i wonder who you are to teach
maybe you should practice what you preach
and not focus on all the bad
of a world gone completely mad
i think it's always been your duty
to find the truth, to find the beauty
to love each other, through and through
because it's the right thing to do
you have no place to judge, to condemn
to tell other's that they sin
you pedestal will crack, you will fall
because you just can't have it all
you can't say what's right or wrong
who fits in and who doesn't belong
because we are all different, all unique
why do you feel the need to speak
to express discontent
over how their time is spent
because it really shouldn't matter
i fear that someday you will shatter
because you claim to be perfect
& nobody is

tell me something soft, something sweet
we'll dance right here on the street
under the lights
all these summer nights
rolling together
is it now or forever
in this moment, we have a plan
and you tell me you understand
when the tears start to flow
and the flowers don't grow
when the cold sets in
& i'm lost in sin
when i feel like i'm lost, drifting
the world feels like it's shifting
storms are brewing, clouds turn black
i don't know if i'll find my way back
because it hurts
to not feel my worth
to feel cracked and broken
these gentle words you've spoken
that give me hope, a reason to try
wings that are broken cannot fly
but they can heal
when you accept what you feel
& know that come tomorrow
there'll be no time for sorrow
sometimes it's just a day
when we're lost & need to pray
you're there for me, to remind
that faith has been mine to find
God has never left
even when I drifted

when you feel like it's too much to bear
just know that i'll always be there
when the world turns to gray and black
and you can feel the wolves at your back
when the night feels so cold and dark
& all the worries are heavy in your heart
when you lose the stars in the sky
and your mountains seem too high
when you feel like you're all alone
i'll be there to guide you home
when you feel confused and out of place
remember my words, remember my face
when you're drinking from a broken cup
i'll be praying you never give up
because this life is so beautiful, so real
and sometimes it's too hard to feel
without it becoming such a drain
and you empty it out, hold the pain
and you can't, you have to let go
of everything you think you know
grow your dreams big and bright
and watch them dance across the night
because you are worth so much more
than you give yourself credit for
even though my body isn't here
i don't want you to shed a tear
you don't have to see
to know that it's me
because i am always with you

whether it's the joy or the pain
you feel it pouring down like rain
and will it ever end
break or bend
give it all or give it up
how do you know if it's enough
when the road seems rocky, path grows dim
will you sink or will you swim
it's the in between
waking or dream
that you have to figure out
who knows what it's all about
this life, the journey or destination
can you handle any situation
because life is full of twist and turn
will you fade away or will you burn
decisions, they're always yours to make
will you always give or will you take
let it all just slip away
it's up to you at the end of the day

i was lost but now i'm found
there was darkness all around
waiting for that endless light
to guide me through the darkest night
feet weary, tired and covered in blisters
from walking, walking to find the sisters
then Hope came and took my hand
and tried to make me understand
that life is about the struggle and the fight
learning the difference between wrong and right
and Faith stepped in and tried to explain
that there is no joy without the pain
that there's no beauty in a tomorrow
if you've never danced with sorrow
and Love was here, she was last
told me that I had to let go of the past
that some things are never meant to be
only when we're open can we see
that life is full of promises and change
sometimes we feel out of place...strange
but we keep pushing through and moving on
learn to rise above, how to be strong
because we were given it from our moment of birth
our freedom, our chance to bless this earth
by the words we speak and the things we share
if we can only find a way to always care
about one another
sisters and brothers
we are all children of something
so much greater

you say you need a drink
i say moderation
while you sit there and think
where's the consideration
and when did life become so sour
lemon-taste on your lips
we just sit and pass the hour
life slipping through fingertips
you say you can quit anytime
i just shake my head
whether it's the whiskey or the wine
i'm afraid you'll end up dead
it's addiction, fueled by pain
you say it's the bitterness
things wired up wrong in your brain
there's so much here you're gonna miss
if you don't stop and look around
it's not the bottom of the bottle you seek
where all answers can be found
i plant a kiss upon your cheek
and promise to say a prayer
you say i'm being selfish
but i say it's because i care

