1. POEMS FOR MY MOM
By Allison Moyer

2. DEDICATED TO: MY MOTHER, LISA MOYER
This collection of poems is dedicated to my mom,
Lisa Moyer, in the hopes that its poems will inspire,
be thought provoking, and bring memories.

3. “NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY”
BY ROBERT FROST
Nature‟s first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf‟s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

4. EXPLICATION OF “NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY”
This poem was written in 1923 and published in a collection of
poems titled New Hampshire. This poem uses nature as a metaphor
for the fleeting feeling of life. The poem grabs the readers attention
through vivid imagery and rhyming pattern. The poem uses gold as
something of high value, and describes the fleeting nature of such good
things. This poem gives both feelings of hope but also of bitterness and
loss.
This poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost is one of
my favorite poems. This poem evokes vivid imagery, while also having
a morbid and sad tone. The imagery captures the readers attention,
and the tone gives the reader a feeling of both hope and depression.
The poem gives the idea that nothing brilliant can last, and that the
mundane and repetitive are the norm. However, I choose this story
because I am optimistic about this poem, that the truly great parts may
not last forever, but they are there. I chose this poem to inspire my
mother to be optimistic in even the darkest times.

5. “PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE” BY EMILY BRONTE
Tell me, tell me, smiling child,
What the past is like to thee?
„An Autumn evening soft and mild
With a wind that sighs mournfully.‟
Tell me, what is the present hour?
„A green and flowery spray
Where a young bird sits gathering its power
To mount and fly away.‟
And what is the future, happy one?
„A sea beneath a cloudless sun;
A mighty, glorious, dazzling sea
Stretching into infinity.‟

6. EXPLICATION OF “PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE”
The poem, “Past, Present, Future” has an
interesting story. The poem centers around the author
asking a child about their interpretations of their world,
including the past, present, and what they expect for the
future. The poems tone is curious and slightly sad but
hopeful. The poem uses rhyme to connect ideas and
provide a flow to the words. The author connects words
that create a feeling of a sad past to feelings of hope for
the future.
I included this poem because of its focus on the
feelings of the past, present, and future. I think its imagery
provides a beautiful picture to an interesting poem. I felt
this poem was important to include because though it
describes the feelings of a sad past, it brings feelings of
hope for the future.

7. “WORDS”
BY KELVIN HINZ
They can send your heart on wings
to soar like an eagle;
Or they can rip slivers from it
with sharp nails.
They can make your heart
do happy high-jumps;
Or they can dig deep-
And bury it in the mire.
They can bring you to the front of the class
to reveal you in all your brilliance;
Or they can belittle and degrade-
make you face the corner
naked- for all to see.
They can captivate you
with their warm magic;
Or they can dumbfound you
with a mean careless trick.
They can leave you at ease
with honesty and solidity,
Or they can trouble you with innuendo
and elusive riddles.
They can awaken your heart
with a gentle kiss;
Or they can cool it
with frozen fingers.
They can fan
the embers of ability;
Or they can douse them
with icy water-stinging cold.
So:
from parent to child,
old to young;
sibling to sibling,
neighbour to neighbour;
friend to friend,
one to another.
Place your feet in the other‟s shoes,
and please choose your words…
with care in mind.

8. EXPLICATION OF “WORDS”
The poem “Words”, was published in the collection
of poems by Kelvin Hinz, titled Life, Loss, Truth, &
Adventure. The poem tells of the impact that words can
have on others, by using comparing and contrasting
techniques. This poem encourages readers to take care
when choosing words, and reminds them of the impact
words have.
I included this poem because I felt the message to
be truthful. I feel the writer gives an accurate depiction of
how words can be used to help of hinder ones spirit. I felt it
should be included because it enforces the advice given
by many parents, including my mother, that if you can‟t say
something nice, don‟t say anything at all. It also reminds
readers to choose their words with care, which I believe is
an important lesson. I included this poem because I felt it
reinforced the lesson of being mindful of the words you
speak.

9. “HOW MUCH RESPECT?” BY KELVIN HINZ
The way I see it
as a wonderous living thing,
from the cradle, every baby should
be granted
as their birthright; respect- in a
healthy dose.
A creation hopefully born of the
love of two,
and on „n‟ up they grow.
And yes, age does earn you
a certain amount more
as through life‟s challenges you
make your way
and hardships you bore.
For throughout life,
respect is gained or lost
depending on a person‟s merits-
made up of one‟s morals, words and
deeds:
of cruelty or kindness,
rude or dignified,
wise or foolish.
As for the bullies:
bulging muscles, hard head and fists
-
they do not qualify you.
For the use of fear and intimidation
should not be confused
as they cannot gain you
a respect that is true.
So Beware!
In the eyes of others
and in the Big Man‟s upstairs:
The thoughts and intents
you hold in mind and heart;
the things you say and do –
displaying cruelty or care
shall determine how much respect
you will receive,
for you must earn the Lion‟s Share.

10. EXPLICATION OF “HOW MUCH RESPECT?”
This poem, “How Much Respect?”, was published in
Life, Loss, Truth, & Adventure by Kelvin Hinz. This poem
discusses the respect given to others. The poem describes the
respect that the writer believes to be given at birth and also the
respect that is gained and lost over time, depending on deeds.
The poem makes the reader think about the importance of
respecting others, but also about earning respect from others.
I included the selection “How Much Respect?” because I
felt that the meaning it conveys is very truthful and important.
The overall thought that respect is both something you are born
with and something that is earned and lost over time is
something I feel is an important part of society. I included this
poem because respect for others is something that my mother
had instilled in me from a very young age. The lesson that even
those who not deserve your respect should still be respected as
human beings and deserve polite treatment is something I have
used many times throughout my life.

