More to This Life!

I've written this poem some time in the past. Yet the message it sends out is still very fresh. I find it more and more applicable to me now than back then when I am just starting to work. I know that I don't know what will happen in the future, but I trust in God's providence and guidance that He will be there for me.

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In my little space on earth, I try to live my best.
Yet many times I’ve failed and just went on like the rest.
I’ve worked and toiled and burned my brow so that I’d fit in.
But still I can’t attain that sense of peace from within.

I’ve done a lot of mistakes that I’d like to forget.
I tell you - thinking of these only makes me upset.
Somehow I knew that living this life should be better.
Like I should live my life for a purpose much greater.

But just like what happened at the road to Damascus,
Something is stirring inside of me that made me muse
About life, about love, about God and other things –
Something more to this life and what it hopes to bring.

Shades of Life (part 1)

This is the first part of a two part poem. This is the negative shade of life where we see all kinds of negativity in life. The poem is further stretched and deepened by the use of same-sounding words (either the start or end of the word). It gives a heavy feeling to it. Yet in all these circumstances, we see how God is still in control. He has placed each one of us wherever we are because He has a purpose. May we find our purpose and make Him happy also.

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There are times when life seems so uncertain
And you feel like you’re so down and dreary.
You think you carry all the world’s burden
That it leaves you very tired and teary.

There are times when life seems just so unfair
That you sink and sulk in agony’s pain –
The pain inside you grows into despair
That it’s too hard to constrain and contain.

There are times when you feel like just shouting
Because of the world’s bad systems and schemes.
All these have left you timid and doubting
Of the kind of person who dares and dreams.

There are times when you only sit and wait
For blessings and bonuses to come by.
You think others will put things on your plate
Just because you heave a loud sigh or cry.

There are times when you feel so discouraged
By how the corrupt and crooked prosper.
Thinking how you worked hard makes you enraged
Not just outward, but inner and deeper.

There are times when you are tempted to say
“No one cares or cries with my sufferings.”
You feel you are so lonely and betrayed
By your once friends - cold and carefree beings!

But in all these things let us not forget
That life itself is God’s blessing to us.
Let us not live our lives full of regret
Instead keep on saying, “In Him we trust.”

Yes, in the light of God’s purpose we see
That life has different circumstances.
From bondage of sin, He has set us free –
A life to live for Him – another chance!

The Redeemed!

There are two versions of this: the original and the one that we rendered during the P&W night. As a background, I actually thought of the words during one night as I was thinking on a cheer that is connected to the song "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)". God truly inspired me and I hope He is glorified. Only by His grace are we redeemed. So we must share this and declare to all nations we are redeemed by God!

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The original version: (rhyming)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son.
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone!
Redeemed, Redeemed, purchased by God.
Redeemed, Redeemed, bought by His blood!
Redeemed, Redeemed, took my disgrace.
Redeemed, Redeemed, saved by His grace!
Redeemed, Redeemed, we are redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, forever redeemed!

The rendition version: (has a flow)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son.
Redeemed, Redeemed, bought by His blood!
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone!
Redeemed, Redeemed, saved by His grace!
Redeemed, Redeemed, we are redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, forever redeemed!

There's actually a third version which is an improvement of the first two. It started out as a challenge to present salvation in your own way. And being the poetic me, I took upon it as a signal for me to write again. Hope it helps you!

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The long version: (more rhymes)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son to our world to save.
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone; I'm no more a slave.
Redeemed, Redeemed, He took my disgrace and died on the cross.
Redeemed, Redeemed, I'm saved by his grace; his death not a loss.
Redeemed, Redeemed, only if you believe can you be redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, if Christ you receive, you'll forever be redeemed!

Live as God’s Heirs

Many times I have wondered what I was doing…
I was afraid I was just a person wand’ring -
Someone in this world who forever was wond’ring…
“Will I keep on sleeping or wake up from dreaming?”

I have asked other people this question again.
“Who can tell me the answers? How? What? Where? And when?”
No one knows this; not even the wisest of men.
And I am again stumped – not even moved since then.