stitch me up, with needle and thread
and calm the noise inside my head
and all the thoughts that bring me down
the emptiness of this town
it weighs me down like a wet coat
sink or swim or will i float?
sing to me, soft and sweet
calm the tapping of my feet
nervous habits are hard to break
and sometimes it's too much to take
do you know what this is, the way i feel
when it's hard to distinguish what is real
because the world is just so full
and i can feel her pull
and i'm afraid i'll fall
why do i risk it all?
for the beauty of the joy and pain
music pours down like rain
and my senses are so alive
i don't know that i'll survive
because it always seems like too much
the way we laugh, the way we touch
longing to be connected
adored and respected
and then left alone
to find my way home
because i always need that space
and the peace of finding my place
in this world covered in dust and vines
i long for the sun and how she shines
but even the rays become too bright
and i crave the comfort of the night
because i can hide
the way it feels inside
to feel so much
all at once

a new chapter

it's in the softness of October skies
that i see my future in your eyes
happiness here, it's everywhere
run your fingers through my hair
and i feel light
soft as the night
and stars burn brighter
when you hold me tighter
this is what i've been waiting for
all i ever wanted and more
you keep me on solid ground
and make the world spin 'round
and you give yourself to me
show me truth, hope and beauty
together, we are starting this new chapter
our life together, building our happily ever after

i've seen her beaten and broken
tears fall and words unspoken
each day hiding new cuts and bruises
always ready with a list of excuses
they've taught her well
her home became her hell
it doesn't get better, no way out
she listens to them scream and shout
and fists fly, stings against her skin
they say it's because she's full of sin
in school we all cast down our eyes, turned our heads
but thought of her while we were tucked warm in our beds
this sad hand that life had dealt
and no one knew just how she felt
and we all tried to pretend it away
what could we do, what could we say?
we seen it happen over and over again
but times were different then
a man's family was his own, his possesions
and no one would even think to question
why this little girl was always so sad, so scared
& hoping that maybe someone out there cared
when they found her black and blue
it was like we were waiting, we already knew
that help never came and she was gone
that sweet little girl who was left alone
i wonder now if the angels weep
for the child who sleeps?

I like the way words tasted
rolling from your lips
the gentle way you'd hold me
hands on my hips
and we'd dance
like there was no tomorrow
and you'd look at me
and I'd forget my sorrow
we were so young
and so full and free
you are my hope
another part of me
and every time I've felt
like completely giving up
I lose myself in your eyes
and I know this is enough

she's driving me crazy, this kid
doing things i never did
big blue eyes and messy curls
oh the joys of little girls
one minute she's the boss, so demanding
then she finds patience, soft and understanding
she sing songs to the birds
making up her own words
tea parties with mr. bear
sticking candy in dolls hair
bed time stories after glitter baths
but i melt every time she laughs
she holds my hand, doesn't want to let go
and tells me stories that have no end
tells me i'm her absolute best friend
there's so much i want her to know
that there's nothing that she can't do
i wish for all her dreams to come true
and i know i'd give her the world
this sweetness, this light, my little girl

i remember catching fire flies in jars
and playing policeman in the cars
catching grasshoppers even though i was scared
all those special moments we've shared
you bring me such pride, such joy
you will always be my favorite boy
you make me want to be better than i am
and someday you're gonna be an outstanding man
because you're already so wonderful, so great
and it's all been worth the wait
we find hope in raising sons
nerf wars and shooting b.b. guns
funny movies and video games
star wars, you know all the names
and teach me things i'd never know
the greatest gift has been watching you grow
action figures and playing army men
sometimes i wish i had this time again
but you grow up too fast, too soon
you used to think i hung the moon
and now it's me, realizing it's you
roping the stars & hanging the moon

they sent ashes to his widow with a letter of apology
told her how brave he was, for serving his country
how quick a sob turned to a wail
for the sweet soldier who had fell
he fought and died for what he felt was right
and left his lady lost in the night
"I promise I won't be away for long,
before you know it, I'll be home."
words echoing through her ears
she feels like drowing in these tears
because he promised, he never lied
she felt betrayed because he died
the laugther, the love, there was plenty
and now she's numb, feeling empty
because this can't be true
she vividly remembers eyes so blue
and a smile that reached the corners of her soul
he made her feel alive, free and whole
she touches her stomach, and knows she must go on
because it's not just her, she's not alone
there's a child coming, any day now
and she has to be strong somehow
for the little one who will also grieve
for a father who isn't here, who had to leave

