Unwrap Today

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Make the most of the present time you’re given. Prioritize relationship-building, which is the most important aspect of life.

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(Verse 1)
Running toward tomorrow, we lose sight of today
Missing all the wonder inviting us to stay.
Pause your endless striving, let future plans take rest
The present’s filled, with people you could bless.

(Verse 2
Scatter seeds of caring in this moment’s ground
Let them take root deeply, spreading life around.
Give with generous spirit, to those both near and far.
Every life you touch can become better than they are.

(Chorus)
Life’s not waiting for the next big thing
It’s in the love and joy that you bring.
Don’t overlook what moves the folks you greet.
Embrace each precious moment, treasure those you meet.

(Verse 3)
Listen to the music of another person’s soul.
Be curious and genuine, help them feel more whole.
Light their inner fire, help it burn more bright.
Encourage and uplift them, be their guiding light.

(Bridge)
Tomorrow steals today, when we’re not paying attention.
The present is a gift, unwrap it while you can.
Everyone’s a journey, rich with things to share.
Join their unfolding story, show them that you care.

(Verse 4)
Honor every human, no matter who they seem.
Find what makes them special, help them chase their dream.
May everyone you meet walk away somehow restored.
Prioritize connection, find your true reward.

(Chorus)
Life’s not waiting for the next big thing
It’s in the love and joy that you bring.
Don’t overlook what moves the souls you greet.
Embrace each precious moment, treasure those you meet.

(Outro)
Embrace this precious moment, let nothing slip away.
Each moment holds its magic, cherish every day.

Take My Hand

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Love and support those around you in word and deed especially that special someone closest to you.

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(Verse 1)
As you step from the car, I reach out with care.
Your warm hand in mine, a moment to treasure.
We climb up the hill, the path slick with dew
I steady your steps, this view is for two.

(Verse 2)
In the soft candlelight, I ask for this dance.
Your fingers entwine mine, lost in romance.
The river rages on, but I help you across.
In your times of need, I bear any cost.

(Chorus)
Take my hand, love, through all that we face
In joy and in sorrow, in every new place
I’ll be right beside you, together we’ll stand.
Just reach out, my darling, and take my hand.

(Verse 3)
You close your eyes, by your hand I guide
To fulfill your desire—a brand new ride.
When you fall or get stuck, I pull you free
With clasped hands, we hail your new degree.

(Bridge)
On the day that we wed, I slip on your ring.
In sickness and health, to your hand I cling.
Through the pain of labor, I’m your support.
United in prayer, our bond can’t be thwarted.

(Chorus)
Take my hand, love, through all that we face
In joy and in sorrow, in every new place
I’ll be right beside you, together we’ll stand.
Just reach out, my darling, and take my hand.

(Verse 4)
More than my hand, I give you my all.
As we take God’s hand, answering His call.
Our fingers intertwined, on this journey of love
Guided by faith and our Father above.

(Outro)
Take my hand, take my heart, take all that I am.
Together with God, we’ll discover His plan.

Lifting You in His Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
It’s a blessing to be loved by God and to share his love with someone special.

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(Verse 1)
In the splendor of his grace
I’m blessed by your embrace.
Through God’s power from above
I seek to love you as he does.

(Verse 2)
Not by chance, but by design
Our hearts in faith are intertwined.
God writes the pages of our story.
What an honor to bring him glory.

(Chorus)
Like stars that guide the sailor’s way
May his love through me light up your day.
A faithful beacon, come what may
To help you soar where angels stay.

(Bridge)
Simple moments, sacred days
Walking side by side in his ways.
Together in Christ, our jubilee
Becoming who he made us to be.

(Verse 3)
Like morning light upon the dew
His love shines bright in all you do.
In his grace with you I stand
As together we hold his outstretched hand.

(Chorus)
Like stars that guide the sailor’s way
May his love through me light up your day.
A faithful beacon, come what may
To help you soar where angels stay.
Like stars that guide the sailor’s way
May his love through me light up your day.
A faithful beacon, come what may
To help you soar where angels stay.

