Author: Lora Hollings

As a child, I loved to imagine that I was someone else or living somewhere else. Sometimes, I would even have imaginary friends. The imagination is one of the most wonderful gifts that we’ve been given! And that’s why I love writing. Writing allows us to imagine other worlds and other possibilities. Writing has now become a way for me to express myself in ways that I never could before. I hope that you will be amused by some of my articles that were written for the express purpose of bringing enjoyment to the reader, or you will be challenged by some of my other articles that have a more serious theme and finally be inspired by some of my writings too! I would be happy to receive any thoughts that you might have pertaining to my articles in the comment section. Thank you for visiting. I hope that you will come again soon!

Mothers Guide us Throughout Life

Maternal Kiss

A Dedication to Mothers

This collection is a tribute to mothers and the contributions they make to their children’s lives. Through nurturing love, mothers help children grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. They provide guidance when we lose our way and lay the foundation that allows children to discover their talents, believe in themselves, face challenges, and care for others.

The Mother By Gwendolyn Brooks
Mother Playing with Her Child by Cassatt

A Poem About How Mothers Nurture a Promising Life

A Mother’s Loving Heart

With alchemist’s power,
she transforms base metal into gold,
as she sees gifts
that others may be unable to behold.

She values each and every child,
for she knows best their individual worth,
giving them the power to believe—
holding a vision of what they might become.

And for one cast aside by others,
treated as an object of little art,
like a treasure spared by a discerning hand
from a forgotten pile of scrap,
she sees beauty in the rough.

With special care,
she lends a loving hand
to bring forth beauty anew,
so that others may see it too.

She does not accept the judgments of others,
often flawed and incomplete;
instead, through a mother’s insight,
she spares a radiant light from being dimmed
and a soul from being imprisoned.

And nurturing this promising life
with both love and guiding light,
its true nature unthwarted,
it may rise—
and give birth to a glorious bloom.

~ Lora Hollings

Auguste Reading to Her Daughter by Mary Cassatt

A Poem About How Our Mothers Guide Us Throughout Life

A Mother’s Love

She holds a mirror to what we can be
and helps to cultivate
what others may not see—
helping her children to succeed.

As she binds wounds,
wiping the tears as they fall,
with her words she nurtures our souls
as deftly as she mends torn clothes.

She gives us a sense of the magic in life,
teaching that the secret of happiness
is to follow our hearts
and have faith in our dreams.

She gives us the freedom to find our own path,
yet guidance when we go astray,
offering the insight of new wisdom
to know we are going the right way.

We learn the importance of honor
and the virtues of loyalty and truth,
as she reminds us never to abandon our values
in a meaningless chase of material pursuit.

She teaches us how to build character
as we learn from our mistakes,
and from the midst of sorrow
to hold hope for a brighter tomorrow.

We learn from her example
how to handle strife,
and the importance of forgiveness
as we go along in life.

When tested beyond our endurance,
she reminds us of a greater purpose,
teaching through her example
that we have sufficient strength.

She inspires with her words,
empowers with her faith,
and gives us the capacity to love others
with the love she’s given us.

I see her face through tears
from when I was first a child,
learning to face my fears—
an illuminating light through all these years.

She will remain my truest friend
until the very end,
and even beyond.

~ Lora Hollings

Mother and Sara Admiring the Baby by Cassatt
Motherhood by Mary Cassatt

Mothers Give Us the Capacity to Show Empathy for Others

Through the example that they set in their unwavering love for us, they in turn give us the capacity to share our love and gifts with others. Thus their uniquely significant role in raising happy and productive children who have empathy for the lives of others has profound effects in helping to create a more civilized world where we recognize the value of others’ lives and have compassion for all sentient beings.

Mother and Children by Mary Cassatt

Favorite Quotes About Mothers

“A mother is the truest friend we have. When trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us—when adversity takes the place of prosperity—when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us when troubles thicken around us—still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return to our hearts.”
— Washington Irving

“Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.”
— Lin Yutang

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”
— William Makepeace Thackeray

“To a child’s ear, ‘mother’ is magic in any language.”
— Arlene Benedict

“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.”
— Sarah Josepha Hale

“A mother understands what a child does not say.”
— Jewish Proverb

“No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love.”
— Edwin Chapin

“Mother is the one we count on for the things that matter most of all.”
— Katherine Butler Hathaway

“Mothers can look through a child’s eyes and see tomorrow.”
— Reed Markham

“Great mothers build bridges instead of walls.”
— Reed Markham

“The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother.”
— Napoleon Bonaparte

“The mother is the one supreme asset of national life; she is more important by far than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist.”
— Theodore Roosevelt

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”
— George Washington (1732–1799)

“No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love.”
— Edwin Chapin

Mother and Child by Le Thi Luu

A Mother Hugs and Kisses Her Child’s Hurts Away

More Favorite Quotes About Mothers

“A good mother is worth hundreds of schoolmasters.”
— George Herbert

“When you were small and just a touch away, I covered you with blankets against the cold night air. But now that you are tall and out of reach, I fold my hands and cover you with prayer.”
— Dona Maddux Cooper

“Make a memory with your children, spend some time to show you care; toys and trinkets can’t replace those precious moments that you share.”
— Elaine Hardt

“You may have tangible wealth untold: Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be I had a Mother who read to me.”
— Strickland Gillilan

“Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.”
— Sophocles

“My mother was the making of me. She was so true and so sure of me, I felt that I had someone to live for–someone I must not disappoint. The memory of my mother will always be a blessing to me.”
— Thomas A. Edis

“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.”
— Oprah Winfrey

“God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.”
— Jewish Proverb

“Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind.”
— Kahlil Gibran

“Children and mothers never truly part – Bound in the beating of each other’s heart.”
— Charlotte Gray

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.”
—Victor Hugo

The Importance of Spending Quality Time With Your Children

Spend quality time with your children. It is so important for their minds, their health, and their spirits. Reading a book to them, going to the park, playing with them, making bread or brownies, drawing a picture or making a holiday craft together, going for a nature hike, to a museum, a concert, or telling them a story; all of these are wonderful ways to spend time with them.

