Once in a while . . .

Once in a while, maybe in a lifetime,
something or someone comes into your life,
gives you back the hope
that you lost long, long ago.

A thousand times . . .

A thousand times I have laughed.
A few times I have cried.
A thousand times I have hurt.
Twice died.

I have a thousand needs.
I'll have a few more.
I have loved with a thousand hearts
beating as one,
but above all . . .
I wish to be loved a thousand once mores.
Laugh, and the world laughs with you.
Cry, and cry alone.

Randall L. Poole