There is a time when search begins, when open and accepting is important to pursue.
The journey is sometimes difficult, demanding clear vision and unobstructed mental view.
When desire is strong and positive objectives help to create a picture in one’s mind,
There is a place called Collington where character and quality of life are well defined.
A strong set of values, a mission well compiled,
Promoting all we could hope for in a newfound way, self-styled.
It strives for practices and principles that mirror progressive moral stands,
Allowing all who wish and are willing to participate with hearts and minds and hands.
One’s personal beliefs, religion, feelings cherished as their own
Are enhanced by life at Collington, where people know they’re not alone.
Togetherness, cooperation, mutual respect are essential in all they do or say
To protect and strengthen this community’s sense of oneness in every conceivable way.
There are many moving parts and gears which make this engine run.
There are those who live and work at Collington and refuse to be outdone.
They are like the small brooks and streams flowing into a river, making it swift and wide
As it rushes forth with added power to join the ocean’s thundering tide.
The many resident committees and groups, providing discovery, action, interplay,
Work together with staff and administration to ensure progress, help lead the way.
With an emphasis, on desire for cooperation, stability, opportunity, doing what is right,
They ensure a healthy, strong community whose future will be forever bright.
“The play’s the thing”, Shakespeare’s words heard often and many times read.
At Collington, they’re enthusiastically spoken and very often said.
The plays and performers produce tears and laughter, distinctive lines, all on display,
Creating enjoyment, relaxing moments, thoughts to remember, much to be stored away.
And there is the chorus where trained and untrained singers meet,
Along with dedicated leadership, providing a most delightful treat.
As they seek perfection and a strong desire to please,
They perform with stellar manner of confidence and ease.
Fresh flowers on dining tables, in corridors and hallways, placed almost everywhere
For all of Collington to see, admire, delight in, and yes, to share.
The hard working people, who create colorful art which everyday enchants,
Are adept at designing arrangements using nature’s colorful plants.
And, yes, there is a talented group providing music for listening and dancing.
Their rhythm, songs both old and new, stir memories of laughter and prancing.
Many enjoy as the group strives hard to revive
Past joyous occasions which engender new, needed drive.
Pausing, resting, viewing the beauty of nature from a well-placed bench or chair
Or just watching geese swim in the lake without fear of danger or without care.
Walking leisurely or briskly on a well-marked path of slight incline or gentle descent,
Where one is ignored by most creatures, delighted by birds singing, and experiences joy and content.
Our Weed Warriors, a dedicated group that monitors and protects our environment,
All things that nature gave us, that God so generously sent.
Pruning old growth, aiding new growth, surveying every plant and tree,
Creating grounds of beauty for all to enjoy, to view and see.
There is so much to consider and choose from a continually growing activities list
That it becomes very difficult at times to deny the self-pleasure, say no, or resist.
Inside or outside, there are meaningful projects, the library, work activities, music, games of every sort,
Whatever, whichever residents want to engage in or wish to support.
The predominant inclination of residents is maintaining a meaningful atmosphere for all,
And to lend a helping hand to those who are troubled or may occasionally fall.
The fact this compassionate culture exists cannot ever be denied.
One need only look into the heart of Collington, where truth, integrity are exemplified.
There is a chapel where anyone can meditate, quietly contemplate, or pray.
It is used by groups of worshipers for services, remembrances, and individuals in their own private way.
Its use and existence speaks of far more than symbolism.
It exemplifies man’s oneness, sets an example of togetherness, brotherhood, humanism.
This that many seek is often hard to find
And some spend a lifetime looking, searching, hope always on their mind.
Collington serves to teach and guide us and help to make things clear,
As we strive to help make this a better world, a more perfect sphere.
By J. O. Rogers
From Yesterday’s Voices, Today’s Straight Talk, Dorrance Publishing Co. (2022)