[Paulie]

Listen With Your Heart

Have you ever really listened
To the things that really matter?
Like the whisper of the wind
Or the crickets when they chatter?

The sound of dewdrops,
As they drip off a leaf?
The waves as they crash
Near an ocean's reef?

The sound of baby birds
Chirping for mom in their nest?
Or the sounds of a baby
Lying near its mother's breast?

The gentle patter of raindrops,
As they fall from the sky?
The heartbeat of a young girl,
As she becomes a new bride?

The fluttering of a wing
On a beautiful butterfly?
Listen to a rose opening,
Its gentleness can make you cry.

The ocean waves lapping
Against a golden beach?
Listening to a falling star
Just outside arms reach?

Aroma of lilac's
When they are in full bloom?
The laughter of children
In a happy classroom?

The soft cries of a mother
When her son goes off to war?
The beauty of his return
When he comes home once more?

Not all things are audible.
Things that matter most,
Love, beauty and feelings,
Are life's hosts.

Sometimes we take for granted
What our eyes look at and see,
And yet we miss the meaning
Of what is reality.

The next time you are alone,
And silence is all around,
Open your heart and mind,
You'll be surprised at what you've found.

Listen with your heart
And not with your ears.
You will find something special
To remember for many years.

Take nothing for granted.
Live, as life was meant to be.
Silent words can be spoken
Just listen, and you will see.

--Sharon Bryant