Text Examples for
Poems

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What is Christmas?:
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past,
courage for the present, hope for the future.
It is a fervent wish that every cup
may overflow with blessings rich and eternal,
and that every path may lead to peace.
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Four Leaf Clover:
One leaf for happiness
and one leaf for health,
One leaf for love
and one leaf for inspiration -
Wishing you all of these things
On this St. Patrick's Day celebration!
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The Guardian:
There are those who believe, so the story is told,
that at birth you receive, your own Angel to hold.
You come into this world on a wing and a prayer,
and throughout your lifetime, she will always be there.
A Guardian Angel, who will guide what you do,
her pure essence is love, sent to watch over you.
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Angels Watching Over Me:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over me my Lord
Pray the Lord my soul to keep
Angels watching over me.

All night, all day
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day.
Angels watching over me

If I die before I wake
Angels watching over me my Lord
Pray the Lord my soul to keep
Angels watching over me.
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The Angel of March:
The March Angel brings to us stamina and courage.

As the long winter ends, we take heart from the crocuses that push their heads up through the snow.

The Angel of March cheers us through life's frozen moments, boosting our morale and helping us achieve new landmarks. With the angel's help, we dare to break through whatever barrier, whether personal belief or lack of self confidence, that holds us back. We gather the will to launch a lifelong dream or begin the project we have envisioned, but never dared to tackle.

As the sun begins to warm up our spirits, the March Angel rejoices with us at the first sign of spring and gives us courage to prepare for a new and daunting, and yet fulfilling task.
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The Angel of April:
The Angel of April is the spirit of rebirth.

As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm us and the earth, April is a time for new life and new beginnings. The angel of April spurs us to test ourselves in new direction and to make ourselves vulnerable in the face of unfamiliar people, situations and places. Encouraged by the April Angel, we search for new and novel endeavors that will enrich our lives and bring new meaning to our career or family roles.

The April Angel teaches us to delight with each sign of awakening, in nature and within ourselves.
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The Angel of May:
The Angel of May brings the blush and promise of spring.

May's angel rejoices with us as we take heart at the sight of trees and shrubbery in bloom and relish our anticipation of the fruits to come.

This angel of spring reminds us that this is the time of awakening the seed within ourselves. Perhaps we have a deep longing,| an artistic talent unexplored, or a friendship never quite attempted.

The Angel of May will help us to discover this potential, nurturing our spirits so we can dare to fulfill this hidden promise and issue forth the fruits of a life fully lived.
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Legend of the Daffodil:
Each time a Guardian Angel
notices a good deed -
a prayer, kindness or sacrifice -
she plucks a gold star from the heavens
and sends it to earth,
where it blooms as a golden daffodil.
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April Fool:
Small April sobbed I'm going to cry
Please give me a cloud to wipe my eye
Then April Fool she laughed instead
And smiled a rainbow overhead.
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Bridal Shower Poem:
Spices, detergents
And gadgets galore,
You have several dozen,
But still could use more.

If you could bring
Just one of these,
Our bride to be
You sure would please.

So wrap it in tissue paper
But your name do not tell,
It's just a little something
To wish her well.
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Butterfly in the Wind:
A child is like ........

A butterfly in the wind,
Some can fly higher than others;
but each one flies the best it can.
Why compare on against the other?

Each one is different!
Each one is special!
Each one is beautiful!
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O Butterfly:
O butterfly, O butterfly
Flying through the sky
Where are you going
This fine morning?

Are you going to see the elves dancing?
Or the flying horses prancing?
I can see them when I dream at night
What a wonderful sight!
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An Indian Butterfly Legend:
If anyone desires a wish to come true they must
capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.

Since they make no sound, they can't tell the wish
to anyone but the Great Spirit.

So by making the wish and releasing the butterfly
it will be taken to the heavens and be granted.
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A Cat:
She had a name among the children;
But no one loved though someone owned
Her, locked her out of doors at bedtime
And had her kittens duly drowned.

In Spring, nevertheless, this cat
Ate blackbirds, thrushes, nightingales,
And birds of bright voice and plume and flight,
As well as scraps from neighbor's pails.

I loathed and hated her for this;
One speckle on a thrush's breast
Was worth a million such; and yet
She lived long, till God gave her rest.
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Dust Of Snow:
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
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Wilfred A. Peterson:
"Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show.
The secret lies in an inner glow.
It's lighting a fire inside the heart . . .
Good Will and Joy a vital part.
It's higher thought and a greater plan.
It's glorious dream in the soul of man.
Christmas begins deep down inside . . .
Then engulfs the world like a mighty tide!"
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When Santa Claus Comes:
A good time is coming, I wish it were here,
The very best time in the whole of the year;
I'm counting each day on my fingers and thumbs --
the weeks that must pass before Santa Claus comes.
Then when the first snowflakes begin to come down,
And the wind whistles sharp and the branches are brown,
I'll not mind the cold, though my fingers it numbs,
For it brings the time nearer when
Santa Claus comes.
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Summer:
"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."
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Summer's Day:
Lazing on a flower-bed
All the little butterflies dance overhead
flying from flow'r to flow'r
while I take a nap in the shade of a bow'r
A coloured joy to a sleepy eye
they flicker-flack as they're fluttering by
It's such a pleasure to be so pleased
to be at ease
on a Summer's day

Dozing lightly as I might
All the little honey-bees suck their delight,
crooning a little song
they will spend their summer-days humming along
When winter comes they will doze like me
but they will wake when the summer's a spree
It's such a pleasure to be so pleased
to be at ease
on a Summer's day

And then my friends come from all around
to share the joy of just being alive
You never heard such a happy sound
It's like the whole world is heaving a sigh
No clouds in the sky
Whipped cream on the pie...

Lazing on a flower bed
All the little butterflies dance overhead
Dozing lightly as I might
All the little honey-bees suck their delight
The Summer sun greets a happy elf
Oh, I'm in love with the Summer itself
It's such a pleasure to be so pleased
to be at ease
on a Summer's day
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Spring Goes, Summer Comes:
The Little darling Spring,
Has run away;
The sunshine grew too hot for her to stay.
She kissed her sister, Summer,
And she said:
"When I am gone, you must be queen instead."
Now reigns the Lady Summer,
Round whose feet
A thousand fairies flock with blossoms sweet.
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January:
January
Now is here - -

A fine new start
For a whole new year.

In January,
When there's snow

We get our sleds
And away we go.

January sparkles.
January's bold.
January huffs and puffs.
January's cold.
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I Heard a Bird Sing:
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
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Wallace Stevens, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, 1923:
Feathered with hoarfrost,
skeletal trees loom closer;
fog shrouded arches.
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My Wintertime:
Spring and Summer, Spent
For Others, While Fall Days Lead
To My Wintertime.
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Jack Kerouac:
The summer chair
rocking by itself
In the blizzard
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Helen H. Moore:
Every year at just this time,
In cold and dark December,
Families around the world
All gather to remember,
With presents and with parties,
With feasting and with fun,
Customs and traditions
for people old and young.
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Albert Camus:
In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
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Grandparents And Children:
Grandparents and grandchildren,
Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past,
With the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part.
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Grandparents:
Few can bring the warmth
We can find in their embrace,
And little more is needed to bring love.
Than the smile on their face.

They've a supply of precious stories,
Yet they've time to wipe a tear,
Or give us reasons to make us laugh,
They grow more precious through the years.

I believe that God sent us Grandparents
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.
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Grandmas:
Grandmas are earth angels
Grandmas are angels in training
Grandmas are just ancient little girls
Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting
Grandmothers are angels in training
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Grandmother:
Grandmother you are like a patchwork quilt
So cozy and warm.
Just the smell of coffee
Reminds me of your wisdom and charm.
I know I can always come to you
When lost or alone.
For you always comfort me
And make me feel at home.
You are the silver lining of a cloudy day.
And I know whom can trust when clouds blow my way.
Grandmother, your hugs and kisses
Will be stored in my heart each day.
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Grandma's Hugs Are Made of Love:
Everything my grandma does
is something special made with love.
She take time to add the extra tough
that says, "I love you very much."

She fixes hurts with a kiss and smile
and tell good stories grandma-style.
It's warm and cozy on her lap
for secret telling or a nap.