The Space Between Us

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Sometimes loving others means giving them some space to sort things out. Although it can hurt, it requires serving them from a distance, as you look to meet their needs for what helps them best.

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(Verse 1)
We walked these halls, hand in hand.
Now I roam alone, in this unfamiliar land.
Your laughter echoes in empty rooms,
As I face these college days, shrouded in gloom.

(Chorus)
The space between us grows wider each day.
I miss the little things, in every way.
We chose this path, to find our way,
But my heart aches, with every passing day.

(Verse 2)
I’m glad you’re out there, spreading your wings.
Yet I’m stuck here, holding my feelings.
So much reminds me of us, of what we were.
A cherished past, but now a future unsure.

(Chorus)
The space between us grows wider each day.
I miss the little things, in every way.
We chose this path, to find our way,
But now I hear you have started to date.

(Bridge)
Then I see you, across the quad.
My heart races, but I keep my facade.
We talk of classes, of work, of weather,
But I long to ask, “Is there hope for us together?”

(Chorus)
The space between us feels like miles.
I want to bridge it, to voice how I feel.
But I hold back, respecting our choice.
You need time, to find your true joy.

(Outro)
As you walk away, I whisper to the wind,
“I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for you, my friend.”
But in my heart, I hope and pray,
That what’s best for you, includes me, someday.

Chasm of Regret

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Sometimes your words cause harm you didn’t intend. Try to mend any offense especially with family or friends.

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(Verse 1)
My words like shattered glass were strewn,
Thoughtless phrases in the afternoon.
If only I could catch them in the air,
And prevent your moments of despair.

(Verse 2)
Remorse rains down like autumn leaves,
My heart, a tree that silently grieves,
I never meant to cause you pain,
For in your hurt, I feel the same.

(Verse 3)
You’re a distant shore, just out of reach,
I’m stranded on this lonely beach,
How can I build a bridge of light,
To cross this chasm of the night?

(Chorus)
I want to really see you, not just look your way,
To pierce the veil of your dismay.
I long to really reach you, not just stand at bay,
I’m sorry for what I said today.

(Bridge)
Though I stumble on life’s winding road,
Your joy is my greatest goal,
I want to lift you to the sky,
So you can spread your wings and fly.

(Verse 4)
Will you forgive my foolish words?
I failed to treat you, as you deserve.
Our friendship is a precious treasure
A bond I hope we can restore.

The Sweetest Sight

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A man realizes life doesn’t make much sense without his soulmate.

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(Verse 1)
Without your face, the sunrise fades,
Just grays and shadows, empty shades.
Your smile turns the world to gold—
The sweetest sight I could behold.

(Verse 2)
Your laughter fills the silent rooms,
Like church bells chasing out the gloom.
Without your voice, the music dies,
Just echoes under starless skies.

(Chorus)
My world leads back to you,
No matter where I roam.
My life makes more sense
When your heart is my home.
My heart beats truest when
Your hand is holding mine.
So all I want to do—
Is love you till the end of time.

(Verse 3)
Your fingertips write poetry
Across my skin so tenderly.
Without your touch, I’m incomplete—
A song that’s missing half its beat.

(Verse 4)
Your perfume dances in the air,
Vanilla dreams caught in your hair.
Without your scent, the roses fade,
Just thorns in love’s forgotten glade.

(Chorus)
My world leads back to you,
No matter where I roam.
My life makes more sense
When your heart is my home.
My heart beats truest when
Your hand is holding mine.
So all I want to do—
Is love you till the end of time.

(Bridge)
When life dulls all my senses down,
You wake the best in me.
When the world doesn’t make sense,
You’re my compass on the sea.
You guide me when I lose my way,
Through the storm and through the calm.
Every road leads back to you—
You’re my shelter, you’re my balm.

(Verse 5)
You make me laugh when skies are gray,
Turn ordinary into play.
Without your wit, the jokes fall flat—
I need your spark to bring them back.

