Money, Shmoney, and A Barrel of Apples

          If money were no object, more people would do what they truly wanted to do instead of working solely for an income. Many people are motivated by money, fame, power, or other gratifying and “valuable” prizes. Robert Frost wrote a poem, “After Apple-Picking,” that gives some insight on the matter. Through metaphors and imagery, Frost conveys that one should do what they love most and put all their effort into doing so.

          In the poem, the speaker finds purpose in what he does. He spent his life working hard and doing his part, and at the end he felt fulfilled and was ready to move on. Frost implies that happiness can be found in diligence, if one enjoys what they do. He writes, “…I could tell/What form my dream was about to take” (l. 16-17). The speaker knows what he wants and what he will be providing for others. The service he offers benefits both him and those around him.

          Though it may be worthwhile, the work the speaker does is strenuous. One typically works harder doing something they enjoy because they are putting effort into a good part of their life. Frost emphasizes this point with his poem, as the speaker sweats over his duty. Frost writes, “My instep arch not only keeps the ache,/It keeps the pressure of the ladder-round” (l. 21-22). He devotes himself to such tiring work to feel meaningful. He has done his vocation for so long that it is wearing him down, but he continues to contribute to society.

          Through his vivid use of metaphors and imagery, Frost indicates that any work to be done should be wanted and committed to. If money were no object, I myself would be a missionary. I would love to go around and help poor or homeless people in any country. Caring for those people and giving them hope and help would give me a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. I would give it my all to keep the people I aided content, comfortable, and optimistic. I truly hope that someday I can do something as meaningful.                                               

Unnamed, Heartfelt Poem

Never let those who aren’t worth pain

cause agony to your soul.

Don’t suffer

for those who don’t deserve your love.

The ones who care,

that don’t hurt you,

that you know you can trust,

those are the ones that love you

and are the ones you should love.

Only those who won’t injure it

should have access to your heart.

They’ll cherish it,

polish it until it glows.

Place it on a golden pedestal

and watch it with warm eyes.

They will fight off any

who wish to harm it.

They’ll never reveal its secrets.

They’ll never judge what lies within it.

All you have to do is find them.

Find them, trust them, and never let them go.

Perfect Song

Oh, song so melodious and sweet,

Where does your wondrous voice begin?

I’d walk the Earth ten thousand years,

Just to find your origin.

Your sound, so beautiful and clear,

Like magnificent music to my ears.

My only hope, so strong and sure,

Is that you’ll play forevermore.

My Friends Are Gold Stars

My lovely friends.

Each one is utterly unique.

The best of the best.

They’re magical.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When I look at my friends,

I’m blinded by their perfection.

Trustworthy, caring;

Kind, whether it shows or not.

Each has a splendid sense of humor.

They are all unbeatably beguiling.

Intelligent, such a charming attribute.

Sensible.

I love them.

My family beyond my family.

They make up a

Beautiful part of my heart.

Time

Time ticks by like grains of sand

Trickling through an hourglass.

Every minute passes sluggishly.

The longer you watch,

The longer the wait becomes.

The more you think about waiting,

The slower time seems to go.

Some people don’t have enough time.

Others have too much to employ.

You either rush to finish all your tasks

Or you laze about daydreaming.

You either waste away the day

Or don’t have time to waste.

Seasonal Escapade: Autumn Dusks

Leaves the color of blazing flames,

Red, orange, and gold.

Time for Halloween fun and games,

Trick-or-Treating in the bitter cold.

Carving pumpkins, fresh from the patch;

Will they be cute or scary or just plain kooky?

Chocolate chip cookies by the batch,

Decorated houses that are oh so spooky.

A time to dress up—what will you be?

Just wait ‘til next Halloween and see.

Seasonal Escapade: Summer Days

Blazing sun, warm and bright,

Beating down with blinding light.

A warm, gentle summer breeze,

Blowing through the leafy trees.

Thunder and showers that last for hours,

Raging on with nature’s power.

Never do they cease to amaze,

Those sunny, rainy summer days.

Seasonal Escapade: Spring Dawns

The sound of birds early in the morn,

Awakening to their sweet chirping.

Outside, the flowers are blooming.

Dew-drenched grass covers every lawn.

Take a deep breath,

Take in the renewed Earth’s freshness

After a long, cold, snowy winter.

The weather is perfect:

It’s not too hot, not too cold.

A butterfly floats by lazily in the breeze.

Finally the sun breaks over the horizon,

And it’s day.

Seasonal Escapade: Winter Nights

Calm, cold, snowy night.

The ground is covered in powdery white.