And when I say my prayer at night,
I ask God to bless and hold her tight.
Cause when it comes to giving hugs
my grandma's arms are filled with love!
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Grandma:
Ever since the day I was born.
You have nurtured me with love and kindness.
You have been someone I can believe in,
And someone I can depend upon.
In this world I am just staring to understand.
And it's important to me that you know How grateful that I am,
For all that you give to me,
For all that you teach me,
And for the strength I will always have, Because of you, grandma.
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What Are Grandmas For?:
Grandmas are for stories
about things of long ago.
Grandmas are for caring
about all the things you know...
Grandmas are for rocking you
and singing you to sleep,
Grandmas are for giving you
nice memories to keep...
Grandmas are for knowing
all the things you're dreaming of...
But, most importantly of all,
grandmas are for love.
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Grandparents:
Grandparents bestow upon their grandchildren
The strength and wisdom that time
And experience have given them.

Grandchildren bless their Grandparents
With a youthful vitality and innocence
That help them stay young at heart forever.

Together they create a chain of love
Linking the past with the future.
The chain may lengthen,
But it will never part....
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Happy New Year to You:
A new year is beginning to peak through
softly beautiful and different like new falling snow,
each day unique and shaped just for you.
Your life adding something as each day does grow.
My wish for your new year is beauty
and softness with surprises thrown in for delight.
Love for each day bringing happiness to you,
making your life a scene of sparkle and shining sunlight.
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Recipe For a Happy New Year:
Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,
hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.
Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,
and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cup full of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.
You're bound to have a happy new year.
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Sailing Into The New Year:
God built and launched this year for you;
Upon the bridge you stand;
It's your ship, aye, your own ship,
And you are in command.
Just what the twelve months' trip will do
Rests wholly, solely, friend, with you.

Your logbook kept from day to day
My friend, what will it show?
Have you on your appointed way
Made progress, yes or no?
The log will tell, like guiding star,
The sort of captain that you are.

For weal or woe this year is yours;
Your ship is on life's sea
You acts, as captain, must decide
Whichever it shalll be;
So now in starting on your trip,
Ask God to help you sail your ship.
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The Unknown Future:
Life is a book in volumes three--
The past, the present, and the yet-to-be.
The past is written and laid away,
The present we're writing every day,
And the last and best of volumes three
Is locked from sight -- God keeps the key.
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The Unknown:
I do not know what still awaits,
Or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail its open wings!

For this I know -- that in my Lord
Shall all my needs be met;
And I can trust the heart of him Who has not failed me yet..
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Life in the New Year:
Life I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it out with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have -- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "behold, I make all things new." I am the new year.
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New Year Wishes:
May peace fill all the empty spaces around you
And in you, may contentment answer all your wishes.

May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.
And may the coming year show you that every day is really a first day, a new year.

Let abundance be your constant companion,
so that you have much to share.

May mirth be near you always, like a lamp shining brightly on the many paths you travel. May you be true love.
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Another Year for Thee:
Another year is dawning!
Dear Master, let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee!

Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast,
Of even deeper trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness,
In the shining of Thy face.

Another year of progress, Another year of praise; Another year of proving Thy presence "all the days." Another year of service, Of witness to Thy love; Another year of training For holier work above. Another year is dawning! Dear Master, let it be, On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee!
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New Year Cheer:
At the sound of the tolling midnight bell
A brand new year will begin.
Let's raise our hopes in a confidant toast,
To the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasure many,
Your wishes and dreams fulfilled.
May your confidence stand in the face of loss
And give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days
May serenity grace your soul.
May tranquil moments bless your life
and keep your spirit whole.
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American Flag:
As red as a fire,
As blue as the sky,
As white as the snow--
See our flag fly!
Three pretty colors
Wave at the sky,
Red, white and blue
On the Fourth of July!
Red, white and blue
Those colors are,
And every state has its very own star.
Hold up the flag
Hold it up high,
And then say, "Hurrah,
For the Fourth of July!"
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Hero:
Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean,
who is neither tarnished nor afraid...
He is the hero, he is everything.
He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man.
He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase,
a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it,
and certainly without saying it.
He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world.
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Hero:
Listen, my friend, there are two races of beings. The masses teeming and happy --common clay, if you like --eating, breeding, working, counting their pennies; people who just live; ordinary people; people you can't imagine dead. And then there are the others --the noble ones, the heroes. The ones you can quite well imagine lying shot, pale and tragic; one minute triumphant with a guard of honor, and the next being marched away between two gendarmes.
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Eulogy for a Veteran:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Mary Frye (1932) Thank you E. Williams for sending us the correct authors name.
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In Flanders Fields:
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still singing bravely, fly
scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If you break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields
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Sympathy:
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he
Was walking along the beach with the LORD,
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in
The sand; one belonged to him, and the other to
The LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the
Very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the
LORD about it. “LORD, you said that once I
Decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times
In my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why when I needed you most
You would leave me.”
The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child.
I love you and would never leave you. During your times
Of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
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A Farewell:
Flow down, cold rivulet, to the sea,
Thy tribute wave deliver:
No more by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

Flow, softly flow, by lawn and lea,
A rivulet then a river:
No where by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

But here will sigh thine alder tree,
And here thine aspen shiver;
And here by thee will hum the bee,
For ever and for ever.

A thousand suns will stream on thee,
A thousand moons will quiver;
But not by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.
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Sympathy:
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
To sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We are all meant to learn some things,
But never meant to stay...

Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know,
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.

But when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.
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I Did Not Die:
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain,
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Frye (1932) Thank you E. Williams for sending us the correct authors name.
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The Year Before Last:
The holiday season is approaching,
and with it comes the New Year.
Although for me time passes slowly,
New Year's Day will ring in quickly.

I dread this New Year's Day
because they will look at me
in a terribly strange way
when I get misty-eyed,
and talk about something you had done.

After you first left me,
they reasoned when I cried,
"He's only been gone a few months."
And I would catch that look of
understanding in their eyes,
and found some comfort that they knew.

But on last New Year's Day,
my first thought upon awakening was,
Oh God, my son died last year,
not just a few months ago, not even this year,
but last year.
He will never live in this year.

They didn't understand, they didn't reason,
that last year, for me, the loss was still new.
They thought, "It happened last year,
so long ago, why does she still cry?"
I could see it in their eyes.

This New Year's Day, will it be different?
Will my first thought upon awakening be,
Oh God, my son died the year before last,
not a few months ago, not this year or even last year,
but the year before last?
He will never live in this year.

Will they even listen, should I not look them
in the eyes, for fear that I shall see,
"Why is she still crying? It happened so long ago.
It was the year before last."

Those words that we use
to describe the passage of time,
a few months, this year,
last year, the year before last.
They don't know that time stands still for me.

Will they understand that's why I cry?
Don't they know
my son just died ...
the year before last?
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A Face In The Clouds:
I looked towards the clouds today
and for a moment saw your face
And wondered just were you have gone
with a hope it's a better place

Did you show yourself to me today
to tell me you're alright?
Or was it just a daydream
playing tricks upon my sight

Then I thought of when you left
you did not say a word
No hugs and kisses..
no good-bye was heard

You have changed our lives forever
Your time here not in vain
and hope you know we always tried
to keep you safe from pain

We will always feel the void inside
because you are not here
But each new thought you send our way
let's us know you're always near

So until our journey nears it's end
And we hear the angels sing
We'll face each new day as it comes
and live off the love you bring
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Memories:
Little children with big-eyed wonder
Baby hair and toothy smiles
Rosy cheeks and sweet little kisses
Childhood blessings for a while

Butterflies and jeweled bracelets
Pink ribbon bows and lacey dresses
Patented shoes and mommy's makeup
Tea for two and party messes

Fishing in the pond without shoes on
Baseball and tree climbing until noon
Dirt and mud engraved in clothing
Your smile would brighten any room

Your eyes, your smiles, your laughter
My heart is empty and full of sorrow
Our lives together are no more
Help me face tomorrow

You are near, coaxing me to go on
To hold and kiss you one more time
God has given and now he has taken
I will always love you sweet child of mine.
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Memorial Poem:
Please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!
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Sympathy:
God saw you getting tired, He did what he thought best; He put His arms
around you, And said, "Come and rest." He opened up His golden
gates, On that heartbreaking day; And with His arms around you, You
gently slipped away. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go
alone; A part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
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In Memory:
One gift, above all others
God gives to us to treasure
One that knows no time, no place
And one gold cannot measure

The precious, poignant tender gift
Of Memory, that will keep
On dear ones ever in our hearts
Although God gives them sleep it brings back long remembered things.

