you as my Father
God knew the grander, greater plan
Bringing us together for this life
For this role, there could be no other man

The early years were a testing time
As your family developed and grew
I was also beginning to learn, many
Lessons in love and life from you

You’d grown up in another era of time
When men demonstrating love was frowned upon
Of course love was felt, but it was not shown to all
Unchallenged, these family concepts can linger on

There were times that I felt a bit awkward
I didn’t show my love and affection for you
But now I know, this was just a life challenge
Now achieved, Love has not limits, it’s true

There are some things we don’t agree upon
But as I grew up, you would listen to me
Not judging or pushing your own opinions
You’ve given me strength to be who I want to be

Life brought us closer together for many years
Working in the office of your family business G&G
The values I learnt from spending time with you
Were also there for anyone else, who chose to see

Leadership, Loyalty, Strength, Courage, Compassion
Hard-Working, you gave much more than just a wage
Sharing: Achievements, Celebrations, Possessions
Caring for all, you taught lessons that never age

Another valuable life experience you have shown
Is how to rise up after you’ve taken a fall
Life has knocked you down on the ground many times
But you always get up, carry on and succeed to do more

Your Positive attitude is a wonderful thing
You’re always friendly to everyone around
Giving help to anyone who needs it always
Your generous support, so many have found

I have discovered that life is supposed to be fun
It is the essential way to live and be free
From you I could have learned this many years ago
Sport has always been your fun-time, it’s plain to see

Coffee shops and crosswords became a thing
While together we waited for mum to mend
Missing her presence, these passed the time
Once home, mum carried on with the trend

And now that I am living just down the road
Again we get to share some more precious time
Drinking coffee and putting the world to right
Sharing and caring makes everything fine

Please know that I will always be there for you
Our Love is Eternal, so it will never end
Thank you for everything you do.. You are
My precious Father, My Support, My Friend

Trina Graves – June 2015 (Fathers Day)

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About This Poem

With Father’s Day coming up at the weekend, I am sharing one of my personal family poems, but I still hope it can be enjoyed by others. It starts off mentioning a Father’s Role for his daughter because I am the only daughter, with three brothers. My Father also had no sister’s only two brothers, so a young female in his family was a new experience for him.

As you can see this was written for my father four years ago. Unfortunately, I no longer live ‘just down the road’ but I visit as often as I can. I know both my parents miss not having me living so close, but they know if they ever need me I will be there.

This week I have written two more ‘Father’ poems – Father: The Changing Role and Today’s Father. I will add them both over the weekend.

 

Family Stories

(Written for my parents 61st Wedding Anniversary)

We all love to hear stories
It’s why we read and watch TV.
But not many understand that
The greatest stories are of family.
Relationships with people
Is what life is all about.
The closest ones, our family
Shape us, without a doubt.

Family is so important
It develops our core inside.
Our childhood, growing up
Imprints our lives, far and wide.
How our parents coped with life
Their attitudes to it all,
Did they show their love?
Where did their loyalties fall?

Most people don’t ever realise
The constant voice in their head,
Formed from childhood experiences
All they saw, and what was said.
So understanding our parents
What happened in their early years,
Can give us true inner wisdom
And wipe away any un-needed tears.

Remembering we all do our best
In the only way we know how,
Each generation taking on echoes
From the previous, right up to now.
The only way to find things out
Is talking while they are here,
Relationships grow in love
With empathy everything’s clear.

………………………………………………………..

For many years now, we’ve shared
When I visit, our family news
Who’s done what, why and when
Are they happy or in the blues?
After doing the circle of family
Alive and present today,
We often move to those passed
And their stories of ‘yesterday.’

Also the times of your younger days
The lessons you’ve lived and learned,
Experiences, the good and the bad
The pages of life you’ve turned.
Knowing of your life stories
Helps me in so many ways
Understanding of the past
Brings clarity to all my days.

Becoming Great-Great-Grandparents
Just a few short weeks ago,
A fifth generation begins
The clock of time’s evidence on show,
But how will this new generation
Know of your part of their world?
Unless they are told the stories
The past generation’s lives unfurled.

Family history needs to be shared
Not just for memories sake,
But for all the treasures they hold
From our past, our lives we make.
Each generation feeds the next
Not just on physical food and love,
But all of their experiences mould
And fit, to enfold like a glove.

Trina Graves – 21st March 2019

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About This Poem

As I’ve mentioned before, my parents now look forward to receiving a poem from me on their special occasions, so with their anniversary approaching I began to think of what I could write about. I had no ideas, so I decided to look through some old photographs to get inspired (usually works!) However, before I delved into the photographs folder on my computer, I was drawn towards a folder labelled ‘My Family.’ I thought it was just another back up copy of all the family documents I had scanned over the years, but I was surprised to find it contained only one document, a diary note made in May 2018. Intrigued by coming across this I opened it to read, and discovered it was about how important it is to tell children and grandchildren the family stories that make up their family history. There was also a quote:

The history of any private family, however humble, could it be fully related for five or six generations, would illustrate the state and progress of society better than the most elaborate dissertation. (Robert Southey 1774 – 1843)

With such an amazing sign to give me guidance, especially as my parents had just become great-great-grandparents (fifth generation) it was obvious what my poem would be.

For my parents I made the poem into a booklet which also included a poem for each of their parents telling stories from their lives. I haven’t included them here for personal reasons and due to the extreme length.

The photograph below of three generations was taken for my parents 30th Wedding Anniversary in 1988. When I looked for a photo to use for this post I thought one from the photo-shoot we had that day was a perfect choice. At first I didn’t use this photo as it includes my ex-husband and my brothers ex-wives, so I began with a photo of my parents with their grandchildren. But, as I was almost finished I had a re-think and decided to use one that shows the three generations at that time, as this is a part of my family history!

I am stood behind my father, with one brother to the left and the other two far right. My three children are stood beside my mother and the other children belong to my older brother (far right) and his ex-wife (holding baby) who was my best friend at school, they had one more son after this date. All three brothers are now happily re-married and the 8 children between by older brother and I now have 20 children between them! The little girl on the far left recently became a grandmother, bringing in the fifth generation. 

 

 

 

My Darling Daughter

Although we always keep in touch
I don’t get to see you very much
Life circumstance means we live apart
But you are constantly in my heart

Your beauty is a flowering rose
Your loving nature always shows
You excel in everything you do
I’m so very proud of you

You’re my Angel sent from above
A wonderful daughter, full of love
I just want you to really know
You’re a Blessing and I love you so

Trina Graves – 22nd March 2015

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About This Poem

Tomorrow (11th April 2019) will be my daughter’s 40th birthday. It seems crazy to me how fast the years have flown, especially now that my children are entering their forties and I have a granddaughter in her twenties, with others not far behind!

This short poem I wrote for her card a few years ago, it was written early as she was going away on holiday for a couple of weeks and would be away on her birthday.

Although by other people’s lives, our being apart and not seeing each other much is not comparable, in our family unit it is noticeable because my son has lived with me for the majority of his years and my younger daughter lived with me for several years into her marriage, and then we lived next door to each other for five years. Julie (who the poem is about) left home at just sixteen and apart from coming home for a short time a few years later, has not been living so ‘physically’ close as the others.

I have just completed her card for this year, and although I didn’t plan to write anything I awoke today thinking I must! ’40 Years Of Joy’ was the result and will be another one I will add at a later date.