11. “THE ROAD NOT TAKEN” BY ROBERT FROST
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

12. EXPLICATION OF “THE ROAD NOT TAKEN”
This poem, “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost was published in 1916
in the collection of poems titled Mountain Interval. The poem ponders the decisions
made in life. In the poem, the narrator is torn between two paths, knowing he can
not take both. In the end, the narrator makes a bold choice, taking the less traveled
road. Though the author does not regret his decision, he still wonders what the
other path may have brought him. The imagery used in this poem, along with its
themes make the it a classic poem, which is still enjoyed by many, almost one
hundred years after its publication.
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost was included in this collection of
poems because of its overall theme of not making decisions lightly. The tone is both
positive and depressing as the author does not regret the path he takes, but still
wonders what the path not taken would have held. The poem also encourages
confidence by inspiring others to have the courage to take the less traveled path.
This metaphor for the choices made in life resonates with me. I included this poem
to remind myself not to make decisions lightly, something my mother had taught me.
This poem also inspires me to not be afraid of doing things differently than others. I
included this poem to remind my mother to do the same.

13. “EQUESTRIANISM” BY ALLISON MOYER
A sport with many different ways,
different colors chestnuts, browns, and bays.
Different breeds all the same,
Paints, Arabians, and Thoroughbreds by name,
Competing in similar sport,
Cutting, Dressage, and Halter in short.
Brought together by a common theme,
An ever-present equestrian dream.

14. ESSAY FOR “EQUESTRIANISM”
This poem was written by Allison Moyer on
May 6, 2013. It uses rhyme to compare equine colors,
breeds, and types of competition. Showing the
harmony in the horse world which is often divided by
such things, especially breed and competition.
I included this poem because to speak to the
equestrian in my mother. I believe that she can relate
to it because horses are a large part of both of our
lives.

15. “ABOUT A DOG” BY ALLISON MOYER
I look, as he stares at me,
with eyes unseeing,
as they have been for some time.
Though his ears had betrayed him even before,
what was a whisper becomes a yell.
But he continues,
unbothered.
Though his body had kept painful track of the years,
His mind seems to not have bothered.

16. ESSAY FOR “ABOUT A DOG”
This poem was written by Allison Moyer on
April 26. This poem uses the story of a dog to
describe the deterioration experienced in his old age.
The poem is depressing in that it describes the loss
that the dog has experienced. However, the poem is
also uplifting and hopeful, in that it tells of the
resilience of the dog‟s spirit.
I included this poem because I felt my mother
could relate to the story of a dog that has been a
large part of our lives. This poem is special to me
because it is the story of a dog that has been with me
since early childhood. I included this poem to inspire
resilience and hope in my mother.

17. “WRITERS BLOCK” BY ALLISON MOYER
Writers block has entered my brain,
I think I may go insane.
Words seem to disappear,
I fear my mind will never be clear.
Of this loss that has seemed to find,
An easy way inside my mind.

18. ESSAY FOR “WRITERS BLOCK”
This poem was written on April 24, 2013 by
Allison Moyer. It uses rhyme to convey the irritation
felt by being unable to write due to what some call
writers block. The tone of the poem is a playful
frustration felt by the author because they can not
unblock their mind.
I included this poem because I believe it is
something many people can relate to. I felt my mother
would relate to it, as I believe it is something that is
easily understood.

19. “BALANCE” BY ALLISON MOYER
Deadlines by day,
But carefree by night.
For every stress a serenity,
Every worry a calm.
Days divided into
Seemingly separate lives.
The dull and mandatory,
The bright and exciting.
Balancing the days
With an endless cycle.

20. ESSAY FOR “BALANCE”
This poem was written by Allison Moyer on
May 7th, 2013. This poem shows the balance
between night and day, boring and exciting, and
worry and relief. The tone is slightly sad, with a
repetitive feel to life. The tone is also uplifting in that it
tells that there is balance, to every challenge is an
opportunity for excitement.
I included this poem because I thought that it
was a poem that could be related to everyday life. I
think this poem is truthful and felt it should be
included in this collection because my mother could
identify with its themes.

21. “LISTENING” BY ALLISON MOYER
Always listening,
Lending ears.
Letting others
Inspire themselves.
Somehow showing
Others compassion
Needed dearly.

22. ESSAY FOR “LISTENING”
This poem was written on April 24th, 2013 by
Allison Moyer. It is creative in that it uses the letters in
the author‟s first name, Allison, in the first letter of
every line to create a poem. This poem conveys a
feeling of friendship and happiness.
This poem was included in this collection
because I believe it is uplifting, and shows the
importance of being a good listener, which is
something my mother has taught me.

23. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bronte, Emily. Past, Present, Future. Web. 26 May. 2013
<http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/Classic%20Poems/Bronte/Past%20Present%20Future.htm>.
Frost, Robert. Nothing Gold Can Stay. Web. 26 May. 2013
<online-literature.com/frost/748/>.
Frost, Robert. The Road Not Taken. Web. 26 May 2013
<www.bartleby.com/119/1.html>.
Hinz, Kelvin. How Much Respect?. Smashwords Edition, 2010. eBook. 26 May. 2013.
Hinz, Kelvin. Words. Smashwords Edition, 2010. eBook. 26 May. 2013
Personal poems:
“Equestrianism” written by Allison Moyer on May 6, 2013
“About A Dog” written by Allison Moyer on April 26, 2013
“Writer‟s Block” written by Allison Moyer on April 24, 2013
“Balance” written by Allison Moyer on May 7, 2013
“Listening” written by Allison Moyer on April 24, 2013
*All pictures taken by Allison and Lisa Moyer