Often I have looked at other things as comfort.
And most of the time, these comfort things fall short.
Now, I’m starting to ask if these are just some sort
Of things that I’ll eventually have to abort.

In my desperation, I searched for some answers –
Answers that can light up all my worries and cares.
In an old book, I found the answer to my prayers,
“Live your lives to glorify Him; Live as God’s heirs.”

Days in a Prayer

Although we pray in our own little ways, I guess it is still good to pray for something different for each day. This is a prayer that I would pray during the week depending on what I am facing. Find your place to play and pray sincerely. Ok Ü
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Lord, today is a Monday.
I would like to thank you for the bright morning days.
Thank You for giving me a chance to see the sun’s rays.

Lord, today is a Tuesday.
And I would like You to know how much I’d like to say,
“Thank You for guiding me and not leading me astray.”

Lord, today is a Wednesday.
It’s the middle of the week; You still beside me stayed
Even during times when my heart doubted or was swayed.

Lord, today is a Thursday.
Protect my family from harm and keep them safe, I pray.
Give me opportunities to shine for You, if I may.

Lord, today is a Friday.
Even though troubles and trials may come to delay,
Your Word and comforting presence drives them all away.

Lord, today is a Saturday.
Help me to be a great person who fully obeys,
Who regularly walks and trusts in You in all ways.

Lord, today is a Sunday.
Thank You for your new mercies that I’m still living okay.
Mold me, craft me and use me just like a Potter’s clay.

May I Live

This song is very personal as it seeks to evaluate a person's life. At the start of the song, the person is acknowledging that He can only live because God allows it and that he'll try to live for Him. At the end, he's saying that hopefully, all his actions, thoughts, words - life - brought God the glory and pleased Him. (Only what is done for Christ will last!)

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Verse 1:
Another day is here; another day brand new.
So I praise You for the work that I’ll do.
Another day is dawning; another day to live.
Whatever You choose to give me I’ll gladly receive.

Chorus:
And may I live my life according to Your will;
And may my thoughts be pleasing Lord to You,
And may my words reflect the beauty of Your presence;
May my actions bring glory to You.

Verse 2:
Another day is through; another day is gone.
And I thank You Lord for what You have done.
Another day is over; another day has passed.
Only what is done for Christ will truly last.

Ending:
O have I lived my life according to Your will?
And are my thoughts all pleasing Lord to You?
And do my words reflect the beauty of Your presence?
Did my actions bring glory to You?
Do my words bring glory to You?
Are my thoughts all pleasing to You, O Lord?
Is my life bringing glory to You?

Because You Came

This song focuses on how we can only come before God because He first came to us. When God came to us, we realize that we are nothing, speechless. The only thing we can do is to use our live as an offering of praise and testimony of God's goodness and love.

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Verse 1:
The day You came to me – my life filled with hope
For You came into a dark world that was empty and lost.
The day You came to earth showed how much You really cared
For You sent Your only Son to die for me.

Chorus:
I come to worship You, to lift Your name, I want to worship You.
I come to praise You and magnify Your most holy name.
Lord Jesus Christ You sought and found me first.
I want to thank You because You came.

Verse 2:
I come before You, Lord, stripped of all my masks.
As I stand before You with nothing but my God-given life.
I come before You, Lord, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
And I want to live my life for You alone.

Chorus:
I come to worship You, to lift Your name, I want to worship You.
I come to praise You and magnify Your most holy name.
Lord Jesus Christ You sought and found me first.
I want to thank You because You came.

Bridge:
Words cannot express how truly grateful I am,
How such a God would love me as His own.
Today I come to You and confess all of my sins,
For this is only what I can do.

Chorus:
I come to worship You, to lift Your name, I want to worship You.
I come to praise You and magnify Your most holy name.
Lord Jesus Christ You sought and found me first.
I want to thank You because You came, (You came, You came);
Because You came, (You came, You came);
Because You came.

Jesus, Our Healer

I wrote this poem for my sick classmate Mark Alvin Chua. At that time, I couldn't finish it in time for his birthday surprise so I'm posting it here. It is dedicated to him for encouragement. May God continue to bless you and heal you - in His perfect time and will.

