'Things Are Always Better In The Morning' Poem by Jim Yerman

Happy birthday Harper Lee; your life certainly deserves a look
Despite the fact in your whole career you published just one book.

But oh what a book that is...many today are still mesmerized by your words
Thank you for taking the time to create...To Kill A Mockingbird.

Your book taught us about understanding...seeing other’s points of view
It taught us about acceptance and walking in someone else’s shoes.

It taught us about courage...how with integrity you must stand up and meet
Whatever comes your way...even in the face of certain defeat.

It taught us courage is knowing in any situation what you have to do
And no matter how difficult it seems you must somehow see it through.

It showed us about how prejudice and close mindedness can be so totally absurd
By reminding us of the purity and innocence inherent in the mockingbird.

Thanks for writing a book that told a story but didn’t preach
That showed us setting a good example is a better way to teach.

Thanks for introducing us to all those great characters and taking us on that trek
Is it true your father was the basis for Atticus Finch? Did he look like GregoryPeck?

It’s amazing what the written word can do in the hands of someone who can write
It has the power to teach, to excite, to change us...to inspire and delight.

Today we pay tribute to a woman who understood the whole world should be free.
She did it all in the pages of one great book..thank you Harper Lee.