Try to do one of these activities everyday or at least two or three times weekly if you can’t do them each day. But, you can at least spend some time talking daily to your children to see how they are doing and to show them how important their lives are to you.

Spend some separate time with each of your children, if you have more than one, to develop a strong bond with each and get to know them as unique individuals. And remember, give them a hug everyday and tell them you love them before they go to school and go to bed.

Reading to your child every day when they are young, even starting as babies, will cultivate a lifelong love of reading, and help them acquire the necessary language and writing skills that they need to do well not only in school but in life. Encourage their intellectual growth by taking them to the library, showing a keen interest in their education, helping them with their homework if they need you, and encouraging their participation in the arts, the sciences, and extracurricular activities.

Encourage your children to set goals for themselves and be supportive of them in trying to achieve them despite setbacks. They will learn the value of persistence and with your steadfast belief in them, they will eventually succeed. Instead of comparing your children with others, give your children the emotional support they need to discover their own special gifts and talents.

As mothers, we play a vital role in helping our children develop the necessary feelings of self-worth and the coping skills they need, psychologically, to face life’s challenges and overcome adversity. We also help our children develop their unique potential, the skills they need to interact with others, and to find their own niche in society which will bring them happiness and fulfillment.

And we contribute, significantly, by our own example to our children becoming good parents, themselves, and thus help to forge future generations to be the leaders, visionaries, and innovators we need in an ever changing, dynamic world. Wow, what an awesome and amazing gift it is to be a mother!

Take the Time to Make Beautiful Memories with Your Child

The Maternelle Caresse by Mary Cassatt

“Make a memory with your children, spend some time to show you care; toys and trinkets can’t replace those precious moments that you share.”
— Elaine Hardt

Mother and Child Reading
by Frederick Warren Freer

As a person who always loved nature, I would take my daughter on nature hikes when she was just a little girl. She would love to talk about all the interesting and lovely sights she would see. Often times, we would bring along sketch pads and crayons so as to forever capture these beautiful moments. Then we would come home and read about some of the animals and plants we saw, and we would proudly display her drawings up in her bedroom.

I will always cherish these wonderful memories I have of the times we spent learning and being together. Your children will gain so much from the time you spend together. You will make them feel loved and help them develop feelings of self-worth.

Celine Dion –
A Mother’s Prayer (Lyrics)

Insights About These Poems

The poems in Mothers Guide Us Throughout Life collectively present motherhood as a transformative, enduring influence that shapes the emotional, moral, and spiritual foundations of a child’s life. Rather than focusing solely on acts of care, these poems explore the deeper role of mothers as visionaries—those who recognize potential long before it is visible to the world and who nurture it with patience, wisdom, and unwavering belief.

A central theme throughout the poems is the idea of seeing beyond appearances. Mothers are portrayed as possessing a unique insight that allows them to recognize value where others may overlook it. This ability to see “beauty in the rough” becomes an act of quiet protection, shielding a child’s inner light from judgment, doubt, or discouragement. In doing so, mothers empower their children to believe in themselves and to grow into their authentic nature.

Equally important is the balance between freedom and guidance. The poems emphasize that mothers do not impose rigid paths, but instead offer steady direction while allowing children the space to discover who they are. This balance fosters independence while maintaining a sense of safety, reinforcing that love does not restrict growth but supports it.

The poems also highlight the lasting moral legacy mothers impart. Values such as honor, loyalty, compassion, forgiveness, perseverance, and hope are not taught through instruction alone, but through lived example. These lessons shape character over time, becoming an inner compass that guides children well into adulthood.

Together, these poems affirm that a mother’s influence does not fade with time. It becomes woven into identity itself—quietly shaping how individuals face challenges, extend empathy to others, and carry forward the capacity to love. In this way, motherhood is revealed as a lifelong guiding force, one whose impact continues far beyond childhood.

Additional Poems by Lora Hollings

From the gentle wonder found in The Ladybug Poem to the quiet hope carried in A New Day Has Come and the tenderness expressed in The Gift of Love, these reflections celebrate the small, meaningful moments that shape who we become. That sense of connection deepens through Inspiring Poems About Daughters and the enduring wisdom shared in Mothers Guide Us Throughout Life, where love, guidance, and presence form the heart of growth. Together, these pieces gently lead to The Magic of Being, a cornerstone reflection that brings these themes together—reminding us that meaning is found not in striving, but in noticing, loving, and fully inhabiting each moment we are given.

