Rhymes at Random by Maxine Blackburn

Grandma-Blackburns-Poems.pdf First Things First This is the day I was going to see you But I don't have time to visit. My onion hot bed is peeping through And I don't want to miss it. I'll be here on my knees all day Prayerfully watching this birthing. Tiny green shoots will find their way Row by row unearthing. Happiness A mocking bird stood on the perch The wind his feathers ruffled, Music came forth from the chimes His little feet he shuffled. Last Week The super bright October sunlight Brought me to my feet I saw at a glance, and what a sight Dirt I had left in the summer heat So I went for my Windex and Purex and top And a bucket with Spic and Spani . I scrubbed everything from bottom to top Find proof of it if you can. Don't Tell? Keep it right with God and it don't hurt who knows 10 When the path is trod, you're the one who chose i tre Forgotten Lunch East mountain range with sunrise spreading Oat field of green, fresh garden bedding Young tender plants at bath in dew Whole world refreshed, creek rippling thr Hot coffee steaming,young pup at play Song from the cycamore starts our day. old pickup truck, the hill now climbing Cows call for hay, they know his timing : Thats his return? A hug for me? .. We saw new leaves on an old, old tree. The Compliment Just because I've gained a pound or two is no reason that he Should be so inconsiderate in what he said to me You see I had bought this brand new robe , the largest I could get He smiled and said, "Hang in there, Hon, you're gonna fill it yet. Insight Nobody asks the people who know If They are too old, their thinking too slowl Try to advise and they will just smile. ti Dad's gettin' old, Mom is senile." It is true much has changed But its true much has not! Why waste a source? Time teaches a lot. The Bissel I sprayed some Endust on a towel and tucked it in the Bissel Then I rolled the appliance all over the rug just to hear it whistle I was thinking, "Boy, oh, boy,is this ever nice But when I came back around I really got a surprise It had cut a foot. long path through all that debris And the floor looked like it had rolled out a red carpet for me, Guess How I know That They were just idyling off the day and everything was a mess What if company comes to stay?How would you cook for a guest? Wash your dishes right after you eat, that way its done with ease Don't sit there and leisurly read a book. Laziness is a bad disease. Intuition He laughed when I drew so much water He acted like I was a freak But it did sleet and snow four days in a row And we carried more from the creek. Too Late After I post my efforts And the mail car has gone by It comes to me then How a line should have been And thats when I almost cry. Practacality Hey, take a look at my fourbler "A fourbler? What do you mean?" This is a double double knit coat That will go through the washing machine. 12-22-83 My flowers froze like the florist said But mine froze right here on the desk by my bed. . 3 Please In my writing you may find Rhyming of another kind But when you finally reach the end Realize I do pretend. Learn the poem you like the best Politely then forget the rest You don't like it first time through? Then don't let it bother you. I write when I am alone For you to read when I am gone Just a little peep at me For the children I won't see. Someday my hands won't hold a pen Pain reminds me now and then Tho today I'm feeling fine Time will change these hands of mine. Four A.M? There he goes again to market In his truck,where will he park it? Is the road changed all the way? Will he get back home today?.. .. Way before the break of dawn He wakes up and then he is gone Only stops to feed his cattle Then the traffic he will battle, He will see all his old friends Share some jokes and snopps and grins Then buy his fruit and head back in To him its Christmas time again. He'sso good and kind at heart And it's very much a part Of his Christmas its real cute How he shares his Christmas fruit Mistake Now a good orange is a challenge. With one nothing will rhyme Neither can you match one's flavor Thats a fact I read one time. Oh, dear me, it's getting worse! I will have to change that verse. That's the flavor of a peach! That was I about to teach? Watch Out Now A vanity copy sounds so proud Why with all this expertise I'm endowed Why not turn it into cash? (Better stillthrow the whole thing in the trash.). Sixteen Degrees Sitting here cosily by the stove Taking it easy today like he said This house is a fright so get up and move From the looks of it all last week you were dead. It Assistance hat dictionary you gave me? Well, you ought to see its cover I use it and use it and use it and use it And it ain't gonna last forever.. When there is a word I am wanting But this one is not what I need I hunt till