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At times, we ask how this could have happened
Or why must such good people suffer this fate.
I can assure you that He knows how we feel
Because He went through it all – He could relate.

My friend, there’s no need to hide all your tears.
There’s no shame for you to cry and be sad.
Because through all of these, He is with you -
Jesus is with you through good times and bad.

The one thing we can do is to hold on –
Trusting his infinite time and wisdom.
He is the true Healer of all sickness –
Like the Old Testament’s Gilead balm.

You see, God has a plan that we can’t grasp;
His plans are above our understanding.
But despite this fact, He still blesses us
With hope, faith, love and life overflowing.

The Message of the Cross

This song comes from Ahia Andrew's sermon on the cross and how people respond to it. Some people view the cross as foolishness or shame. Some people think of it as punishment and death. But in reality, to the people who are blessed to come to know our Lord, the cross signifies wisdom, victory, glory and eternal life. I pray that you do not neglect the message of the cross today.

This song holds a threefold response... Sorry for being selfish and self-centered, thankful for being saved by Christ by grace through faith, and Trust / Hope on the Lord for today and the future.

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Verse 1:
We are sorry for neglecting Your message to us.
We are sorry for being so foolish and shameful
Because we thought that we could be the master of our lives
And yet we found that there's no life apart from You.

Chorus:
The cross, Lord, is Your greatest gift to man.
The cross has brought us out of darkness into the light.
The cross has given us the blessing of eternal life.
We thank You Lord for Your gift of love and life - the cross.

Verse 2:
We are thankful for Your promise of vict'ry over sin.
We are thankful for sending the Spirit to guide us.
Although we live our lives on earth that's full of sin and death,
We know that You'll prepare a home in heav'n with You!

Chorus:
The cross, Lord, is Your greatest gift to man.
The cross has brought us out of darkness into the light.
The cross has given us the blessing of eternal life.
We thank You Lord for Your gift of love and life - the cross.

Bridge:
We did not understand,
We could not comprehend Your greatest plan...
But today I'll follow You,
Today I'll trust in Your divine plan.

Chorus:
The cross, Lord, is Your greatest gift to man.
The cross has brought us out of darkness into the light.
The cross has given us the blessing of eternal life.
We thank You Lord for Your gift of love and life
Yes, we thank You Lord for Your gift of love and life - the cross.

You Are With Me

I wrote this song while I was in Subic recently. This song is about God's presence and faithfulness in our lives despite our empty promises to Him. There are times when we really want to go back into His loving open arms but we simply choose to walk our way instead. When we face troubles and trials, we stumble and fall, but God was there each time to pick us up. My response is found in Psalms 25:5 "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

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Verse 1:
Many times I’ve tried that my life in you abide
Yet time and time again I’ve fallen from Your side.
Many times I’ve wished how this life I could cherish
And run the race until the very finish…

Chorus:
O Lord, be with me ‘til the very end of days.
You were with me from the start…
O please guide me and teach me the way to seek Your heart.
Please be with me,
Never leave me.

Verse 2:
Many times I’ve said that my life will be Christ-led
But time and time again I’ve walked my way instead.
Many times I’ve longed to come back to You in song.
Before You I confess all of my wrongs.

Bridge:
For You are my God,
You are my Savior,
And my hope is in You.
You are my God,
You are my Savior,
You are with me - All the day long!

Ending:
You are with me.
Always with me.

Without You

This song came after I read the first chapter of Max Lucado's God Came Near. Isn't it a wonder that we could miss such a big event like the birth of Christ in the midst of our everyday chores. This song reminds me that all we do - our life - is meaningless, incomplete, empty even lost WITHOUT God's grace in our lives. This is my prayer today that I might truly see Him in my life.

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Verse 1:
As a page is empty without words or paint,
My life is hollow without You.
As a quilt has holes without its bright patches,
My life is incomplete without You!