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Humpty Dumpty Couldn’t Be Put Together Again – A Poem About Emotional Abuse

The Life Long Sentence of Emotional Abuse

This poem is about emotional abuse and the long lasting damages it can have on a child’s life all the way through adulthood and even beyond. I have a friend who was the victim of emotional abuse for many years. Her father was very critical of her and and would consistently say derogatory things to her even though she was a good student and never transgressed the many rules that he devised for her and her sisters throughout their childhood and adolescence. She couldn’t please him no matter what she did. His very authoritarian treatment of his children led to the creation of this poem. Instead of being a father, he acted more like a king and his children were his subjects. Unfortunately, his wife became an accomplice as she would go along with his boorishness and brutality, even if it meant sacrificing some of her children’s emotional well-being.

Unfortunately, my friend, always struggled with her identity, trying to find who she was and where she belonged. She expressed that she always felt fragmented and that she couldn’t really find her path in life. She felt like she was drifting throughout her life- like a boat in a sea that had no direction but just floated wherever the waves took her.

Sadly, all of his children suffered in one way or another. Several identified with his aggressive style and became bullies to two of the other sisters, and none of the sisters could ever form strong emotional bonds with one another, preventing them from giving each other the emotional support that they all needed, especially my friend who felt so broken inside.

Children do better in families where parents aren’t so authoritarian in the way that they interact with them. Setting rules for children’s behavior is essential but acting like a dictator and insisting that the child has no rights other than carrying out the parents’ wishes and being very critical of them can lead to children who become very insecure about themselves and develop emotional problems. Raising our children in this manner, is contrary to what we all need on a basic level and that is- a certain amount of personal freedom. Perhaps this is why children raised in such a rigid environment develop psychological and behavioral problems and are always plagued with feelings of inadequacy and crippling self-doubt.

All of the children raised in this authoritarian household became shadows of what they could have been as children need discipline, applied correctly, but not humiliation and ridicule, nor punishment for not living up to a parent’s perfectionist standards. Children can never achieve their full potential and i.e. have their psychological growth stunted in such an environment; just as people thrive in a democracy where we have freedom and certain rights as individuals rather than one ruled by an authoritarian government at the expense of personal freedom.

Humpty Dumpty Couldn’t Be Put Together Again

Once there was a kingdom with its king,
so high was he.
He reigned forty years—
give or take three.
He had five daughters
and a queen, you see.
The daughters were the subjects,
and the demands he exacted
were great to be.

Oh, he ruled with an iron fist,
and the queen, she joined him,
steadfast in every wish,
as he bullied and prodded
with his vainglory quest.
But she would not deny him
not one single request.

But there was one daughter
who questioned his iron rule,
and he went after her feelings of self-worth.
The queen, she acted like a simple fool,
repeating his insults of abuse
from his place of kingly throne,
all the while him gloating
in his deprecating mirth.

Oh, how he would go on about her
not ever amounting to anything,
while the other daughters were mute.
The dog cowered in fear,
as he had been kicked often by this king
who by his queen was thought to be so dear.

And he would rant on and on
at his daughter who wouldn’t
make his dreams come true,
and he would slay her inside—
just as his imaginary enemies
must be taught to serve this king
in total submission.
Such penalties, he thought,
were deservedly due.
His queen, unquestioningly,
shared this view.

And one day, the daughter
left to make her path outside the palace.
But she felt like a puzzle
with a missing piece,
and she couldn’t retrace its whereabouts—
somehow, it had been irretrievably misplaced.
The queen could never offer her
any consolable words;
for the king, he was imperial and divine.
And for the rest of her life,
she felt so utterly disgraced.
Her existence was somehow effaced.

Yes, this daughter—a princess no less—
tried and tried to find her way,
and one day, she split into many pieces, some say.
Somehow the pieces just wouldn’t fit,
try hard as she may.

She saw her mother standing in the nursery;
over her bed, she smiled
and shrugged her shoulders
so dismissively.
As her daughter’s crib gently swayed,
she could hear her say:

“Yes, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men
couldn’t put Humpty together again.”

~ Lora Hollings

Insights from this poem

Humpty Dumpty Couldn’t Be Put Together Again – A Poem About Emotional Abuse presents a powerful reflection on the enduring psychological consequences of authoritarian parenting and emotional cruelty. Through the symbolic narrative of a king who rules his family with dominance and criticism, the poem illustrates how constant humiliation fractures a child’s sense of identity and self-worth. The daughter’s experience of feeling like a puzzle with missing pieces reflects the deep internal fragmentation caused by emotional abuse. The queen’s complicity further highlights how silence and passive acceptance within families can intensify harm. The recurring Humpty Dumpty metaphor reinforces the theme of irreparable damage, suggesting that persistent emotional wounds can shape a person’s life trajectory. Ultimately, the work serves as both social commentary and emotional testimony, emphasizing the importance of compassion, healthy boundaries, and personal freedom in raising children. It reminds readers that while discipline guides growth, love and emotional safety are essential for psychological wholeness and human flourishing.

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The Ballad of the Music Student

The Piano Recital

Oh those piano recitals! I can remember how nervous I used to get right before I had to play. When I saw my name next in the program, I started to freeze just thinking about it. And then, when it was my turn, I remember how I felt with every eye upon me as I sat down. Sitting down my knees would knock and then I would close my eyes and just try to hear the music in my head. Concentrate just concentrate, I kept saying to myself! It seemed when I started playing that I would have to will my fingers to move. But then after I hit some very strange notes that were not in the music, I became less nervous and actually started playing the music as it was written! Yes, I was finally in the zone but it certainly took awhile. To me it seemed like an eternity but in actuality, I think it was somewhere in the middle of the piece that I started to be at one with the music and it began to flow.

