A selection of my poetry.
LOVES BOND
The bonds of love that bind us all never fade away
But carry on, stay ever strong, forever and a day.
What we have shared connects us, bonded soul to soul,
And love’s ties warm and cheer us, though life’s trials take their toll.
Even when we physically are no longer there,
Our spirits and our souls live on, constant in their care;
For family ties are forged with love and sharing over time,
Not just one life but many, till we reach the light sublime.
We all act out our many plays; we live out many themes,
We learn so much through sharing, caring, following our dreams
Until the day comes when we find that it’s our time to go,
To stretch our wings on different planes, find other ways to grow.
While waiting there we work and learn, living in the light,
Until that unknown, glorious day, when we will all unite
Once more with love with those we’ve known so many times before,
Eventually to reach the stage when partings are no more.
ãJan Hunneybell, 1998
THANK YOU
Thank you for the pray-er, the one who sends the prayer,
Thank you to the healer, who channels hope and care.
Thank you to the Mother, who gives her heart with love,
And thank you to the Father, both here and up above.
Thank you for the small things that brighten up our day,
Thank you for the blessings that so often come our way,
Thank you for the strength to cope with life when things get rough,
And thank you for the friends you send when hope is not enough.
Thank you for forgiveness when we’ve said or done some wrong,
Thank you for the sweetness and the power of a song.
Thank you God, a million times, for all with which we’re blessed,
And thank you for the quiet times when we can stop and rest.
Thank you for the chance to learn, to hear, to feel, to see,
Thank you for the knowledge that we’re all one family.
Thank you for the chance we have to start each day anew,
And thank you, God, for loving us, no matter what we do.
ãJan Hunneybell 29 Aug 02
SIMPLICITY
The best things in life are the simplest things; they are nothing in terms of cost
And yet they’re the truly priceless things we don’t notice until they’re lost.
They’re the song of the birds in the morning, the sound of the wind in the trees,
The promise of a new day dawning, the scent of a rose on the breeze.
They’re the warmth of the sun through a window, the smell of the new mown hay,
The colours in the sky and the sun’s bright glow as it sets at the end of the day.
The best things in life are the simplest things; they are things that you just can’t buy,
They’re the love in your heart that a cuddle brings; they’re the life in a newborn cry.
They’re the hug from a friend which says, ‘I care’, the trust in the eyes of a child,
The knowledge that someone is always there when you’re lonely and thoughts run wild.
They’re the smiles you receive as you walk down the street, the chances to lend a hand,
Friendships that grow with strangers you meet, that you feel sure were somehow planned.
The best things in life are the simplest things; don’t let them pass you by,
Those moments in life when your heart lifts and sings; or bring sudden tears to your eye.
They’re transcendent, resplendent moments of bliss, when we touch on a sense of grace,
Filled with wonder and awe and with tenderness no money or goods could replace.
They’re in a hug, in a look, in a tree or a book, in a moment of true understanding;
Don’t get caught up on desire’s cruel hook – simple things are the most undemanding.
Yes, the best things in life are the simplest things. They cannot be bought or sold,
They’re not bright trinkets or flash furnishings, but they’re treasures more priceless than gold.
They don’t need to be polished and kept just for best and they don’t need to be locked away,
They don’t need insurance but earn interest if you use and enjoy them each day.
Oh, the best things in life are the simplest things, enjoy all the wonders you see.
If we live life with love and the joy this world brings, what a wonderful life this can be.
ãJan Hunneybell, 7 Jan2000
EVERYDAY ANGELS
This world is just full up with everyday angels,
They’re in every house and down every street,
And if you so choose, you will see there’s an angel
Dwelling within everyone that you meet;
Some may be angels of love and good fortune,
Others are angels of challenge and pain;
The world’s overflowing with everyday angels
And if you can see this, there’s so much to gain.
If you treat all others as you’d treat an angel,
With tolerance, humour, respect and good grace,
You’ll find that you too are an everyday angel,
With kindness and love in the smile on your face.
Angels of mercy help when we’re in trouble,
They pick up the pieces when we’re in despair;
Angels of laughter help brighten the good times,
And help when life’s hard and we’re getting nowhere.
There are angels of love, (they are quite often mothers),
Angels of courage to overcome pain,
Angels of hope and of deep understanding
And angels of comfort who help take the strain.
This world is just brimming with everyday angels,
They’re found in our neighbours, our family and friends.
Look and you’ll find you’re surrounded by angels –
It’s wonderful what priceless treasures God sends.
So, next time you’re snappy, or moaning or grumpy,
About to be nasty to someone you love,
I just want to say, ‘Never shout at an angel,
They’re precious; don’t hurt this great gift from above’.
You never know when you’ll have need of an angel,
So don’t be unloving and drive them away;
By seeing each person you meet as an angel
There’s guidance and help every step of the way.
And finally, know that our children are angels.
Treat them that way and they’ll flourish and grow
Into confident, competent everyday angels,
Healing the world with their energy flow…
When all are uplifted by angelic graces,
And all hearts pour love out like bottomless springs,
Theyll spread their light out into all the dark places
And by doing so they will all earn their wings.
Jan Hunneybell, 02 Sept 2000
I wrote the next poem after standing outside one lovely morning and hearing the birds and the distant sound of Puffing Billy (a steam train and local tourist attraction). Thinking how lucky we are to have 'heaven on our doorstep', I sent copies to our family and friends in England, hoping to entice them to visit!
