When sleep escapes

How hard it is to get some sleep
How difficult to relax and sigh
So easy it is to wonder why
When tiredness comes 
But sleep escapes me!
I can't seem to get it right
Some parts too loose; others too tight!
And sleep eludes me!
Wriggle up and down again
Twitch and sigh and move again
Never seem to catch that groove
'Cause sleep is so hard to keep!
And so sleep eludes me!
I turn over and try this way
When it doesn't work
I try another
And still sleep escapes again!
As rest departs and stress returns
As sleep escapes me!
No matter what I try to do
Even after going to the loo
The sleep escapes me!
Sometimes I lie awake
Seems like half the night is gone
I maybe catch a few short hours
But then the sun comes up
And light invades
My eyes do beg for more dark night
But sleep has run from me again!
The day is come
And I must rise
I wipe the tiredness from my eyes
And try to face the day that comes
Even though the sleep escaped!
I get up and struggle on again
For the day is here
The precious time is upon me!

Now I must let you go 2

I taught you right from wrong; I taught you to be strong
I did my best to have you blessed; I made those choices all along
I loved you from the beginning; I even taught you swimming!
I let you have lots of fun; as long as you listened in the long run!
Honesty is the best policy!; Truth is the daughter of Time!
I knew you had to learn; to really toe the line!
I cuddled you as much as I could; when you were a little child
Because I knew all along; that I would have to let you go
That once you grew into that adult; that you were meant to be
I knew I'd have to let you loose; to sit back and let you be!
I knew I wasn't perfect; I know at times I lost the plot
I realize my worries ; were hard for you to bear!
I know I did embarrass you; in front of all your friends
But by now I hope you have forgiven me?
For all those silly things I did as I watched you climb life's tree!
Being a tomboy myself; why should I have expected you
To grow up so different from me?
I had my times in teenage hood; when I was quite the cow!
I look back at my young life and see my problems now!
I see my silly traits in you; yet I'm proud to be your mum!
I know the distance you have come; to be what you are now!
Yes I know it was so hard to fit in amongst the crowd
But when you look back later on; you'll know you did me proud!
You will realize I did the best I could; you will maybe agree
That sometimes I'd love to take you back; to those happy times with me
When things were good!;and let you see!
When times were tough we walked the miles; in uneasy sisterhood!
But you know that through all those times; I loved you as best I could!
Now I see in you the adult I wanted to be!
You missed so many of those stupid things; that I wish I had missed as well
But in the end my stupidity in those days; was fodder for my desperate need!
To save you from that silly girl that was me; and lead you down a better path
Than that was paved for me!
I pray that in my naive and silly ignorance; I learned those lessons well
So I could pass on my better grasp of how the world was run
Without imperilling your great sense of fun! 
I'm glad I made all those stupid mistakes; if I could save you from making some!
Because I'd rather you enjoy your youth; and not look back upon those silly things
I know that we've all done!
My prayers for your happiness are ongoing every day
I know that as you continue to grow; I will have less and less say
In how you do live and what you do; So this is what I give to you!
I bless you and I give you all the joy there is; in loving life to the full!
I pray that all those lessons will; remain in your heart and in your mind!
And hold you in good stead; as you go about your busy life!
Know that I am with you still; I will always be here for you!
As any loving mother should!
Just call me up and talk to me; when ever you feel you could!
And I will ease your load for you; as dear Jesus does for me!
And remember that I am your mother; and your sister too in Jesus' family!
For if giving you up to the dear Lord; will save you from any pain
I gladly surrender up my motherhood; to see you all His guidance gain!
So I gave you life and loved you well; when you were my little child
Now I do give you up; I remove my apron strings
And send you out upon the stormy seas of life!
But knowing how great God is: removes my worries now!
Because He is all powerful; He has the grace and love
To keep you safe from harm!
So into His dear loving hands do I; surrender your life to Him!
And together will we pray for you as loving family!

Help

I called and called but nobody heard
They were too busy to hear the words
Was I speaking in French?
Could no-one understand?
Were my words garbled?
Was there nothing I could say?
Would no-one come my way?
My signs were flashing; My signals bleak!
But no-one could read them
They were all as sheep
They were too busy to hear my sighs
Were their ears blocked;  Their eyes blind?
Was there no-one who was kind?
Help me! Help me! I cried!
But no-one knew my language
No-one there to translate
No-one cared about my fate!
How does a baby say?
Help me please! I hurt!
Is there no-one there?
Who can ease my pain?
What must I do?; How do I express?
These hopeless feelings; With no redress?
Lord help them all to listen!
Help them unblock their ears!
Open up their eyes! Show them how to feel!
Let them understand; that this fight is real!

