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 work place 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 time we planned
To spend our yuletide together in a hot and 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 I hear
Although it seems they get 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 my children was the pinnacle of perfection
It’s not until they were older that I could 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?

Now watching 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 was never about the presents under a tree
But accumulation of love and memories, a sanctuary
As generations come and go, Christmas will always be
A time to share the love and joys of being with 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)

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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

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?

 

Mother’s Hand

As a little girl I held your hand tightly
For the world was a scary place.
As the years went by our clasp loosened
As I became eager to explore
Then the day came that we both let go
And I was able to walk alone.

Whatever I have faced in my life
I’ve known your hand is always there
For me to hold, if I need.
The warmth of your love
And guidance of your hand
Has steered me through the crowd of life
To bring me through.

Now as the years pass
I hold my hand out to you
For I will always be there
If you ever need me.
Take my hand and together
We can walk the rest of the path.

Trina Graves – 21st October 2001

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About This Poem

When I was about nine or ten, I wrote a poem for my mum called Mother’s Hand. My mum still has it! So, when I began writing poems (as an adult) I wanted to have a go at re-writing it for her birthday.

I can’t believe it was almost seventeen years ago! And there was me thinking she was getting old reaching sixty-three,  but in very few years I will be that age!!! Over the years I have written quite a few poems for my parents as they always love to receive them on special occasions. My mum will be eighty in October, so hopefully I will be up to the challenge of writing her something she will treasure. Now, as each birthday, anniversary and Mother’s/Father’s day comes round I begin to doubt that I can come up with something, but when I ask for guidance, it always comes. 🙂 

With my mum (Doreen) approx. 1963

 

Flowers Are Words That Even A Baby Can Understand

Title Quote: Arthur C. Coxe

The basis of everything is vibration
In this wonderful world of ours
All the people, all physical objects
All of nature including its flowers

Everything in life we experience
In each and every single day
We identify through our senses
There truly is no other way

The five basic senses of hearing
Sight, taste, touch and smell
Are the ones we are taught to use
And they do serve us quite well

It’s the vibrational frequencies
Our organs transmit to our brain
The world around us we distinguish
But what does it really contain?

Science in the past has always
Used physicality as a proof
If you can’t see something’s there
How can it be real or the truth?

Today the atom can be viewed
To see what there is inside
They’ve found just empty space
Now the truth just cannot hide

But the most astonishing discovery
Science has made in more recent years
Is that the observer changes the outcome
Everything alters as perception interferes

Science and Spirituality are merging
Whichever way you look, you will find
It is all about the Energy and Vibration
Of how we perceive and are aligned

We all have another sense, the sixth
Though many chose to ignore or forget
The importance of sensing energy
It’s been the most misunderstood yet

We all have this sense to use
From the moment of our birth
We use the energy around us
For all our years on this Earth

Some people can use this sense
So much easier than the rest
They always trust their intuition
Not having to put it to the test

Whatever we may do in this life
Begins with a simple thought
Created by what’s around us
From the vibrations we import

Thoughts usually turn to words
As we convey our desires and express
Through the way we have learned
But, have we really progressed?

A baby understands so much more
Than we could ever truly know
They are aligned with vibrations
That to them so easily flow

If you’ve ever held a baby
When you’re in a bad mood
You know they’ll pick up on that
And either cry or be subdued

All babies come into our world
With so much love and wisdom to share
They’re pure spirits, aligned with Source
And can teach us how to be Aware

Trina Graves – 3rd December 2016

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About This Poem

In 2011 I began to blog by writing about the photo-quotes I added to my website and Facebook page, both called Spiritual Quotes To Live By. I actually started it here on WordPress, but after awhile moved it over to my site.  For simplicity reasons, I thought it best to start with the first photo I added and work my way through, so that I knew exactly what I’d used. However, when taking a peek ahead to what was coming I would occasionally think ‘What on Earth am I going to write about that one?’ Always wanting to ‘go with the flow’ if I was stuck on what to write.. I didn’t. So there would sometimes be long gaps.

At the end of 2016, because I had began to write many more poems I decided to write a poem for each quote instead. That was before I had looked at what the next quote would be! When I saw this one it was definitely a ‘What can I write?’ moment! But after praying and asking for guidance the words just flowed quite easily and I was really pleased that the poem ended up covering so much with what at first seemed a difficult title!

Born 3 weeks apart, grandsons Tyler & Benjamin (2014)

Baby Vows

I promise to always love you.
No matter what you will do or say, my love for you will always be unconditional.

I promise to nurture you.
Providing you with love, comfort and security to the best of my abilities.

I promise to always protect you.
Your safety and well-being will always be on my mind.