If you look into a woman's heart
what will you find
do all the scars grow
faint over time?
Or will they be rebroken
with each new hurt
No one really values
a woman's true worth
If you could count
a woman's tears
Keep track of the
things she fears
Would you respect her
maybe just a little more
Finally understand
what she was fighting for
Just a sense of belonging
nothing more
If you could see behind
a woman's eyes
Would you see the truths
in the things she hides

baby's got the blues
but she won't lose
that starry look in her eyes
paint it up with crimson skies
and spin her around
she don't wanna be found
because she dances with the night
there's no wrong, there's no right
just the feelings, pure emotion
she lets it rock her like an ocean
sometimes she's down, sometimes up
let her drink from a broken cup
will she laugh or will she cry?
sometimes she just wants to fly
& when she sings
she grows wings
and becomes an angel

i'll sing softly, until you're asleep
i know you were never mine to keep
i'll ignore the tears that roll down my face
because i know you'll be in a better place
my decisions, you shouldn't have to pay
every night i'll get down on my knees and pray
that you find such happiness, a family of your own
i'm so sorry that i couldn't give you a home
but i'm too young and i don't know what to do
and all i want is what's best for you
i never knew a pain that could rip me apart
but i feel it now, the way it's breaking my heart
for nine months i kept thinking that maybe
there'd be a way i could keep my baby
but i'm stumbling, lost and afraid
papers are signed, decisions made
the best i've ever been was wrapped up in you
tiny fingers and toes, eyes so soft and blue
and i will hold on to these moments we had together
you will be in my heart always and forever
i cry as i give you my final kiss
i hope someday you'll understand this
and you'll grow up happy

he wore a story across his face
head bowed down, so out of place
scars always run deeper than we see
all he wanted was to feel free
from the looks, questioning eyes
but he's always ready with new lies
stories to spin because the truth is too dark
the way it aches and twists in his heart
a busted vase, mama's new flowers
the nightmares come in waking hours
the abuse was a truth too brutal to share
and in the end would anyone care
the boy that no one wanted, the "mistake"
he knew someday she'd finally break
in the house that was never a home
she lit a fire and left him alone
but he knew mama was never stable
the loving part of her, it was never able
to kiss boo-boo's or hold his hand
it wasn't for him to understand
and now he sits here, day after day
looking for a new reason to pray
hoping that someone will love him as is
because this choice, it was never his
the scars on his face are hard to bear
and he just longs for someone to be there
to love him, this sweet broken boy

disillusioned, she hopes that someone will care
about how much time she spends on make up and hair
lips so red and eyes lined black
how did she get so far off track?
she wears tight clothes, likes to show skin
but she knows that she'll never really fit in
and the lights they flatter
the areas that matter
in this club she likes to dance
maybe she'll get a second chance
to save herself, to finally live
if only she can learn to forgive
the ones that hurt her, left her to die
after time the tears run dry
and she feels empty, alone
no place that she can call home
because they took his word, called her a liar
locked her away when she set his house on fire
she runs his words through her head
how he tried to **** her, left her for dead
he said that good girls would never tell
and she told him she'd see him in hell
he ruined the good in her, made her afraid
mistake after mistake, it was all she made
years go by and they finally set her free
and she doesn't know who she should be
it's easiest here, in this dusty old bar
trying to find meaning in the backseat of a car
and night after night the memories return
all she can see is watching it burn
she doesn't know how to be whole again
and it makes her sick when they touch her skin
but she smiles through the pain
their words run down like rain
she knows when they take her hand
that they will never understand
how broken she really is

they think it's all fun and games
they laugh at her, call her names
spit on her and pull her hair
she just wants somebody to care
she cannot understand why
they push her down and make her cry
is it because she's different, and they're all the same?
she lets the tears fall and hides her head in shame
they see cuts on her arms, call her a freak
and she's too scared to speak
to stand up for herself, she'd be standing alone
she wants to disappear, to just be gone
the house is quiet but the pain is loud
she'll never be part of the popular crowd
and they will torment her day after day
it's time for her to just go away
so she leaves a note on her bedroom door
saying she's sorry she can't do this anymore
she's been thinking for a while, had this carefully planned
a glass of water, empty pill bottles crowding up her nightstand
no one knew that this pain ran so deep
when her only wish was to just go to sleep
ambulance & police lights flashing outside
secrets uncovered, things she tried to hide
were brought to light
as paramedics willed her to fight
they brought her back, felt her beating heart
and she knew this was when the healing would start
because she could never be that girl again