A song, a word, a smile
And the world's a better place because
We had them for awhile!
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The Easter Feeling...:
The Easter feeling does not end.
It signals a new beginning,
Of nature, spring, and brand new life,
And friendship, peace, and giving.
The spirit of Easter is all about
Hope, love, and joyful living.
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Chocolate Rabbit:
I got a chocolate rabbit
For an Easter treat,
A great big chocolate rabbit
Good enough to eat.

So I ate his ears on Sunday,
His nose I finished Monday.
Tuesday I nibbled on his feet.
I ate his tail on Wednesday
Thursday I kept on,
By Friday he was going,
Saturday he was gone.

Oh, I loved my chocolate rabbit
From the moment that he came,
And if I get another one,
I'll love him just the same.
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Easter is the gift...:
Easter is the gift of HOPE
Easter is the gift of PEACE
Easter is the gift of LOVE
Let us rejoice in Him,
Who gives them all.

May God bless you at Easter,
And keep you all year through.
May God give you all the faith it takes,
To make your dreams come true.
May His love and wisdom always help,
To guide you on your way.
May His light shine down upon you now,
To bless your Easter Day.
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Friendship:
A friend is someone who brightens your day with a smile,
a warm hello, or gentle words from the heart.
A friend is a precious gift to be cherished
and nurtured. A friend is a treasure beyond worth.
I am so grateful to call you my friend!!!
[ top ]     
Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day:
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
[ top ]     
Expression of dreams:
Dreams
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken winged bird
Afraid to fly
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams go
Life is a barren hill
covered with snow.
[ top ]     
Meeting at Night:
The gray sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.

Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, through its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!
[ top ]     
John Donne:
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
[ top ]     
Halloween Night:
Driving home one Halloween night,
I thought I saw a witch take flight.
My heart beat fast, I broke a sweat,
wondering what would happen next.
Then a Ghoul ran past my car,
on his face a deep, red scar.
A Ghost appeared next to my seat,
His wails grew louder, his pain was deep.
I hurried home, my tires squealing,
My eyes were teary, my head was reeling.
It was only then I realized my fright,
I was on the road Halloween night.
[ top ]     
Witch Heritage:
There was an old woman tossed up in a basket
Seventeen times as high as the moon
but where she was going, I could not but ask it
for under her arm she carried a broom

Old woman, old woman, old woman, said I!
Where are you going away to, so high?
To sweep the cobwebs out of the sky
May I come with you? Aye, by and by.
[ top ]     
Title Unknown:
In the black furrow of a field
I saw an old witch-hare this night;
And she cocked a lissome ear
And she eyed the moon so bright,
And she nibbled of the green;
And I whispered "Whsst! witch-hare,"
Away like a ghostie o'er the field
She fled, and left the moonlight there.
The Hare, Walter de la Mare
[ top ]     
Halloween:
The angriest wind blew through today;
It banged the shutters
And tore away shingles and branches,
And with a whoop,
It blew off the roof of the chicken coop.
Then slammed the gate,
And whirled down the lane,
And all that was left
Was the quiet rain.
[ top ]     
Old Roger is Dead:
Old Roger is dead and he lies in his grave Lies in his grave, lies in his grave
Old Roger is dead and he lies in his grave Heigh ho, lies in his grave
They planted an Apple tree over his hand
The apples grew ripe and they all tumbled down
There came and old woman a-picking them up
Old Roger got up and he gave her a knock
This made the old woman go hippity-hop.
[ top ]     
Thanksgiving Time:
When all the leaves are off the boughs,
And nuts and apples gathered in,
And cornstalks waiting for the cows,
And pumpkins safe in barn and bin,
Then Mother says, "My children dear, The fields are brown, and autumn flies;
Thanksgiving Day is very near,
And we must make thanksgiving pies!"
[ top ]     
Thanksgiving:
The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway~
Thanksgiving comes again!
[ top ]     
How do I Love Thee:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need; by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old grief's, and with my childhood's faith
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath.
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
[ top ]     
St. Valentines Day:
Say over again, and yet once over again,
That thou dost love me. Though the word repeated
Should seem "a cuckoo-song," as thou dost treat it,
Remember, never to the hill or plain,
Valley and wood, without her cuckoo-strain
Comes the fresh Spring in all her green completed,
Beloved, I, amid the darkness greeted
By a doubtful spirit-voice, in that doubt's pain
Cry, Speak once more--thou lovest! Who can fear
Too many stars, though each in heaven shall roll,
Too many flowers, though each shall crown the year?
Say thou dost love me, love me, love me--toll
The silver iterance!--only minding, Dear,
To love me also in silence with thy soul.
[ top ]     
To My Dear and Loving Husband:
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women you can
I prize thy love more than whole mines of Gold.
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold repay,
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
[ top ]     
A Red, Red Rose:
O my Love's like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June:
O my Love's like the melody
That's sweetly played in tune! As fair as art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry: Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run. And fare thee well, my only Love,
And fare thee well a while!
And I will come again, my Love,
Though' it were ten thousand mile
[ top ]     
She Walks In Beauty:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright,
Meet in the aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven and gaudy day denies.
[ top ]     
I'll be yours forevermore:
It is almost here, that special time of year.
When hearts and flowers by the hours are
brought to all who seek; When kisses swirl
and words do peak into little tuffs of cotton
(candy) my sweet. So be my love and be my
own and call me on the telephone or send a
card, that is not hard, right to my waiting door,
and I'll be yours forevermore
[ top ]     
Samuel Butler:
All love, at first, like generous wine,
Ferments and frets until 'tis fine,
But, when 'tis settled on the lee,
And from th' impure matter free,
Becomes the richer still the older,
And Proves the pleasanter the colder.
[ top ]     
John Downland:
Dear,
when I from thee am gone,
Gone are all my joys at once;
I loved thee, and thee alone,
In those love I joyed once,
And although your sights I leave,
Sight wherein my joys do lie,
Till that death do sense bereave,
Never shall affection die.
[ top ]     
Wilt Thou Be Mine?:
Wilt thou me mine? dear love, reply, -
Sweetly consent, or else deny:
Whisper softly, none shall know, -
Wilt thou be mine, love? - yes or no?
Spite of fortune, we may be
Happy by one word from thee;
Life flies swiftly; ere it go,
Wilt thou be mine, love? - yes or no?
[ top ]     
Love is Anterior to Life:
Love is anterior to life,
Posterior to death,
Initial of creation, and
The exponent of breath.
[ top ]     
Love's Philosophy:
The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one another's being mingle;--
Why not I with mine? See the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;
What are all these kissing's worth,
If thou kiss not me?
[ top ]     
My True-Love Hath My Heart:
My true-love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange one for another given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven:
My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.
His heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his because in me it bides:
My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.
[ top ]     
Life in a Love:
Escape me?
Never—
Beloved!
While I am I, and you are you,
So long as the world contains us both,
Me the loving and you the loth,
While the one eludes, must the other pursue.
My life is a fault at last, I fear—
It seems too much like a fate, indeed!
Though I do my best I shall scarce succeed—
But what if I fail of my purpose here?

It is but to keep the nerves at strain,
To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall,
And baffled, get up to begin again,—
So the chase takes up one's life, that's all.
While, look but once from your farthest bound,
At me so deep in the dust and dark,
No sooner the old hope drops to ground
Than a new one, straight to the selfsame mark,
I shape me—
Ever
Removed!
[ top ]     
Love:
And in Life's noisiest hour,
There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,
The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.
You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within ;
And to the leading Love-throb in the Heart
Thro' all my Being, thro' my pulse's beat ;
You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light,
Like the fair light of Dawn, or summer Eve
On rippling Stream, or cloud-reflecting Lake.
And looking to the Heaven, that bends above you,
How oft! I bless the Lot that made me love you.
[ top ]     
Love:
And in Life's noisiest hour,
There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,
The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.
You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within ;
And to the leading Love-throb in the Heart
Thro' all my Being, thro' my pulse's beat ;
You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light,
Like the fair light of Dawn, or summer Eve
On rippling Stream, or cloud-reflecting Lake.
And looking to the Heaven, that bends above you,
How oft! I bless the Lot that made me love you.
[ top ]     
True Love:
True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands The hearts that it entwines.
[ top ]     
Wild Nights! - Wild Nights!:
Wild nights--wild nights!
Were I with thee
Wild nights should be
Our luxury!