Even at dark, it’s still so bright.

The snow reflecting silvery light.

Only the bravest of souls would dare,

To battle through the icy air.

Whipping wind, pelting ice,

The night to malevolent goes

From such a splendid sight.

But, once again, the snow subsides.

And, once again, it glows,

With such a peaceful, brilliant bright.

And on our way we go.

Fear of The Night

What was that?

I heard it, didn’t you?

Maybe my mind is just messing with me.

The quiet of the night does have

 A tendency to set the nerves a-quiverin’.

That? That was nothing, just a trick of the light.

There isn’t anyone here but you and me.

You’re still nervous though, aren’t you?

You feel your heart racing, your fingers trembling;

Your skin is prickling with fear.

I see you glancing over your shoulder,

And at the same time you’re afraid

That you’ll actually see something.

Well, don’t you worry your pretty little head.

There’s nothing to be scared of...

Except the unseen things

Creeping through the shadows,

Watching,

Waiting.

It doesn’t matter how brave you are;

When your alone in the darkness

You can’t help but wonder,

Think to yourself, who’s there?

That’s the funny thing about fear:

You can’t hide from it.

It will always find you,

Strike when you least expect it.

I bet you can’t breathe right now,

The thought is so horrifying.

It’s like your being strangled by

Your innermost terrors.

They’re rushing up to meet you;

You shouldn’t keep them waiting...

Sarcasm

Yes, that’s great!

It’s just fantastic!

So wonderful, terrific, divine!

It’s awesome, and splendid,

Outright stupendous, sensational,

Phenomenal, remarkable, fine!

There are oh so many words to describe

Just how superb this really is!

Of course, by now, I’m sure you know,

That was all sarcasm, my friend.

Poetry

Writing poetry isn’t such a difficult thing.

It can rhyme or it can not.

Just unleash your emotions, thoughts and feelings,

Onto the page.

The blank space doesn’t mind.

That’s what it’s there for.

It’s waiting to be filled

With your beautiful words.

Spill your heart out

Or simply make witty observation.

Poetry can be

Funny,

Sad,

Serious,

Sweet,

Happy,

Scary,

Romantic.

Anything you want it to be.

All you have to do

Is write down those beautiful words

On a blank space.

Unleash your emotions, thoughts and feelings,

Whether they rhyme or not.

Writing poetry isn’t such a difficult thing.

The Past Is The Past, And I Say Just Keep Swimming

If I could change one thing from my past, I would have worked and studied harder in school last year. Many people say B’s are very good, but I strive for excellence. Perhaps I stress out more than necessary, and worry over the small details, but every little thing counts in the long run. I intend to try my hardest to be up there with the best of the best, and nothing is going to stop me. There are plenty of obstacles for me to overcome, and I am ready for them now. I should have worried more about my grades than any petty aspect of my social life. I know my responsibilities, and I have to ensure that I get a full scholarship to college. The only way to get colleges to notice me is to go above and beyond. I am certainly going to improve this year, and I am already becoming more satisfied with my efforts.

The Super Stupendous, Superb, Spectacular Sensation Known As Reading

I love to read. Reading has been and always will be my favorite “hobby” of sorts. Whether it is poetry or a full-blown volume, it will find its way into my hands and heart. If I have a good book, I can read for hours and hours on end. Reading is an amazing experience for me, and the novels I read take me to a whole other world. When I am upset, they help me get away. I get so entranced and excited by stories, and I feel as one with the characters. Losing them is like losing a dear friend or family member, and finishing a book is an indescribable mixture of sadness and elation. When I am reading a good book, one will be hard-pressed to find someone more enthusiastic about the pages of a tome. Any adventure in literature becomes part of me, and stays with me long after reading that final word. 

My Idea of The Greatest Band of All Time

Since I love all kinds of music, picking a favorite genre would be impossible. However, rap never appealed to me, with all the vulgar and difficult to decipher lyrics. My mood affects what I listen to. When I am sad, I listen to songs with relatable lyrics to draw out the sorrow. When I am angry, I listen to loud music to work the resentment and fury from my system. If I had to choose a favorite band, it would definitely be Switchfoot. They are a Christian rock band, and their songs captivate me not only for the great sound the music has, but that the lyrics are so meaningful. They take moral ideas, relatable thoughts, and put them into songs that have that perfect rock sound of my dreams. When I was younger I used to unknowingly listen to and love a few of their songs. A couple summers ago I heard an amazing song, looked up the band, and discovered it was Switchfoot, the band that had played those songs I loved. I immediately fell in love with their music, and now have over twenty-five of their songs in my iTunes library.