Live It All

Remember the wonder of that old olive tree,
Silver green leaves dancing in the breeze,
The feel of sand between your toes,
The effervescence of a sneeze.

Little moments that surprise you,
Sprinkled there amidst each day.
You could should right through them,
But live it all, I’d say.

You’ll earn that blue ribbon,
Feeling accomplishment, a win.
Meet new people, fall in love,
Then do it all again.

You’ll see cities far and wide,
Wonders large and small.
Some may be not what you’d dreamed
But, live it, live it all.

You’ll learn so much you won’t believe,
Through your textbooks and through life.
Through the moments of elation,
And, more so, through the strife.

Though the thorn may prick you,
Stop and smell the rose.
Live it all through open doors,
Don’t ever let them close.

Life makes us no promises,
There is a debt we all must pay.
Ask not – What will tomorrow bring?
Ask – What will I make of today?

The joy can be too great to bear.
At times, the heartache too.
But, live it all, my dear, sweet love.
That is my gift to you.