A Poem of Gratitude by Traveling Mitch

by | Oct 29, 2025 | Gratitude Poems, Life Poems, Poems, Poetry

I’m grateful for change, the ups and the downs,
Both happiness and sadness, the smiles and the frowns.
I’m grateful to writing for giving me pause,
To examine the world, for its beauty and flaws.

To cheese, I thank you for obvious reasons,
And I too must show love to all four of the seasons.
Next up on this list is my trusty canoe,
Cheers to good health, and down with the flu.

Much love to Bri, my partner in life,
I sleep with a smile because she’s on my right,
Plus she’s awfully pretty, and we rarely fight.

An ode to my mind, both wild and curious,
Some teachers loved me, and others were furious,
My brain’s a bit different, for better or worse,
But I see now a blessing, where I once saw a curse.

I’m thankful for books in more ways than one,
They gave me my bullets, my flag, and my gun.
I like the soft sound of traffic, with the moon way up high,
or a nice long walk, though I wish I could fly.

I adore a good drive all on my own,
And that one silly show where they battle for Thrones.
The Leafs, the Raptors, the Jays, and the Bills,
A really loud concert, with all of its thrills.

To not mention hummus would be quite a crime,
And soda water with fresh lemon and lime.
I love speaking new languages in far away places,
I love bold red wine, not bottles, but cases.

I’m thankful for family, I’ve got it quite good,

In the comfort of home, I’ve felt understood,
When it comes to my mom, we’re one and the same,
We’re both like tigers who refuse to be tamed.

My father’s guidance has changed my life,
He’s a calming voice during struggle and strife,
And then there’s my brother, my hero indeed,
I’m happy to follow when he’s in the lead.

Much love to beer for all that you do,
But the really good stuff, not Labatt Blue,
I sure don’t drink you like I did in the past,
Though the university days were truly a blast.

A little bit of praise for fresh veggies and fruit,
And to my Turkish pal Gürbüz, who made all my suits.
I must mention my friends before I forget,
And that strange chicken oven that you forget once you set,

I’ll take an old fashioned with a fresh orange peel,
I love blue, green, and red, and I don’t mind teal,
Let’s hear it for coffee, and also for tea,
I’m down with the insects, from crickets to bees.

I yearn for a moon, so full and so bright,
I do love the day, though not like the night,
I made a good teacher, I did love that,
And the gym brings me joy, and keeps off the fat.

I’m grateful to be born in the Great White North,
With the freedom of speech to talk back and forth,
Clean water, good soil, and a diverse population,
A good place to live, great for vacation.

Because if he didn’t, he’d be noticeably pissed,
He’d figure it out, he’s smarter than Hawking,
When he’s meowing at us, he’s practically talking.

I’ve always been active, I’m grateful for that,
I thrive with a puck, not bad with a bat.
I love the Olympics, and the waving of flags,
On that glorious podium, not a shoulder could sag.

My hometown of Toronto, it needs to be noted
It’s where I grew up, and where I first voted,
Diversity, I know – it what makes us stand out,
And we all get along, in case you had doubts.

Though my office is small, it’s completely my own,
It’s where I run things from my computer and phone,
And I’m humbled and proud that my business is growing,
With plans for the future that don’t involve slowing.

Music, oh music, how could I forget?
I like it on vinyl, I’ll pass on cassettes,
Give me some indie, some electro, and funk,
Up at my cottage, on a bed or a bunk.

I adore maps, both the old and the new,
And my kindergarten teacher, who let me use glue.
I do love art, though can’t draw at all,
I still like the movies, but can’t stand the mall.

To my long-serving laptop, the one they call Mac,
In school and in business, you’ve had my back,
Some love for Steve Jobs, and to brilliant brains,
Those who enlighten, create, and explain.

To the podcast in general, podcasters at large,
It’s amazing what’s created, and how few charge,
It is now the age where information is shared,
Where you don’t need permission before content is aired.

I’m showing some thanks to the makers of pens,
And to camera companies that make a good lens,
To people who still build things with quality in mind,
Who put aside profit, to better mankind.

I want to thank manatees for being absurd,
I know I mentioned cheese, but what about curd?
To electricity, I think thee, for guiding the way,
Here comes the night, one flick, and it’s day.

To folks like Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dressup, too,
Who think of children, and all they can do.
Thank you in general to the old and the wise,
I hear your stories, and see into your eyes.

To crazy cartographers, and the makers of maps,
Who expanded perspective, and wonder, perhaps,
To folks who get up each time that they trip,
 Who won’t be defined by a stumble or slip.

I respect the world’s forces much greater than me,
That help us ditch “I,” and start thinking in “We,”
It may be religion, a movement, a book,
That help us discover, to seek and to look.

I’ve got to mention you for reading all this,
Whether you’re a Mrs., a Mr., or Miss,
And not just this poem, but all that I do.
I couldn’t be me if it wasn’t for you.

To sunsets, the sunrise, the planets and stars,
To the everyday people, not presidents or czars,
Life is a journey, a moment, a vow,
Don’t wait for tomorrow, cherish right now.

