MARY S. BROCK
Mary thought carefully about the format and flow of the book. She expresses emotions, thoughts, and concerns about many issues in life. The first category addresses CHANGING TIMES; as she has witnessed through several generations. PERILS OF LIFE category contains poems depicting the many perils that our young people are experiencing in their struggle to survive and be counted. The third category: WORD TO THE WISE, addresses elements of varied stages of life, which provoke actions and emotions of people today, and causes them not to develop strong minds and relationships with the people they are close to. The last category: WORDS OF CONSOLATION contains poems of love, some humor, and self-gratification, to balance the emotions felt throughout this book.
Born in Osceola, Arkansas; raised in Cleveland, Ohio, from the age of 5 to 18 years of age; Mary then moved to Los Angeles, California, where she currently resides.
Mary is quite prolific, and is proficient in all of her endeavors on the job and personally. She has received numerous awards for her proficiency and creativity. Her artistic talents surfaced after an onset of long-term illness; when her love for writing, photography, and poetry led her to a new path in life.
Since early childhood, Mary has been a philanthropist, as well as an achiever. She feels that anything can be achieved, if you set your mind to it. Her recognition of the trials and tribulations in life caused her to have the desire to make needed positive changes in the people of today.
Photography became Mary's interest shortly after her marriage. She entered photo contests and took family portraits, as well as nature scenes. Her photography was recognized in the Photographer’s Forum Magazine Annual edition, in 1986.
Mary’s writing career began in 1982. Since then, she has written one book, completed the script and photography for her own line of Greeting Cards; has a selection of photography and poetry for wall plaques and prints and has written some song lyrics. Mary feels that with her educational, experience background, and artistic abilities, she has much to offer to the world. Therefore, this book is the first effort to reach out and touch, and influence many people’s lives in a positive way; and to share her knowledge and perception of life with others. She hopes the reader not only enjoys the contents; but will also benefit by enrichment of their current and future life.
QUITE OFTEN WE FORGET
Quite often we forget the many homeless in the street,
And quite frequently we gouge on all the food we have to eat;
Never think about the ones who never have a shoe to wear;
It more often seems as though for them, we very seldom care.
It’s quite often that we visit the market in the neighborhood;
Never think about the ones who very often wished they could.
We still take a lot for granted, as we venture day by day;
While the poor, weak and deprived... suffer, die, or waste away.
Now it’s time to show compassion for the poor and homeless people,
Reach down into our hearts and help to be our brother’s keepers.
Through the gifts we give today, some will flourish and rejoice;
And some others will be lifted, as our songs of love be voiced.
Though so many softly spoken, peer from shelters they call home;
We can not leave them there to suffer life’s bad spills alone.
If we just take a hand and nurture weakness back to health,
We’ll find love more rewarding than the most abundant wealth.
© 1989, Mary S. Brock
All Rights Reserved
