Living Tapestry
Keeping in Touch with Family and Friends

Original Poems
by Wanda Nell Carroll

The Book

I had a dream before the sun came up
About a boy and a book that he treasured.
Though tattered and worn, he learned from this book
Of a love that could not be measured.

His shoes, he had none, and his clothes were but rags
That his mother had carefully stitched,
And people turned him away because he was poor,
For money, they thought, made them rich.

Then one day a wise man came to the church
And he was invited to speak,
And he noticed while some of the rich people slept,
The boy listened from the edge of his seat.

Then quietly laying his Bible aside,
He asked if he might use another.
Many nice ones were offered, but he chose from the boy,
The one given to him by his mother.

The words in this book were faded,
For the boy had read it so often,
And the pages were loose, but each in its place,
And the man saw that the cover had softened.

And as he looked at the others, he saw in their eyes
That they were dismayed and confused,
So he held up the book to end with these words;
"How good this can be, if it's used."

Wanda Nell Carroll 1987

The Production

It's amazing how confused I get
When I try to find the answer.
Seems I always try to choreograph
When I'm supposed to be the dancer.

It's hard sometimes, to understand
The importance of my part,
When all my concentration
Is on others from the start.

I carefully watch the steps they take
And compare them with my own,
Then criticize their worst mistakes
While I leave mine alone.

And though I try to hide,
I see my reflection in your eyes
And your willingness to help me
Dismantle my disguise.

So, if I listen to instruction
And practice the given step
I'll be part of the production
And not among those left.

Wanda Nell Carroll 1986