The Greatest Blessing

The greatest blessing of my life
Was in becoming a Mother
Truly blessed three times in all
A Divine Blessing above any other

The greatest treasures bestowed on me
Worth more than diamonds and gold
Were the lives of my precious children
Still my treasures, even as we grow old

The greatest experience I went through
Was being pregnant with each one
I especially remember the delight I felt
Growing stronger with each rising sun

The greatest bliss I ever felt
Overpowering and so full of love
As I first cuddled each newborn
I was connected to Heaven above

The greatest love I never knew
Until I experienced it myself
Unconditional love for my children
The purest and highest wealth

The greatest smile I ever saw
Gazing at each baby in my arms
The recognizing of their first smile
Is one of life’s simple charms

The greatest sound I ever heard
Brought smiles of pure delight
My babies joyous, infectious giggles
Made each day rosy and bright

The greatest words said to me
Were spoken with love from their eyes
Hearing ‘Mum’ for the very first time
A joyous moment, as time flies

The greatest happiness I had
Through the years abundantly
Were doing things with my children
With their faces so full of glee

The greatest responsibility I faced
Was one I didn’t fully understand
Many years later I discovered
The power of a Mother’s guiding hand

The greatest nurturing I gave
To my children, when they were small
Another thing I was to learn later on was
They were nurturing me through it all

The greatest hugs I received
From my little ones, filled my heart
Happiness expressed through hugs
Together again, after being apart

The greatest Christmasses all were
The ones with my little children
Excitement, traditions, decorations, gifts
Family togetherness, all having fun

The greatest gifts given to me
Throughout the years, without a doubt
Were the simple little handmade ones
Or a daisy picked when we were out

The greatest holidays were spent
Watching my children play in the sun
It didn’t matter where we were
Or whatever was or was not done

The greatest lessons I have learned
Throughout my life, over the years
Were created through being a Mother
Though many did bring me to tears

The greatest teachers in my life
Were my children as they grew
Teaching me what life is all about
Much more than school could ever do

The greatest pride for me has been
Seeing the parents that they now are
Loving, caring, always doing their best
All my grandchildren will go far

The greatest time of my life
Is each and every day
Now blessed with another generation
The joys just ‘blow me away’

The greatest memories for me
Filled with love and of joy
Are with my girls Julie and Emma
And Kevin my only boy

The greatest thankfulness I give
To my Mother, for she taught me
The greatest blessing in our life
Is Mothering, for God’s love we see

Trina Graves – 30th March 2019

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About This Poem

I thought I’d finished writing my Mother’s Day poems for this year with Mother’s Day and In The Arms Of An Angel, but the following day the title of this one just came to me, and I knew it was about being a mother, so had to be written that day as Mother’s Day in the UK was the following day.

After doing my usual of prayer, asking for guidance and having an inner knowing that the poem was already completed and ‘out there,’ I made a list of the aspects I wanted to cover. As I was writing the poem a few more ideas came to mind, so I made a note of them to add too. The last verse was not on my list, but just flowed and I knew it was the perfect ending.

With my children. bottom pic: grandchildren (ages now 21 to 3)

 

 

In The Arms Of An Angel

An Angel is a Spiritual Being
A Messenger of God, His Agent
Working Divinely with love
Around us, or when needed, sent

Some people get to see them
Magnificent, powerful, bright
With pure white wings of feather
A truly life-enhancing sight

But most just know of them
Or at least hope they are true
For we all need the Divine Love
To support and help us through

However, we have an Earth Angel
Who has always been around
For we are all Spiritual Beings
And Divine Love can be found

There is one who’s always loved us
With all their open heart
Giving their mind, body and Spirit
To our existence, right from our start

They nurtured us for many years
Building our home, a feathered nest
For us to feel at peace, warm and safe
Whenever we needed to have a rest

To them we were never ordinary
But exceptional, even miraculous
Our smallest of achievements
They’d shower us in loving fuss

Unconditional Love and forgiveness
Flowed from their heart and eyes
And when we were little children
They were God‘s Agent, all-wise

As babies we knew the truth
Being fresh from the Great Above
We’d only be placed in the arms
Of the strongest and highest love

In The Arms Of An Angel
We were held like no other
Truly Blessed from the Divine
With an Angel as our Mother

Trina Graves – 29th March 2019

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About This Poem

As I mentioned in my last post: ‘Mother’s Day’ the title and theme of this poem came to me with the line from the song ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan. I was writing down some notes for that poem when the song just came into my head and I instantly knew it was for another poem.

Several years ago I came up with the idea of putting angels wings on photos of my grandchildren. I have used them in several things I’ve made, including quotes for my website and Facebook page. So, it was an obvious idea to add Angel wings to some mother pictures too.

I used these pictures below, and others, for my mum’s card and I also sent the poem to my two daughters with pictures of them with each of their children too.

Four generations: my grandmothers, mother, myself and my two daughters.

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in the UK
Is on the fourth Sunday of Lent
A day when earlier Christians
To their ‘Mother’ church went

Visiting their ‘Mother’ church
Where they grew up, long ago
A place of ‘Home’ to worship
Their thankfulness to bestow

And now Mother’s Day
Has developed to become
A day to visit home
And appreciate, Mum

Honouring our Mothers
For all they have done
Throughout the years
For their daughter or son

If not able to visit
Maybe send a little gift
Along with a loving card
Will always give a lift

For many the day will be
Tinged with thoughts, so sad
But Mother’s Love is eternal
And more likely felt when glad

Our Mother will always be
A large part of our heart
Here, or on the other side
Love unites, to never be apart

Trina Graves – 29th March 2019

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About This Poem

Tomorrow (31st March) will be Mother’s Day in the UK.  My last post, ‘You Were There,‘ was the poem I wrote for my Mother last year, and as this Mother’s Day was fast approaching, I was beginning to wonder what I could write this time, as I didn’t have any ideas. But then, as has happened many times before, I was writing an answer to a comment from Amira (on that previous post) and the idea for this poem was born!

I didn’t have time to write a poem at that moment, so I quickly made a note. While I was doing this, a line from the song ‘Angel’ by Sarah Mclachlan came into my head, but slightly changed: ‘In the arms of AN angel’ and I instantly knew this was the title and theme of another poem for Mother’s Day.  I will add this one next.

My mother in my ‘mother’ church, Dorchester Abbey (2008)

You Were There

During my childhood: You Were There
Nurturing with your loving care
Through the ups and downs of it all
Picking me up when I would fall
Always there to kiss goodnight
And cuddle if I woke with a fright
Showing me love and trust were the way
To practice being, with each new day

As I grew up: You Were There
Easing me out into the glare
The big wide world dazzled bright
But I had your guidance to do what’s right
Becoming a mother at a young age
Your influence helped in each turning page
When I was left with a broken heart
With your resilience, I didn’t fall apart

Now I am blessed because: You Are There
Living into old age with peace and flair
We share stories of life and family
Lessons I’ve learned from you are clear to see
As individuals, our views are not all the same
But our core connection will always remain
You taught me to be open to receive
The presence of God, because of you, I believe

When the time comes I know: You’ll Be There
An unfailing faith we do both share
Your physical presence will move on
But in no way will you be gone
You’ll be living on in peace and love
Re-united with those up above
I will speak to you in my mind
Your reply and love, I’ll always find

My beloved Mother..
You Were There
Because you always care
A pure love beyond compare
From you I learned to share
When everything is laid to bare
We let go – to God – to be aware

Trina Graves – 10th March 2018 (Mother’s Day)

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About This Poem

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend here in the UK, I thought I’d share the poem I wrote for my mum last year.