I promise to do my best.
I am only human and I will make mistakes, but I will always do the best that I can for you.

I promise to always be there for you.
Even later, as the years go by and we grow apart, know that you can always turn to me.

I promise to teach you right from wrong.
By my actions you will learn.

I promise to guide you.
Throughout your life I will act as your guide, either you will want to do the things that I do or say, or you will not want to do them, because I do!

I promise to be your anchor.
When life gets you down, I will be there to hold you and support you.

I promise to let you become independent.
As the years pass, I will ease you out into the world.

I promise to not use you as a pawn.
If my relationship with your other parent changes, I will always do what’s best for you and not bring my feelings into your relationship with them.

I promise to seek help when I need it.
We all need support sometimes, to cope with life’s problems.

I promise to let you find your own path to God.
I will show you my way, but you will be guided to your own path.

I promise to teach you tolerance.
We are all individuals and cannot always agree, but I will teach by my example to be tolerant.

I promise to teach you empathy for people & animals.
By always considering other’s feelings, you will not cause any unnecessary harm.

I promise to teach you the things of real value.
Love, Peace, Joy.  There are so many simple things in life to enjoy.

I promise to teach you to cherish our planet.
By example, you will learn to care for our environment.

Trina Graves – August 2002

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About This Poem

Although I had my doubts about the negativity in the Christian religion I was brought up in, when my first child was born I had only just turned 18 and didn’t like to go against the norm, so she was Christened at the age of six months. However, by the time my son came along eight months later I decided to opt out of this family tradition, so he and my next daughter were not Christened. 

Moving on to the new millennium, my youngest daughter got married in early 2002 to a man who had been brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness. While dating she did attend some of their services to see if it was something she would wish to join, but soon realized it was definitely not for her! As she was not in the religion they married in a Registry Office. While pregnant with her first child it was obvious this baby was not going to be Christened and we talked about a Naming Ceremony.

Also at that time, my other daughter had been living with a Muslim for a few years, but was not taking on his religion. Different faiths were combining in my family, so I began to think of writing words for a Naming Ceremony. I liked the idea of parents making vows to the precious little Soul new to the world. 

I wrote these vows in August 2002, Lucy (my second grandchild) was born at the end of that year, she never had a Naming Ceremony so the vows were not used. But, as always, I kept them for future use.

I always felt it was interesting how different religions were being brought more into my awareness. As a young teenager I was a fan of the Osmonds and because of this took an interest in their religion (Mormons) which also led me to choose Religious Education as an exam subject at school. Now I can see it was all setting me on a path to lead me to where I am now!

Lucy Zena (2002)

 

 

 

Teach Only Love

Title Quote: A Course In Miracles

Teach Only Love
To those closest to you
Family is a learning core
Of bringing love through

Teach Only Love
To friends both far and near
Love is the strongest connection
Give it to all, who you hold dear

Teach Only Love
To all the children you meet
The future of our world
Lies always at their feet

Teach Only Love
To each stranger passing by
Just a friendly greeting and smile
Can uplift a spirit so high

Teach Only Love
To all your colleagues at work
Kindness will soothe and ease
Even those who seem to irk

Teach Only Love
To all those who’ve done wrong
Forgiveness and compassion
Will guide their steps along

Teach Only Love
To all animals of land, sea and air
No matter what the type
Creatures of God deserve your care

Teach Only Love
To trees, plants and flowers
Nurturing nature enhances life
Bringing many blessing showers

Teach Only Love
To all landscapes of planet Earth
Appreciate all the aspects
And know its true worth

Teach Only Love
In your ideas of cosmic life
One day we will all meet
And it is love we want, not strife

Teach Only Love
For the law of attraction will bring
Your thoughts and beliefs to manifest
Creating your world and everything

Teach Only Love
It is by example you go far
In teaching the love of God
For that is truly what you are

Trina Graves – 24th July 2018

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About This Poem

As you can see I wrote this poem yesterday, I have been meaning to write a ‘quote’ poem for a very long time now, so yesterday I decided to get on with it! I had a short-list of quotes to choose from and two jumped out at me, both from A Course In Miracles: Teach Only Love For That Is What You Are & You Are The Light Of The World (I will post this tomorrow).

I wrote the poems in my usual way, this one first, and thought of posting it yesterday, but I didn’t have a picture made to go with it, so rather than rush to do this, I chose to leave it till today. So, this morning I began to think of what I could write about for this poem, but I had no idea!

With that on my mind I began to check through my emails, and one was of a post by Amira, a Haiku poem called Space, on reading, I thought of what great timing this was (law of attraction) as my poem had a verse about cosmic life and it has been on my mind to write some poems soon on this topic. I wrote a comment telling Amira I believe we are not alone and went on about Lightworkers, forgetting this linked also to my second poem!