they call her bus stop Betty, don't mind the bags
the matted hair and how her clothes are in rags
she smiles with missing teeth
shows you the shoes on her feet
covered in holes, one missing a heel
"it don't matter, it's how I feel
when the clouds come rolling by
i know i ain't got a reason to cry
because God been good to me
he ain't done, this ain't who i'm gonna be"
whatever she has she's willing to share
as she folds her hands in prayer
gives thanks for a life many would pity
but she sees real beauty, knows what's pretty
she sees past the violence, the crime
there's so much more than dirt and grime
that makes up this woman, she's hiding wings
i feel the faith every time she sings
and when i see her weep
i know it just goes so deep
beyond what i could understand
and how she fits here in this land
i buy her breakfast, we become friends
we talk about beginnings, about ends
how life is one great circle, constantly spinning
i see her watching me, she's grinning
and it's in those dark brown eyes, that toothless smile
that makes me realize it's all worth while
and that there's a life greater than I'm living
the purpose here is loving... and giving

will you ******* dreams
when you come and dance with me
things aren't always what they seem
what you get, it's not always all you see
i was darker than night
and full like the moon
when it all feels right
we'll be singing this tune
wordless, weightless, drifting along
floating, falling, opened up
so enchanted by your song
and the deepness of love
keeps me pure
it feels like truth
never been so sure
this is youth
untainted, warm and free
will you ******* dreams
when you come and dance with me

come and sing with me
tell me truths to set me free
and calm the speeding of my heart
show me the light hidden in the dark
each path we take, in the end we go alone
nothing is solid, nothing set in stone
at any point we can change, we can grow
find the beauty and peace in all we know
but for now i need this, human connection
until i find my way, my ultimate direction
for the friend i need you to be
is the one who finds the good in me
doesn't care if i'm wrong or right
and will walk with me through darkest night
because i would do
the same for you

in every darkness there's a light
a reason to go on, continue to fight
it's always hope that pulls us through
when we paint the world different shades of blue
sometimes bitter words on the soul can leave a stain
but you can't know love if you've never known pain
you never feel whole until you've been broken
by actions of others or words unspoken
there's no balance to life if you've never known regret
and piecing the puzzle together, why try to forget
that every path you've taken has led you here
and it's a choice to live in happiness or fear
never be a victim to your own circumstances
because life is always full of second chances
new beginnings and new days will come
are you standing in the shadows or out in the sun
this moment, love it with your all
you can rise again, after any fall
in every darkness there's a light
a reason to go on, continue to fight

They were country club boys
who wore polos and expensive cologne
riding around in cars
bought with Daddy's money
and sneaking to smoke cigarettes
out in the edge of the woods
and they would mock her
they'd laugh at her
for being “beneath” them
for not having the proper
upbringing or the nicest clothes
until the shadows started to fall
and night crept in
it was her they came to for comfort
it was she who held their secrets
as they'd cry into her arms
and whisper all their thoughts
the boy with the crew cut
who didn't want anyone to know
that he liked other boys
or the boy with the shaggy hair
who hid the bruises where
his father liked to beat him
& she would cry with them
for all the pain they felt
even though it wasn't hers
and they never looked at her
in those moments
like she was an object
or beneath them
in those sweet moments
it was she who saved them
from themselves
from others
& during the days
when they'd shift their eyes
and go along with the jokes
she'd hide a smile
because she knew
this was just the image
and not who they really were

I know what its like
to feel worthless
useless
ugly and stupid
i know what it's like
to be laughed at
to be hated
to feel like
i'm nothing
but i always prayed
that maybe, just maybe
someone would save me
and find beauty there
somewhere deep
hidden from the world
who sees me as hideous
bad, wrong... trash
and they would kiss
away the sadness
and tell me
i'm beautiful
but i realize
it may never happen
so i'll just take this world
day by day

