Then It’s Time To Rest
When every seat is occupied
Around the dinner table
And all appetites are satisfied;
and all are well and able.

When we all cherish life the same.
And peace is more common than fear.
When “welcome”, “I love you”, and “thank you”
Are phrases we always hear.
When hands reach out to offer
Instead of hurting or taking away.
Until empathy is bountiful
And caring leads the way
When all we can do has been done
And we know we’ve all done our best,
When we all see each other as family,
Then, it’s time to rest.

Just a reminder to look to the people in our lives for fulfillment not our material possessions.
My How You’ve Grown
Oh time, she is swift
Only now realizing how precious a gift.
Most days just trying to endure.
Dealing with the pain and looking for a cure.
Better job, better pay,
A struggle from day-to-day.
Acquiring all of these things…
In hopes that joy someday it will bring.
When all this time before our eyes,
We finally start to realize;
The solution to joy has always been here.
No longer a child, but a grown man facing fears.
My, how you’ve grown over the past several years!
With only a few lessons we put in your ears.
The search is over, and right here you stand.
The joy of our lives, this kind young man.

The Man In Your Life
If the man in your life is present,
It must mean that you’re important to him.
He couldn’t imagine a day without you,
All that is bright would seem so dim.
So he rises early each day
And puts his best foot forward.
There’s nothing else more special,
Than his family to work toward.
Sure, sometimes he needs reminding,
Of odd jobs that fall to the side.
But much can get lost in the shuffle,
Especially those things that like to hide.
So if there is a reminder
That you think he should know;
Remind him of early testing.
To catch the illusive foe.
For we cannot fight that which we are not aware of.
Don’t let it sneak up from behind.
Let’s keep THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE alive.
For there’s nothing more precious than time.

Just One More Day
After one is gone, we often say;
“Oh what I would do with just one more day!”
To say what we needed to say,
Or do what we needed to do.
We don’t ask for a whole lifetime.
But only for moments few.
For we understand, life is fragile,
We know that they are not here forever.
And it hits us like a ton of bricks,
To fathom we will see them never.
So if our efforts to extend one’s life,
Gives us only just one more day.
We will be answering the prayers of many;
In so many ways.
One more day to laugh
One more day to play
One more day to love
One more day to pray
One more day to travel
One more day to run
One more toast at sunset
One more gorgeous raising sun.
Just one more day!

Regarding men’s mental health, we often hear after a suicide, “He seemed like such a happy guy “
Inspired this…..
Healing The Magician
Smoke and mirrors,
Slight of hand;
I won’t let you see
How hurt I really am.
I’ll smile to distract you;
And even laugh out loud,
Just so you’ll leave me alone
So I can escape the crowd.
Happy go lucky on the outside
But inside I am truly sick.
I’ve really become quite good
At creating all these tricks.
I’m sure it will take a genius
To see beyond my craftiness
As I strive to suffer in silence
And avoid this unreachable happiness.
I’ve seen others escape
From the chains that I now wear.
They had friends who cracked their code
So they could open up, and share.
To the One who knows my every need
I pray that you’ll intervene.
I’m so tired of performing
And I long for a life serene.
Today I entrust my life to you.
For you are my one true friend.
Please make my smiles genuine,
And my faith to have no end.
Now that this magic show has ended,
And that curtain is drawn at last;
I look forward to our future,
And put to rest my lonesome past..

Just a thought.
I find writing poetry forces me to put myself in others shoes and truly empathize. I hope these are reaching someone who can relate and benefit from them.

Often Said-Often Thought
Often said, “don’t worry about it “
Often thought, “how can I, not?”
Who else will see this through?
Really, if not me, then who?
Pressure upon pressure.
Task upon task.
We keep testing our limits;
Until at last;
The guilt of disappointment,
The blame of one’s self;
Numbing of the symptoms,
Putting one’s heart on a shelf.
Not wanting to feel
and unable to deal.
Often said, “You’re not sugar, you’re not going to melt”
Often thought,
“If I only had guidance with this hand I’ve been dealt. “

As promised, here is my first piece of poetry related to mental health.
A Season of Change.
It is something we’ve grown accustomed to,
the falling of the leaves.
From green hues to endless spectrum;
We witness the dying of the trees.
Only God can make something that’s dying,
Be so appealing to the eye.
Leaving us all but speechless,
Our only response a sigh.
We pray that God takes our ailments of mind, body, and soul;
And transforms them into something beautiful, making us once again feel whole.
Please bring to us a change of season and instil in us a brand new start.
With healthy minds and spirits and create in us a work of art.
For in your hands we are beautiful, from the first brush stroke to the last.
Focussing on a brighter future while learning from our past.
So with hopeful voices,
A little song we will sing.
Lord we trust your choices.
We’ll see You in the Spring.