Before ‘meeting’ Amira, and starting this blog, I was hesitant to be open about my thoughts on some topics, and to share poems such as Insight because I know many people would not believe such things. But, since we began this sharing connection, and with all the encouraging comments I have received (on Amira’s blog) it has been far easier for me to be open with the stories of my poems and to just follow my intuition and write anything! 

It is so fascinating how we can meet some people and instantly know there is a connection that will develop into more, and even change our lives. This hasn’t happened for a while for me, but I certainly felt this with Amira from the very first email we exchanged! Who knows where our connection will lead?!!! Bless you Amira. 

Two of my granddaughters, perfect photo for this poem!

 

The Best Way To Make Children Good

Title Quote: Oscar Wilde

We want our children to be good
Do as told, and as they should
We give rules and we instil
Our beliefs, their minds we fill
With all the ways that we know how
To live as best, in these times now

From the moment of their birth
And for all their days on Earth
Our one hope above the rest
Through all joys and times of test
Is that they will be happy every day
No matter what will come their way

We all wish them lives of love
Some wish alignment with above
We all want them to be healthy
Some wish them to be wealthy
But all these are not true worth
Without happiness and mirth

Making them happy seems the way
To please them each and every day
Giving all we can to their joy
Buying each a brand new toy
Not having much time to spend
On making a living we do depend

The cycle of life continues on
Before too long the child is gone
Now an adult the world will see
But your child they’ll always be
Still you long for joy and happiness
Their life to be full of purest bliss

However, you know life will impart
Many arrows deep into their heart
Each one’s shadow will hit you too
Because they are a part of you
You give your love and support
Wishing more you could have taught

If I knew then, what I know now
So different I’d be, I would allow
My Inner Guidance to show the way
To all I think, and do, and say
My children I know I guide
By my ‘Being,’ I cannot hide

Back then, I know I did my best
So I can lay my past to rest
Now time moves on, flashes by
I have more to give, I can but try
Showing other generations a way
My words of truth I yearn to display

We cannot make them be
Open your mind and you’ll see
Everything we are, they will take
And with that, they will make
Our attitude and feeling core
Will open their life-path door

Children are the greatest treasures
Our lives continuing measures
Of all we are and will achieve
Growing on from what we believe
How we live, what we are
What guides us, near and far
Our hopes, our loves, our goal
How much we follow our Soul

The greatest gift we can give
To our children is to live
Always guided by our Light
Our Inner Knowing shining bright
Giving it strength by positive thought
It is by example children are taught
Be their map for a life of joy
For every precious girl and boy

Trina Graves – 11th January 2018

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About This Poem

I write poems using inspirational quotes for my website: Spiritual Quotes To Live By. After praying for guidance I write what flows, but sometimes once the poem is finished, I know I need to write another one using the same quote. This was one of those times.

The full quote from Oscar Wilde is: The Best Way To Make Children Good Is To Make Them Happy. I have cut it short for this poem just to differentiate between the two.

The first poem (to be added) focuses more on how children learn by example but also have their own inner guidance. I felt I needed to write more to include how wanting our children to be happy is something that continues throughout their, and our, lives. – Even my parents, still say all they want is for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be happy. – I also wanted to write a more personal poem.

As we grow older and look back at our children’s childhoods it is so easy to see the mistakes we’ve made and to wish we could have done things differently, but to have inner peace we have to accept that we did the best with what we knew at that time.

I share some of my poems with others in my family, especially if I write a personal one for them, but most are not on the same wavelength, yet! Which is one of the reasons I write, someday they may see and know that they were my inspiration.

My children (1986)

Let Them Follow Their Own Compass

Title Quote: Wayne Dyer

A baby contains an inherent, infinite Light
That shines so brightly from it’s Soul
Vividly luminous with Source Energy
We’re captivated, adoring beyond control

Time advances, the baby becomes a child
The Divine illumination begins to dim
Their link to Source has been shadowed
By the negativity they have taken in

As the child goes out into the big-wide world
School and society’s control gets a strong-hold
‘Bright Sparks’ may seem to be encouraged
But they too, must fit into the defined mould

Adolescence then adulthood urges onwards
By now most Inner Lights have been blocked
Conforming to everyone, but not their own desires
Keeps the door to their Soul firmly locked

But remember, there is nothing wrong about this
We planned our whole journey right from the start
By learning to follow our own Inner Guidance in life
We would retrieve the Light through our heart

One of life’s immense joys is parenthood
Overwhelming gifts this path can bring
Unconditional love its purest treasure
Lifting the Spirit, the Soul will truly sing