I find a better one there My feeble brain to feed.: I've Got Problems Too With so many personalities And so many different ages There actually is no perfect way To fill the lines of my pages hat one might call pretty funny Might make another one mad All I can say is go on-go on The next one won't be so bad. You Can Believe This I've had a glimpse of hereafter 4 priviledge granted by God He let me see how dying would be And the power in the staff and the rod. I saw a wee bit of heaven I stole a glance down below It wasn't hard to decide then Which way I hope I will go. I wanted everything settled I asked Him my sins to forgive; Humbly I prayed tho it nettled Lord, let me live let me live. There are more things I could tell you There is a lot more I could say But I believe that will be enough For you to ponder today. un olden Days I wish I was smarter And handled the language well Because there is the sweetest tale I just yearn to tell. . We have all these little girls With their lives ahead I would like to share with them The sweet things you said. was Grandpa ever romantic? ow, thats one I doubt! Grandma, tell me what in the world You're really talkin' about, Honey, your Gramps is the greatest He treated me with respect His smile would put me in orbit His kiss I still recollect. Christmas Tears I spent many hours to piece it I quilted it on my machine I used the best Mountain Mist batting And I washed it so it would be clean. Then I packed it and went out to mail it And oh, how I wished I could see Her eyes when she opened the package But that wasn't meant to be. Do Unto. Others Theres a red bird on the bird bath But he ain't gonna jump in Although I put bread crumbs in it To get them out of the wind. Oh, they take turns jumping in it Three more are looking around Wach standing guard for the other To watch for a cat on the ground, 52? It wasn't such a bad mistake But I had to look away To hide my face and smile a bit At what I heard her say.. She said, "I'll give the pup to you Although its plain to see That she's just plain Heinz fifty-two." And somehow that tickled me The water is Fine : Come on up and go swimming It is guaranteed clear and cool - There is plenty of room for your diving But there is lots of ice in the pool. Please Not It was a dream I didn't like One I won't really forget He was lighting a cigarette and casually smoking it. Everything Was Fine Until.... Everything was fine until the phone rang Somebody stirrin' up a stink everything was fine until the phone rang How I worry every time I think, Blossom in the Grass I have read from time to time Short and simple words that rhyme Telling how a little flower Came to brighten a dark hour, But it didn't mean to me As much as this small bloom I see Peering out beneath my wall As we go into this fall. Did you come to help to cheer me? Lice to have you growing near me, Thanks for blooming this one flower In my low and lonely hour. Memories Did you ever see a little boy With his dad's old socks Pinned a way up to his seat While he played with blocks? Then the house is icy cold And wind come's through the floor You do anything you can to give him one layer more. . 7 12-30-83 In this so called inclement weather Its hard to keep your wits together. 13 have had strange things occur We all need warm suits of fur. When its cold things won't work right A funny thing happened here last night The little pipe in the coffee pot Froze shut;* thats how cold it got. *** If I don't start the apples baking They will not get done. I know I have to cook dinner But this is so much more fun. Me Too, Son He wasn't the least bit sassy But this is what he said. I realized he was a man and I think I nodded my head. "They are my very own whiskers If I choose to I'll let 'em grom. One of the main reasons is That the ladies like them, you know." Turn it off!!! Football! Basketball! Whos gonna win? I don't think I can hear that again! Except my Others We were looking through some old school pictures And you found a group of which I was a part Then your eyes came to rest upon this childs face They were looking through it almost like a dart. You held it up before my face and pointed And said, "Mama,now this really has to be The prettiest little girl I ever saw The prettiest I could ever hope to see... I saked him, witho told you that I was in it?" I suspected his nice story had a flaw For the picture in his hand looked like his Jennifer The prettiest little girl I ever saw. Osteoporosis We met to discuss our attitude About our own decrepitude And we were armed with sympathy (Hot akin to empathy.) Tad Diet I don't eat food as often as I should Then when I eat food I think its awfully good, When I start to eat food I eat an awful Iot Just take a look at me and see how fat I got. Thats 0.K, hy can't you commend me for the things