These pictures of me with my mum, were taken in the sixties and seventies, up to age sixteen.

No Proof Required

No ‘PROOF’ required for us to read
Your love was strong at the very start
Just one simple photo is all we need
For evidence of love from the heart

You didn’t know on that spring day
Where your journey together would go
But over the years your love found it’s way
To survive many challenges and grow

Your family has changed so much over the years
In 1958, at the beginning, you were only two
Ten years later there was happiness with tears
As you brought home your last baby, in blue

Babies constantly have you up with the lark
But bring countless blessings forever more
A daughter Trina, and sons David, Paul and Mark
Four children to complete your family core

The years passed by and your children grew
Guided by your love all through those days
Summer weekends at cricket they all knew
Country walks and picnics under sun rays

Cottages, houses, villages, town and estate
You’ve moved so many times it seems
But wherever it was, Mum was always great
At making a home and garden of her dreams

Cruising, touring and even camping too
Many holidays were had in the past
Las Vegas was Dad’s dream come true
Happy memories from them all, will last

One by one your children left the nest and flew
To live in their own unique ways
Army, student or marriage, but you knew
No matter where, the bond always stays

Life moves on and your family has grown
Now ten grandchildren add to the score
Back through the years, who would have known
Great-grandchildren would make seventeen more

Your love and devotion are a guide to us all
An inspiration of keeping vows and wedded bliss
Through the generations your guidance will fall
And it all started with your very first kiss

Trina Graves – 20th March 2015

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About This Poem

Although I have written several new poems, I thought I’d add an older one today. Looking at the ones I had, this one stood out to me as it was written for my parents Wedding Anniversary four years ago, and tomorrow will be their 61st. 

The reason this poem is called ‘No Proof Required’ is because my parents had a professional photographer for their wedding photographs, but only ever received their ‘proof’ photos. These were properly printed photographs but with the word ‘proof’ embossed several times on each one, given as part of the original fee, but also to approve the printing of the official photographs. My parents always intended to get the proper photos done, but finding the money to pay for them, when other more important things were needed, never materialized before it was too late. So, as an Anniversary present that year, I scanned and edited all of their photos to remove the ‘proof,’ and printed them out.

The number of grandchildren remains the same, but great-grandchildren now numbers twenty-one, and only a couple of weeks ago there was also a new generation started with the birth of their first great-great-grandchild!

Before & after wedding photos (1957) with my parents & brothers (2018)

 

My Christmas

My Christmas: As A Child
When I was a little girl. Christmas was so very exciting
Counting days, and wondering what Santa would bring
I loved dolls, books, and writing equipment best of all
It seems my Path was set, from when I was so small

A picture of Father Christmas always went up on the wall
Two weeks before Christmas Day, Santa watched over us all
The picture had been given to my Dad, when he was a baby
Santa wrote in his pocket books who was good or naughty

On Christmas morning Nanny Evelyn would be with us
Watching the opening of presents. and just to make a fuss
Of her grandchildren, who she only had a short time to be with
Passing when I was six, in my Heart she will always live

Once I had a huge present, from my uncle who lived next door
Boxes within boxes, revealed a present that was so small
I don’t remember how old I was, but I loved the cross and chain
The excitement and the beautiful gift, happy memories remain

The nativity story always fascinated me, I read it many times
At school I was so proud to be the Angel, and given many lines
My Mother made my robe with wings for me to hold up so high
Another year, to a class I was the Mother making a mince pie

One of my favourite things to do was singing in the choir
Christmas carols, full of joy, I know now, lifted me higher
What made it more special was being in Dorchester Abbey
A Sacred place, with beautiful stained glass windows to see

One year at my Fathers workplace party, I sat on Santa’s knee
Unknowing that under the beard was my own Dad, I couldn’t see
It was years later, after a few tellings that I finally knew the truth
I accepted, let go of the fairytale, losing my innocence of youth

In my teenage years we had pop music with the radio on,
Top Of The Pops on TV too, Dad would burst out into song
Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody,’ we’d all be joining in
Mum would be up, and around the room she’d be dancing

My Christmas: As A Mother
When I was a young Mother, Christmas was so wonderfully magical
Although at first my Husbands Christmas Eve tradition seemed radical
No decorations were put up before the children went to bed
The Christmas Fairies came with Santa, to do the job instead

The look of amazement on the children’s faces on Christmas morn
Made up for the complete lack of sleep from not going to bed till dawn
Surprise and delight glowed on little faces when they entered the room
Lights and colour everywhere, just like a garden in summer’s full bloom

I had my own tradition to bring into my growing family
My Father had given me Santa’s picture to oversee
My children, two weeks before Christmas they began to look
The third generation hoping their names were not in the black book

As all other Mothers, I wanted my children to have more than me
From my one sack, to their sack and presents under the tree
New outfits to wear, toys to play, books, puzzles, and more
There is a warming pleasure in giving to the ones we adore

In early years of their childhood there was no brussel sprout
So I could spend more time with them, the traditional dinner we left out
When they were older we decided to begin, and they did appreciate
The special meal shared together, though sprouts they never ate!

Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ first came out
Teaching us how fortunate we were, without a doubt
‘The Power Of Love,’ from Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Taught a truth, pure and simple, we all understood

Every year there were parties, with my husbands family
Grandparents, siblings, cousins, getting together to see
Sharing fun with games, and magic tricks into the night
Chatting away for hours, and setting the world to right

It took a sad occasion to persuade my husband to spend
Christmas with my parents, so some support I could lend
My gentle Nanny Jennie passed, just before Christmas 93
Being with my Mum for that Christmas was so important to me

In 1995, a totally different Christmas we planned
To spend our yuletide together, in a hot far-away land
Two children were getting older, almost ready to move on
Jamaica, our last holiday together, and then they were gone

All the delights of Christmas, through my children I lived the days
The excitement and high spirits, they sparkled in gorgeous ways
When they were younger I told them the story of the baby from above
They are my Angels, who came and taught me true Unconditional Love

My Christmas: As A Grandmother
Now I am a Grandmother, Christmas is plainly simple
It’s all about the Love we share, but there’s also a pull
Now we are not all together, which way do I go?
Spending time with everyone, my Love I want to show

My parents may not have many more Christmases to share
And it really is a time to let those you Love know you care
But little ones at Christmas bring so much pleasure, and joys
Their effervescent spirits light up, I can’t resist those girls and boys

Through the generations the same Christmas songs we hear
Although it seems they get to be played earlier each year
Marching around the room to Jona Lewie’s ‘Stop The Cavalry’
Children and then grandchildren, it is so enchanting to see

Christmas with your children is the pinnacle of perfection
It’s not until they are older that you can see the direction
Time plays tricks, the years seem at first to go so slow
In the blink of an eye, they’re gone.. where did the time go?

