Poetry by Shel Silverstein
________________________________________
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of Mary Hume
At her seventh birthday party,
Looking 'round the ribboned room.
"This tablecloth is pink not white--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of grown-up Mary
Talking about her handsome beau,
The one she wasn't gonna marry.
"Squeezes me a bit too tight--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of ol' Miss Hume
Teaching in the seventh grade,
Grading papers in the gloom
Late at night up in her room.
"They never cross their t's just right--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
Ninety-eight the day she died
Complainin' 'bout the spotless floor.
People shook their heads and sighed,
"Guess that she'll like heaven more."
Up went her soul on feathered wings,
Out the door, up out of sight.
Another voice from heaven came--
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
I have always loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein. If ever I attended a read-a-thon I made sure to include a book of his poetry on my reading list. Along with other favorites like Ramona the Brave Little House on the Prairie, and Super Fudge. Ever so often something comes up in my life that reminds me of one of Shel’s stories or poems. In this very funny and telling poem I have found my inspiration for my new project.
I have been contemplating writing a blog for many months now. However, how could I ever be cute enough, or funny enough, or talented enough, or even marginally interesting enough to ever write a blog? And for that matter who would ever care to read it?
Recently I had a conversation with my good friend who often inspires me to do good. We chatted about how this new age of cyber socializing can often leave one feeling quite down in the dumps. I rarely read about the dark side or the less glamorous parts of the human experience. Most every one is sure to put their best cyber foot forward when showcasing their lives on-line. I think especially as an LDS wife and mother it can be difficult to feel good about yourself and your accomplishments when you constantly compare yourself to someone else.
How could I ever be as pretty as Sally? Why can’t I be as clean and organized as Melba? My children will never be as well behaved as Gertrude’s. Fanny’s husband is so wonderful to her! I just know they have the perfect marriage. Why can’t my husband and I be more like that? (Names have clearly been changed to protect the perfect)
I know I am guilty of having this type of defeating self talk. And, as I spoke with my good friend today I dawned on me that there are others out there that must feel the same way I do…..Almost perfect but not quite! I this world of self help programs and cyber socialization I realize that if I’m not careful I could easily become consumed with the pursuit of perfection. I realize that no matter how hard I try to measure up to whatever ideal image I’ve chosen to compare myself and my family to this week, perfection will always be just out of my reach.
And so, i've finally built up the courage to put myself out there and start a blog. Because my life really is wonderful..... imperfect and all! And so I dedicate my thoughts and words to my wonderful son and two beautiful daughters. They are funny, smart, talented, and fabulous! They are also not perfect, nor do they need to be. I hope one day they will look back at this record with joy and fondness. I hope that as we look at it now we can learn to stop taking ourselves so seriously, and enjoy the ride of life.
Jake, McKenzie and Hannah, I know one day you might find yourself feeling the same way I have at times. So, if your reading this one day in the future and if your wondering how you will ever measure up, I say this to you. "Remember who you are. Know that you have a loving Savior and a Heavenly Father who only require of you the best that you have to give each day. The Savior will lovingly, willingly, make up the difference for all of us being “Almost perfect but not quite”.
Remeber that I love you! You are the best things that have ever happened to me! This record is for you!!
Love, Mom
________________________________________
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of Mary Hume
At her seventh birthday party,
Looking 'round the ribboned room.
"This tablecloth is pink not white--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of grown-up Mary
Talking about her handsome beau,
The one she wasn't gonna marry.
"Squeezes me a bit too tight--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
Those were the words of ol' Miss Hume
Teaching in the seventh grade,
Grading papers in the gloom
Late at night up in her room.
"They never cross their t's just right--
Almost perfect... but not quite."
Ninety-eight the day she died
Complainin' 'bout the spotless floor.
People shook their heads and sighed,
"Guess that she'll like heaven more."
Up went her soul on feathered wings,
Out the door, up out of sight.
Another voice from heaven came--
"Almost perfect... but not quite."
I have always loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein. If ever I attended a read-a-thon I made sure to include a book of his poetry on my reading list. Along with other favorites like Ramona the Brave Little House on the Prairie, and Super Fudge. Ever so often something comes up in my life that reminds me of one of Shel’s stories or poems. In this very funny and telling poem I have found my inspiration for my new project.
I have been contemplating writing a blog for many months now. However, how could I ever be cute enough, or funny enough, or talented enough, or even marginally interesting enough to ever write a blog? And for that matter who would ever care to read it?
Recently I had a conversation with my good friend who often inspires me to do good. We chatted about how this new age of cyber socializing can often leave one feeling quite down in the dumps. I rarely read about the dark side or the less glamorous parts of the human experience. Most every one is sure to put their best cyber foot forward when showcasing their lives on-line. I think especially as an LDS wife and mother it can be difficult to feel good about yourself and your accomplishments when you constantly compare yourself to someone else.
How could I ever be as pretty as Sally? Why can’t I be as clean and organized as Melba? My children will never be as well behaved as Gertrude’s. Fanny’s husband is so wonderful to her! I just know they have the perfect marriage. Why can’t my husband and I be more like that? (Names have clearly been changed to protect the perfect)
I know I am guilty of having this type of defeating self talk. And, as I spoke with my good friend today I dawned on me that there are others out there that must feel the same way I do…..Almost perfect but not quite! I this world of self help programs and cyber socialization I realize that if I’m not careful I could easily become consumed with the pursuit of perfection. I realize that no matter how hard I try to measure up to whatever ideal image I’ve chosen to compare myself and my family to this week, perfection will always be just out of my reach.
And so, i've finally built up the courage to put myself out there and start a blog. Because my life really is wonderful..... imperfect and all! And so I dedicate my thoughts and words to my wonderful son and two beautiful daughters. They are funny, smart, talented, and fabulous! They are also not perfect, nor do they need to be. I hope one day they will look back at this record with joy and fondness. I hope that as we look at it now we can learn to stop taking ourselves so seriously, and enjoy the ride of life.
Jake, McKenzie and Hannah, I know one day you might find yourself feeling the same way I have at times. So, if your reading this one day in the future and if your wondering how you will ever measure up, I say this to you. "Remember who you are. Know that you have a loving Savior and a Heavenly Father who only require of you the best that you have to give each day. The Savior will lovingly, willingly, make up the difference for all of us being “Almost perfect but not quite”.
Remeber that I love you! You are the best things that have ever happened to me! This record is for you!!
Love, Mom
3 comments:
Um, hello...that was a FABULOUS introduction so don't you dare say you're not good at blogging. :) You are quite talented you know. I think you're wonderful and I'm wondering what friend you had that conversation with. I know we've had the same conversation many times, but not today. You know I love you even if you're not perfect...how about BECAUSE you're not perfect. So there. Oh, and by the way I want to read your blog so there. :)
Kim, I am so happy to see you writing a blog...and I will be reading it, too. You are one of the most talented people I know, and this introduction is awesome. I agree that it's really easy to get caught up in thinking everyone else is perfect when you read their blogs (unless of course you've read mine--I have no problem hanging it all out there for the world to see.) I look forward to your future posts!
Thanks girls! Love you! P.S. Kim it WAS you! I wrote that intro a few months ago, it just took me a while to post it and share with the world! I love ya right back!!!
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