Moving Day

The trailer was loaded; the car was full
Now to travel and deliver; the stuff we towed
Shelley was waiting; across her street
So we were driving; her to meet!
The day was heating; the sky was clear
Couldn't wait to see her; the gear to unload!
We left at eleven; we got there at two!
Of course we stopped; to eat and refuel
The goods were heavy; the fuel was all used
But happy were we; our girl to aid
The unloading went smoothly; the joy so sweet
To hug and greet her; in the street!
We met friend Lucy: and her mum
I'll remember Leslie; their aid was welcome!
We set up the bed; the lounge as well!
Then we had a booboo; as the wardrobe it fell!
Too big and tall; to fit through the door
We scratched the mirror; in the tiny little hall!
Oops we said: but no real harm done!
We'll pay for the repairs; and all will be well!
So as we moved and shoved; all the furniture
Was in and stowed; thankful we were
To shift that load!
Ian and Angus leant their aid
Helped to move Josh's few things into the house
Thank you guys for chipping in
Couldn't have done it by ourselves!
We left Shelley then and off we went
To visit Santiago down at Glenelg
He was so happy there waiting with his mum
So joyful and happy to see us come!
So much more to do that day
An appointment and then some shopping too!
By the way Humberto came home
Just in time as we were wondering
How to solve the rhyme?
So Tim and Humberto stayed right there
To be with Santiago while Mick and I 
Took off with Vanessa to do the other stuff!
No appointment was fixed so off we all went
To Marion Shopping Centre via Diagonal Road
Parked near David Jones close to JB Hifi's
So urgent it all was for Michael's intent
Was to spend his money so heaven sent!
Thank you dear Lord for that small Cross Lotto win!
Just what was needed! To make his day!
Now Nes and I were hungry; both had  thought the same
So off to little Italy the place we headed for!
The food was delicious; the company divine
That's how we spent some of the time!
Now Michael he had gone to the car to check his games
So we wandered round; Target's discounted ladies gowns
My Nes needed clothes to cover her baby bump
And I wanted to aid her at this time
We found lots of bargains and so we asked the price
And found they agreed with what I had left!
Then as I was tired; my hiccups came as well
That's how I knew; Michael was calling me! 
Poor sick darling; feeling so unwell!
Just wanted us to get there and take him home again!
He was really upset; 'cause we'd left him for so long
So we apologised and set off for home!
On the way home we got a buzz; please bring home some drinks
As all the others were thirsty as well!
Then Michael had KFC and Tim had Noodle Box
A pizza for Violeta and Manuel; Santiago had  a snack box
It was good to see everyone at the house!
As we all sat around; Humberto called up Skype
To speak to Sergio around the world!
In Sweden it was minus three; So glad we were in Australia to be!
Now as it got later; we began to worry!
As we'd forgotten how soon it would darkened be!
The trailer's lights weren't working; though we'd tried them to mend!
Nothing could save us from this terrible fix!
I'd started praying form that morning when we'd left
To get us all there safely; no problems on the way
Now dear Lord I prayed once again!
To get us all home safely all over again!
No highway patrol men to stop us and ask us why or when?
I'd just read a lovely book; about being God's children
And how we should ask for everything !
So I asked the Lord to keep us safe
And should there be a policeman; to have him facing off
In a different direction!
Should we pass him by in the fading light?
We went up the free-way; Tim was driving then!
I was so exhausted; Michael fell asleep along the way
I tried to keep watch and continued to pray
We got to Murray Bridge and went the back way
Didn't want to cause any problems along the way
All was going well as my Lord's praises I did sing
Until we got to Mannum and turned for home at last!
As we travelled on that empty road; I remembered that book!
And started praying in tongues: The only other one I knew
In Magyar I prayed to Him; Just as as this was happening
I saw the stripes and checkers on that lone police car
As we passed him in the dark I continued to thank and praise the Lord! 
Along the way no sirens sounded; no flashing light display!
We were free to go our way! Thank you Lord! 
I thanked Him once again! And as we were driving 
A message heaven sent! The brightest shooting star!
That I had ever seen; was right before our eyes!
And while it lasted quite a while; it was my little miracle!
Because you see; when ever I do ask
Of my Lord to give a sign; 'Tis always a shooting star I ask Him for!
This one was unasked for; it came out of the night sky
As if to say I Love you; And thanks for praying so
I heard your prayers all day; and I appreciate your faith
By praying in the only other tongue that you know how to do
I bless your faith and love! This is your reply from up above!