Watching the little ones, I see Christmas through their eyes
Wishes, dreams, the magic and awe of it all, joy multiplies
Passing on traditions, memories planted, as Love is shown
Generations evolve, moving on, and making their own

Christmas is not about the presents under a pretty tree
It’s accumulating Love and memories, in your sanctuary
As generations come and go, Christmas will always be
A time to share the Love and Joys of being with your family

Trina Graves – 11th December 2016

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About This Poem

In 2016, after writing: Christmas Through The Family and The Heavenly Birth I felt I’d like to write more for Christmas. Many of my poems are written for my family members so I wanted to create a poem for them (and me) to remind us of our Christmases. 

Before I started, I wrote a few notes of different memories and the traditions I wanted to include. The poem actually took four days to complete (I started on the 11th) as I kept remembering more to add!

One of the reasons I like to write my poems is because I am sharing my thoughts, beliefs and memories. Most of my family are not interested in poems, so they don’t tend to read them now, but I know that one day (maybe when I am no longer here) they more likely will. When that time comes I hope they will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them, and that they will evoke happy memories, or tell them of family stories that they have long forgotten or maybe never knew.

some of my grandchildren (Christmas 2008)

The Heavenly Birth

Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth
Of the Son of God brought down to our Earth
A Pure, Unique Master-Being from Heaven above
Sent to guide through all Eternity with Divine Love

His birth is a wondrous story, enchantingly told
Mother Mary young and pure, a heart of gold
Visited by an Angel with Heavenly praise
“The Son of God, you and Joseph shall raise”

Joseph’s character was obviously strong and good
Although not the true father, he declared he would
Unite with Mary and become the dad
To love and support the growing lad

The story unfolds with drama and suspense
To Bethlehem they travelled, the journey immense
For heavily pregnant Mary, arriving on a donkey
Needing a place to give birth, to be a sanctuary

With everywhere full, the only place to stay
Was in a stable, with a manger to lay
The newborn baby, the Heavenly King
Now present on Earth, Enlightenment to bring

A brilliant sign heralded the birth
Notable enough for many to seek it’s worth
Kings or wisemen, and even shepherds too
The Heavenly star shone to guide them through

Each came with praise and a gift to give
Knowing the Son of God was here to live
A physical life, even from a baby so small
Showing a connection to God, available to all

***

Everyone has their own personal belief
And I do not wish to cause anyone grief
But we all decide how much of this tale is true
Our perceptions give us our own unique view

I asked for guidance before beginning to write
Asking to share some loving Christmas ‘Light’
What came to me at that moment, for what it’s worth
Is the Divine importance of every single human birth

Jesus grew up knowing he was God’s Son
No limits were placed, He was the One
Sent to Earth to share true Love Divine
And through eternity, boundless by time

With no restrictions to cause Him doubt
He grew to share God’s Love throughout
His life while here upon this Earth
All starting with that momentous birth

If the King of Kings can be born in a stable
What of other births? We should be able
To see the wisdom and Light showing us the way
To celebrate the truth of births each and every day

For all mothers are pure with hearts of gold
And fathers if present, strong and bold
Each one is doing the best they can do
Which is all that God asks of you

No matter where the birth will take place
The Divine is there, but you won’t see a trace
Lowly or regal, it matters not who you are
Beings of Love and Light come from afar

They come to witness the transition of a Soul
On it’s journey to Earth to learn to be whole
In physical form, the journey it takes
To become Aware as the Spirit Awakes

For every single baby contains God in their heart
Illuminating so brightly right from the start
If we placed no limits or doubts in their minds
Their genuine Divine Presence in life we would find

Trina Graves – 8th December 2016

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About This Poem

In December 2016, after writing my first ever Christmas poem ‘Christmas Through The Family’ to be used for my Christmas cards, I had no intention of writing another that year.

A few days later I decided to do my next quote poem (back then I only added my poems to my website: Spiritual Quotes To Live By). I had a list of quotes in my notebook on my desk, so I switched off the computer (no distractions) and got ready to write… but then I could not find the notebook! I searched the desk (there was not a lot on it) but still couldn’t find it, even though I knew I had seen it. ‘Weird’ I thought!

However, knowing from experience that once I prayed and asked for guidance I would receive whatever I needed, I let go of the mystery and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. On returning to my desk… there was the notebook so clearly in view!!! I laughed and knew that I was not meant to write a quote poem. So, I asked for guidance, now thinking, perhaps something else for Christmas?

I knew then that it would be a poem about the importance of births and would start with the birth of Jesus. But, I was quite surprised that the whole nativity story just flowed out.

picture from Pixabay

Christmas Through The Family

To a child Christmas is the most magical time of the year
Full of wonder and excitement waiting for Santa and reindeer
Counting down each day, with even a tree indoors to decorate
Captivating memories through childhood years accumulate
Each intense and thrilling Christmas morning finally arrives
Bringing presents galore, heaps of fun and maybe a surprise
Days of new toys, sweets and other delicious things to eat
For Christmas to last forever, they’d wish in a heartbeat

For parents Christmas creates a mixture of things
The stress of it all contrasts the abundance of joy it brings
Worrying about what to buy and how to pay for it all
Disappears when seeing the delight on their child befall
With so much to get done, the clock ticks away so fast
But how they wish the enchantment of that day would last
Because for their own sweet child, anything they’d do
To make all their wishes and dreams come true

Young siblings at Christmas share the joys
Of the escalating excitement thinking of toys
They might receive if Santa thinks they’ve been good
Talking into the night, how they wish he would
Childhood Christmas days spent with sister or brother
Amasses laughter and sharing to re-discover
In later years when in family-get-togethers they meet
And to another generation their stories repeat

For teens and young adults Christmas is for fun
Celebrating with friends, just has to be done
It’s a balancing act fitting in family and friends
As their time and attention splits then blends
The greatest pull can come with blossoming love
From their first relationship, as if from Heaven above
First love at Christmas brings them a new dimension
As the joy of giving to love expands their comprehension

A Grandparent’s Christmas is full of timeless memories
Evergreen moments shared with their beloved families
Going way back to the times when their children were small
It’s only the enduring love and happiness they recall
Time’s moved on and now they have grandchildren to treasure
Each precious jewel brings more love and the purest pleasure
The family continues to expand as the years go by
Bliss of Grandparenthood lifts their Soul sky high

All through these stages of Christmas days
Life moves on through time, expanding always
Change is inevitable, time can not stand still
So appreciating these moments is vital to fill
Your heart and Soul with joyous memories
Of the stages of life spent around Christmas trees
Because that is what family at Christmas is for
To celebrate, the joy and love you share, above all

Trina Graves – 8th December 2016

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About This Poem

I often like to make my close family’s Christmas cards, usually using recent or old family photographs. In 2016 I had gone back to writing more poems, so I thought I’d have a go at writing one for Christmas to use for the card. This poem was the result.

I didn’t plan to write anymore Christmas poems but a strange thing happened a few days later that led to more… (The Heavenly Birth)

 

My children – Christmas 1984

 

 

Three Women’s Love

This poem was written for my dad on his birthday.