Now, I still go to piano recitals but its my daughter who plays. It brings back so many memories for me, particularly that one Sunday, when I played the Polonaise by Beethoven and there was a bust of him on top of the piano and I could have sworn he was looking right at me. The master himself! I will attempt to recount that day when the room became so silent that all I could hear was the loud beating of my heart as I sat down and began to play. The following poem is a tribute to what I experienced that day…

The Ballad of the Music Student Poem

I sat down at the piano
to begin the Polonaise with a flourish.
Suddenly, it became so silent in the room
and you could hear someone saying
a final “hush” soon.

I envisioned I’d wow them,
make some even swoon…
with this harmonious tune.
I could hear in my mind a piano forte…
but all that came out were notes of a feeble sort.

I would summon all the courage it would take
for such noble a purpose I knew was at stake!
After all, it was for art’s sake-
to muster all my poise
for such grand, eloquent noise…

I vowed I would make great harmony
with the ensuing chord,
but with fingers trembling
impediment to fine motor assembling-
one note completely missed,
and instead created quite a discord!

Ludwig van Beethoven(1770–1827), German composer.
Despite increasing deafness, Beethoven wrote prodigiously:
nine symphonies, thirty-two piano sonatas, sixteen string quartets,
the opera Fidelio (1814), and the Mass in D (the Missa Solemnis, 1823).

I kept my gaze tightly focused on the keys,
and said, “dear Pataruski help me if you please…”
with great commitment and willingness abound
I certainly had yet to astound;
at that moment something miraculous begin to click
or maybe it was just true “grit”
but all of a sudden,
I actually begin to sound quite “finessy”
even a bit “Chopinessy.”

I got better and better as I played,
the music full of new life and verve.
I guess you might say I had finally found
“da nerve.”

Why, I could have sworn
that this time when I looked up
at the bust of Mr. Beethoven, himself,
though it took a considerable while-
that the frown on his face turned into a smile!

So folks remember this bit of advice
when you experience some difficulty
in your life…
just think of this little ballad
and keep the music alive in your heart,
for even if you get off to a shaky start…
you may end up finishing like Mozart.

~ Lora Hollings

Ludwig van Beethoven Polonaise C-Dur op. 89

Insights About This Poem

The Ballad of the Music Student is a playful yet meaningful reflection on performance anxiety, perseverance, and the quiet triumph of persistence. Through humor and self-awareness, the poem captures a moment familiar to anyone who has stood before an audience—or a challenge—hoping to rise to expectations while feeling the weight of self-doubt.

At the heart of the poem is the contrast between intention and execution. The speaker imagines brilliance, grandeur, and applause, yet initially produces hesitation and discord. This gap between aspiration and reality becomes the emotional tension driving the poem forward. Rather than portraying failure as final, the poem reframes it as part of the creative process—an inevitable step on the path toward growth.

The turning point arrives not through sudden mastery, but through resolve. Courage, “grit,” and commitment replace fear, allowing confidence to emerge organically. The imagined approval of Beethoven serves as both inspiration and reassurance, symbolizing artistic lineage and the timeless truth that even greatness is born from struggle.

Ultimately, the poem offers gentle encouragement. It reminds readers that progress often unfolds mid-attempt, not at the beginning, and that shaky starts do not define final outcomes. By blending humor with heartfelt insight, the poem affirms that persistence, belief, and love for one’s craft can transform uncertainty into harmony—both in music and in life.

More poems

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I Feel Your Presence

The following poem reflects the everlasting bond that I will always have with my mother. Even though, she is no longer here in a physical sense, I feel her presence always near me and cherish the memories of the times that we had together. Spend time with those that you love because you never know when it will be your last day with them.

I Feel Your Presence

In the stillness of an evening snowfall,
I think about when we would have our walks together
and talk about all my plans for the future…
I feel your presence.

In a cleansing rain,
as you would dry me off
with a towel when I was a child
and I would giggle with joy…
I feel your presence.

In a beautiful melody beckoning a heart to sing,
I remember practicing the piano
and you would sing along as I played—
sometimes, you had a faraway look in your eyes…
I feel your presence.

In a lovely garden,
where you taught me the miracle of watching life grow,
the feeling of the earth in my hands
which became clay for your living art,
and in the warmth of the sun’s rays on my back…
I feel your presence.

In a memory of a vision of loveliness
when I first saw you all dressed up—
dancing with me on a starry night…
now, when I’m dressed up,
going out for the evening,
kissing my own little girl goodnight
and she tells me how lovely I look…
I feel your presence.

When you stood up to defend your child
against what you
thought was an injustice,
and now, when I do the same
for mine…
I feel your presence.

In a desperation of a moment
when everything feels as if it
is futile…
and I hear you encouraging me to go on…

In the beauty of a sunset,
when you would stand next to me…
saying, “how wonderful is this moment
and my sharing it with you,”
I feel your presence.

When I hold my little girl close,
telling her how much she means to me…
I feel your presence.

In a reflection in a pond,
where we would often wade and
listen to the frogs… I look down in the water
and still see your lovely face…
I feel your presence.

~ Lora Hollings

Angels as Guides for Living

Angels Can Show Us Our Path in Life

This article is about how angels can offer us guidance in living. Whether we see them depicted in art or read stories about angels coming to the aid of people, we feel comforted by their presence. However, angels can also become our teachers as they show us a path in life which seeks to bring healing, comfort, and love to the lives of others. In following their example, we develop a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives and a greater sense of our spiritual selves.