Futile the winds
To a heart in port--
Done with the compass,
Done with the chart!

Rowing in Eden--
Ah, the sea!
Might I moor, tonight,
In thee!

[ top ]     
I give to you...:
A piece of a rainbow to color your world,
when all seems totally gray.
Some roses for the sweet perfume,
to kiss your senses with its bouquet.
[ top ]     
William Shakespeare:
No sooner met but they looked;
No sooner looked but they loved;
No sooner loved but they sighed;
No sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason;
No sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy.
[ top ]     
1 Corinthians 13:4:
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil,
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
[ top ]     
Abdul Baha ( 1844-1921):
"Let us have love and more love;
a love that melts all opposition,
a love that conquers all foes,
a love that sweeps away all barriers,
a love that aboundeth in charity,
a large-heartedness, tolerance,
forgiveness and noble striving,
a love that triumphs over all obstacles."
[ top ]     
Friendship:
There's a miracle of Friendship
that dwells within the heart,
And you don't know how it happens
or where it gets its start...
But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift,
And you realize that Friendship
Is God's most perfect gift.
[ top ]     
Quotes:
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.
[ top ]     
Today, Tomorrow and Always:
Today, Tomorrow and Always As God brings you closer together throughout
each day of your life, may you renew the faith-filled promise that joined
you as husband and wife ... And may the memories you treasure give
you the vision to see that today, tomorrow and always, you're blessed
with a love meant to be.
[ top ]     
If I Knew:
From September 11, 2001

If I knew it would be the last time That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything just right.

There will always be another day to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance to say "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear
Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me,"
"Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes
you'll have no regrets about today.

Sent in by Carolyn Marvinetz
[ top ]     
Apache Love Poem:
Now we will feel no rain
For each of us will be shelter for the other.
Now there will be no loneliness,
For each of us will be companion to the other.
There is only one life before us,
And our seasons will be good and long.
[ top ]     
Poor Mountain Hut:
Gladly I will live in a poor mountain hut,
Spin, sew and till the soil in any weather,
And wash in the cold mountain stream,
If but we dwell together.
[ top ]     
To Hold Her in my Arms:
To hold her in my arms against the twilight
and be her comrade for ever-this was all I wanted as
Long as my life should last…And this I told myself
With a kind of wonder, this is what love was:
The consecration, this curious uplifting,
this sudden inexplicable joy,
And this intolerable pain.
[ top ]     
Plucking the rushes:
Green rushes with red shoots,
Long leaves bending to the wind-
You and I in the same boat
Plucking rushes at the Five Lakes.
We started at dawn for the Orchid-Island:
We rested under the elms till noon.
You and I plucking rushes
Had not plucked a handful when night came!
[ top ]     
My Friend:
My Friend...
You have given me courage,
That was not there...
You have given laughter,
That I can share...
You have given me feelings,
That are deep and true...
For that my friend
I will always love you...
[ top ]     
Friendship Garden:
In my Friendship Garden,
Grows a Flower
rare and true.
I look a little closer
and find that it is you.
To me it means all is well.
My sky is clear and blue,
and that is how it always is,
whenever I think of you.
[ top ]     
Fathers:
F.A.T.H.E.R.S.

"F" aithful.
"A" lways there.
"T" rustworthy.
"H" onoring.
"E" ver-loving.
"R" ighteous.
"S" upportive.
[ top ]     
A Father Means...:
A Father means so many things.....
A understanding heart,
A source of strength and of support
Right from the very start.
A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness
No matter what comes your way.
A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father means so many things
When he's a man like you.....
[ top ]     
I Wish I Could Tell You Mom:
I wish I could tell you, Mom
how much you mean to me....
But there are no words to say
how much I admire you...
how much I appreciate you...
how much I thank you
for everything you've done.
[ top ]     
Thank You Mom:
I know how often I took you for granted
when I was growing up.
I always assumed you'd be there
when I needed you...
and you always were.

But I never really thought about what that meant
till I got older and began to realize
how often your time and energy were devoted to me.
so now, for all the times I didn't say it before,
thank you, Mom.... I love you so very much!
[ top ]     
Your Mother is always with you...:
Your mother is always with you... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks. She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your mother lives inside your laughter. She's crystallized in every tear drop... She's the place you came from, your first home.. She's the map you follow with every step that you take. She's your first love and your first heart break....and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, Not space... Not even death.... will ever separate you from your mother.... You carry her inside of you....
[ top ]     
A Precious Mother:
Mom You've given me so much,
Love from your heart and the warmth of your touch.

The gift of life and you're a friend to me.
We have a very Special Bond which only comes from God...
I'm sure you agree.

As a child I would say Mommy I Love You,
Now you're my Mother so dear
I love you even more with each and every new year.

If I could had chosen, I would have picked no other.
Than for you ... to be my lifelong friend and Precious Mother.
[ top ]     
Mom:
Mom, for all these years
I'm sure you've had
a heart full of hopes and dreams
and special longings of your own.

And you've always listened and shared
my dreams, my wishes, and my heartaches
as if they were the only ones in the world...

That takes a lot of love, Mom
I understand that now
and I hope you realize
how much I thank you...
how much I love you...
and how much I wish you happiness.
[ top ]     
Wonderful Mother:
God made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine,
And He molded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.
[ top ]     
And Grandmas Too...:
"While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.
While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.
We should also think of Grandma,
she's a mother too, you see....
For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me."
[ top ]     
Mother's Love:
Her love is like an island
In life's ocean, vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.
[ top ]     
Mother:
If I could give you diamonds
for each tear you cried for me.
if I could five you sapphires
for each truth you’ve helped me see.
If I could give you rubies
for the heartache that you’ve known
If I could give you pearls
for the wisdom that you’ve shown.

Then you’ll have a treasure, mother,
that would mount up to the skies
That would almost match
the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes.

But I have no pearls, no diamonds,
As I’m sure you’re well aware
So I’ll give you gifts more precious
My devotion, love and care.
[ top ]     
To My Mother:
For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a "Special Love"
That deepens every year..
[ top ]     
My Mother:
My Mother, my friend so dear
throughout my life you're always near.
A tender smile to guide my way
You're the sunshine to light my day.
[ top ]     
As I Look Back...:
As I look back on my life
I find myself wondering.....
Did I remember to thank you
for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side
to help me celebrate my successes
and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
good judgment, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you for the simple things...
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude
For any of these things,
I am thanking you now....
and I am hoping that you've known all along,
how very much you are loved and appreciated.
[ top ]     
Me Mudder:
Me Mudder

When me prayers were poorly said
Who tucked me in me widdle bed
And spanked me till me arse was wed
Me Mudder

Who took me from me cozy cot
And put me on the ice cold pot
And made me pee if I could not

Me Mudder

And when the morning light would come
And in me crib me dribbled some
Who wiped me tiny widdle bum

Me Mudder

Who would me hair so neatly part
And hug me gently to her heart
Who sometimes squeezed me till me fart

Me Mudder

Who looked at me with eyebrows knit
And nearly have a king size fit
When in me Sunday pants me s***

Me Mudder

When at night her bed did squeak
Me raised me head to have a peak
Who yelled at me to go to sleep

Me Fadder!

The Granddaughter of the author of this poem was kind enough to send in her name.