This isn’t just about doing good or about being kind. When it comes to mental health, it’s all about “PEACE OF MIND”
R.S.L.

Staying Hopeful – by Robert Laurie, Nov. 20, 2023

No, it’s not easy.
No, it’s not fair.
No, it’s not convenient.
No, not everyone cares.

Maybe we’ll find answers.
Maybe a breakthrough is near.
Maybe we’ll ease some suffering.
Maybe before the end of the year.

Oh, yes, it is surely possible.
Yes, it is worth the time.
Yes, we’re making a difference.
Yes, for yours and mine.

Surely, there are good people.
Surely, within our midst.
Surely, many empathic souls.
Will find it in their heart to give.

This week's poem related to men's health.
Press On Regardless – by Rob Laurie November 13, 2023
He seemed fine, I never knew.
All that he was going through.
Why dear man the brave display?
Struggling on from day to day.

There is help if you’d only ask.
Instead of solely taking on the task.
You’re just one but in numbers we’re stronger.
No need to worry alone any longer.

The help you want may not be swift.
But perhaps even just a little lift,
Will be all you’ll need to persevere,
Though all before you interferes.

Press on regardless, despite what may ail you.
Have hope that you’ll cross that finish line.
And when things seem oh so impossible to do, remember….
A winner is just a quitter who tried one more time.

Hello all, this month is off to a great start thanks to all of our supporters. I'll share below this week's poem. I hope these are well received and bring awareness to the cause of not only men's health but everyone's.

When You Ask Me How I’m Doing
By Robert Laurie, November 7th, 2023

When you ask me how I’m doing
And I say, “fine, thanks, and you?”
You hear what I am saying,
And you take it as the truth.

But do you really know for sure?
In second thought, do I?
Because what is unseen is often dismissed.
For we don’t know beneath what lies.

Depression, desperation, cancer running wild.
Breaking us apart from the inside out.
On the outside symptoms seem meek and mild.
And inside these demons do scream and shout.

We have to know our enemy.
If we are to fight and survive.
We can do this by working together.
And all make it out alive.

This life is a gift and we have just one.
And these moments we share should be many.
We take for granted this day all too often.
Until we run out and don’t have any.

We weren’t created to be here alone.
Let’s help those in need if we are able.
So next time we sit and break bread together.
Everyone will be present at the table.

As promised, I'll post below my latest piece of poetry related to men's mental health.
Suffering in Silence by Robert Laurie – October 29, 2023

The man of the house, a title of praise.
Fixer of things day after day.
If asked to me my priorities, my family is my life.
Away from home early, coming home late and dirty.
Barely enough time to kiss them all goodnight.

This body is tired and slowing,
Young men with vigor await.
For a chance at their next promotion.
Each one fresh out of the gate.

With just a simple summons to the office.
They have a new business plan in mind.
They thank me for my service…
And so, I’m finished, with just a signature on a dotted line.

So, I walk in our front door early.
A puzzled look in the eyes of my wife.
My kids so excited to see me!
Unaware that inside I am crying.


I’m sure not the man that I used to be.
I’m replaceable after all.
Despite all of my years invested.
I’m feeling quite feeble and small.

Perhaps they’re better off without me.
I’m afraid I’ve let them all down.
Barley keeping my head above water.
Is this what it feels like to drown?

I’m reaching out and hoping to find.
Someone to please grab my hand.
And pull me from my clouded mind.
And remind me how loved and needed I really am.

It was really almost too late.
An inch away from gone.
Her vow so greatly honored.
It appears that I’m truly needed at home.