Secret Collection

By Dena Parkinson

Gather the rays from a hundred sunsets;

Catch the spray of an ocean tide;

Fill your head with the smell of roses,

Fresh and wild on the countryside.

Hold a crystal drop of rain

And a frilly flake of falling snow;

Grasp the lulling summer breezes

And the evening stars that hang so low.

Remember the peace of a happy daydream;

Capture the warmth of a friendly smile;

Feel the lift of a word of praise,

And find the joy of the second mile.

Then put into storage your grand collection—

Deep in your heart, where no one can see;

And engrave forever there the thought

That the very best in life is free.