Evelyn was the very first
With a love so strong and pure
A mother’s love is limitless
Continuing on forever more

Doreen’s love has been steadfast
As girlfriend, fiancee and beloved wife
You’ve shared so much over the years
With all the ups and downs of life

Trina, your only daughter
Has loved you all her days
Being together changes over time
But the closeness always stays

Love comes in different forms
In many ways it is shown
It’s what life is all about
Through love we all have grown

These three women of your life
Will always shower you in love
Whether here on this Earth
Or from the Heavens above

Trina Graves – 18th October 2017

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About This Poem

As you can see from the date of this poem it was written a year ago today. As mentioned above, I wrote it for my dad to go inside his birthday card. Today he is 82 and I have just got home from visiting him and my mum. Yesterday I wrote another poem that sort of continued on from this one called: Three Sons – To Be Proud. I am not sure yet if I will be sharing that one though as there is a lot of personal information about my brothers in it, so I need their permission first. 

I used to only occasionally write poems for my parents on their birthdays, anniversary or mother’s/father’s day, but over the years they have come to look forward to what they call my special cards. I always include some sort of family photo arrangement which they always love too.

 

When You Look At Your Life, The Greatest Happinesses Are Family Happinesses

Title Quote: Joyce Brothers

As you get older you more often reflect
The course of your life and you introspect
Remembering all the ups and some downs
The beautiful sights and wonderful sounds

The focus you chose and decisions you made
Became your life and your path was laid
Life continues to expand, there’s always more
To experience the joy is what you came here for

Reminiscing those carefree days of childhood
When all you wanted was to feel good
Playing with siblings, friends or by yourself
Imagination was your greatest wealth

Childhood memories of the long ago past
Fade through time, but the ones that last
Are the happy ones spent with mum and dad
Sharing time and love, feeling cherished and glad

Picnics, walks or playing board games
The simple shared pleasures are what remains
In your memory to treasure forever more
The love you experienced developed your core

Time progresses and moves on so fast
Life brings experiences, the landscapes vast
The greatest gift, if blessed, you will know
Is being a parent, as the purest love will grow

Creating your own precious unit of family
Brings an overwhelming abundance of ecstasy
The immense love you feel will always remain
Though expressing the depth is hard to explain

Just watching your baby grow, develop and explore
Their world around them brought you even more
Happiness in all the countless, simple, delightful ways
Treasured memories gathered throughout those days

It’s peculiar, but often you will find
The simplest moment stuck in your mind
Your child running to you with arms open wide
Their pure love and elation they couldn’t hide

The years of parenthood continued on
Time seemed slow, but soon they were gone
Young adults replaced the children you raised
Vibrant, onto their own paths they blazed

With parents eyes you developed a different view
The world was changed and you understood too
Your parents love for you became crystal clear
They did their utmost to love and hold you dear

And now your children are parents also
Blessings of love forever bloom and grow
Watching your child’s parental love and joy
Blossom with each additional baby girl and boy

With the old eyes of wisdom, you can now see
So clearly the pure contentment of your family
These precious little angels sent from up above
Grandchildren bring bliss and quintessential love

Trina Graves – 4th January 2016

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About This Poem 

Sometimes in my dreams I am the mother to my children and grandchildren at the same time, or I’m a child the same age as both generations with my parents as the parents of us all.. but in the crazy world of dreams it all makes perfect sense!

In a similar way the generations do seem to blend together as the years zoom by at an alarming rate. As my grandchildren are now racing toward adulthood (the oldest is 21 at the end of this year and the next 16 in a few weeks) it seems such a short time ago that they were tiny babies as I watched my children become parents but… it hardly seems any more distance in time that they were babies in my arms too! And yet, in a few months even my youngest child will be 36, which was the age that I became a grandmother. 

I’m not sure if it’s a sign of being older or a sign of Awakening that time is losing all meaning to me. The days pass by in what seems a few hours, weeks a few days, months seem to be only a couple of weeks long and years only last a few months! It’s akin to sleep where you close your eyes in one moment and open them in what feels like a minute or two later to find many hours have passed – in the blink of an eye!

Does anyone else feel this way?
I think I got a bit side-tracked here, but I suppose it is about looking back over family life! 🙂 

 

The Best Way To Make Children Good Is To Make Them Happy

Title Quote: Oscar Wilde

Making children do anything
Will not achieve your true goal
They are unique human beings
With their own guiding Soul

They will submit to all your rules
As you teach, shape and mold
Bending to your whims
Mostly doing as they are told

But deep within they know
They have a true guiding light
Smothered by fitting in
It flickers waiting out of sight

So how do you let them learn
To follow their own true heart?
While still guiding and protecting
Right from the very start

It is really all up to you
In the way you live each day
For even in the nurturing womb
They know what you do and say

Do you follow your own heart
Always aiming for your best?
Through life’s ups and downs
Anchored with love, do you rest?

The things you say and do
Will of course have an effect
But much more is said than words
With thoughts and feelings you select

Young children absorb it all
With no ability to understand
Not all experiences are true
You have the upper hand

Teach them by example
Follow your own inner guide
Be who you came here to be
Shine brightly, do not hide

For everyone has their own path
In the life they came to live
Unique in its twists and turns
Guidance by example you can give

Stand strong in your beliefs
Hold fast in your integrity
Show your love and appreciation
Giving thanks for all to see

Trina Graves – 11th January 2018

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About This Poem

This was the first poem I wrote using this quote as a title and theme, but after writing it I knew I wanted to write another one. ‘The Best Way To Make Children Good’  focuses on how wanting our children to be happy is something that continues throughout their lives, no matter how old they are, and is a more personal poem.

Quite a few of my poems feature the unknowing lifetime impact parents have on their children, not just with their words and actions, but their thoughts and feelings, because it is the most important thing I wished I’d known when my children were little ones. 

My children with some of their cousins (1990)

The Family Is A Link To Our Past, And A Bridge To Our Future

Title Quote: Alex Hayley

The family is a link to our past
Building treasured memories to last
All through our whole life long
As the generations continue on

We are each born into a time
Being the next in our family line
Our parents very own offspring
To them, the future we will bring

Grandparents told us stories of old
Sometimes tales, bleak and cold
When getting by was truly tough
So we realize, we have enough

But they also loved to tell
Of times they remember, oh so well
With their siblings, mum and dad
And the simple happiness they had

Through the years our parents will
Tell us their history to instill
Their unique guidance, a way to live
Wanting all their help to give

Family togetherness through the years
Sharing all the joys and the tears
Births, deaths, parties, illness, weddings
All the diversity that human life brings

Our family history is a part
Of who we are deep in our heart
Our roots are firmly set in the ground
As we branch out in life all around

Either we agree or do not
With the guidance that we got
Both will set us on our way
Steering our life, day by day

Each family member is a link in a chain
That through our life will remain
An Affinity bracelet we all wear
Glistening gold from the love we share

Not all are blessed to cross over
The Bridge Of Parenthood, covered in clover
Gaining access to the future ahead
By their children, they will be lead

Stepping into this miraculous land
Changes forever our Affinity band
Now it contains a precious jewel
Sparking the Light in our heart to rule

The circle of life continues on
Our parents, to the ‘Grand’ now belong
Our tales are added to the stories told
To impressionable minds, setting paths to unfold

Time moves on, our jewels have grown
To live their truths, a life of their own
Guided by the way we lived each day
Their roots are strong, their links a ray

There is another bridge of pure Light
That brings a future of complete delight
Diamonds with platinum links in our chain
Grandchildren are a family’s ultimate gain

Trina Graves – 21st March 2017

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About This Poem

I was drawn to adding this poem today because of two events that happened this week that bring focus to the past and the present in my family, and fit perfectly with it too!

