Active

 

Active - the word can have 

A lot of different effects.

People may be called "active"

If they've got lots of muscles to flex.

Bacteria can be active—

And they can be good or bad.

Being active in volunteering 

Can make a well-rounded grad.

One can take an active interest 

In anything, it seems;

From "active" is born the "activist," 

Who chases active dreams.

A termite colony's active;

They can take down entire homes.

We find out if lice are active 

In school, with pencils or combs.

To be an "active member" 

Of a group or organization,

One usually has to pay money—

Or face a cancellation.

To be an "active parent" 

Means involvement in kids' lives.

But active in polygamy 

Means you've got a bunch of wives.

When we say "kids should be active," 

Just what do we really mean? 

Most likely, that they should run and play 

And limit their time on a screen.

And then there's "active labor," 

When a baby makes it's debut.

Things get intense and focused;

Usually pushing and breathing ensue.

On medicines, you look to see 

What the active ingredient is,

And if you can pronounce it 

You just might be a whiz.

So many meanings of active—

But the key is this one little piece:

It always involves movement—

Forward motion or gradual increase.

A walk 'round the block is active 

And truly a step that is wise.

If you've been a couch potato 

And never exercise.

Activity always breeds something;

It's the way results come about.

So, be active in something important—

It's largely what life is about.

 

© 2024 Teresa Miles Kephart