Harvest Of Learning Poem by Jennie Radley

The wheel of life is always turning as along the way we wend,
At each new step there is more learning 'til we reach our journey's end.

As little children, how we grasp at each new skill that comes our way,
Learn, not knowing we are learning, through example, need, and play.

Learn to love and learn to trust, learn to make friends and to share,
Learn what's in the world around us, when to be cautious, when to dare.

Learn, at school, more formal subjects - reading, writing - get the tools;
Learn that other people matter, learn to accept there must be rules.

Learn, as young adults that life can sometimes have a bitter taste,
Learn the joys and pangs of loving, learn that problems must be faced.

Learn the pride of being parents; learn pride comes before a fall;
Learn we, too, are far from perfect; learn to bend, and still walk tall.

Learn to share our children's dreams, help them reach out for the sky;
Learn to know when we're redundant, let our off-spring learn to fly.

Learn the pain of losing dear ones, learn that somehow we can cope;
Learn that even in the dark days, there’s a golden ray of hope.

Learn that learning's never finished, learn that it's still not too late;
Learn to take the chance that's offered, knowing time and tide won't wait

Learn the things that we've missed learning, learn our minds must still be fed,
Learn to learn from one another, learn to share what's in our head.

Learn the rush through life is slowing; learn to take time for our needs.
Leant to reap what we've been sowing, harvesting life's learning seeds.

Learn that 'harvest home' is more than just the fruit of tree and field,
We harvest all our life, and pass it on as seeds for future yield.



Jennie Radley

The phrase “Harvest of Learning” came from a local church’s Harvest theme. The phrase really grabbed me, and the rest followed. I read the poem at the Harvest Thanksgiving service, and it seemed to ring a bell for a lot of people, as I was asked for copies by complete strangers.