Chorus:
O Lord, let me see You, open my eyes.
Lord, let me see Your majesty.
Lord, let me catch a glimpse of Your face.
May I experience Your overflowing grace.

Verse 2:
Like a rudder that cannot turn left or right,
My life is lost without You.
As music goes wrong without its harmony,
My life is meaningless without You!

Chorus:
O Lord, let me see You, open my eyes.
Lord, let me see Your majesty.
Lord, let me catch a glimpse of Your face.
May I experience Your overflowing grace.

Ending:
My life is nothing Lord… without You!

Goodness and Greatness

This song actually came up to me after reading Charles Surgeon's explanation on Psalms 86. And He did a very good job that it became clear how each one was connected. Our God is a good God always ready to forgive. He is also great in person and in His deeds. He is not a tyrant (great but not good) nor is He weak (good but not able to save/protect us). That's why the nations will come to worship God - because He alone is our God. Knowing this, I know I can trust God and cry for help. So teach me your ways that I might wallk in your truth and always fear you alone. Goodness and greatness ultimately is shown by His death on the cross.

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Verse 1:
You are good and great, O Lord,
Full of grace and mercy, abundant in truth.
You have heard my prayers and supplications.

Verse 2:
You are good and great, O Lord.
All the nations come to worship your name.
There is none like you for you alone are God.

Chorus:
Goodness and Greatness,
No one possesses.
Only you have both, my God.
Goodness and Greatness –
Such a blended pair;
Goodness and Greatness
What’s pardoned my sins.

Verse 3:
I am poor and needy, Lord.
And I cry to You all of my days.
I will trust in you for You are my God.

Verse 4:
Teach me Your ways, O Lord
So that I'll be able to walk in Your truth.
Please unite my heart to only fear Your name.

Lamb Over Me

The idea of this song came from the Chinese word for righteous (義). Literally speaking, it is the Chinese character for Lamb (羊) on top of the Chinese word for Me (我). This word has a powerful message indeed. Jesus died for us as a Sacrificial Lamb, but He rose again and reigns on high. Now and forever, He will be the one who makes my day, the Lamb over me!

Verse 1:
Jesus, You are God’s precious Son
You came to earth for me
Jesus, You are the Sacrifice –
Who bore my sins,
Who took my place,
Who died on the cross for me.

Chorus:
You’re the Lamb who paid the price
Yet you are holy and without sin
You are Love sent from above
To cleanse me wholly within.
So I ask you now…
be the Lamb over me.

Verse 2:
Jesus, You are better than gold
Your worth is greater to me.
Jesus, You are the morning star –
Who brightens my day,
Who brings me to say,
“I’ll be devoted to You!”

Ending:
Jesus, You are God’s precious Son
Jesus, You are the Sacrifice
Jesus, You are better than gold
Jesus, you are the morning star
Jesus, You are the Lamb over me.

Total Thanksgiving

Completed January 11,2007

This is my way of thanking God for all that he has blessed me with and I mean everything! From blessings to trials to new mercies to the Ultimate Sacrifice - all are worth thanking for this start of the new year. You'll see here the merism figure of speech which denotes the totality of what I'm thanking for. By this poem, I am once again reminded of my littleness and God's greatness... Truly He's incomparable!

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Thank you for the times that were happy
And also for the times sad and gloomy.

Thank you for the days that were busy;
For the rest when life’s topsy-turvy.

Thank you for the moments of laughter
And for the peace and silence after.

Thank you for being there – listening…
Even when at times I’m just grumbling.

Thank you for the companions and friends
And for times when I’m just with my pen.

Thank you for the family you’ve blessed –
Home, work, church – all Thy hands wondrous crest!

Thank you for sending Jesus to die
And rising after up to the sky.

Thank you Lord for seeing the sunshine
And letting me feel your love divine.

Thank you for Your new mercies daily
And for bestowing grace so freely.

Thank you for Your enduring guidance;
For giving again another chance.

Thank you God for all that has happened
And for the doors this year You’ll open.

Thank you again for what you have done –
For being comparable to none!

