Gracie’s beautiful and reflective poem ‘River of Grace’ triggers us to consider that
the choices we make determine who we become. Thank you, Gracie, for your submission and
for reminding us why being a conscious contributor to society is so important.

The river flows gracefully around the bend
Knowing that soon it would begin to descend
Down the rocky cliff with effortless grace,
Each droplet of water competing in a microscopic race.
They meet at the base no matter their place,
And breathe in their surroundings of life, colour and grace.

The deer bound effortlessly on the fields of green
More graciously than ever seen.
The flowers bloom the meaning of life
Whilst feeding the graceful butterflies without strife.
The towering trees’ whispering words
Can be heard as well as the graceful tune of the birds.

But when surrounded by beauty, joy and grace,
The dark, cold and fear can be quickly replaced.
The hunting wolf hiding in darkest shade
Watching its prey, the deer, who doesn’t know to be afraid.
The shadow of the ominous oak
Spreads over the land, chilling the hearts of passing folk.

You have a choice to make:
To see the grace and beauty, or the upcoming quake.
What you choose will adjust your sight
But whether you live in the shadows or the light,
You have a chance to choose your course,
Just like the river carves its own with its inner force.

Make the world better by choosing forgiveness and gracefulness,
Instead of resentfulness, greed, and unfaithfulness.
But remember that whatever choice you make,
You’ll have to endure the ups and downs for your own sake.
So, know that the past you cannot replace,
Time to carve your future, like the river of grace.