A Poem About an Angel Who Inspires Us to Care About Others

The Messenger

One day,
I went inside a museum
and a mural hung on the wall of
a glorious angel…
a vision of celestial grace
cloaked in her draping gown
with soft curls framing a lovely face.

Through the large glass windows
as the sun’s rays gently fell on this seraph,
she became bathed in light…
adding to her ethereal presence,
and making me feel
as though I were close to heaven.

Then her eyes met mine,
and something was communicated
in the silence of a moment…

Hearing a soft cry,
I looked to my right
and saw a woman with a little child.

The child was crying for
he was hungry and had no food;
the mother was trying to console him.

Moved by a sense of pity,
I walked over to them
and offered them some fruit
that I had taken
with me…

then I asked if they had
a place to go,
and the mother answered no-
so I asked them if I
could give them shelter.

As I left there,
turning to look at that beautiful angel
one more time…

still feeling the warmth of her light
and seeing her penetrating eye…

I could have sworn I saw her smile
and I thought, yes you do live within me

as I am empowered by the goodness in me
to illuminate the darkest places…

by your divine inspiration
to alleviate suffering and bring hope
to those who walk in fear,
and use my gifts to help make this world
a better place for all God’s creation.

~ Lora Hollings

“We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; and God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.” — Saint Thomas Aquinas

In Giving, We Receive

One day, I heard a little bird chirping loudly.
He seemed to be in much distress;
it appeared, he had tumbled from his nest…
so I gently put him back.

One day, as I was walking down a street,
I saw a stray dog-
frantically searching for someone
or something…

He would go up to people,
but everyone passed him by-
his appearance showing
he had long suffered from neglect.

With coat so shabby
and bones showing,
a look of desperation in his eyes…

I couldn’t pass him by-
I stopped to give him food,
which he freely took,
and he followed me home.

Now, with his faithful companionship,
I do not feel so alone.

One day, I found a child who was lost
and stopped to help her home, again.

She gave me a little picture
that she had drawn of herself
with the sweetest smile
and a little bouquet of violets.

I still hear an echo of her voice…
saying thank you.

One day, I heard a heart cry out from one
who felt abandoned and alone…

so I stopped to listen to a tale of loneliness
and despair.

I offered my friendship
and shared with her my heartfelt wounds,
relieving a burden that I was
not alone in my suffering…

I have begun the process to heal
as now I have a close friend
with whom I can share-
both my joy and my sorrow.

I often think, if I never stopped
as I went on my way
to help those in need-
and chose to go alone…

that my life would not be as rich
for it truly is in giving that we receive.

~ Lora Hollings

God Has Entrusted Us With His Greatest Gifts — Our Children Can Become as Angels Creating a Heaven on Earth

“A babe in the house is a well-spring of pleasure, a messenger of peace and love, a resting place for innocence on earth, a link between angels and men.” — Martin Fraquhar Tupper

Children Are Gifts From God

You are a gift from God.
Born into this world,
so innocent and pure…
as an angel.
Your beauty reflects His love,
and He has entrusted me with your care.
How blessed am I
to be your loving guardian throughout your life,
to teach you right from wrong,
guiding you always to walk toward His light,
sometimes down an uncertain path…
but strengthening your resolve
to bring light into the lives of others.

~ Lora Hollings

We Are Inspired by Angels to Love and Protect Animals

Our responsibility in being stewards of the earth includes taking care of our animal brothers and sisters too. When we show compassion and save animals from cruelty, we are acting out of the highest realm of our spirituality and thus we become angels to our animal brethren who are so deserving of our concern for their welfare and the right to live without being harmed or abused by anyone.

“God made all the creatures and gave them our love and our fear, to give sign, we and they are His children, one family here.” — Robert Browning

“Nature is the art of God.” ~ Dante Alighieri

“The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.” — Ralph Waldo Emerso

If I can stop one heart from breaking

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

~ Emily Dickinson

“All God’s angels come to us disguised.” — James Russell Lowell

We Can Only Live Up to Our Full Potential By Helping Others

“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.” — Luciano de Crescenzo

“When we do kind deeds for our fellow man we become as angels.”

“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.” ~ William Penn

“If you live for love you spread kindness and compassion everywhere you go. When you stop believing in your heart you are but a sterile vessel wandering in the wilderness.” ~ Francis Hegmeyer

Flowers Are the Words of Angels

“Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of the character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning.” ~Lydia M. Child

Angels Are With Us in Spirit

“Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.” — St. Francis De Sales

Nature is an Angel’s Favorite Hiding Place

“Ever felt an angel’s breath in the gentle breeze? A teardrop in the falling rain? Hear a whisper amongst the rustle of leaves? Or been kissed by a lone snowflake? Nature is an angel’s favorite hiding place.” — Terri Guillemets

Be an Angel to Someone Else Whenever You Can

“Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you.” — Eileen Elias Freeman

” By following in the footsteps of Angels, We can Bring Peace to Our World – If we were all like angels, the world would be a heavenly place.”— Author Unknown

Insights from these poems

“Angels as Guides for Living” explores the powerful role of spiritual guidance, compassion, and divine inspiration through a collection of reflective poems that encourage readers to live with purpose, kindness, and moral awareness. Each poem presents a unique perspective on how angelic influence can shape human behavior and inspire meaningful acts of service.