(Chorus)
My world leads back to you,
No matter where I roam.
My life makes more sense
When your heart is my home.
My heart beats truest when
Your hand is holding mine.
So all I want to do—
Is love you till the end of time.

(Outro)
That’s all I want to do—
Just spend my days loving you.

Wildflowers on Your Windshield

by Mark Greenelsh ©2026
A man strives to convince a special woman that she is important to him and that his commitment differentiates him from many other guys.

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(Verse 1)
I leave wildflower bouquets on your windshield in the rain
Plan midnight drives to nowhere just to ease your restless brain.
I text you funny stories when I know you’ve had hard days
And keep your favorite coffee stocked in my kitchen, just in case.
I remember how you take it—two sugars, extra cream.
I’m learning Spanish slowly ’cause you mentioned it’s your dream
To wander through Barcelona, get lost in narrow streets
So I’m planning secret lessons, hoping someday we’ll both speak.

(Chorus)
I’m trying to show you that you’re not just someone I call
When I’m bored or need attention just to make myself feel tall.
You’re the first thought in my morning, the last one when I sleep.
I just need you to believe that my promises I’ll keep
‘Cause you’re my priority, not just another option.
Give me time to prove that what we have is something.

(Verse 2)
I notice when you’re quiet, give you space to just exist
Never push for explanations when there’s sadness in your midst.
I’ve memorized your bookshelf, surprise you with first editions
Of the poets that you quote when you’re lost in your ambitions.
I don’t try to fix you—you’re not broken, you’re just real.
I celebrate your victories and hold you as you heal.
We dance in my apartment to the songs you played in college.
I want to be your safe place, not another broken promise.

(Chorus)
I’m trying to show you that you’re not just someone I call
When I’m bored or need attention just to make myself feel tall.
You’re the first thought in my morning, the last one when I sleep.
I just need you to believe that my promises I’ll keep
‘Cause you’re my priority, not just another option.
Give me time to prove that what we have is something.

(Bridge)
Sometimes I lie awake wondering if I’m just like them
Another name you’ll mention to your friends with a shrug and then
You smile when we’re together, but is that smile just for me?
Or am I reading chapters in a book you’ll never let me see?
This uncertainty is killing me, but still I’m holding on
Hoping that you’ll notice I’m still here when they’re all gone.

(Chorus)
I’m trying to show you that you’re not just someone I call
When I’m bored or need attention just to make myself feel tall.
You’re the first thought in my morning, the last one when I sleep.
I just need you to believe that my promises I’ll keep
‘Cause you’re my priority, not just another option.
Give me time to prove that what we have is something.

(Outro)
I wish you knew the way my heart beats different when you’re near
How your laughter is the only sound I really need to hear.
Maybe someday you’ll stop running from what we could be
And see that you and I together is our destiny.
We’re better as a story written by both our hands
Than two ships in the harbor, never leaving for new lands.
So here I’ll wait, still showing up, still trying every day
Hoping you’ll believe me when I say you’re not just one more name.
That what we have is something.

Our Monterey

A woman appreciates the wonderful day she could spend with her fiancé in Monterey.

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(Verse 1)
We took the Seventeen Mile Drive today
Cypress trees bent by the ocean spray.
You stopped the car at every scenic view
Kissed my hand and said, “Not as beautiful as you.”
Sea lions barking on the rocks below
Your laugh mixed with the wind that blows.
Every winding turn, every coastal sight
Made me feel like everything was right.

(Chorus)
Hand in hand in Monterey
You chased my worries all away.
Every moment shining through
I’ll hold this day, I’ll hold on to you.
The way you look at me, the things you say
I’ll treasure forever our Monterey.

(Verse 2)
At the aquarium, the jellyfish glowed
You pulled me close as the colors flowed.
Dancing in the blue, suspended in time
You whispered, “I’m so glad that you’re mine.”
Through the kelp forest tunnel, side by side
Watching the sardines swirl and glide.
You made me feel like we were floating too
Lost in that magical world with you.