O Christmas

This is my most complete song so far. The beauty of this song is in its internal message. (Clue: something to do with the bold verbs) The melody of the song is puposely written not to be melancholic but to be very solemn and reflective. Christmas is not only a time to be merry but also a time to be silent as we remember the purpose of the blessed event.

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to care for the people around
A time to hope in the newborn Son
A time to remember of what has been done
Christmas, O Christmas

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to invite someone to the Lord
A time to spread the good news everywhere
A time for thanksgiving and kneeling in pray’r
Christmas, O Christmas

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to make joyful music to Him
A time to allow for God’s work to begin
A time to surrender and turn from our sin!
Christmas, O Christmas

Invitation for Christmas

Completed December 15, 2006

This poem is written primarily to remind us the essense of the celebration of Christmas. We may be engrossed by so many other things like "parties, presents, profits" that we lose sight of the celebrant. May we keep the meaning alive in our hearts and share this to other people. As we celebrate Christmas, may our hearts choose to say, "Thank you for being born!".

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Why do we celebrate an event called Christmas?
Why should we yearly wait even make it a must?

I have to tell you this: it is not about us;
It’s time to reminisce the birthday of Jesus!

It’s not about presents that we receive or bring.
It’s all about events of the birth of the King!

It’s not a time for sprees or for shopping galore.
It’s time for bending knees and for you to implore.

It’s not just a season of merriment and joy.
He is the true reason we rejoice and enjoy.

It’s a time we gather not only to unite.
We come jointly rather to remember that night.

How a baby was born in a humble manger
For people so forlorn to save them from danger.

Now, we adorn our house with bright lights and colors,
But the warmth, please don’t douse like the cold rain that pours.

Instead, relight a fire that brightens a dark space.
Instill a new desire to seek God’s warm embrace.

This is why we rejoice, that’s why there is Christmas.
I leave you with a choice: stay or delight with us!

Reflections...

Completed November 30, 2006

This poem actually plays with the word "reflection." - from reflecting on one's own life (being in the dark and how God has saved me) to being used by God to reflect His image (His goodness, kindness, compassion,etc.) Another thing that could be seen in the poem is the symbolism of the room depicting the person. We are unworthy of being saved by God but God does not look at the outward appearance; He looks at the heart. No matter what our background or status in life may be, we all need a Savior to cling on to.

In this little and unattractive room,
I find blissful peace and consolation.
It does not matter if it’s somewhat old,
It’s just the perfect place for reflection.

It’s the kind of place that’s chilly outside,
Yet you could feel the sheer warmth from within.
It’s like a dusty book left on the shelf
Only to find superb stories within.

Well, in here you’ll find mere simplicity
Not like the fancy lodges and hotels.
It does not have all those trappings and trimmings
Nor does it have decorations like bells.

It’s an old room with just one basic bed,
A table, cabinet and two small chairs.
Yet in this kind of quiet atmosphere
I find myself saying heartfelt prayers.

I come into this place very lowly
For I’m a person with plenty of sins.
And as I confess my sins and wrongdoing
That is the time my Savior’s work begins!

I sing a song of praise and thanks to Him
For He has pulled me out of the dark pit.
I’ll believe and depend in His guidance.
Under His laws, I’m willing to submit.

As I do this everyday of my life,
I see changes in the way I do things –
From being childish to being mature,
From selfish to being a true blessing.

My only prayer now is to go on,
Carrying on what has been well begun.
I pray that my life be a reflection
Of how it is to be living in the Son!

The Wise Master and the Tiny Servant

Completed November 6, 2006

This is my first time to write something like this. It is like a narration with conversation, but the conversation is in poem form.

The servant in the poem is very complacent and mediocre in what he does. He makes up excuses to avoid bigger tasks. You can say he had a comfort zone and was afraid to leave that area. The Master knew this so he decided to teach him a lesson. In the end, we are reminded to strive for excellence just as in the Bible: be faithful in the small things - all of these in preparation for something bigger where more responsiblity and accountability is needed.

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Narrator:
This is a tale of a tiny servant
Who served daily in his Master’s mansion.
He had the habit of saying “I can’t”
Which drew about the Master’s attention.