The first was a visit to my parents of my mum’s brother, sister-in-law, and one her (3) sisters. My mum will be 80 at the end of this month and doesn’t get to see her brother or sisters very often now, it can be several years in-between visits. She was greatly looking forward to seeing them and they all thoroughly enjoyed spending a few hours together reminiscing over the past. Family history is of course something they share, but they were all surprised to be told stories of previous generations that one or the other knew, but the others did not, even after all those years.

The other event was the announcement of a baby to be born in March that starts the next generation of off-spring; my parents will become great-great-grandparents! News my mum was especially thrilled to hear, as to her (and me) there is no greater blessing to the family than another precious bundle of joy.

The View

This poem was written for my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year.

With family and friends around
On a March day you were bound
Together, young and in love
Blessed in church by God above

You vowed to always stay together
Through sunshine and stormy weather
Life would throw all aspects at you
But your love would pull you through

Now sixty years have gone by
Speeding time does surely fly
And here you are together still
After surmounting many a-rocky hill

Standing steadfast where you are
From that hill-top you can see far
You’ve created a spectacular view
With the love that came from you

Generations have blossomed and grown
From the love that you have sown
Each a blessing, flowering in your light
Ever present, ever bright

Scattered around you, each flower grows
All different: cosmos, forget-me-not, rose
Beautiful blooms growing strong
Seeding more as time moves on

Some little buds don’t really know you are there
Watching over them because you care
But still, you send them your light and love
From your vantage point on the hill above

God bless you for all you’ve done
Creating the view since your love begun
Now rest and enjoy the outstanding view
Eternal love and blessings, to you two

Trina Graves – 20th March 2018

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About This Poem

As mentioned above, I wrote this for my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary on 22nd March 2018. As with all couples they’ve had their ups and downs throughout the years but have remained steadfast in their love to see them through.

Below is the front of the card I made for them (with the poem inside) showing their four children, nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. As I am sure with most families, as they grow and expand out into the world the early closeness with grandparents changes as lives move on with another generation. Get-togethers don’t happen as often so great-grandchildren don’t know their great-grandparents as well as they know their grandparents. But, the great-grandparents always love to hear about and see (if only pictures) all of their little blossoms.  

 

When They Placed You In My Arms

Title Quote: When They Placed You In My Arms,
You Slipped Into My Heart. (Unknown)

When they placed you in my arms
For the first time after your birth
Is my most precious memory
Of my life here on this Earth

After endless months of waiting
Anxious that all would be well
Relief mixed with anticipation
As I floated under your spell

My love for you had grown stronger
Each day through pregnancy
In that moment it exploded
Awakening the Core of me

I gazed tenderly into your eyes
Then mine watered with a tear
The pure bliss of the moment
As I embraced you, my dear

The weight of your little body
As I held you close and tight
Feeling your physical presence
Sensing your true Spirit Light

The warmth of your precious form
Now tangible at long last
Melted time’s candle to me
You became my future and my past

The sheer miracle of life
I possessed in my arms
Blessed always to be
Captivated by your charms

When they placed you in my arms
You slipped into my heart
Through Eternity we are bound
Entwined Souls to never part

Trina Graves – 24th February 2017

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About This Poem

As I say in this poem (and have mentioned before) this is my most treasured memory and is what I recall whenever I want to feel a strong sense of love and upliftment, it never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth in my heart.

top: granddaughter Lucy (2002) bottom: grandson Tyler (2014)

Thank You, Mum

Thank you for your Mothering, right from the very start
You nurtured our family, consistently working from your heart.

Thank you for Leading me to become an intuitive mother
Using my inner-guidance, not just the advice of any other.

Thank you for all the little things you have ever said, and done
That have made my life so happy, full of delight and lots of fun.

Thank you for your Presence, I know at all times you will be there
Whenever I need you, it’s heart-warming to know you always care.

Thank you for your Guidance all through the many years
Your love and support has helped me wipe away the countless tears.

Thank you for your Honesty you always taught me right from wrong
By your example I learned, and now live with integrity my whole life long.

Thank you for your Morality although nothing much was said
I grew up choosing to truly be in love, before I share my bed.

Thank you for your Positive Attitude, it’s truth has helped me see
I reap what I sow in life, my thoughts guide who I will be.

Thank you for your Happiness, always showing me a smile
Even when clouds are present, you know they will only last awhile.

Thank you for Teaching me: Life’s challenges are often like a test
I’ve learned from your example, to always strive to do my best.

Thank you for your Wisdom, when things all get too much
You say, “Hand it over to God” to feel His guiding touch.

Thank you for your Love, given to me unconditionally
Someone who consistently radiates that love is who I yearn to be.

Thank you for your Knowledge, you may not think I’ve gained this from you
But degrees can’t teach the highest lessons, the most important is love, is so true.

Thank you for Faith in the presence of God above
It’s been a guiding Light for me, knowing of this Love.

Thank you for your Spiritual Essence, it’s helped me find my way
You taught me to seek my own path, I live it each and every day.

Thank you for your Example to live a life of simple things
The joy of family and peace of nature, gives our Spirit wings.

Thank you for Providing a sanctuary of home, a feathered nest
Where all through the years I’ve been welcomed, to return to for a rest.

Thank you for your Life, though one day physically we will part
But I know we are eternally joined, by the love we share in our heart.

Thank you for your Blessings that I know are always with me
I bless you and know our love unites us, forevermore into infinity.

Trina Graves – 14th March 2015

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About This Poem

The week before Mothers Day (in 2015) I sat to write a poem for my mum, but after asking for guidance what poured out instead was a poem about being a mother:  ‘Those Moments I Treasure.‘ So, a few days later I had another go and this poem was the result. After praying for guidance I knew it would be a ‘Thank You’ poem, so I first wrote a list of all the things I wanted to say thank you for, then I just went with the flow and didn’t put them in any particular order. 

I used photographs of me and my mum through the years to add to the poem to make a print for her. (below)

A Gentle Soul

Many people shape our lives
Especially during the younger years
With us through the blessed joys
And there to wipe our tears

Some are as large-as-life
Their presence takes centre stage
It’s easy to see how their character
Is written on our biography page

But some are quiet in nature
Their presence ever-serene
Life continues on around them
As though they’re hardly seen

They may not have much to say
But their words are kind and pure
Just being in their company
Will affect you at your core

They are the ink to our pen
Without them we couldn’t write
The story of our lives, no words
Would show in dark or light

Their flow brings our life to focus
Through the years their aura imparts
Blessing us with their lighted goodness
That moulds and forms our hearts

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Jennie, my maternal grandmother
Was one, a truly gentle Soul
Petit in stature, not essence
An epitome of the mother role

A mother in time of war
I can’t even imagine the fear
Daily she must have felt
In London with bombs so near

Giving up home and possessions
Evacuating, for her daughters sake
Many years would pass by before
Their own home she could re-make

Times were hard and relentless
Death and Illness she had to face
But her beloved five children
Were cocooned in her warm embrace

Years passed as they all fled her nest
Moving on, to create their own family
And onward through the generations
Her tranquillity shone out so clearly

On the passing of her husband Alfred
Frail and alone, the future bleak?
She had another lesson to teach us all
How to live on? What should you seek?