Whatever path we choose to take
No one else will be on the same
It’s so important to remember this
When focusing on your child’s aim

The Light inside them is also a compass
It can guide them their whole life through
Teaching them to choose right from wrong
Inner Guidance is always clear in what to do

Their Light Compass will always be there
If ever they have any troubles or doubt
What to do about it, which path to take
Their Inspiring Light will always shine out

Learning to use and trust their intuition
Connecting to their own Source Energy Light
Is the greatest blessing you can ever give them
And by example is the only way to teach it right

Trina Graves – 5th December 2016

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About This Poem

Sometimes I come across a quote that I just know I need to make into a poem. I write it down in my notepad that I keep just for my poems. – I prefer to hand-write in pencil first of all, I have tried typing straight away but it just doesn’t feel right! – I also keep a list on the front inside cover of any titles or ideas that come to me, this happens most often upon first waking. Anyway, this quote from Wayne Dyer was one that I knew would be a poem.

With this title the poem was obviously going to be about letting children use their own intuition, to be connected to their own inner light rather than follow the guidance of others, even though it is thought to be in their best interest.

After praying and asking for guidance my thoughts drifted to how babies are so mesmerizing as if we are under their spell and I realized it is because they exude Source, they are pure beings of light.  But then why does that change? Why do we enter this world as the true beings we are but then become so much less? I hope this poem sheds some light on this and show that the only way to teach them to follow their own compass it to follow our own.

My grandsons Joey & Tyler (2014)

Those Moments I Treasure

With each new day as I awoke
Like a spark I’d remember you were here
A smile would warm my face and heart
Those moments I treasure, so clear

I counted the weeks as they passed by
Your presence I felt growing strong
My joy and excitement thinking of you
Those moments I treasure my life long

You wriggled and kicked more powerfully each month
My body stretching as it nurtured your growth
Blossoming too was my complete devotion to you
Those moments I treasure, unconditional love my oath

Then the moment arrived for us to meet face-to-face
Time stood still with a tangible sense of awe
The miracle of pregnancy and birth is a blessing in life
Those moments I treasure forever more

Now the years have passed and you are grown
But my memory of pure Bliss can still bring a tear
When you were first place in my arms
That moment I treasure most dear

You are: my Joy, my Precious, my Beloved, my Life
I’ve loved you unconditionally right from the start
Though life separates us, our love continues and unites
Our moments I treasure – Eternally you are part of my heart

Trina Graves – 10th March 2015

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About This Poem

For all the special occasions I often write poems for my parents and put them in home-made cards using photographs of the family, they love this and with each one I do it seems they are more over-joyed. So, just before Mother’s Day in 2015, I sat to write a poem for my mum. However, after praying for guidance this poem was the result!

I was taken back, many years, to the excited feeling as I awoke and suddenly remembered I was pregnant, I loved being pregnant so this was a delight each morning. So, I just had to put that into words and then the rest of the poem followed on.

I gave my two daughters a print of the poem on a photo of me holding them as babies for Mother’s Day, as they are mother’s too.

The next day I did write another poem for my mum!

April 1979 – with my firstborn, Julie

 

 

Letter From Your Newborn

Dear Mummy and Daddy,
No matter what happens between us, during my childhood I will love you unconditionally.

You are my guide, my support, my lifetime anchor…
for whatever becomes of me depends on our time together.

From you I will learn what love is. I will learn to be confident or shy, giving or selfish, loving or cruel.
I will learn what is right and wrong, who I should respect and whether I should love and respect myself.

As I come into this world, into your tender care, I am a pure, clean sponge. I will soak up every look, every touch, every thought, every word, every feeling and they will mould me into the person that I will become.

So in the days, weeks, months and years ahead – please remember that – every thought, feeling, word, touch, and look… I will absorb.

If you treat me with love, caring, respect, tolerance, forgiveness and understanding – even when I do things wrong – then I will grow up into a kind, considerate, confident, loving, responsible, happy child and adult.

But if you treat me with intolerance, uncaring, harshness, words of anger and neglect…
I will be… sad.

Trina Graves – 22nd December 1997

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About This Poem

This was my first poem, apart from the words I wrote in 1993 (see: About This Blog). I wrote it the day my first grandchild was born on 22nd December 1997. I sat to write some words for the congratulations card to my son and his girlfriend, but instead these words just flowed out. I never gave it to them, but just filed it away! 

Back then I had not heard of the Law Of Attraction, so I was amazed many years later when I pulled it out and found I had been writing about it so long before. Also, in the past few years I have been reading the work of people like scientist Bruce Lipton who now teach that children do indeed absorb everything, with no filters, for the first six years.