Narrator:
This is a narration of their conversation…

Master:
Servant, why do you belittle yourself?
Have you no sense of spirit or passion?
You’re not a worn-out book left on the shelf.
You should have more positive reactions.

Servant:
How can I be of use to you my Lord?
I am but a mere servant of your house.
I could not fight nor wield a heavy sword.
I am just like a coward little mouse.

Servant:
I cannot think and speak like the scholars.
Nor can I buy and sell as the merchants.
I can only clean all your shirt’s collars
And water and care for the mansion’s plants.

Master:
You must have heard of the tiny spider
And how it persevered throughout the rain.
From branches to branches like a glider,
Spinning its web again without complain.

Master:
Or the story of the little flowers
And how they endured the winds of the storm.
They call this rain but mere tickly showers –
Just something needed for them to transform.

Servant:
But Master, I am but a small weakling!
I am not perfect, nor is what I do.
I’m not fit to serve someone like a King.
I’m just of no use to someone like You!

Master:
Have you forgotten that I brought you here?
Have you failed to recognize my own acts?
It was my own will that wanted you near.
Maybe you should try to think and relax.

Narrator:
After thinking awhile, the servant could not smile.
Not because of hatred, but of the truth that’s been said.

Servant:
Indeed, you have been very good to me.
Yet I repaid you with pangs and heartaches.
I ask for your pardon – this is my plea.
I promise not to make the same mistakes.

Servant:
If I had fixed my ugly attitude,
Master, none of these should have had happened.
I want to give to you my gratitude
As I try hard not to hurt or offend.

Narrator:
This servant grew not only in his faith,
His Master also gave him bigger tasks.
When His Master would ask him to do work,
His new reply would be “No need to ask!”

A Lifetime’s Value

Completed October 25, 2006
This poem talks about the uncertainties of life. People die, others have had their share of pains, physically and emotionally. But the reality is that there is a spiritual dimension in this life. Make every time an opportunity to share the wonderful love of Jesus - before it's too late!

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In an hour, every single minute’s precious.
For in this short moment in time that has just passed,
Some people have died – the die for them is cast.

In a day, every hour is so important.
For in this one whole day that has just elapsed,
Many people have experienced pain – collapsed.

In a week, every day is just as priceless.
For in this time period that has just passed by,
People have felt so lost and have asked God “Why?”

In a month, every week must be well valued.
For in this month-long journey that has ended,
Many people’s hearts and souls can’t be mended.

In a year, every month should be accounted.
Because as a person grows a year older,
Some hearts grow with warmth; while others grow colder,

Every minute, hour, day, week, month, year – a chance!
Therefore, we should view life as to be cherished.
Share God’s love now lest lives forever perish.

Of Places

Completed October 19, 2006

This poem is about daydreaming - something done when the work's catching up on you or when you don't have anything to do. Oh, how I wished I were in some other place, enjoying what I'm doing, being happy and all. You'll catch a glimpse of some places that I wanted to go and experience, but I am reminded once again not to confuse dreams with reality. But it doesn't hurt to think about them for the purpose of not being so ignorant about them, right?

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I wanted to go somewhere very far –
Far from the routines and habits of life.
Where I could find peace, joy and happiness
And live and enjoy life to its fullness.

Imagine a small cottage by the woods
Filled with the sound of nature’s surrounding.
From the hoot of owls to the buzz of bugs,
All’s enjoyable – no need for earplugs!

Picture out staying in a snowy lodge
Where temperature is all the time low.
You’ll soon discover the soft, white splendor
While trying all the winter games outdoor.

Visualize the ocean in front of you
As waves splash upon your body and feet.
Building sand castles, smelling ocean breeze –
Take a break from life’s stress with style and ease.

Somewhere below the cool and vast valley
Runs the clear water of a flowing stream.
Living life with what you pick-up or catch –
This kind of life is a sure ideal match!

It’s not bad to dream of special places
but it mustn’t hide truth from reality.
Just to experience a deeper knowledge
Of what it's like to live over the hedge.