December, freezing... even the stars feel cold
spun from the stories he knew, the ones he told
and he can't feel his hands, his feet
and there's a slowness in his heartbeat
but he keeps holding on, praying for the sun
and hoping he won't come undone
but he's lost... in the wild
trying to find his wife and child
but it's so cold, his breath seems to freeze
and he can't walk anymore, he's on his knees
their car broke down, twelves miles back
and the night's too dark, everything turns black
and they wandered off, he heard them talking
and he was in front of them, he just kept walking
trying to find some warmth, some shelter from the snow
and they just seemed to vanish, where did they go?
and he's been walking in circles, for hours now
thinking he will find them, some way, somehow
but his fingers are numb, right down to the bone
and he feels the lights around him, calling him home
there's no time here, just wide & empty space
he feels the tears freezing to his face
and he calls out for them, until his voice goes hoarse
if only he could see their footsteps, track their course
he just wants to close his eyes and sleep
who knew the forest could go this deep?
they stopped to rest by an old tree
and it would be the last thing he would see
his family frozen together, child and mother
at the end they had each other
and so he curls his body around them, says a pray
and hopes that it's over soon and that he will be there

heartache, i've felt plenty
when dreams leave me empty
there's nothing left to cry
when all my tears run dry
and i can picture it in my head
going over the words you said
and i'm stepping into a tub, water so clear
it's your hate, your bitter voice i hear
that brings me closer to the knife
this isn't living, this isn't life
when it overwhelms, just waking up
knowing i've never been worthy of love
i feel the old familiar sting
know i can't change anything
everything has twists and turns
but i like the way my skin burns
when i feel the cold metal against my skin
and silently hope i won't wake up again
too much time alone to think
watching the water turning pink
because i couldn't cut deep enough

feels like inside out & made of glue
only seeing things in gray and blue
close my eyes but i won't sleep
the water here is so dark and deep
everything inside starts to burn
don't know if i will ever learn
feels like fresh air, sunshine
sipping on the finest wine
laughter and music, dancing too fast
either way this won't last
feels like a roller coaster, a trap
no one ever gave me the map
when i feel so lost and there's no way to go
planting seeds but nothing will grow
i busted my lip on this broken cup
don't know if i should go on or just give up
but i will struggle and i will fight
until i can find my way, my light
seek and hopefully i will find
the pretty parts of my mind

somehow the pieces never really fit
you said you were done, over it
and we drank together, that last night
you said you were just too tired to fight
but you laughed after a sad smile
i tried to get you to hang around for a while
but i should've tried harder, done better
you told me not to worry in the letter
i didn't know the sadness was that deep
that you were heading off to an eternal sleep
your words start running together at the end
when you told me i was your only friend
and that hurt so much, knowing i didn't save you
never really saw just how much you were going through
when you were laughing the loudest and the longest
between the two of us, i thought you the strongest
because it was always you pulling me back
when the world would grow so cold and black
it was your voice, singing a simple word
it was the purest, sweetest thing i heard
i'm sorry that i was so weak
that i couldn't stop to speak
and bring you out of the dark
your memories leave holes in my heart
if i could have those moments again
i'd try harder to save my sweetest friend

she looks away, hiding the scars on her face
and fears she will never fit in this place
because the children laugh and call her names
the center of their amusement, cruel little games
and her heart is cracking, breaking inside
and she just wants to run and hide
hurt is here, she has plenty
and love is gone, she's left empty
once she was a pretty girl, long hair and smooth skin
but she may never get the chance to be that girl again
the marks left here run so deep
and she can only sit and weep
when people have to look away
no one will talk, no one will stay
she feels like a monster and she feels rage
they see her like an animal in a cage
and she just wishes this wasn't real
all this sorrow and anger she feels
her parents were in the car that night
when a drunk driver ran that red light
and took them both away too soon
she lie bleeding beneath the summer moon
glass cuts deep, leaving scars
and she's trapped between the cars
and her screams don't make a sound
they tell her she's lucky that she was found
they could fix her, make her new
she wishes that could've been true
but now she's here without a friend in the world
and they laugh and mock this sad little girl
for being different

