Versedays: Make the Ordinary Come Alive

I was browsing the net looking for something inspired me to write a blog post for a content writing project am working on. Something extraordinary, something different that would trigger those thoughts and get the pen flowing. How ironic then that I should come across this poem called "Make the Ordinary Come Alive," by William Martin. A modern reinterpretation of some aspects of the ancient classic the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Martin addresses parenthood through verse.

The reason I selected this particular poem is because I felt everyone, not just children, can try to follow what the author has said. There is no great philosophy. The thoughts are what we have all thought a million times. But he puts it in a beautiful manner that made me read it a few times. Hope all of you enjoy it as much as I did!

Make the Ordinary Come Alive

by

William Martin

Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples, and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.