The blessing of her life was her family
And through them she developed strength
Staying with grandchildren brought her such joy
Her years continued for a much greater length

It’s now been 24 years since she moved
To our true home in the Heavens above
But what she left behind in many hearts
Is her pure and simple, unconditional love

Gentle was Jennie’s nature
Pure was Jennie’s Soul: :
Jennie taught by example
Peace: life’s precious goal

Trina Graves – 24th October 2017

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About This Poem

I wrote this poem for my mum’s birthday last year, I made it into a card so that the first part of the poem was on the outside, then when she opened it there was a full length picture of her mum with the rest of the poem about her.

I have written several poems for members of my family and had no intention of sharing most of them, but reading through them I thought some could be suitable to share, this being one.

Jennie with some of her children (my mum is the youngest girl)

 

The Simple Things In Life

If ever you are feeling down
Whatever it is that makes you frown
Just open your eyes and look about
You’ll find something, without a doubt
To make you smile and appreciate
That the simple things in life are great

A smile, a glance, a hug, a touch
From someone that you love so much
A flower, a leaf, a blade of grass
Nature’s treasures we blindly pass

The serenity of a sleeping child
Even if, in the daytime they tend to run wild
A newborn baby so complete yet so small
You can’t help but wonder the miracle of it all

Trina Graves – 15th November 2001

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About This Poem

This was one of my earlier poems, the only thing I can remember about writing it is that it didn’t take very long! 

What I can say now though is, back in 2001, I was most certainly blind to the treasures of nature! Yes, I liked trees and flowers and pretty scenes, but I had not developed any sense of the awesomeness of nature that would have me spellbound by a dandelion seed head or a daisy (two of my now favourite small things of nature). Back then it was babies and children that would inspire me.

Until I began my Spiritual Quotes To Live By website I never took nature photographs, all my photos were of my family. If we went for a walk to the woods, the photos would be of the children playing. But, in 2011 because I wanted to start making some photo-quotes I went with some of my grandchildren for a walk to a small woods nearby, intending to take some nature shots too. It was spring time and there was blossom on some of the trees, (I always liked blossom) and as I walked along looking for nature shots it was as if my eyes were opened for the very first time! I was mesmerized by the simplest of things, it was on this first walk that I took a photo of a dandelion seed head that I use as my logo on my site and Facebook page. I was so struck by the perfection of this ‘weed,’ for me it is a simple reminder of that first walk and my eyes being opened to the perfection of nature.

Brothers Joey and Tyler (2014)

 

The Joys Of Parenthood

The greatest gift in life, you’ve received today
The birth of your precious little one, safely here to stay
Entrusted to your gentle, loving care
God knows that you are a wonderfully, devoted pair

Your lives will never again be the same
Now that you are parents, you have a new aim
To love and protect her, to nurture and to care
The joys of parenthood are beyond compare

The happiness, joy and love you now feel
Will stay with you forever, this love is so real
There is nothing in life that can compare to this
The birth of your cherished baby, brings you pure bliss

Trina Graves – 20th August 2007

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About This Poem

This poem was written eleven years ago today! The years have certainly flown by and the precious little bundle of joy is now almost as tall as both her parents. 

My oldest daughter, Julie, always wanted to be a mother. From a young age she looked forward to the time when she’d get married and have children. With that attitude I always thought that she would be the first of my three children to make me a grandmother, but her brother surprised us all by becoming a father at seventeen. Julie of course became a wonderful aunt to her niece. Then five years later her younger sister, Emma, got married and had a daughter too, closely followed by a son. Julie doted on her nieces and nephew, but her relationships, so far, had not been right to settle down and have children. However, it wasn’t too long after this that she met a new man who seemed perfect to her. They moved in together and it wasn’t too long before she became pregnant. Becoming a mother was such a longed for experience  I wanted to write something to remember it by.  

They are now married and have two other children, Amy (8) and Lowen (3).

Proud parents Julie & Mark with newborn Sophie (2007)

 

Assimilation

Babies are born into this world
As pure Spirits, into our care
Most think of them as totally helpless
But they are Awake and Aware

It’s true they need to be looked after
The physical body takes time to train
Unlimited potential lies ahead for them
After mastering their body and brain

But these unique and pure Spiritual Beings
Are learning and adapting as they grow
Throughout pregnancy, birth and early years
They assimilate everything you show

We are all essentially Spiritual Beings
Therefore words and actions do not convey
As much as the energy we constantly radiate
Through our thoughts and feelings every day

Our thoughts, beliefs and perception
Will build our world, our exclusive reality
Children mimic from those around them
Familiar traits to become their personality

Surrounded by nurturing, unconditional love
Supported with flowing positive praise
Encouraged to independently think
A child will embody all these ways

Trina Graves – 5th December 2016

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About This Poem

Many of my poems are about babies and children because they have been the main focus of my adult life. I had my three children at a young age and became a grandmother at thirty-six, my oldest grandchild is now an adult (21 this year) with others ever fast approaching!

One of the main things I wish I had known all those years ago when my children were born was that they are like sponges, taking in everything around them with no filters. I guess at an unconscious level I knew this because I was always wary of what was going on around them. But I never understood that it wasn’t just my words and actions, but my thoughts and feelings that had an effect on them. It’s all so clear to see now in their adult lives snippets of reflections of how I was back then.

And now in my grandchildren I see them develop as mini versions of their parents and the people that surround them. I always knew that we are influenced by the way we are brought up, but I never realized the extent of how it all programs our minds. 

Although, another interesting point is that some people who have had unstable or even terrible upbringings are able to put their focus on achieving everything opposite to their personal experiences. Two wonderful examples of this are Wayne Dyer and Anthony Robbins. Wayne Dyer had an alcoholic father who left his family of three children under four, his mother couldn’t cope so she sent one child and Wayne to a series of foster homes, and the other to live with a grandmother.  Wayne chose to perceive this experience as a lesson in self-reliance. Anthony Robbins childhood was abusive and poor, it was an anonymous gift of a food basket on Thanksgiving (when he was still a child) that changed his life, as he then set his focus on being able to help others in the same way.

Granddaughter Amy (2010)

We Are Being Taken Over!

Poem based on quote by: James A. Simpson

We Are Being Taken Over…
This is NOT a conspiracy theory!
You will KNOW this to be true
If you read all the way through.

We Are Being Taken Over…
They are already here living among us
They arrive each and every day
There is no stopping them.

They are positioning themselves in all walks of life
All races, all cultures, all classes, all abilities
They are willing to infiltrate them all.

They don’t have control yet
But they will… it’s only a matter of time.

Slowly, but surely they will take over…
They will be in control of every village, every town,
every city, every country and every nation.

They will be in every profession…
Teachers, Shop Workers, Lawyers Nurses,
Social Workers, Authors, Doctors, Carers, Bankers, Police…
Every single occupation.

They will command and be the governments and armies
of every single nation.

Their influence will touch the lives of us all.

They will be the parents of the next generations
Instilling their own beliefs and their own way of life
On the children of the future.

They are everywhere, waiting for their time.
In the years ahead they will take over…
No one will be immune to their domination
They will have total control.
Wherever you go on this planet…
They will be there.

Are you concerned about this?
Are you worried what will happen?
Surely somehow they can be stopped?
What if we close our borders?

But they are not arriving in that way
They have another means of entry.

