INTRO: As we enter this year’s season of giving, I want to continue with the theme of giving. I originally published this poem earlier in the year titled You Are Rich, but I renamed it and I have added a verse to the end of the poem about some of the many free gifts that we can give away, which are of immense value. Originally, this poem only reflected inwardly reminding us of the value to ourselves of the wealth of our body. But I also wanted it to end by reflecting on others. I believe, one of the most valuable free gifts we can give away is a listening ear. Another valuable gift to give in this busy rushed time of the year is quality time.
I chose this Featured Image as it looks like the image is being reflected in a mirror and yet the eyes are looking outward through the layers of mirrors. This image reflects the theme of this poem that flows from self-reflection to looking outward to find opportunities to share our ‘wealth’ with others.
I wrote this poem after reminiscing over one of my favourite children’s books that I read often to my daughters when they were young children. We would read it together and act it and laugh along. I realised how appropriate the message is for adults as well as children. ‘How to be Rich‘ by Michael Twinn 1993. Beverley Joy
AUDIO – The Mirror Reflects What You Can Give
When you feel you have nobody and nothing
When you’re feeling down and out
Stand in from of a mirror
Wipe away your tears and listen, please.
Look at your head
How much is your mind worth to you?
To think healthy thoughts, to learn new things
To solve problems, to invent and create.
Look at your eyes
How much is your sight worth to you?
To see all the colours and shapes of the world around you
To protect your way, read a book, to educate.
Look at your nose
How much is your smell worth to you?
To smell different fragrances of life and nature
To warn of danger and pungent smells.
Look at your mouth
How much is your taste worth to you?
To taste different flavours sweet and sour, mellow, and spicy
To show when you’re happy, sad, calm, or angry.
Look at your ears
How much is your hearing worth to you?
To hear the birds and nature’s sounds
To respond to the sounds of people and things.
Look at your throat
How much is your voice worth to you?
To talk and sing, laugh and cry
To speak your mind, ask how and why?
Look at your arms
How much are your arms and elbows worth to you?
To hold and lift, to push and pull
To hug and welcome, to defend and protect.
Look at your hands
How much are your palms and fingers worth to you?
To feel textures rough and smooth, hot, and cold
To touch, manoeuvre, type and write.
Look at your body
How much are your heart, lungs, and stomach worth to you?
Working unconsciously day and night
Despite our neglect, they keep us alive.
Look at your back
How much are your shoulders, spine, and hips worth to you?
To stand, sit, bend and twist
To send messages to the brain, organs, and limbs.
Look at your legs
How much are your thighs, calves, and feet worth to you?
To walk and run, to skip and dance
To bend and climb, to walk beside.
You are rich in these things
Don’t waste a day wishing your life away
Wishing life were different somehow
Life is fleeting so count your blessings.
Create something with your body so rich
Share your newfound wealth with someone else
Dig up your treasure that you’ve just discovered
Earn interest by investing in good relationships.
Give away a smile as you walk and talk
Shake hands, give a hug, give a helping hand
Tell a joke, make someone laugh
Sing a song, dance with a friend
These gifts cost nothing, yet they are priceless.
Beverley Joy © 2020 of Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.
You can listen to all my poems on several podcast platforms here
Why not listen to my other poems of similar themes titled The Rose of Time, A Hug is Priceless and The Best Gift to Give is You.
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