In “The Messenger,” the image of a radiant angel in a museum becomes a symbol of divine inspiration and inner transformation. The encounter awakens a sense of compassion in the speaker, motivating acts of kindness toward those in need. The poem illustrates how spiritual awareness can guide individuals to alleviate suffering and bring hope to others, reinforcing the idea that goodness within us reflects higher guidance.

“In Giving, We Receive” emphasizes the importance of selfless service and compassion in everyday life. Through a series of encounters — helping an injured bird, caring for a neglected animal, assisting a lost child, and offering friendship to someone in despair — the poem demonstrates that acts of kindness enrich both the giver and the receiver. It highlights the spiritual principle that fulfillment and healing often come through helping others.

In “Children Are Gifts From God,” the focus shifts to the sacred responsibility of nurturing and guiding the next generation. The poem portrays children as divine blessings entrusted to our care, emphasizing themes of love, protection, moral guidance, and spiritual stewardship. It reflects the role of parents and guardians in shaping character and inspiring future compassion.

Together, these poems present a unified message about living with faith, empathy, and purpose. They suggest that spiritual growth is expressed through compassion, service, and love for others. Ultimately, “Angels as Guides for Living” encourages readers to embrace kindness, act with moral responsibility, and become sources of light in the world through everyday acts of goodness.

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What the Ladybug Whispered

When I was very young,
I ran after a ladybug to catch it.
“I cannot stay…
I bring you joy for this moment today–
remember, you may never hold on to me.
I must be set free,”
she whispered.

“As your lovely spirit
is free as the wind
to be whoever you want to be,
there is … but no limit.
Indeed a miracle you are–
with shiny eyes and laughter.
A joyous melody
can be heard
throughout the land,
as nature echoes
with ready refrain
to celebrate a sweet soul.

And with dreams undimmed
which enable you to fly–
like me.
Oh do not pinion my wings
my little dear,
and I entreat those who come near
your sweet soul
to always let you be free…
unbounded,
undistorted,
not misshaped
by their constraint…
to be who you were intended to be.”

~ Lora Hollings

Listen To What the Ladybug Whispered: The Song

For the Love of Horses

Throughout the ages, horses have been used by mankind in his battles, for ploughing fields, mining coal and transporting goods and people in rural areas and in fast growing cities. Horses have played a vital role in our history, and they are loved by many as affectionate and loyal companions.

The following poem is about a woman and her feelings for her most faithful friend, her horse, and her thoughts about losing him someday.

My Noble Steed

Throughout time I have traveled with you,
my noble steed,
across the Kingdom of the Pharaohs,
you have traversed the land
with lightning speed…

in all terrains and adversity
to fight the battles with men,
to witness firsthand the wages of war
and mankind’s inhumanity…

to whatever fate you have resigned—
only to ask that when you die,
we will be there at your side.

I see a gallant soul
in your eyes…

With the pulse of your stride,
through forest and field,
I feel each beat of your heart
and ask that we shall never part.

If this world should
come to an end,
I only ask that you be with me,
my valiant friend…

and if destiny should decree
that you go before I,
emblazoned in the sky,

so shall I see you with wings as you fly,
as your ancestor, winged Pegasus.

In the depth of my soul,
with each and every breath,
I pray that you will be with me after death.

~ Lora Hollings

Horses (Celtic Woman – The Voice)

Black Beauty, A Favorite Book About a Horse

Narrated by the horse himself, this beloved classic shines a light on the cruelties that animals suffer at the hands of humans. It is full of simple moral lessons and takes the reader from the beauty of a spring country evening to the hard working life of Victorian London. It offers a fascinating, detailed portrait of Victorian English life and a meaningful reminder of the simple truth that animals have feelings.

Black Beauty was the only novel by Anna Sewell and and the first major animal story in children’s literature. The author wrote it “to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses”; it was published in 1877, shortly before Sewell’s death.

Confined to her house as an invalid, Sewell spent the last seven or eight years of her life writing Black Beauty. The book, a fictional autobiography of a gentle highbred horse, had a strong moral purpose and is said to have been instrumental in abolishing the cruel practice of using the checkrein.

I highly recommend this book for both children and adults not only because it is a great story but for its profound message too.

Movies Based on The Riveting Story of Black Beauty

From The Beloved Classic Comes An Inspiring New Vision

Insights

For the Love of Horses reflects the profound emotional and spiritual bond between humans and horses, portraying these majestic animals as loyal companions, symbols of strength, and sources of deep inspiration. The work emphasizes the timeless partnership between horse and rider, highlighting how horses have accompanied humanity through history in war, labor, exploration, and personal connection. Beyond their physical power, the poem explores the horse’s noble spirit, sensitivity, and intuitive connection to human emotion.

The reference to Pegasus introduces a mythological dimension, elevating the horse from earthly companion to a symbol of transcendence, freedom, and eternal presence. This imagery suggests that the bond between human and animal extends beyond physical existence, touching the realms of memory, spirituality, and enduring devotion. The poem conveys reverence for the horse’s loyalty and expresses a longing for unity that continues even beyond life itself.

Ultimately, the work serves as a meditation on companionship, trust, and unconditional connection. It reminds readers that relationships with animals can provide emotional grounding, inspiration, and meaning. Through themes of love, loyalty, and transcendence, the piece celebrates the horse not merely as an animal, but as a noble partner in life’s journey.