(Chorus)
Hand in hand in Monterey
You chased my worries all away.
Every moment shining through
I’ll hold this day, I’ll hold on to you.
The way you look at me, the things you say
I’ll treasure forever our Monterey.

(Verse 3)
Down at Fisherman’s Wharf we shared
Clam chowder in a sourdough bread.
You got it on your nose, we laughed so hard.
Feeding the seals, letting down our guard.
Salt air and sunshine, your arms around me
This is exactly where I want to be.

(Bridge)
No deadlines calling, no traffic jams
No San Jose noise or crowded trams.
Just the ocean’s song and your gentle touch
Away from the chaos—this peace means so much.
For one perfect day, the world fell away
Just us, just love, just Monterey.

(Chorus)
Hand in hand in Monterey
You chased my worries all away
Every moment shining through
I’ll hold this day, I’ll hold on to you
The way you look at me, the things you say
I’ll treasure forever our Monterey.

(Outro)
Yes, I’ll treasure forever
Our perfect day in Monterey.

Heart of Gold

External characteristics might catch people’s attention first, but virtues determine the quality of your character and your impact on those around you.

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(Verse 1)
You can be tall, head above the crowd
Or be one that’s looked up to, standing your ground.
You can own a house with rooms to spare
Or have a big heart, that supports and shares.

(Verse 2)
You can be built, sculpted, and lean
Or be humble, let others take the scene.
You can be charismatic, draw people near
Or be caring, dry another’s tear.

(Chorus)
First glance catches the eye, it’s true
But it’s what’s inside that shines on through.
External things just fade away
But virtue reaps a harvest each day.
What catches attention isn’t what defines
It’s your character, where love truly shines.

(Bridge)
Designer clothes and a beautiful face
Can’t replace integrity or saving faith.
A powerful voice, a luxury ride
Won’t inspire, like perseverance applied.
Smooth skin fades, but patience stays
Stylish hair can’t match grateful days.

(Verse 3)
You can have an impressive way to speak
Or share wisdom with the lost and weak.
Physical gifts may turn a head
But kindness lifts the hurting instead.

(Chorus)
First glance catches the eye, it’s true
But it’s what’s inside that shines on through.
External things just fade away
But virtue reaps a harvest each day.
What catches attention isn’t what defines
It’s your character, where love truly shines.

(Outro)
So treasure a golden heart, not a golden face
True beauty comes from serving and grace
What you are outweighs what you seem
Living for others—make that your routine.

Our Court

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Local youth gathering to play basketball on summer evenings must choose how to treat outsiders.

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(Verse 1)
The asphalt bakes beneath their feet,
Old hoops with nets worn thin,
Where summer teens meet after work,
When evening games begin.

(Verse 2)
Watermelon slices passed around,
As players stretch and joke,
The crowd forms rings around the court,
Voices, laughter, kids young and old.

(Verse 3)
The ball alive in skillful hands,
A dance of swift cross-overs,
Sweet jump shots arcing through the air,
The perfect alley-oop soars.

(Verse 4)
They lift each other when they fall,
Pat backs for shots well-made,
“Shake it off” when passes fail,
Their bond won’t ever fade.

(Bridge)
One day some strangers claimed the court,
Unfamiliar faces there,
Tension thick as summer heat,
Territorial glares.
Then, “Come join us” changed the mood,
From stand-off to a truce,
Teams remixed with new and old,
The game resumed, renewed.

(Verse 5)
First minutes awkward, out of sync,
New styles to integrate,
But soon the rhythm found its way,
As skills they’d celebrate.

(Verse 6)
A crosstown kid showed footwork moves,
The locals unmasked their plays,
A court shared, their circle extends.
Strangers now becoming friends.

(Outro)
It’s easy to protect what’s yours,
To keep the circle tight,
But magic happens when we make room
For others in our court of life.