My mind is like a pantry where
lots of stuff is stored;
I browse, and scrounge, and
rummage, and never do get bored.
A little crew of helpers live
here within this chest
And offer me suggestions on
how to do things best.
Impulse used to run about --
causing problems, Goodness knows,
Now, Conduct is improving as
Obedience stronger grows.
Here someone special's planted
seeds of loving care:
A new crop's growing daily; I
have enough to share.
Happy memories nestle like
smoothly polished rocks
And I reach in and choose from
this golden box.
There's word games in one
corner with jokes and puns and rhyme,
So I can amuse myself nearly
any old time.
Scientific notions are stacked
upon one shelf,
Alongside rules and reasons
for reading, math, and health.
Musical sounds don't often
slumber within these walls,
They bounce around so merrily
like little ping-pong balls.
There is a drawer for useless
facts my teacher made me learn
Who knows? Someday I may be
glad for these details' return.
Yes, my mind is like a pantry
with many things to use,
I surely wouldn't want God's
masterpiece to lose
So I'll make ME my very best;
I have the power to choose!
—Elaine Hardt ©1979
