Awhile ago I posted this poem and my comments below on another site. I felt than that it had so much meaning for all of us. This poem was written by a teenage girl in New York City who was undergoing cancer treatments. I started this site and the promise cards, because I felt that all of us can make a difference in the world. Sometimes the smallest things can touch people's life. This poem was a gift from this girl to all of us. It made a difference in my life, and I'm sure many others as well. I don't know what happened to this young girl. I hope she is doing well.
Slow Dance
By an anonymous, but very special young woman
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids.
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain.
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day.
On the fly?
When you ask. How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed.
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child.
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not seen his sorrow?
Ever lost touch.
let a friendship die.
Cause you never had time.
To call and say, Hi?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere.
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day.
It is like an unopened gift, thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.
Hear the music.
Before the song is over.
I would like to send my own message to this wonderful young lady. I don't know your name. I wish I did.You should be proud of yourself. Most people go their entire lives and never really make a difference by touching the lives of others in a special way. Your poem touched my heart. It helped me realize that maybe I should slow down. Maybe I should tell my wife I love her more often.Try to be more patient with my son when he wants and needs my attention. Just once I will try to realize the precious gift of life we all have. Thank you for your gift. I wish you well, and God bless you.
This poem was sent by: Dr. Dennis Shields
Professor: Department of Developmental
and Molecular Biology
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, New York 10461
