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Why
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THE STARFISH POEM
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to
do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began
his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As
he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day So
he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t
dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something
and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer
he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The
young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish in the ocean.”
“I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in
the ocean?” The young man replied,“The sun is up and the
tide is going out, and if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.” “But,
young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!”
The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up
another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves
and said, “It made a difference for that one.”
~ Author Unknown
WHY WE RESCUE
He woke with a start,
could not figure out where he was.
Why am I warm?
Why am I safe?
Why is the world suddenly soft?
Oh yes, the lady that talks so sweet,
she rubs my ears and cooches my belly.
I like it here.
Wonder if she'll send me back?
It is quiet but I can hear life about me.
It is a calm, safe feeling,
one I have never known,
but have dreamt of.
I have only been here a day.
Wonder if they'll let me stay?
Maybe if I'm good and sweet
they won't put me on the street.
I'm so confused.
The lady talks so nice all the time.
I got my own dinner last night
without a fight.
I hear some noise.
Wonder if she'll send me back?
She is calling my name.
How sweet she sounds.
I am here, right here
waiting for my ear rub.
Better wag my tail,
let her know I like her a lot.
There she is, she is so soft.
Wonder if she'll let me stay?
Time to go out she says.
Better not do it on the floor.
Outside with all the others.
They seem happy here too.
I hope she lets me stay.
Wow food again
and all my own!
She just rubbed my head
and said 'what a good boy.'
Me a good boy.
Wow me a good boy!
Oh that smile of hers,
hope she lets me stay.
Looks like play time.
Hey, I can play too.
She is laughing.
I remember that sound.
They used to do that when I was little and they liked me.
You know, the other people?
Then they just stopped laughing.
Please don't make me go back.
She is on the phone,
thought I heard my name.
She is looking at me.
She is smiling.
Better get over there and
get one of those ear rubs.
She is talking about me.
Please don't make me go back.
Still talking about me.
Wonder what she meant.
She said 'looks like a keeper to me.'
I hope she'll let me stay.
I was never allowed to give kisses.
Wonder what she would do?
Think I'll try.
Oh my, she's got tears in her eyes!
Oh what have I done?
A big hug, maybe she'll let me stay.
She said I'm home now.
Talks to me a lot, real nice.
Wow, what a day and
it's only just begun!
Imagine having many days
like this all together.
Oh, please let me stay!
Thanks to all the rescuers for all you do.
--Author Unknown--
The Animals' Savior
I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter--the cast-offs of human
society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread,
sadness and betrayal. And I was angry.
"God," I said, "This is terrible! Why don't You do something?"
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I
have done something," He replied.
"I created you."
~ Copyright Jim Willis 1999
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We
who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than
our
own
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable
to accept its
awful
gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as
the only
certain
immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.
~
Author Unknown
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