Nancy Sweeny wrote this in the 1930's in Nebraska.
Thank you
Linda Maynard
[ top ]     
Mother The Gardener:
You've planted the seeds. And watered with care. Weeded as needed Doing more than your share. Our family has bloomed With a love that is rare. You've nurtured us all With your warm loving care. Written by Kathy Davis To visit her website click link below www.kathydavis.com Information provided by Jennifer Foster. Thank you Jennifer!
[ top ]     
Spring Hope:
In the clear light of spring a fresh hope gleams.
With a sweet birdsong at the birth of days.
I wake from winter sleep's pall of dark dreams,
Rising, squinting in the morning gold rays.
As green buds burst on trees, no longer bare,
At last, after the long silence of snow,
Urgent sounds of life sing in the crisp air.
To music in the melting water's flow.
Making promises of the summer sun,
In warm beams, though shadows are still too cold,
Nature knows, the battle is nearly won,
When frost turns dew as winter loses hold.
And with one season to forget the pain,
I am ready to fall in love again.
[ top ]     
The Year's at Spring...:
And the day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn:
God's in his heaven--
All's right with the world!
[ top ]     
The News is Out!:
The news is out....
It's time to sing.....
Time to be happy and WELCOME
The Ides of March we should not fear
Because we know that spring is near.
In like a lion......out like a lamb.
Old Man Winter.........we say "Scram".
The streams are full from the melted snow.
Soon will be time to plant and to hoe.
The birds are chirping high in the tree.
Spring is arriving.....that we can see.
Flowers rising from their wintry beds
Crocus and tulips raising their heads.
Bunnies hopping around in the clover.
At long last..........Winter is Over.
[ top ]     
The Gentle Rains of Spring:
Come to wash away December's somber brown and gray.
My heart, my life Quicken at the tug of the Wind,
Pulling, teasing my soul,
Reminding me the world is about to be reborn,
All blue and green and gay.
Jonquils are pushing through the crust of sleep,
That has imprisoned them so long,
And soon birds will sing again in budding dogwood trees.
The wind burns my eyes,
Tearing away the film of wintry despair,
And lets me see again how beautiful the earth can be.
And as my life is washed clean,
I see once more love before me,
Soft and warm, fragile and delicate,
yet growing stronger in the springtime sun.
[ top ]     
Spring...:
Oh, how I long for the time when flowers are in bloom,
and for the time when all the sun's rays zoom.

When all of the winter's slush and snow are banned,
and when the birds can try their hand.

I long for a time when the grayness of winter disappears,
and then the birds' sweet songs, I hear.

The time for these things are just around the corner, I know,
but for now, the chilly winds continue to grow.

The leaves on the trees slowly flutter to the ground,
not making even the faintest whisper of a sound.

The snow blankets the frozen earth,
making people long for the the next season's birth.

But alas, the cold winter days are not yet through,
but do not despair, for the sky will soon be blue.

So until the winter days have past,
we'll have to wait out the winter, as we have winters past.

[ top ]     
Something Special has Awakened:
In hearts that share a common soul.
Beneath a starry sky it moves
As surely as the coming dawn,
Breaking ever so slowly, yet
Bursting forth in glorious warmth.

Then spring will warm to summer's heat
With fire fueled by love, found fresh
In the morning meadow, all green.
The winter of their lives is o'er.
And a moment has begun that
Will hide within their hearts no more.

Run joyously and seize the day!
Love leaps from every blade of grass,
Shines brightly in the sunlit dew,
Awaiting love's impassioned kiss.
For distance can not hold apart
Love forged before the dawn of spring.

The yellow sun shines on us both
And nurtures with its searing heat.
Some might wilt, but if we dare, then,
Will our love and spirits grow.
The light that shines has given us
Our season none too late, my love.
[ top ]     
Ode to Springtime:
Oh, springtime...sweet springtime you're finally here!
The snow is all gone and the skies are so clear.
The robins are back from their winter retreat.
The air is so fresh and the flowers are sweet.
I've waited so long for your joyous return.
All through the winter Oh, how I did yearn.
To witness the splendor that only you bring.
The bursting of color a new song to sing.
You warm up the air and the soil of the earth.
To renewal and beauty you gladly give birth.
No other season can rival your deeds.
You wash away gloom, you fulfill many needs.
Your rains cleanse the air of the winters bleak look.
You loosen it's grip on each babbling brook.
You wake all of nature from it's winter sleep.
(Even the insects that we wish you'd keep).
You bring forth the blooming of flowers and trees.
You dust winters' ashes with your gentle breeze.
Your crocus and tulips and daffodils too.
Put on quite a show with their colorful hue.
The birds sing your praises with songs crisp and clean.
Oh, springtime sweet spring you're a glorious thing.
You work your magic oh, so well.
There's just one mystery.
You bring such beauty to the world.
Why can't you work on me? (he he).

Have a wonderful Spring!!
[ top ]     
The Smell of New Sweet Grass in the Air:
The smell of new sweet grass is in the air.
Excitement of life stirs all through the meadow.
The birds are searching for materials to
make their homes for their new offspring.
Bees become sleepily stirred by
the wonderful smells of fresh nectar.

It's a wonderful day to stroll with a friend...
Wake up the senses...feel new again.
A fresh start fills the winds, as Spring beckons regrowth,
renewed spirit and renewed hopes.

To the robin and the bluebird
To the honeybees and tree frogs..
Welcome back to Springtime..
Welcome back from your long winters rest..
to the warmth of the shining sun.
[ top ]     
When Spring Comes:
When Spring comes
The sun takes its place
As a comforter to the world.
It sends its hot rays
And makes a blanket
Around the cool earth.

The ground feels soft again,
There are fairy rings on the grass,
Crocuses are popping out of their beds-
Little fairies dressed in yellow.

Spring has a happy thought
Of seeing flowers and leaves sprout;
Mother Nature is painting the grass and trees green again;
And when we walk in the rain
We can smell the spring coming.

Spring makes us think
That summer is on its way,
With the busy times
When all the animals
Are feeding their young,
And the birds
Are on their nests.

We trust spring-
That it will bring us
Warmth and happiness;
We feel free
When spring is here.
[ top ]     
The March Wind Roars:
The March wind roars
Like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver
As he passes by.

When winds are soft,
And the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb,
Then spring is here.
[ top ]     
Father What Makes A Dad:
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad
[ top ]     
I don't Know Where:
I don't know where fathers go when they die.
I have an idea
that after a rest--whenever it is--he won't be happy
unless there's work to do
He won't just sit on a cloud
and wait for the girl he's loved
and the children she bore.
He'll be busy there, too
repairing the streets,
oiling the gates,
improving things
smoothing the way.

Sent in by Carolyn Marvintez
[ top ]     
Old Mother Hubbard Poem (baby showers):
So (mother's name) won't be Old Mother Hubbard
Let's help her stock her cubbard
Just ONE little thing
We'd like you to bring
Use the first letter of your name
And bring something the same
Mashed carrots would be nice
So would bananas or rice
Jars would be grand
Bring your own brand
No need to mask it
Just drop it in the basket!
[ top ]     
Sweet Dreams My Heavenly Prince (Princess):
Baby's name here,
I carried you for almost a year,
Sharing my voice rendering songs
Telling you all about the world
Reserving a place for you deep in my heart
Your perfect little body and soul crowned you a prince
The Lord picked you at once to enjoy eternal heavenly bliss.
[ top ]     
Perhaps you sent a lovely card:
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, Or sat quietly in a chair;
Perhaps you sent beautiful flowers, If so, we saw them there.
Perhaps you sent or spoke kind words As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console the heart,
We thank you so much, whatever the part.
[ top ]     
Rest In Peace:
You are not forgotten loved one
Nor will you ever be
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee

We miss you now, our hearts are sore
As time goes by, we miss you more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face
No one can fill your vacant place.
[ top ]     
You are so Special:
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
You are so special!
[ top ]     
My Friend:
You're...
My friend,
My companion,
Through good times and bad,

My friend,
My buddy,
Through happy and sad,
Beside me you stand,
Beside me you walk,
You're there to listen,
You're there to talk,
With happiness,
With smiles,
With pain and tears,
I know you'll be there, throughout the years!

You are all good friends to me and I am grateful to you.
[ top ]     
The Last of the War:
When the last of the guns is silent
And again the world is free,
And the last of the wounded in mended
And loved ones each other see...

When the las of the slaughter is over
When the lat broken heart is healed
And the last of our boys is buried
Out there, in some foreign field...

When the last of the war ships are junkpiles
And the last war plane goes the same way
And the last prison camp is leveled
And we know what it means to pray...