HEAVEN ON OUR DOORSTEP
We’ve heaven on our doorstep – just take a look outside,
Breathe the scent of eucalypts in glorious countryside.
The grandeur of the Dandenong’s, these blessed, beauteous hills,
Is there for all to share in. Tree ferns with leafy frills;
The tall and splendid mountain ash and creeks where waters flow
So crystal clear o’er ancient rocks of Dreamtime, long ago.
With tinkling sounds from Monbulk Creek and birdsong everywhere;
The laughing kookaburra, the cockie’s piercing squawk,
The chatter of rosella’s and gallah’s who fly and walk
In lush enchanted forest… Oh, the magic of the trees,
With energy that nurtures; soft scents upon the breeze.
A place that’s close to nature in all her verdant splendour,
It has the great ability to foster and engender
A love for her abundant gifts; a space that’s like no other,
That helps tired hearts to swell and lift. The hills are like a lover
Who keeps the passion fresh and new with constant sweet surprises…
What possibilities to explore; her mystique tantalises.
Where, in this paradise, to start? The Rickett’s Sanctuary
Is a place to thrill the heart, it is a must to see.
Go when the air is damp and chill to feel a sense profound,
The earthy, primal energy of spiritual ground;
A work of passion, care and love - a legacy to share;
One man’s dream inspires us all to look, to feel, to care.
Mount Dandenong! The view across to
Is just superb - a place to sit and gaze and dream for hours.
The
The beauty and the colour; the distant, mountain view,
A place of peace; a haven from the throngs, the madding crowd;
A visit here’s a tonic. Sounds of silence. Hilltop cloud.
A trip on Puffing Billy’s a great way to take a look
At glorious hills and bushland tracks from Belgrave to Gembrook;
Picnic at
Board the famous steam train back to Belgrave town again.
Kalorama’s stunning views;
Sassafras for tea and cake - the choices are all yours.
There’s the peaceful lake at Birdsland; you can walk the Gully’s trail,
We’ve
Burrinja Gallery for art, Grant’s Picnic Ground for birds,
Ridge Road has panoramic views. This place is beyond words.
It has to be experienced, this glorious countryside;
We’ve heaven on our doorstep - just take a look outside.
©Jan Hunneybell, Oct 2003
These following poems are about dealing with loss and grief - they are intended to bring some small comfort during those painful times when we are trying to make some sense of the seemingly senseless and wondering how to carry on...
SORROW'S LESSON
When sadness arrives on your doorstep and sorrow knocks on your door,
And despair becomes so overwhelming that you feel you can't take any more,
That's when you must have the courage to take a new point of view,
To see all the wonder around you; take pride in the good things you do.
It's easy to drown in despondence, to wallow in grief and despair,
Allow it to drag you right under; to give up and say you don't care,
But what is this feeling achieving? Does it help you to cope with the pain?
The truth is these feelings destroy you. You only see darkness and rain.
When sadness and sorrow come calling, accept that they'll stay for a while
But make sure their stay is a short one and pretty soon put on a smile;
A smile that will fill you with courage and help you to face the despair,
And soon, though the hurt is still painful, the damage will start to repair.
The wound that is caused by the heartache will start to improve and to heal.
Peace of mind's not an illusion - allow it in; know that it's real.
Whatever the cause of your sadness (and tragedy strikes every day),
Accept all the good things with gladness, for good things do still come your way.
You'll find there are still those who love you; be thankful that they are still there.
Although you may feel your whole world's at an end, be glad there are others who care.
Notice the birds are still singing and let their song soothe your sad heart.
Know that the message they're bringing is to still your grief - make a new start.
You'll never forget what has happened for life’s trials shape who we are.
You'll never forget all those sad times for tragedy still leaves a scar,
But you'll come through this stronger & wiser. With wisdom & help from above
You'll have earned the great gift of compassion to give out as healing and love.
When sadness arrives on your doorstep and sorrow knocks on your door
And despair becomes so overwhelming that you feel you can't take any more,
Remember these words I have written. Let hope and faith live in your heart,
And knowing that love lives forever, look forward. Choose life. Make a start.
©Jan Hunneybell, 1997
THE SHINING ONES
(For those whose babies were stillborn, miscarried or lived only briefly)
There are a band of special souls that twinkle in the skies,
Many tiny perfect stars formed of teardrops from our eyes,
Made of love and purity, of gentleness and grace,
The difficulties of this world they'll never have to face.
Each is very precious; their short journey has been run,
But they chose us before returning to the eternal sun.
They didn't have to live too long to fill their special mission,
They didn't need to spend a lifetime in this earth vibration.
Why did they come, these little ones, who were not born to live?
What was their task, what was the message that they had to give?
They showed what true love really is, love right from the heart,
That was their special message; loves truth they did impart.
For what is unconditional love but giving without strings?
This is the love that makes us value feelings and not things.
Our most important lessons can be those that break our heart,
But know that through the sadness, true love still plays a part.
The unique love experienced for an unborn, unseen child
Is a lesson in what matters most in our material world.
When a little one is taken into God's protective love
You'll grieve, but do not cry too long, for they're with God above.
Just understand these precious souls needed very little time
To reach perfection, then return - back to the light sublime.
They teach us much about what counts then, like a pure white dove,
They spend a lifetime in our hearts and shower us with love.
Those children who were never to grow old, or sick or grey
Remain in all God's purity forever and a day.
They are our special angels. They’ll watch over all we do,
Not in sadness but with joy and love our whole lives through.
©Jan Hunneybell, 1997 (20th Anniversary of the stillbirth of my own little one)