Kindness by Edgar Albert Guest

by | November 28, 2025 | Kindness Poems, Life Poems, Poems | 0 Comments

Kindness

One never knows
How far a word of kindness goes;
One never sees
How far a smile of friendship flees.
Down, through the years,
The deed forgotten reappears.

Read More

The Year Outgrows The Spring

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

The Year Outgrows the Spring
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The year outgrows the spring it thought so sweet
And clasps the summer with a new delight,
Yet wearied, leaves her languors and her heat
When cool-browed autumn dawns upon his sight.

Read More

In Time’s Swing by Lucy Larcom

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

In Time’s Swing
by Lucy Larcom

Father Time, your footsteps go
Lightly as the falling snow.
In your swing I’m sitting, see!
Push me softly; one, two; three,
Twelve times only. Like a sheet,
Spread the snow beneath my feet.
Singing merrily, let me swing
Out of winter into spring.

Read More

The Seasons by E.F Hayward

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

The Seasons by E. F. Hayward

I love to watch the seasons change;
As Summer takes the throne from Spring,
So wonderful sublime and strange,
Each one its own sweet songs does sing.

Read More

The Mirage Machine by Lord Bechard

by | November 20, 2025 | Articles, Life Poems, Male Poets, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

“The Mirage Machine” is a poem by Rev Lord C.M. Bechard, and
is a multi part work that explores themes of imagination, the human mind, dreams, and reality

Read More

The Most Important Things In Life

by | Oct 29, 2025 | Gratitude Poems, Life Poems, Love Poems, Poems, Poetry, Spiritual Poems

The Most Important Things in Life

The most important things in life
Are not ‘things,’ most know
It’s the people in our lives
Who make our Hearts grow

Our family of Loved ones
Are the most important of all
They fill our lives with memories
Especially those who are small

The little simple moments
A smile, a hug, or glance
Whether in a photo, or our minds
Makes our Hearts sing and dance

Some friends are like family
They bloom perfectly in our Heart
Whether grown over the years
Or there right from the very start

Love, our greatest possession
It’s who we truly are
Giving and receiving Unconditionally
In life, we will go far

Good health is often taken for granted
Until something in the body goes wrong
Focusing on anything positive
Can bring relief along

Feeling appreciation
Speaking of our gratitude
Being thankful for all things
Is a Blessed attitude

Keeping an open mind
To learning all our days
Growth continues and expands
In hundreds of delightful ways

Shining our Inner-Light
Helping others along their way
Respecting the differences
Letting all have their own say

Tranquillity and Peace
A rested and calm mind
Practising meditation
Our own way, we can find

Faith, an individual thing
Not just for those religious
Simple hope, or a belief
That life is truly glorious

Inspiration lifts our Spirit
Helps us reach our goal
Whether given or received
It delights our eternal Soul

People are important
And the memories we build
Good health for a vital life
Inspiration, to be fulfilled

Appreciating and respecting
All of life, everywhere
Having faith in the Peace
And happiness to share

These are life’s treasures
And money has no part
But the greatest of them all
Is the Love in everyone’s Heart!

December By Drew Osmond

by | December 1, 2025 | December Poems, Love Poems, Sad Poems | 0 Comments

Never Have I felt a December
So cold, so lonely.
The walk along the lake,
That changed a fate
The stumble in the snow,
I didn’t let go.

Read More

Kindness by Edgar Albert Guest

by | November 28, 2025 | Kindness Poems, Life Poems, Poems | 0 Comments

Kindness

One never knows
How far a word of kindness goes;
One never sees
How far a smile of friendship flees.
Down, through the years,
The deed forgotten reappears.

Read More

Greater Love by Wilfred Owen

by | November 28, 2025 | Love Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

Greater Love poem by Wilfred Owen

Read More

Love is More Thicker Than Forget

by | November 25, 2025 | Love Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

love is more thicker than forget

By E. E. Cummings

love is more thicker than forget
more thinner than recall
more seldom than a wave is wet
more frequent than to fail

Read More

The Year Outgrows The Spring

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

The Year Outgrows the Spring
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The year outgrows the spring it thought so sweet
And clasps the summer with a new delight,
Yet wearied, leaves her languors and her heat
When cool-browed autumn dawns upon his sight.

Read More

In Time’s Swing by Lucy Larcom

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

In Time’s Swing
by Lucy Larcom

Father Time, your footsteps go
Lightly as the falling snow.
In your swing I’m sitting, see!
Push me softly; one, two; three,
Twelve times only. Like a sheet,
Spread the snow beneath my feet.
Singing merrily, let me swing
Out of winter into spring.

Read More

The Seasons by E.F Hayward

by | November 21, 2025 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

The Seasons by E. F. Hayward

I love to watch the seasons change;
As Summer takes the throne from Spring,
So wonderful sublime and strange,
Each one its own sweet songs does sing.