When the last of the tyrants, lies lifeless
And we settle the last "Quisling's score"...
When the last boy comes home to his country
That's the last of the war--not before!
[ top ]     
Rita S. Beer:
The Legend of the Pearl
Once a tiny grain of sand caught in the oyster's snare,
Now a precious miracle, a pearl beyond compare.
For to overcome the pain it could not understand,
The oyster made a blanket around the grain of sand.
In the face of suffering, a drastic change was spurred.
The oyster persevered until a miracle occurred.
Once a tiny grain of sand caught in the oyster's snare,
Now a precious miracle, a pearl beyond compare.
[ top ]     
Broken Chain:
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left me peaceful memories; your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
[ top ]     
I Am With You Always:
As you hold me close in memory, even though we are apart, my spirit will live on, there within your heart ... I am with you always. When you lean on trusted friends and their caring hugs enfold you, within their loving arms, I'll be there to hold you ... I am with you always. And beyond the far horizon when we'll finally be together, where love will be eternal and life will last forever ... I am with you always. --Lisa O. Engelhardt

May you take comfort in the memories and love that surround you, and find hope in the promise of eternal life. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
[ top ]     
Christmas Tree:
*
joy
grace
hope - love
faith - peace
honor - purity
courage - loyalty
goodness - prudence
sympathy - humility
fortitude - temperance
brotherhood - cooperation
and
God
is
Love
[ top ]     
An Angel Has Spoken:
An angel has spoken,
His words did I hear
Be not afraid, my child,
I am always so near.

Those times when the darkness of night
Seems so endless and long,
When the suns warm touch is far from the dawn, You draw yourself in, hide from the dark,
Fear not my child, for I am thy spark.

I lighten your path,
I hold you within,
You are not alone,
The veil is so thin.

I hear you in silence,
Your fears do I sense,
Darkness is ending,
Light shall commence.

Your pains do I share,
My heart reaches for you,
I weep when you suffer,
My love is so true.

As a child, you called to me,
You needed me there,
My wings to protect you,
To guide you with care.

With age, you forgot me,
You looked another way,
But I am still with you,
How I long for the day.

As days turn to months,
So months turn to years,
You find yourself seeking,
The angels, in tears.

I fly to you swiftly,
With wings soaring high,
To embrace your sweet spirit,
Behold it is I.

As youth you did need me,
To hold you so near,
I never have left you,
Your Guardian so dear.

I walk with you always,
Never shall I stray,
I am Your Angel,
I will show you the way.
[ top ]     
An Angel Wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life,
but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it's his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it's your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.

God gives every bird it's food,
But he does not throw it into it's nest.

He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses more;
He who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are acts of nature.
Beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

The tongue weighs practically nothing,
But so few people can hold it.

Friends, you and me...
You brought another friend...and then there were 3...
we started our group...Our circle of friends...
and like that circle...there is no beginning or end...
[ top ]     
Butterflies, Oh Butterflies:
Butterflies, Oh, Butterflies,
Your beauty is so rare.

Butterflies, Oh, butterflies,
How could anyone dare.
to catch you and to hold you
against your solemn will?
They should just admire you
and let you have your fill.
of flitting here and flitting there,
gathering up your daily fare
of nectars from the flowers bright,
from early morning until night.

Butterflies, beautiful butterflies,
with so many colors rare,
it hurts my heart when one dies,
Yet, does anyone truly care?

For butterflies, butterflies,
you represent new birth,
from chrysalis until you die,
you beautify the earth.

thank you, lovely butterflies.
[ top ]     
The Butterfly (Through Someone Else's Eyes):
There was an ugly caterpillar,
That would do not a thing but eat,
He thought he was quite handsome,
Then he saw his defeat.

He met a beautiful butterfly,
With wings that could expand,
"I can be like that!", he shouted,
And ate the leaf in his hand.

He tried his best,
He looked real tough,
"No," he sighed,
This will never be enough.

He felt tired one day,
So he took a nap,
Crawled into his pupa,
And shut that little cap.

When he woke up,
Everything was different,
The sun was shining bright outside,
And the air smelled of mint.

He felt something on his back,
It was bright and dark blue,
He had become a butterfly,
His dream had come true!
[ top ]     
Butterfly Wishes:
Yesterday a butterfly
Came floating gently through the sky.
He soared up through the atmosphere
Then drifted close enough to hear.

I said, "I'd love to fly with you
And sail around the way you do.
It looks like it would be such fun
To fly up toward the summer sun.

But I have not your graceful charm.
I haven't wings, just these two arms.
I've been designed to walk around.
My human feet must touch the ground.

Then magically he spoke to me
and told me what his wish would be.

He said, "What I'd love most to do
Is walk upon God's Earth with you,
To squish it's mud between my toes
Or touch my finger to my nose.

I'd love just once to walk around
With human feet to touch the ground,
But I have not two legs that swing,
I haven't arms, just these two wings."

And so we went our separate ways
In wonder and surprise.
For we'd both seen God's precious gifts
Through someone else's eyes.
[ top ]     
A Butterfly Hovers Closely:
A butterfly hovers closely
And then quickly moves away,
Swiftly going where so ever
Her heart may freely say.

A butterfly lowers and rises
With the wind's gusty breath,
As if coupled within a dance
Of a loving tenderness.

The butterfly only knows
How it feels to have wings,
To kiss the petals of flowers
In such elegant flitterings.

To have but one moment
Of such an exquisite flight,
Would be like a dream
Where all seems so right.
[ top ]     
Legend of the Butterfly:
Once as a child many years ago...
on a balmy summer's eve.
I sat in the yard at my Mother's side...
and a butterfly lit at my sleeve.

"It's a sign of good luck", my Mother said.
As the butterfly stayed at my arm...
"It's a symbol of all the beauty in life.
Make sure you do it no harm."

First butterflies are eggs and after they hatch...
they see that their life's just beginning.
They're content with their lot in life,
so, they go out on a limb and start spinning.

They stay out awhile in a magic cocoon....
then emerge like flowers in spring.
Then they share the story of their victory and success...
through each of the colors of their wings.

The gold in their wings is the
"Golden Rule"...
To follow that is a must.
The blue....That means true blue.
Always be someone people can trust.

The green of the tip of their wing
is saying Stay green, and you'll always grow.
The silver is the lining in the clouds of doubt...
that you must look for as you go through life.

Butterflies bend with the wind, it's true.
Still they get where they want to go.
They arrive by persistence through their own insistence...
A lesson more people should know.

Sought and valued by the whole human race...
For their beauty, tenacity and charm.
If a butterfly ever chances to stay at your sleeve...
remember, my friend, don't fight it, but,
learn all you can from the butterfly clan.
And you too, may become a rare item.
[ top ]     
What Does Christmas Mean to Me:
C is for Christ who came as a babe...living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified freely forever ... One day he's coming, Oh glorious day!

H is for hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2)

R is for righteousness that has been revealed by God, that is by faith from first to last. (Romans 1:17)

I is for Immanuel (God with us)

S is for shepherds of whom Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd...the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

T is for the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Christ. (Colossians 2:3)

M is for magi who came to worship Jesus for He is truly worthy.

A is for angels who sang, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." (Luke 2:14)

S is for the star that led to the bright Morning Star...Jesus Himself. (Revelation 22:16)
[ top ]     
Buy A Dog:
If you want someone who will bring you the paper without first tearing it apart and remove the sports section
Buy a dog.
If you want someone willing to make a fool of himself simply over the joy of seeing you
Buy a dog.
If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never says its not quite as good as his mother made it
Buy a dog.
If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour, for as long and wherever you want
Buy a dog.
If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn't give a damn about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies
Buy a dog.
If you want someone who is content to get up on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores
Buy a dog.
If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn't care if you are pretty or ugly, thin or fat, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually
Buy a dog.
But, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness.
Then my friend,
Buy a cat.
You thought I was talking about men didn't you!

Sent in by Carolyn Marvinetz
[ top ]     
Requests For the New Year:
What shall I ask for the coming year?
What shall my watchword be?
What should thou do for m, dear Lord?
What can I do for thee?

Lord, I would ask for a holy year,
Spent in thy perfect will.
Help me to walk in thy very steps;
Help me to please thee still.

Lord, I would ask for a trustful year,
Give me thy faith divine,
Taking my full inheritance,
Making thy fulness mine!

Lord, I would ask for a year of love;
O let me love thee best!
Give me the love that faileth not
Beneath the hardest test.