Faith Moves

While travelling home one day I was too tired to even contemplate
Getting home to cook a meal for dinner: so as I stopped at the takeaway
I knew I was onto a real winner! After ordering and as I relaxed
My mind was drifting off: thus enjoying my thoughts
With scents and delicious smells of food around me! 
Another diner across from me was obviously enjoying his food
The aroma of his burger meal wafted over and I felt compelled to comment
"That smells good!" Somehow the conversation continued
And we talked about the day: he'd walked from Lyndoch after work
A promise to repay his mate the $50 loaned the week ago
His word outweighed the distance: here he was, having spent his wage
No money left, no car to drive: a long, long walk ahead to get him home.
We talked a bit; The Lord could see his need! So I offered to get him there
Whilst remembering my own such need from many long years ago!
So off we went towards Lyndoch! We talked a bit and when 
He said "Not this little black duck!" I knew we thought the same!
So often has that very quote been my own refrain!
It only took about fifteen minutes to drive that distance while
If he'd walked it; he'd still be on his way!
He talked of his car accident, the scars: his is loss of self-esteem, his pain
The depression that followed it: then the worst of all!
The separation from his wife and thus the distance from his dear young son
The regrets; the sorrow and the love: that was what held him there!
So lonely and depressed was he: he'd even been so low
He'd contemplated using the tree: right out of his front gate!
'Twas calling out to him you see! 
As chef he'd trained, but no desire for such a job was there
His injuries had ended that and now the loss of his second car
It crashed while with his mates inside! 
Now desolate, alone at last: he'd felt he'd lost his way
Until I'd come along: sent by our dearest Lord
To be the glimpse of sunshine bright!
All I could do was listen and commiserate and say that it would soon improve
How could I aid this man, but understand and say how important it was to have
The love of his dear little son: so important it was to him also!
Now our money was tight but I had found a couple of good specials
My own son's  favourite food: of these I gave a few to him
To help him through the week: the pasta he had declined
Having no desire to cook for himself alone
The simple easy stuff would do for him he said!


As I dropped him off at his rented home
Beside the butcher shop on Lyndoch's quiet street
I was thinking of how I could do something more to help him to make it easier that week
So as we shook hands and said goodbye: he leaned down to give me a hug
His 6'4" frame so tall beside my tiny 5' frame: his smile was wide as he left me standing there!
The very next day; a Sabbath day: off to church I went
Organised a parcel of food: knowing the ten dollars he'd offered me 
For fuel the day before would never buy enough to feed his giant frame!
And as I 'd said that other day: I'd rather he pass the good deed forward
Should chance happen he be the lucky one
To be able to aid someone else along the rocky road of life!


After lunch that Sabbath day: dear Simon I roped in
Explaining as he might be in need of further counselling
Maybe he would talk a while of his fears and stress and of 
That great big tree that called to him when depression reared its ugly head!


So Proud was I of my marvellous helpful self
Taking the credit as my due: too proud to realize my mistake
The dear Lord showed me how: it was His work that was being done!
As flat in my face I fell (pride really does go before a fall!)
'Twas God who led me thus: what right had I to gloat?
The thanks entirely due only to my dear wise Lord
None of this did I deserve!
So thank you Lord for tripping me before my pride could grow
I was just your instrument: no thanks to me were due!

Jesus' Grace

Don't look at me and feel sorry
Your pity I don't want
Don't spurn my words
And look down upon
This upturned face of love!
I look above you
To see that shining face
Whose smile is all I need
His power is my grace!
I surrender all to Him
My Lord I follow Thee!
And ever always 
Will I seek
Your follower to be!
Don't want no adulation
Don't seek no other love!
'Cause 'tis Your love
And Your forgiveness
Is all I need!
And ever will I always be
Surrounded and enveloped in
Your pure and gracious love!

Remember when...If Kermit wasn't happy, what chance have I got?

Remember when Kermit sang
"It's not easy being green!"
Well you know what?
It's not easy being any other shade either!
Or even being in between!
It's not easy being Teen
Or 'Tween or even grown up!
'Cause it's still hard to find somewhere
To fit in! To be comfortable!
To be even mildly normal!
What is normal any way?
Who is this Norm?
What does he/she look like?
Is he short or tall?
Fat or thin?
Where does he/she fit in?
Is he coloured some odd shade?
Does he make the grade?
Or does he feel left out?
Lie Kermit? Like me?
Like so many of us supposedly 
Normal human beings?
Does he feel threatened?
When he walks down the street?
Does he feel people staring?
Behind his back and then?
When he turns around
Are there smiles on their dials?
Or just sullen looks and glares?
That shake your faith?
That make you quake within your boots?
That make you feel even a little
Out of place!
Do you have the face that everyone loves?
Are you the popular one?
Who knows what just to say?
The one who makes them laugh?
So they forget their silly games?
The teasing and the pranks!
Are you the one who makes the most?
Friends where 'ere they dwell
Or are you the one who wishes
They could sink into a deep, deep well?
Does despair make you feel so bad?
It doesn't seem worth the wait?
Do you feel miserable?
Because of someone's hate?
Then I recall Kermit's cute song
About imagining that you
Were someone else instead?
Like a captain of a massive ship?
Like a fantasy character in a great book?
A fairy tale wizard who could see
Those others sneaking up on me?
Yes, I'd like to someone else
Some days I don't like me at all!
Some days It's worse that ever before!
Some days I'd like to fall and fall!
Into another world where everyone was nice
Where there was no hatred, no anger!
And no vice!
A place of eternal happiness!
Of lifelong joy instead!
These fantasies go swirling round
In my poor head!
Yes. I'd like to be thin and pretty again!
I'd like to be just like me
But the happier, smarter version
Not this one here with me
Picture; the smarter, taller, better me!
The one who is strong enough!
To face the world ahead! 
The one who is respected!
And who lives a life of joy!
The one who is the happy one!
No matter what will be!
Are there silly smiles upon their dials?