Read More

The Mirage Machine by Lord Bechard

by | November 20, 2025 | Articles, Life Poems, Male Poets, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

“The Mirage Machine” is a poem by Rev Lord C.M. Bechard, and
is a multi part work that explores themes of imagination, the human mind, dreams, and reality

Read More

What A Rose Can Say Poem by Margie Driver

by | November 19, 2025 | Female Poets, Love Poems, Nature Poems | 0 Comments

A rose can say I love you and want you to be mine,A rose can say I thank you for being so very kind,A rose can say congratulations, whatever the occasion may be,A rose can say I miss you and wish you were here with me,A rose can say I'm sorry if I've hurt you in any...
Read More

I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You Poem by Pablo Neruda

by | November 19, 2025 | Life Poems, Love Poems, Male Poets, Poems, Poetry | 0 Comments

I do not love you except because I love you;I go from loving to not loving you,From waiting to not waiting for youMy heart moves from cold to fire. I love you only because it's you the one I love;I hate you deeply, and hating youBend to you, and the measure of my...
Read More

Let Peace Prevail In This World

Let Peace Prevail In This World

by | Oct 25, 2025 | Peace Poems, Poems, Poetry

Let Peace Prevail In This World by Ravi Sathasivam

When you look for peace
then the peace lies within you
When you search for peace
then it is not hard to find
When you want to keep peace alive
then you allow white doves to fly over you
When you make peace with others
then the whole world live in your heart
When you let peace be in the world
then you live in wonderful world
When you allow peace flow around the world
then your hateness will go and love will flow
When you open the door for peace
then peace welcome to your lives.
Let the peace prevail in our wonderful world

Poetic Flows Podcast emeraldbookclub.org
Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem

by | Oct 21, 2025 | Ancient Texts, Emerald Book Club, Poetry, Roman, Wisdom

Meaning

“Carpe diem” is a Latin phrase meaning “seize the day” or “pluck the day”. It encourages people to make the most of the present moment without dwelling on the future. The expression originates from the Roman poet Horace, who used it in his Odes as part of a longer injunction about enjoying life now because the future is uncertain

In Horace, the phrase is part of the longer carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, which is often translated as “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)”. The ode says that the future is unforeseen and that one should not leave to chance future happenings, but rather one should do all one can today to make one’s own future better. This phrase is usually understood against Horace’s Epicurean background

Origin and History

The phrase comes from the Roman poet Horace’s Odes, published in 23 BCE. The original saying is “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” which translates to “pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one”

Ask not (’tis forbidden knowledge), what our destined term of years,
Mine and yours; nor scan the tables of your Babylonish seers.
Better far to bear the future, my Leuconoe, like the past,
Whether Jove has many winters yet to give, or this our last;
This, that makes the Tyrrhene billows spend their strength against the shore.
Strain your wine and prove your wisdom; life is short; should hope be more?
In the moment of our talking, envious time has ebb’d away.
Seize the present; trust tomorrow e’en as little as you may. Wikipedia

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Every Tuesday, we explore the wonderful world of words, language, and expression! 🌍📝

💡 What’s in store:
🔤 Discover new and exciting vocabulary & phrases
🎲 Play creative word games and brain teasers
⚔️ Compete in friendly vocabulary battles
🌎 Explore words from different languages and cultures

Whether you’re a wordsmith, a language lover, or simply curious to expand your mind, Vocabulary Tuesdays is the place to learn, laugh, and connect—with words and people alike. 💬✨

Join us and make your Tuesdays word-tastic! 💚

Rain by Edward Thomas

Rain by Edward Thomas

by | Oct 21, 2025 | Emerald Book Club, Poems, Poetic Flows Podcast, Poetry, Rain Poems

Rain By Edward Thomas

Rain, midnight rain, nothing but the wild rain

On this bleak hut, and solitude, and me

Remembering again that I shall die

And neither hear the rain nor give it thanks

For washing me cleaner than I have been

Since I was born into this solitude.

Blessed are the dead that the rain rains upon:

But here I pray that none whom once I loved

Is dying tonight or lying still awake

Solitary, listening to the rain,

Either in pain or thus in sympathy

Helpless among the living and the dead,

Like a cold water among broken reeds,

Myriads of broken reeds all still and stiff,

Like me who have no love which this wild rain

Has not dissolved except the love of death,

The Darkling Thrush

The Darkling Thrush

by | Oct 13, 2025 | Emerald Book Club, Poetic Flows Podcast, Poetry, Winter Poems

The Darkling Thrush

By Thomas Hardy

I leant upon a coppice gate

      When Frost was spectre-grey,

And Winter’s dregs made desolate

      The weakening eye of day.

The tangled bine-stems scored the sky

      Like strings of broken lyres,

And all mankind that haunted nigh

      Had sought their household fires.

The land’s sharp features seemed to be

      The Century’s corpse outleant,

His crypt the cloudy canopy,

      The wind his death-lament.

The ancient pulse of germ and birth

      Was shrunken hard and dry,

And every spirit upon earth

      Seemed fervourless as I.

At once a voice arose among

      The bleak twigs overhead

In a full-hearted evensong

      Of joy illimited;

An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,

      In blast-beruffled plume,

Had chosen thus to fling his soul

      Upon the growing gloom.

So little cause for carolings

      Of such ecstatic sound

Was written on terrestrial things

      Afar or nigh around,

That I could think there trembled through

      His happy good-night air

Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew

      And I was unaware.