It is not in the smile or the pleasing face.
It is not in the slender body or the elegant figure.
It is the tenderness and mercy of simple grace
When one realizes that life itself is a gift
And so motivation abounds to return the blessing
By simple acts which reach out to give another a lift.
It is seeing your talents not a prize to be flaunted,
But as a precious endowment to be shared
With humble courage and boldness undaunted.
It is seeing a hurting child as precious
Yet not screaming in anger at the ills of society
Rather fighting for that child and making others notice.
It is changing a life one life at a time
Because a life is the greatest value of all,
But not just once or as a simple pastime.
Beauty is not in the outer appearance.
Beauty is in the heart that bleeds for others
Out of a grateful soul abounding in graceful valiance.
Author notes
This poem was inspired by the life of Audrey Hepburn who gave the world a definition of beauty by her grace, who devoted her life to helping the children of the world through UNICEF, who used her name not for personal glory but to show the world the needs of children.
Written July 2nd, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- ^ ...Looking Up... ^ by Jettison.
300 points, ended September 5, 2004, 19 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Who is beautiful? by Confusicus.
600 points, ended December 20, 2006, 45 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Human beauty is often unthrifty ~ up to 28 lines. #70 by Lyndon.
2000 points, ended April 22, 2008, 7 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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This is a wonderful poem about a wonderful lady! I have always love Audrey Hepburn. I always thought she was classy, beautiful and yet cute as a button too. But more importantly she has inner beauty. I really liked these words about a fine lady. Pam
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This is so tender in its wonderfully rhymed truths. I felt the message hit home in this and reveled in the beauty of your verse - wanting to be the one who makes a difference.
You have touched the contest prompt quite well. Thank you for a wonderful entry and best of luck in the judging. ~Pamela
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I have always looked up to people like Audrey Hepburn, those who go beyond themselves to help the plight of others, of humanity, to make the world a better place just because they walk or walked here. We could all find purpose in our lives if we would do our part. One day at a time, one life at a time. If it's change for the better, I'm for it. BTW, love your profile and your life story in general. You seem like a good person with a good heart. Your humble heart is the beauty that resides in you as well as how you feel about living, life and those in need. It's good, no great, to meet you! Hope to see you around. Be blessed!--Kel :
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i loved her she was awsome
what a wonderful poem you deserved that trophy
your poem was pcked with compassion and love
and you wrote this poem so well
i could never pick out a favorite part of this poem
i like it just like you wrote it wonderful
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I always remember Audrey as the nun in, I forget the films' name, probably because she really did have that shining, serene, inner peace quality that people can only achieve through love. This is a worthy tribute I'm sure she would love.
Peace Georgia
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Audrey was a Special Gift from God.
From the start Audrey had much to overcome; her childhood which was empty for the loss of her dad, the war, starvation, and all the shams with Hollywood’s seductive limelight; but she always brought something so real and precious to us all. And I believe, bottom line, it was her innate heart-of-passion. She will always be so dear to my heart. You've created a brilliant, worthy, and masterful tribute to her lasting value.
Thank you...
Regards, ~Milly.
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She is my favorite too and you can be like her. She had great character, grace and love. Those are qualities you can emulate.
I have a few poems about Audrey. Her life has inspired me.
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I could hear her measured words and her graceful voice here.
I love her. She is my favorite woman. I wish I could be like her.
I think it is wonderful that you have honored her here.
KT -
Such a wonderful tribute to such a graceful and elegant creature.
Anna -
We grow into who we are....in our lives. I think she did a wonderful job doing that, in her life. Your poem is an exellent tribute, and I admire you for honouring her this collection. Great write.
Cheryl
Thanks for reading, commenting and applauding my poem about Kraleigh. -
wooooonderful!
One of my FAVORITE ladies of all time. Original,bittersweet Audrey. Loved her role as Miss Go-lightly in "Breakfast At Tiffany's".
But, yes. This role counted more. ....she progressed into it.
Just wonderful. I don't think I have any form critiques. (See my author's page on that)
I'm very impressed with the wording and images here. Thank you for lifting up one who transferred invisible so that we can see the Living Lord in compassion and care.
Warmly, CookieZeal -
This is certainly not a last-minute-10-line-panic-poem
(see
my reply to your comment on the contest page
. Giving of
one's self to help others in need is indeed a beautiful aspect
of beauty (pun intended).
Jen
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Real sunshine comes from the inside out and life is too short to be angry at anything for long. There are only two emotions in life, Love & Hate. All negatives fall under the latter. I feed only good dogs. They grow. Peace through love. ET
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This is very beautiful. What more can one say.
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a very good message in this poem
we are all judged by what we do for others
and the truly beautiful people in this society are those who care less for themselves than others
i liked the flow and rhyme scheme
dont see too many A_A B_B poems on this site
-Scott -
Nice poem but was difficult to read with the background
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I love BOTH my Hepburns so...but Audrey, well, she was just the BIGGEST heart in such a petite body...grace personifed...what an elegant tribute to such a deserving Lady! I enjoyed reading this, very much...she earned her wings, for sure...swan
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i really like it its lovely ...sry i dont really have a lot to say..good luck in the contest and GOD BLESS
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a heart-filled write
well........this write is "beautiful"........absolutely lovely......heart-wrenching as it may be, it speaks a truth that we all could look at......thanks for sharing....... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Stephanie~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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