Lord, I would ask for a year of prayer,
Teach me to walk with thee;
Breathe in my heart the Spirit's prayer;
Pray thou thy prayer in me!

Lord, I would ask for the dying world,
Stretch forth thy mighty hand;
Thy truth proclaim, thy power display
This year in every land.

Lord, I would ask for a year of joy;
Thy peace, thy joy divine,
Springing undimmed through all the days
Be thy days of shade or shine.

Lord, I ask for a year of hope,
Looking for thee to come,
And hastening on that year of years
That brings us Christ and Home..
[ top ]     
I Am the Flag of the of the United States:
I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America 's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.

I stand for freedom.

I am confident.

I am arrogant.

I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle
of every war
for more then 200 years.

I was flown at Valley Forge,
Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest,
Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea and
Khe San, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and
trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those
Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America 's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

Please send my message to all who still love

and respect me that I may fly proudly

for another two hundred years.

[ top ]     
There Is A Green Hill Far Away:
There is a green hill far away,
Beyond the city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

We may not know, we can not tell,
What pains he had to bear;
We believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.

He died that we might be forgiven;
He died to make us good,
That we might go to heaven,
Saved by His precious blood.

There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin,
He only could unlock the gate,
Of heaven and let us in.

O dearly, dearly, He has loved,
We must love Him too,
Trust in His redeeming blood,
And try His works to do
[ top ]     
One Guy Didn't:
Three guys were tried for crimes against humanity.
Two guys committed crimes.
One guy didn't.
Three guys were given government trials.
Two guys had fair trials.
One guy didn't.
Three guys were whipped and beaten.
Two guys had it coming.
One guy didn't.
Three guys were given crosses to carry.
Two guys earned their crosses.
One guy didn't.
Three guys were mocked and spit at along the way.
Two guys cursed and spit back.
One guy didn't.
Three guys were nailed to crosses.
Two guys deserved it.
One guy didn't.
Three guys agonized over their abandonment.
Two guys had reason to be abandoned.
One guy didn't.
Three guys talked while hanging on their crosses.
Two guys argued.
One guy didn't.
Three guys knew death was coming.
Two guys resisted.
One guy didn't.
One.
Two.
Three guys died on three crosses.
Three days later.
Two guys remained in their graves.
One guy didn't.
[ top ]     
Jelly Bean Poem:
Little jelly beans
Tell a story true.
A tale of Father's love
Just for me and you.

GREEN is for the waving palms.
YELLOW is for the sun above.
BROWN is for the soft earth where
People sat hearing of HIS love.

A SPECKLED bean for fish and sand.
RED for precious wine
and Black is for the sky as He died on the cross

PURPLE's for the sadness of
HIS family and friends,
and WHITE is for the glory of the
Day HE rose again.

Now that you've heard the story
You know what each color means.
The story of our Father's love
Told by some jelly beans.

So every morning take a bean
They're really very yummy.
Something for the soul, you see
And something for the tummy.
[ top ]     
I've learned:
I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned....
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world

I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned....
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned....
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.
[ top ]     
Amanda Bradley:
Forget about the days
when it’s been cloudy,
but don’t forget your
hours in the sun.
Forget about the times
you’ve been defeated,
but don’t forget
the victories you’ve won.
Forget about mistakes
that you can’t change now,
but don’t forget the lessons that you’ve learned.
Forget about misfortunes you’ve encountered,
but don’t forget the times your luck has turned.
Forget about the days when you’ve been lonely,
but don’t forget the friendly smiles you’ve seen.
Forget about plans
that didn’t seem to work out right,
but don’t forget to always have a dream.
[ top ]     
Will Allen Droomgoole:
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim —
That sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when he reached the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength in building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head,
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."
[ top ]     
A Formal Feeling Comes:
After great pain, a formal feeling comes--
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs--
The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
And Yesterday, or Centuries before?

The Feet, mechanical, go round--
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought--
A Wooden way
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone--

This is the Hour of Lead--
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons recollect the Snow--
First--Chill--then Stupor--then the letting go--
[ top ]     
The Haunted Palace:
In the greenest of our valleys
By good angels tenanted,
Once a fair and stately palace--
Radiant palace--reared its head.
In the monarch Thought's dominion--
It stood there!
Never seraph spread a pinion
Over fabric half so fair!

Banners yellow, glorious, golden,
On its roof did float and flow,
(This--all this--was in the olden
Time long ago,)
And every gentle air that dallied,
In that sweet day,
Along the ramparts plumed and pallid,
A wingèd odor went away.

Wanderers in that happy valley,
Through two luminous windows, saw
Spirits moving musically,
To a lute's well-tunèd law,
Round about a throne where, sitting
(Porphyrogene!)
In state his glory well befitting,
The ruler of the realm was seen.

And all with pearl and ruby glowing
Was the fair palace-door,
Through which came flowing, flowing, flowing,
And sparkling evermore,
A troop of Echoes, whose sweet duty
Was but to sing,
In voices of surpassing beauty,
The wit and wisdom of their king.

But evil things, in robes of sorrow,
Assailed the monarch's high estate.
(Ah, let us mourn!--for never morrow
Shall dawn upon him desolate!)
And round about his home, the glory
That blushed and bloomed
Is but dim-remembered story
Of the old time entombed.

And travellers now, within that valley,
Through the red-litten windows see
Vast forms, that move fantastically
To a discordant melody,
While, like a ghastly rapid river,
Through the pale door
A hideous throng rush out forever
And laugh--but smile no more.
[ top ]     
Halloween Night:
Halloween night
on hallows eve
when the moon is out
when the sky is pitch black
and the Goblins come out

when ghosts are set free
to taunt all the children
when the witches fly high
into the sky
to get to their cauldron

when vampires seek out
for someone to bite
when trick-or-treaters
are in a big fright
but it's all just a myth
right?
[ top ]     
Gathering Leaves:
Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

[ top ]     
Thanksgiving is....:
Thanksgiving is a
time of gratitude to God,
our Creator and Provider,
whose guidance and care go before us...
and whose love
is with us forever.

Thanksgiving is a time
to reflect on the changes,
to remember that we, too,
grow and change
from one season of life to another.

Thanksgiving is a time
of changing seasons,
when leaves turn golden
in Autumn's wake
and apples are crisp
in the first chill breezes of fall.

Let us remember the true meaning
of Thanksgiving.
As we see the beauty
of Autumn, let us acknowledge
the many blessings
which are ours...
let us think of our families
and friends..
and let us give thanks in our hearts.
[ top ]     
Those Were the Days My Friend:
Those were the days
Carrying Picket Signs in Protest Lines
United Together in Hard Times
Fighting and Scraping for Equity Dimes
Those were the Days

Those were the Days
Lifting Our Banner on Labor Day
Moving Ahead for Equal Pay
Teaching our Members the Union Way
And at the Table We Had Our Say
Those Were the Days

Those Were the Days

Teaching Seminars for Hours
Reinforcing Union Powers
Reaching Out for PEOPLE Dollars
Those Were the Days

Those Were the Days
You've Had a Ball and Did It All
24 Hours a Day On-Call
Those Were the Days

Those Were the Days
We Walked the Walk
And Talked the Talk
Had No Time to Fret or Sulk
Those Were the Days

Those Were the Days
You've Earned the Kudos
Through the Years
We'll Raise Our Glass and Echo Cheers
We Are Confident and Without Fear
That in your Union's Heart
Your Always Near
Those Were the Days

Those Were the Days
Please Don't Sigh or Say Good-Bye
The Union's Heart is Our Eternal Cry
The Union Spirit Never Dies
Those Were the Days My Friends

Note*

*This was written by my mother Karen Warner who went
to be with God in April of 2001.
She is truly missed and loved by her Grandchildren and I.
[ top ]     
We Have Lost Even:
We have lost even this twilight.
No one saw us this evening hand in hand
while the blue night dropped on the world.

I have seen from my window
the fiesta of sunset in the distant mountain tops.

Sometimes a piece of sun
burned like a coin between my hands.

I remembered you with my soul clenched
in that sadness of mine that you know.

Where were you then?
Who else was there?
Saying what?
Why will the whole of love come on me suddenly
when I am sad and feel you are far away?

The book fell that always turned to at twilight
and my cape rolled like a hurt dog at my feet.

