A Collection of Poetry

By Tina Hess

Copyright 2001

My Secret Recipe

This is the moment I live.
Live life like it were mine to keep.
Live as if I were dying;
Live in the realization I am dying.
Live in the light of what's good;
Live outside of what's evil and
Live wisely enough to know the difference.
Live through the innocent eyes of a child; yet
Live by the enlightened words of the oldest sage.
Live each second, each minute, each day.
Live today despite yesterday and
Live tomorrow without mistakes made today.
Live the time of my life by life's richest recipe:
This is the moment I live.

A Mother

She moulds them in her image,
sculpts with her loving hands,
picks up styles, methods from
whose hands impressed on her
and adds her own artistry
onto these miraculous
creations. She shapes bright minds,
dabs fresh hope on parched dreams,
kneads her faith into their souls
to guide when her hands let go.

Working the Dole

Applicant:
I'm the one you wanna hire.
He's the one you oughta fire.
I'm the best; I ain't no liar.
My honesty you will admire.

Emloyer:
To fire him and then hire you?
That's what you want me to do?
If I did that there'd be a coup!
But, then again, his raise is due.

Applicant:
Want the best for the company?
Well, here I am. That is me!
Gimme one chance and you will see.
I will work for nearly free.

Employer:
You're the type that we need here.
Your confidence is real clear.
But did you have a past career?
Have you worked at all this year?

Applicant:
I have not, I'm sad to say.
My career has gone astray.
Yet all my skills far outweigh
anyone that's here today!

Employer:
It's my lucky day, I guess.
I agree. You are the best!
You have passed the final test.
You'll be paid what you request.

Applicant:
I don't think you understand
this low-class job would be bland.
My skills are too in demand
to accept and shake your hand!