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Other Works by Lora Hollings

Inspiring Poems About Daughters

Creating A Better World for All Children?

These poems are a tribute to not only my daughter but to the children of the world. I hope that these inspiring poems about daughters will resonate with readers everywhere. They honor children for their pureness of heart, honesty, imagination, and their inquisitive minds which give them such an amazing capacity to learn. We must endeavor to build a more loving and just world where all children can grow up in a safe environment and not be exploited or abused, and have the opportunity to develop their unique gifts and grow up to live good lives.

The Patter of Little Feet

I still hear the patter
of your little feet
running down the hall,

“mama, mama,”
you would call,
arms outstretched for me—

to hold you
as you were frightened
by the loud claps of thunder.

And I would give you
a warm embrace.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of…
this will pass,
and the sun will
soon come out.”

Then I placed you on my lap
in a big rocking chair,
and I would read you a story.

The thunder suddenly becoming much quieter—
only the patter of raindrops
falling on the windows
could now be heard.

“Look, it’s the rain,
and it makes seeds grow.
Remember the little seed
you planted yesterday?”

And then I would take
your little hands
and fold them inside of mine,
showing you how a seed
grows into a lovely flower.

And often times,
when we looked out the window again,
the sun was there,
and a beautiful rainbow
would appear in the sky.

You would take your crayons out
and draw the rainbow and the sun—
then you and I, holding hands,
with such happy, smiling faces.

Now you’ve grown
into a radiant flower,
spreading beauty and joy
wherever you go…

a lovely rainbow of color
follows you in your path
as you share your
grace and gifts with others.

And whenever I hear
the patter of rain
falling against the window,

I hear the patter
of little feet
against the floor…

and hear your sweet voice calling
as if it were only yesterday—

and I still feel
the softness and warmth
of your little body
as I would hold you in my arms…

forever,
my little flower.

~ Lora Hollings

Just Like Thumbelina

I remember the tenderness
of your little hands,

and the scent of your sweet, soft curls
under my chin;

with your little feet folded beneath you on my lap,
I would read your favorite story—
Thumbelina.

After I read the story,
you would use your little hands
to imitate Thumbelina
flying on her swallow;

and seeing others who needed help,
you would signal with your hand
that you were flying down
to rescue them—

a little bird with a broken wing,
a puppy or kitten in trouble,
or a small child who looked lost.

You would say,
“They’re all right now, Mom,
safe from harm.”

And then we would
sing your favorite song,

and you would dance,
twirling round and round,
making graceful gestures with your arms.

*“Thumbelina, Thumbelina, tiny little thing,
Thumbelina dance, Thumbelina sing.
Thumbelina, what’s the difference if you’re very small?
When your heart is full of love,
you’re nine feet tall!”

Then all the little animals who were broken,
and all the ones who were lost and needed help,
would become the names of your
toys in your room,
and I would
help you mend their injuries.

Now I see you as a grown woman,
using your incredible gifts of mind
and loving heart—

rescuing those who are injured or lost,
restoring their hope,
and the possibility to see themselves,
once again,
in the promise of a new day.

~ Lora Hollings

My Snow Angel

When you were a little girl,
I remember dressing you
in a lavender snowsuit,
with a heart on its jacket,
and little red boots
so that you could go outside to play.

Dazzled by this new wintry world,
you would jump in the soft white drifts
and reach for icicles that dangled
from branches of trees—
your eyes full of wonder and delight.

Lying in the snow,
you would make snow angels
as I had taught you,
so many pretty ones…
the little imprint of your body
seemed to be
a perfect size for an angel.

A little trail of footprints
could be seen across the yard
as you loved to hear your boots make
crunching sounds in the snow.

Laughing excitedly,
you would catch snowflakes
falling from the sky
with your red mittens,
and marvel at their delicate form.

How you loved discovering
new things about the world—
as you continue to do today,
often times even forging a new path,
and leaving new footprints
for others to follow.

~ Lora Hollings

Insights About These Poems

The three poems about daughters reflect a profound emotional landscape where love, memory, growth, and transformation intertwine. At their heart is a devotion that moves beyond simple affection into deep spiritual presence and personal witnessing. Each poem explores a different facet of the parent–child relationship, but together they map a journey: from the innocence of early years, through shared imagination and wonder, to the adult fulfillment of gifts once nurtured in childhood.

In Just Like Thumbelina, the daughter’s playful imitation of Thumbelina becomes symbolic of a heart that sees need and responds with love. Her imaginative rescue missions—saving birds, puppies, and lost children—reveal an innate compassion that transcends physical stature. What begins as childlike play becomes metaphor for a life lived with empathy and purpose. The poem’s voice is one of pride and reflection, seeing the seeds of a compassionate adult in the early gestures of a child.

My Snow Angel carries this theme into the sensory world of discovery—snow, cold, footprints, snowflakes—where the child’s simple joy reflects the wonder of engagement with the world. It celebrates curiosity, presence, and the footprints we leave behind—literal and metaphorical—suggesting that wonder can become legacy.

Across both, the bond between parent and child functions as something sacred, a space where the heart learns to see, to marvel, and to love without reservation. In witnessing the daughter’s wonder and compassion, the speaker also rediscovers beauty, hope, and continuity.

Collectively, these poems affirm that daughters are more than cherished beloveds: they are teachers, mirrors of love’s potential, and living embodiments of compassion’s promise. They remind us that the sacred often lives in the humble moments of shared play, imagination, and care.