she knows what this will bring
she can already feel the sting
of the slap that's sure to come
but she's just too tired to run
last night's beating should've been the last
one wrong word and it was happening so fast
hands around her throat, hard to breathe
because she said it was time for her to leave
and he thinks of her as a possession
the object of his anger, his obsession
long sleeved shirts and sunglasses only go so far
to hide all the bruises and all the scars
lying to everyone, each time a new excuse
but she's running out of reasons for this abuse
and she finds the dark, there's comfort there
and she's just too weak to care
that this may be the end of her life
her only crime was being his wife

all these thoughts will be set in motion
in your eyes i see the ocean
on your lips i'll taste the sea
this is the life you've given me
in your hands i'll feel the earth
finally i'll understand my worth
that it was never meant for man
too many people can't understand
that it's about loving yourself first
only then will you quench the thirst
and find that burning desire
nights will burn away like fire
there's no point in feeling alone
once it's felt it's never gone
because we are all connected, so deep
the sound of trees will lull us to sleep
dreaming, wishing, it's now a duty
to find the hope, the faith in beauty
it always feels so fresh and new
every time i dance with you

I found you
so lost and helpless
and I tried to call for you
to let you know
my love is forever
that no matter what
I would give my life for you
time and time again
I'd bear that cross
if it meant forgiveness
for your sins
because i know that you
yes, you
are so much greater
than you believe
i walk with you
even when you cannot see
and i try to let you know
i'd never abandon you
because you are part of me
and we're all made of love
when you are blind
i will sing to you
when you go deaf
i will touch your hand
and someday
when we're face to face
you may ask me why
I've wept
and I will say
out of love my child
because no matter how dark
you were led by faith

she dances across a moonlit path
and he stops just to hear her laugh
hands reaching out, drawing him near
there's no confusion, no fear
the way the wind whispers so soft and sweet
he feels the rhythm all the way down to his feet
he gazes in to eyes a hundred shades of blue
and they dance, just like they used to do
and it's magic, having her near
singing softly in his ear
but morning comes too soon
when she fades away like the moon
this is the girl he'll always miss
tears fall silently with this final kiss

sometimes i wanna shed this skin
& know what it's like to begin again
let go of the weight that drags me down
there's got to be more than this town
the life that i've created, part of me
all the things that i want to set free
i've struggled to bury it deep
sometimes i just wanna sleep
wake up to something more
find something worth fighting for
thoughts weighing heavy on my mind
struggling against the chains that bind
but of all the words ever said
truth in this: there's hope ahead
life is fleeing moments, passing us by
there's always a reason to hope, to try
like a flame that's burning bright
watching stars fill up the night
take a moment to sing and laugh
i'll leave a trail of words, follow the path

when it's quiet and there's nobody there
she finds herself saying a prayer
that God will make her strong
and the nights won't be so long
because she deserves that happy ending
sometimes it's so hard just pretending
that she's not a little hurt inside
and the things she has to hide
she knows she's always tried her best
and she realizes that she is blessed
with wonderful kids that love her so
and it makes her smile to watch them grow
and i want to tell her, it won't always be this way
that time will heal all and there will come a day
when she finds that place that she wants to be
and these hard times will be a distant memory
because she is so much stronger than she thinks

into the darkness, into the deep
she'll find a quiet place to sleep
where tears don't fall and words don't hurt
because no one ever valued her worth
and she was lost, afraid to fight
never knowing what's wrong or right
there once was pain filling up her heart
and it drove her into a life so dark
where nothing good would ever come
and she was just waiting for someone
to set her free, to let her go
so she could finally learn to grow
and then it happened, she was awake
and the world was hers to take
she had to find that strength within
and learn to love and feel again
she sits now, a smile lighting up her face
and knows she'll never return to that place
out of the darkness, out of the deep
she found something that was hers to keep

I carried you around, a promise in my heart
and knew that I'd love you from the very start
such precious gifts given to me
in my childrens eyes I see
all the hopes I'd almost lost
prepared to protect at any cost
these angels, blessings I didn't feel worthy of
taught me the meaning of life, and how to love
skinned knees, hurt feelings, tears that fall
i see this world and want to give it all
and make all their dreams come true
i find myself amazed in everything they do
they give me strength, they give me meaning
a reason to grow and continue dreaming
these miracles that are my children

