For other than just Mother's Day.
'Though many mothers do apply
Men and kids do catch the high.
This is the month and this the year
2001 of the volunteer.
Honored, celebrated, unmasked
For all they do, mostly unasked.
Volunteer, for what, you may say?
And how to fit in a day?
With all life's stress and life's strife
Why make volunteering your life?
Well here's a list of all the ways
That I have spent my years and days
Of helping others in a bind
My need to help fellow mankind.
But I help myself and I
Much more than any girl or guy.
And that� is the thanks you will get
Much more reward than some paycheque!
If only work could be THIS fun
As volunteering with someone.
Someone old or someone new
Young or many or a few.
What kinds of things talking 'bout?
The list just will never run out!
Calgary hosts an Olympic game
Brings volunteers to worldwide fame!
So three cheers to a volunteer
Click a number of places here
To see where they have been lurkin'.
Perhaps you want rewarding workin'!
The most fulfillng times I had
When helping people who were sad
For CCASA or for Suicide
Easing tears needed to be cried.
Or could the best times really be
Help CRHA's nurse Lind-y
So she can teach parenting class
Me cuddling all cute lord and lass?
Nah, I'm sure it just must be when
I got to help all school children
On field trips to places galore
Or in the lunchroom, ne'er a bore!
But greatest thrill may be of course
When� involving that big farm horse
No honor can be comparin'
When child's trust in you is givin'.
So what did I e're do for them?
Don't really know, felt like nothin'.
I think I got best of that deal
Great about me at day's end feel!
The nicest people in the world!
Smiles quickly and easily unfurled.
ESL teaching students neat
Universal smiles reward feat!
They're reading well, did I help that?
Nah, must have been "Cat in the Hat".
That former scared one now can swim?
'Cause of you, or someone named Jim?
No matter who did or does what
One for all, all for one, you nut!
Some even find love, or a date
Like kind together congregate!
Make friends in your own neighborhood
Coach a little league team, you could!
Give old or disabled a ride
Or start something called "Peter Pride".
Why do those ones, for goodness sakes
Stand in Stampede rain flipping 'cakes?
Have they lost everloving minds
Or just want fun with nutty kinds!
Whatever personal reason,
It matters not what the season
You'll find if you're a volunteer
You'll not desire a single cheer.
(But you'll receive it anyway
They often call it a 'bouquet'!)
If only treated quite so well
At paying jobs, we'd feel swell!
Pixie~Elf Productions
April 25, 2001