Additional Poems by Lora Hollings

The quiet wonder of The Ladybug Poem reminds us how meaning often arrives in small, unexpected ways—a theme that continues in A New Day Has Come and the tender reflection of The Gift of Love. These moments of awareness and gratitude deepen through Inspiring Poems About Daughters and the enduring guidance shared in Mothers Guide Us Throughout Life, where love becomes both lesson and legacy. Together, these reflections gently point toward The Magic of Being, a cornerstone piece that gathers these threads into a single truth: life’s deepest beauty is found in presence, connection, and simply being.

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The Ladybug Queen

Collection: Ladybug Poems

There’s a ladybug queen
who lives in a garden of roses.
Of the flowers she takes special care;
a gown of petals and leaves she wears
from lovely roses grown there.
With gesture and expression so serene,
she is composed
of gentle concern for all creation.
She loves all the animals,
living by a simple creed…
to help those who are in need.

With her lovely
song she charms
and protects all from harm.
She plants a seed
in the desire to do a kind deed
to all those who come.

With her healing touch,
hate and fear disappear
without a trace…
in this magical place.
Enveloped in this aura of beauty
as they breathe in this
fragrant air,
those that are in despair
are born anew
in the light of her care.

Keener are their senses,
with greater clarity is their vision–
they now see with more
accuracy than they ever have before,
and those who once had little regard for other life…
are transformed.
They leave now,
as they embrace all creatures
great and small,
with a greater sense of humanity
and a kinder disposition toward all.

~ Lora Hollings

I Can Care

I may not be able to change the past
I may not be able to abolish all crime.
I wish that I could cure all disease, poverty, and eliminate all cruelty.
But it is not possible.

I may never be in a position to stop wars.
I may never find a cure for cancer or find all the answers
to questions which I seek.
It is true that I have limits.

But I can show mercy and kindess to all God’s creatures.
I can choose not to be prejudice and show fairness to all people.
I can act with concern for the welfare of others.
I can bring light into the world by sharing my gifts with another.
My life can make a difference…
Because I can care.

~ Lora Hollings

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”- Augustine
“Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.”- Jack Hyles

Little Oliver Cory Who Reached for the Stars

This poem is about a little boy who is much wiser than those who ridicule him. The poem also shows us that even though someone may bully us with words and completely misjudge us that we don’t have to let it effect our feelings of self-worth. We can go on to achieve our goals despite their wrong opinion about us.

Little Oliver Cory

Little Oliver Cory was shorter than most,
he sure was skinny and poor-
I guess you could say he carried “no weight”
and his classmates all thought,
this would decide his fate.

When it came to other children calling on him,
it seldom did occur-
yet little Oliver with his idealistic faith,
this… it did not deter.

He kept right on pursuin’ his dreams.
It didn’t seem to matter much
if insults got real mean;
studying hard and persevering,
on this, he was keen-
enjoying his life and interests
with an energy seldom seen.

LIttle Oliver Cory never talked much,
didn’t indulge in gossip and such.
One day, he got hit in the eye
but Oliver was determined not to cry-
he just shook his head with a sigh.

That big boy stared at him real hard
and told him he was a fool…
“you’ll never be anything, you’ll see,
but Oliver answered,
“no one can take my dreams from me.”

One day, we all read about Oliver Cory
who won the Pulitzer Prize for his great story;
his talent and skill brought him real glory.
Oliver said his success had been hard-earned
but worth all the pain,
and that he hadn’t done it for the fame.

Yes, that little Oliver Cory
who never talked much
and hid his tears inside-
reached for the stars
and flew right to the sky.

~ Lora Hollings

Listen To Little Oliver Cory: The Song

I hope that my poem, Oliver Cory, will inspire students with its message that we shouldn’t let other’s opinions of us which can be so flawed or their inaccurate perceptions of us define who we are.

And it is also my sincere wish that students who read my article and see the videos featured on it realize the importance of taking a stand against bullying by standing up for students who are its victims.

Anti Bullying: It Only Takes One

The following videos show how just one student can make a difference and the difference creates more than one!

Be The Change- Be The Hero

Be the hero and stand up against bullying and make a difference in changing someone’s life. Be an ‘upstander’ instead of a ‘bystander’ to bullying.

Insight on Little Oliver Cory

Little Oliver Cory is a quiet but powerful meditation on inner worth, perseverance, and the long arc of becoming. From the opening lines, Oliver is defined not by his own voice but by the judgments of others—his size, his poverty, and the cruel assumption that these traits determine destiny. The poem deliberately frames him as “carrying no weight,” not only physically but socially, emphasizing how easily the world overlooks those who do not demand attention.

Yet the heart of the poem lies in Oliver’s unshakable interior life. His “idealistic faith” becomes a shield—not loud, not confrontational, but steady. He does not escape pain; he absorbs it. The moment where he is struck and refuses to cry is especially telling: this is not about suppression, but resolve. Oliver chooses dignity over reaction, dreams over defense.

The turning point is not revenge, but fulfillment. The Pulitzer Prize is not presented as triumph over others, but as the natural outcome of devotion, discipline, and love for the work itself. Oliver’s success is explicitly detached from fame, reinforcing the poem’s message that true achievement is self-defined.

Ultimately, the poem reminds us that greatness often grows in silence. Those who “never talk much” may still be listening deeply—to purpose, to possibility, and to the quiet call of their own stars.

More poems

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