Return to Home Page Return to Anne Margetson Index Ripples on the Lake As I stood as the beginning of the New Year, A special thought came to me so very strong That I should plough forward and right every wrong, That I should make the world much better than before. I read of mighty men and their wonderful deeds so great, I bowed my head and thought what difference could I make? I can not make a ripple even on the smallest lake, How could someone like me stop hunger, war and hate. That night I prayed to God, for I knew my thought was good, How can I right each wrong done? How can I stop hate and war? How can I with such puny strength and my limited means, soar To lofty heights to help all my fellow men. Please show me Lord. That night I had a dream, like small visions in my troubled mind. I saw a child being bullied by friends, I took him upon my knee. I saw an old woman who lives all alone, as happy as could be Because I was in her kitchen, both of us talking and chatting happily. I saw someone by a grave, with tear stained face and broken heart, I took him by the hand and let him talk of his sweet wife and his love. I listened and shed with him some tears, then sweet peace like a dove Rested on his broken heart, and he thanked me for friendship true. Next morning walking by the lake, I threw in a tiny stone to see How many ripples it would make on that water strong and still. It landed with a gentle touch, but oh, the circles went on till At last they reached the shore and caused small waves to form. Then I knew that my dream meant for me to try, within my own realm, That I could make some kind of difference to a few of my fellow men There will be some small thing I may do, although I don't know when, That could make a child feel safe, and a lonely soul feel whole again. Ann Margetson © Dec 29 1995