never be afraid of the unknowns in life
you will find glory and you will find strife
and it may shape you but don't let it change
never let the world make you feel like you're strange
you are perfect from head to toes
how i got so lucky, God only knows
so when you're rambunctious and a little too loud
i may seem overwhelmed but remember that i'm proud
amongst the fighting, the yelling, the messing
i know my children are my greatest blessing
there would be no me without you
so remember that no matter what you do
i'll be there to guide you along
try to teach you right from wrong
hold your hand, teach you prayer
in life we should love and share
take care of each other, our family
my children bring out the best in me
i think of how much i would miss
you give me meaning in all of this
i'm sorry for days when i seem stressed
because i know i'm truly blessed
crayon art on the walls
fingerprints trailing down the halls
through laughter and tears
i'm grateful for these years
and i know without doubt that i'm the lucky one
looking into the eyes of my daughter and son

even though i don't know you yet
and i know we've never met
i feel so much love, straight from the heart
and i can't wait for you to be a part
of this family that's wanted you for so long
can't wait to play you a bedtime song
rock you to sleep in waiting arms
do my best to protect you from harms
teach you of the world i want you to know
watch you learn, see you grow
give you all i have to give
and you'll show me how to live
and make each day an adventure
i'll never feel anything as pure
i'll hold your little hand, touch your face
you make the world a more beautiful place
loving you will never be too late
and it will all be worth the wait
to the child i love so much
whose life i can't wait to touch
i may not have carried you
but this love is so true
because you were chosen

Sometimes i think it's tragic
how the world has lost its magic
how we turn blind eyes to those in need
when we all cry, laugh, love and bleed
we all have souls, bodies are just on loan
and someday we'll leave, we'll be gone
what kind of life are you living?
are love & kindness gifts you're giving?
our differences are what makes us unique
you have a voice & a choice to speak
sometimes i think i was born to fight
taught to stand up for what is right
when you're carrying that heavy load
know that there's blessings down the road
that you get back what you put out
so free yourself from worry & doubt
be the best you that you can be
fill the world with love and you are free

like a moth to the flame
you are drawn to her name
because you see her sparkle, shine
the sweetest fruit on the vine
and her laughter, like a song
wish you could sing along
sometimes she's quiet, still
and you wonder what she would feel
in your world made of glass
where days are quick to pass
and nights seem never ending
so much of life was lost with pretending
but you see the way she dances
never afraid to take those chances
and how her smile is so true and bright
bringing hope to the darkest night
and they fall at her feet
the girl so innocent and sweet
her beauty so fragile, so rare
all because she chose to care
when the world gave up
she always sought love
in the darkest places
in the strangest faces
because it was a gift she had
to find the good beneath the bad
you were afraid of the dark
and all the secrets in your heart
that you lost your glow
in a world where flowers won't grow
and the nights seem so never ending
it gets tiresome always pretending
so find that sparkle, find that shine
and you can be the sweetest
fruit on the vine

Dear future me,
you really shouldn't worry
I'm gonna learn to slow down, not to hurry
I'm gonna be better than I used to be
and someday be proud of my memory
I will find hope shining bright against the dark
and learn to mend the wounds on my heart
the pain that shaped me, made me who I am
someday it'll make sense & I'll understand
and I will be thankful to the person I become
and I'll never forget where I come from
I will know to always show gratitude
life is how you take it, it's in your attitude
and i hope you look back with a smile
because life only lasts a little while
I'm gonna do my best to deal
with what I need and how I feel
so that I can be the best I'm capable of
be full of faith, truth and love

for every mark, every scar
that's led you to where you are
for every tear you've cried
every dream you tried
at the end of the day
it doesn't matter what you say
it's what lies within you
the things that you do
because actions speak loud
when you hold yourself proud
and know that beauty runs deep
so close your eyes and sleep
there's always brightness in tomorrow
when you free yourself from sorrow
and drop everything that's a chain
holding you here to your pain
when you embrace great things
you'll find your way, grow your wings

Grow Your Wings (poem by me)

for every mark, every scar
that's led you to where you are
for every tear you've cried
every dream you tried
at the end of the day
it doesn't matter what you say
it's what lies within you
the things that you do
because actions speak loud
when you hold yourself proud
and know that beauty runs deep
so close your eyes and sleep
there's always brightness in tomorrow
when you free yourself from sorrow
and drop everything that's a chain
holding you here to your pain
when you embrace great things
you'll find your way, grow your wings