Always, always you recede through the evenings
toward where the twilight goes erasing statues.
[ top ]     
Marriage Morning:
Light, so low upon earth,
You send a flash to the sun.
Here is the golden close of love,
All my wooing is done.
Oh, the woods and the meadows,
Woods where we hid from the wet,
Stiles where we stayed to be kind,
Meadows in which we met!

Light, so low in the vale
You flash and lighten afar,
For this is the golden morning of love,
And you are his morning start.
Flash, I am coming, I come,
By meadow and stile and wood,
Oh, lighten into my eyes and heart,
Into my heart and my blood!

Heart, are you great enough
For a love that never tires?
O' heart, are you great enough for love?
I have heard of thorns and briers,
Over the meadow and stiles,
Over the world to the end of it
Flash for a million miles.
[ top ]     
A Red Red Rose:
O' my Luv's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June;
O my luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.--

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my Dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.--

Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
I will love thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.--

And fare thee weel, my only Luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!
[ top ]     
As My Little Girl Gets Married:
There you are in your wedding gown,
The world's most beautiful bride,
And though I'm truly happy for you,
I'm holding back tears inside.

For it seems like only a moment ago
That I first held you in my arms--
The world's most beautiful baby,
Enchanting us with your charms.

You grew into the most beautiful girl,
And I watched you dress up and play,
Giggling with friends about boys
and who you might marry someday.

Soon you became a young woman
And dated the world's luckiest guys,
But never with any of them did I see
The light that shines now in your eyes.

I can see how deeply you care for this man,
And the power of your emotion.
I can tell he already has your love
And will soon have your lifelong devotion.

So remember as you take his hand
To begin your life together--
You'll always be my little girl...
And I'll love you forever and ever.
[ top ]     
You My Friend:
You My friend
You don't always show it,
but I know that you care.

You My friend
If I'd ever need you,
I know you'd be there.

You I'm glad you're my friend.
Your smile makes me smile.
Your pain makes me sad.

You My friend
I want you to know:
If you need me--I'm there.
I want to make you smile.
make you happy,
make you laugh.

You My friend
Sometimes you make me mad,
but I can't stay mad.

You My friend
Sometimes I want to get away from you.
And sometimes there's nothing I want more than:
to talk to you,
to tell you about my day,
to hear about yours,
to laugh with you,
to tease you,
to share an inside joke,
that no one else would get,
to argue with you,
but know we're just kidding..

You My friend
Do you remember the time when...?
There are so many times.

You My friend
Don't ever lose the wonderful person you are.
Stay happy.
Stay healthy.
Stay you.

You My friend
I'll never stop being your friend.
Don't ever stop being mine.

You My friend
Just wanted to tell you:
I care.
[ top ]     
A Firefighter's Glove:
A Firefighter's Gloves hold many things,
From elderly arms to a kids broken swing,
From the hands they shake and the backs they pat,
To the tiny claw marks of another treed cat.

At 2 am they are filled with the chrome,
From the DWI who was on her way home.
And the equipment they use to roll back the dash,
From a family of 6 she involved in the crash.

The brush rakes in Spring wear the palms out,
When the wind does a "90" to fill them with doubt.
The thumb of the glove wipes the sweat from the brow,
Of the face of a firefighter who mutters "What now"!

They hold inch and three quarters flowing one seventy five,
So the ones going in, come back out alive.
When the regulator goes; then there isn't too much,
But the bypass valve they eagerly clutch.

The rescue equipment, the ropes, the C-collars;
The lives that they save never measured in dollars,
Are the obvious things firefighters gloves hold,
Or, so that is what I've been always told.

But there are other things Firefighter's Gloves touch,
Those are the things we all need so much.
They hold back the rage on that 3 am call,
They hold in the fear when your lost in a hall,
They hold back the pity, agony, sorrow.
They hold in the desire to "Do it tomorrow".

A glove is just a glove till it's on firefighter,
Who work all day long just to pull an all-nighter.
And into the foray they charge without fear,
At the sound of a "Help" they think that they hear.

When firefighters' hands go into the glove,
It's a firefighter who always fills it with love.
Sometimes the sorrow is too much to bear,
And it seeps the glove and burns deep "in there".

Off come the gloves when the call is done,
And into the pocket until the next run.
The hands become lonely and cold for a bit,
And shake just a little thinking of it.

And we sit there so red eyed with our gloves in their coats,
The tears come so fast that the furniture floats.
We're not so brave now; our hands we can't hide,
I guess it just means that we're human inside.

And though some are paid and others are not,
The gloves feel the same when it's cold or it's hot.
To someone you're helping to just get along,
When you fill them with love, you always feel strong.

And so when I go on my final big ride,
I hope to have my gloves by my side,
To show to St. Peter at that heavenly gate.
Cause as everyone knows, Firefighters do not wait!
[ top ]     
A Cop on the Take:
First he takes the oath.
Now look at all he takes---

He takes it in stride when people call him a pig.
He takes time to stop and talk to children.
He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket that you deserve...
He takes on creeps that you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.
He takes your injured children to the hospital.
He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes his life into his hands daily.

He takes you home when your car breaks down.
He takes time to explain why both of your headlights have to work.
He takes the job that no one else wants---
telling you that a loved one has died.

He takes criminals to jail.
He takes in sights that would make you cry.
Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.

If he is lucky, he takes a retirement.
He takes memories to bed each night,
that you couldn't bear for one day!
Sometimes he takes a bullet.
And yes, occasionally he takes a free cup of coffee.
Then one day he pays for all he has taken...

GOD takes him!
[ top ]     
A Firefighter's Glove:
A Firefighter's Gloves hold many things,
From elderly arms to a kids broken swing,
From the hands they shake and the backs they pat,
To the tiny claw marks of another treed cat.

At 2 am they are filled with the chrome,
From the DWI who was on her way home.
And the equipment they use to roll back the dash,
From a family of 6 she involved in the crash.

The brush rakes in Spring wear the palms out,
When the wind does a "90" to fill them with doubt.
The thumb of the glove wipes the sweat from the brow,
Of the face of a firefighter who mutters "What now"!

They hold inch and three quarters flowing one seventy five,
So the ones going in, come back out alive.
When the regulator goes; then there isn't too much,
But the bypass valve they eagerly clutch.

The rescue equipment, the ropes, the C-collars;
The lives that they save never measured in dollars,
Are the obvious things firefighters gloves hold,
Or, so that is what I've been always told.

But there are other things Firefighter's Gloves touch,
Those are the things we all need so much.
They hold back the rage on that 3 am call,
They hold in the fear when your lost in a hall,
They hold back the pity, agony, sorrow.
They hold in the desire to "Do it tomorrow".

A glove is just a glove till it's on firefighter,
Who work all day long just to pull an all-nighter.
And into the foray they charge without fear,
At the sound of a "Help" they think that they hear.

When firefighters' hands go into the glove,
It's a firefighter who always fills it with love.
Sometimes the sorrow is too much to bear,
And it seeps the glove and burns deep "in there".

Off come the gloves when the call is done,
And into the pocket until the next run.
The hands become lonely and cold for a bit,
And shake just a little thinking of it.

And we sit there so red eyed with our gloves in their coats,
The tears come so fast that the furniture floats.
We're not so brave now; our hands we can't hide,
I guess it just means that we're human inside.

And though some are paid and others are not,
The gloves feel the same when it's cold or it's hot.
To someone you're helping to just get along,
When you fill them with love, you always feel strong.

And so when I go on my final big ride,
I hope to have my gloves by my side,
To show to St. Peter at that heavenly gate.
Cause as everyone knows, Firefighters do not wait!
[ top ]     
You:
You lived your life with 1,000 lies
They told you, you would get better
You are like a dusty library book
On a bookshelf
Waiting to be discovered

Through the years
You have been poked
You have been proded
You are not yourself but of someone else

You left the lives of 1,000 hearts
You are like a history book
But you have no chapters
You were my best friend>br> My buddy, My pal

You know you didn't want to leave
You had so much ahead of you
You were almost at the top of the hill
But you came upon a crisis
That you just could not get around

I see you in my dreams at night
And I know that you are alright
You are gone from my vision
But you are not gone from my heart
I will see you again when the time comes

*For my Papa (Grandpa) will all my heart.
Chrissy Kim
[ top ]