This invasion has been going on since humans began
We are powerless to stop it.

But, thankfully scientist have recently discovered that we can gain control.
They have found out that when these Beings arrive they are not fully programmed.
We have the power to install the software that can benefit us all.

It is a mammoth task, but it’s doable, if enough of the right people take their part.

These beings use a type of mind virus to adapt to our world
They learn to behave like us humans by memes.
They watch our every move, listen to our every word
Copy our mannerisms, actions and habits.
They can even tune into our thoughts
So we will have to be Aware at all times.

We need to use our hearts and minds to focus on how we want our world to be…
Loving, Peaceful, Supportive, Generous, Helpful,
Compassionate, Forgiving –  in all its Diversity.
Caring and Sharing the abundance of resources available for everyone.
Living in Appreciation and Gratitude.
Treasuring our planet and every living thing on it.
Then we can programme the new arrivals with these qualities.

We will have to be very careful to do our best to live these qualities ourselves
Because their complete core programming takes about six years.
It will be very easy at first to nurture them
Showing them only love, compassion and joy.
But, as time passes and we have bad days
Getting stressed out about this and that, it becomes harder to stay aware…
They will always mimic our every mood, and install it.

As I said, it is a tremendous task, but it would be worth it…
What a wonderful world we could all share in the future.
And in our aging years we would be surrounded by loving, caring citizens of Earth.
We would be joyously happy to let these new beings take over, everywhere.
The future of life on Earth would be safe in their capable, caring hands and hearts.

So, who among us is up for the job?…

Well, actually, they have already chosen you!

Who are these infiltrators?
And where do they come from?

They are Pure Beings of Love and Light
Sent to Earth to guide us, and to teach us to remember who we are…

We are Beings of Love and Light.

They come from God/Source/All-That-Is.

They are…

Our Children.

Trina Graves – July 2016

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About This Poem

This poem is based upon the following quote by Rev. James A. Simpson.

“An army is invading our country. It is going to capture and take possession of everything we have, every political office, business, school, college and council. Nothing will be left to us. This army is composed of the babies and youngsters in our homes. They are the future citizens, the future teachers, directors, politicians. What happens to them, the kind of people they will become, will determine the quality of life in this country twenty-thirty years from now. No task is therefore more important than the education and training of these children in honesty, self-discipline, generosity, love and forgiveness.”

When I first read this quote I thought it was very thought provoking in it’s truth. I had previously been reading about how children have no filters in their early years and just absorb everything from those who surround them, so I wanted to bring these together in a poem. I also liked the idea of making it like a Conspiracy Theory of us being taken over, so I did not want to reveal until the very end that it is all about children.

Every Instant Of Time Is A Pinprick Of Eternity

Title Quote: Marcus Aurelius

Time: A simple word that evokes so much
In the modern world it imprints on all we touch
Lives are ruled by the ticking of the clock
Conforming to its pace, we heed the tick-tock

It’s a man-made concept all so easily seen
When twice a year we have to adjust our routine
Changing the clock first forward and then back
Why does it continue? Is it sensibility we lack?

Fitting everything in at the allotted time
Being late is frowned on, considered a crime
Forcing people to be the same as each other
Obeying the system, natural alignment we smother

In the times of old, nature ruled the days
Governed by the sun’s lightening rays
Dawn, mid-day and dusk were the cue
To the timing of all they needed to do

It’s funny how the same minute can be long or short
Hours, days, even years, it seems time can distort
Why is it that the exact same duration
Can change? Is there really an explanation?

At embarrassing moments time just stands still
As our mind freezes or overdrives to try and fill
The awkwardness with maybe something funny to say
While we silently wish it would all just go away

As we get older it seems that time goes so fast
Speeded up from our childhood days, long in the past
When school summer holidays seemed to last forever
We played happily all day, no matter the weather

There are things we experience where time goes so slow
Dealing with pain, physical or mental, is one we all know
It doesn’t even matter if the pain’s not our own
It’s excruciating when loved ones suffer and moan

Special occasions with family and friends speed by
Enjoying time together, no matter the reason why
Moments to treasure in our memory forevermore
Love is the key to transcend time’s prison door

Feeling lonely or neglected time drags its feet
Sinking deeper with the darkness, sat in our seat
Days are endless, stretching into the gloom
The pendulum of time heavily digs a tomb

Doing something we love time will rapidly pass
We don’t notice the hours go by so fast
Engrossed in pursuing our passion of heart
Time’s inconsequential from the moment we start

Someone sitting quietly in meditation
Can experience time in it’s duration
As though an hour is a few minutes, no more
As through they’re consciousness they explore

But another can sit the precise same stretch
And be tormented with all the thoughts they fetch
Bored or anxious and worried about what’s ahead
Time’s lethargic pace expands the points they dread

In childbirth time plays an important part
Counting the minutes right from the start
Hours draw out as the intensity increases
But time stills, as the magic moment reaches

With a baby, days and time have no meaning at all
Except for the duration between the newborn’s call
Getting everything done in between each wail
We’re wrapped up in the little one’s timescale

Being a parent time is a total quirk
The monotony can really be an irk
But looking back, where has the time gone?
The years flash by, we wish they’d prolong

The baby days that seemed so endless at the start
Are over so fast, now time hits our heart
As our children zoom through the years ahead
Before we know it, from the nest they have fled

As age takes its toll time can certainly slump
Especially if taken the attitude of a grump
But those who keep mind and body active
Will tinker with time and enthusiastically live

So have you noticed the difference between
Time being fast or slow, or how it is seen
Our perception alters our focus upon
Each moment, making it short or long

All of the spans of time so vast
Are caused by negative attitudes cast
Upon the focus, the perceptive view
Sending time off and all askew

When thinking positive as much as can be
Time moves faster, it is so easy to see
How living joyously in the moment brings more
To enrich our lives and enlighten our core

When aligned with your Source, the real you
Living in joy, with love coming through
There’s no need to watch the clock on the wall
Law of attraction will answer you’re heart’s call

Every instant of time is a pinprick
Of eternity’s candle, we are the wick
Vital to it’s radiance, expanding perpetually
Aligned with Source we are timelessly free

Trina Graves – 8th February 2016

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About This Poem

When I sat to write the poem for this quote I knew I wanted to cover how our perception of time is affected by what we are doing and our thoughts. I follow the teachings of Abraham-Hicks so I always do my best to focus on the positive and not give my attention to the negative, so I try not to include negative aspects in my poems unless I feel it is needed and I would only use them sparingly. However, I felt that this poem needed all of the contrasts, so it has many more negative experiences than I would usually include.

Most people agree that time seems to speed up as we get older, but I truly believe that time has actually sped up since we moved into the ‘New Age.’ When I look back to the 70’s/80’s/90’s I can’t believe all the things it was possible to do in one day! And now, my days go by so fast, in comparison it seems as though what was a morning is now a whole day! I know I am older so have slowed down, and as much as possible I spend my day doing what I love to do (which speeds time up) but, as each month passes in what seems not much more than a week, I sometimes wonder, with the ever-increasing speed, what will eventually happen?

However, I know that time is just a concept we need to experience our life here on Earth and in other dimensions it does not exist in the same way or at all. And most importantly the only time I need to be: concerned about, focused on, appreciating, living, being, loving, blessing, enjoying is NOW.

What do you think?