To celebrate both National Poetry Month — and my birthday Friday — I asked newsletter subscribers to send in poems about what it's like to read the news on Good News Network. Here are a few, including this one from my French friend in California: (Thanks so much!)

Le poeme from Pascal

In the mists of this fresh morning I take my warm cup of "Zen" coffee To get ready for my daily Om zing With good news that anchors hope into reality…

I can visualize with all optimism and vigor All these people that are doing such noble deeds And I know, now, for the children future That such good work will fulfill their needs

I can go now, walking tall and smiling That those good news I have just read Makes me confident and even more wanting To spread the fact that we are winning

This feeling of calm and happiness revolution I can share it and show the way to so many That when we see the might of all compassion We are the heroes for the following generation

From Kareen Johnston Tucker

In a world filled with so much bad news. . . so much sad news . . . what a relief to find this glad news . . . in the Good News Network.

Open the file with a click and watch your screen fill with a flood of stories. . . stories of hope. . . stories of joy. . . stories that put a smile on your face . . .a spring in your step . . .and a warm fuzzy feeling like a soft blanket warming your soul.

Stories that soothe your mind, body, and spirit stories that inspire you and remind you that there is much good t be found just open your heart, your eyes, your mind . . .and tap into the source at . . .the Good News Network.

Here are two poems, from Pamela Haines in slightly different styles:

The Choice

There's good and bad news Both can be aired We needn't be spared Which would you choose?

Turning the Soil

This soil is hard and sour No place for living things Yet living things would grow Despite all odds. Stunted, spindly Starved for proper food We stretch and strive.

The soil has been degraded over time Fat promises run dry Earth's patient bills come due Hatreds stirred by fears Yield searing flame and bitter ash A nightly dose of horror Blares out from our screens– A culture drawn to shock Consumed by greed. We do not thrive.

But things can change. With patient work a soil can be renewed Rich life-supporting nutrients worked in Tales of generosity, good news Stories that renew our faith, give hope allow cramped roots the space to move reach out, take in good food Give strength to stem, leaf, flower. With inner health restored In upright vigor, reaching toward the sun The task is not so bleak– To claim our common future Claim our lives.

From Anthony Fraser

To read good news, helps me get rid of the blues.

It puts a smile on my face, It makes me want to dance in place.

I feel so glad to read about good things It makes me want to sing.

So keep on printing these words of joy And I'll keep shouting, O'Boy!

From David Wilkinson

The only good news is no news, that's what I used to say \And so I chose to miss the news to brighten up my day

But now I know that Good News is found with just a click And I can chose just what to read – I think that's pretty slick!

Good News is read without the dread that most news seems to bring The posts uplift and comfort, they cause my heart to sing

And I find joy that in this world there are still folks who care They make my day by doing good, and finding ways to share

So, though most news may still be bad, I choose to read the best and though I need to be aware, for safety's sake, I guess

A bit of bad and ugly news can be offset, I say By clicking onto WS, where Good News wins the day!