I do? Well, I can look back at it when I'm through. Cabin Fever mis should come as no surprise For I know you realize That I do this every day. In exactly this same way. Now tomorron just for kicks When this bed I start to fix I'll turn the spread the other way Tor something different one day. For the Birds Do I feed the birds for the birds Or do I feed the birds for me? If I fed the birds for the birds I'd hang that bread high in the tree. Just a Jet ie were playing in the yard And we heard a plane fly by After looking everywhere we saw no plane in the sky. This sure did seem funny It set our minds awhirl Then one little fellow shouted, "Cod put a handle on the world! Part Alike? The rice pudding just smelled so good That I couldn't wait. I had just finished a bowl of it When I heard him at the gate. Later I smiled and said, "Thank you, Dear", Vhen he handed the dish to me He had served us both that day And divided it equally. They Drank Too I think it was last Thursday I looked across at the hill And I saw five strutting gobblers At the corn feeder eating their fill. Of course they weren't strutting at mealtime The five had just gone out to dine. While their sweet little hens sat at home on the eggs Ain't that just like mankind? For a Fact I Do you know what a lie is I asked the little girl. She looked fully in my face And shook her little curls. Somebody will tell you one some day Then you'll know all about tem After that they can tell you the truth But you're still going to doubt fem. Plumpish Gee, I'm gettin' awful fat Thats been my Ocservation. And every time I step on the scales I go eat for consolation. Yea, Bilbur! He was young strong and active Looked like he had muscles to spare. He said, "Look, Mama, what I can doll, And he sprung up off of his chair. Defore I could tell him not to He took a firm grip on the door And swung his knees forward and over his head And dropped his feet to the floor. Tor a Fact If your child will not obey Let him learn another way One smart whack across the rear Will open his ears so he can hear. Hint-Hint Must you always speak to me In a scolding tone of voice? In case you chance to wonder Thats really not my choice. Prehads we should play turn about And I scold you a while It would erase right off your face That tackey little smile. Spring Fever I really need to start a hat It can't be sold until its done It can't get done unless I start And I'm too lazy to start this one. ky son will call and say, "Well, llar, You got a brown derby on the wall? Then what will I do just hem and hau? Looks like I'd better get on the ball. Tullfillment There was a little girl with long black hair Sitting by the bed in a straight back chair. Hobody knew what went on in her head is she gazed at the sheet and then at the spread. Oh, H07 is it done? I just wish I kney HOW people make cloth. I would make some tode Forty years later she learned to crochet And she makes many kinds of cloth today. The cloth is not woven. It may not be the best The little girl was me as you've probably guessed. Chips You have to clean the box out good If there is going to be enough room for wood. 11 I've IToticed Part of the people part of the time Enjoy a short story in words that rhyme but most of the people on any set day Vill just glance at it and put it away. Tun Time We are told we should use our talents Whatever they may be Tho its easy to tell I may not excell My work is a pleasure to me. The Vision I sense a new field of endeavor opening up for me I think it will bring me pleasure and it is almost free.) If they'll leave me one old chewed on pencil And a sheet of paper or two I am equipped for my project when an inspiration comes through. Hazel I don't deserve the kindness you show You say, "Come see me", and I don't go I say come help me you drive up the hill I don't deserve it but I sure hope you will. Hext Now its your turn to write one for me who gives a darn what kind it will be I am sure not qualified to judge Come on, come on, you just need a nudge. Just start with two lines You'll get a surprise How it will build and open your eyes no the fun you can have Then you just let go Your kids vill just love it So make 'em a show. Quilting Do you remember the lady who tickled me so When she said you cut loose and make a new go. ñ Since You Asked mhis gives me ihe freedom to use A language I don't know well Utilize what I know Then butcher the rest And hope someday it will sell. . Amen (be it so) If you are sick and want to get better Pray for someone other than you This is a fact from the bible And I have proven it true. Ode to a Bore Do not belabor a thought that is spent When you have said it, don't get it all bent. Out Strolling? I got this over helming urge To just run over there So I called and let it ring eight times She's gone; it isn't fair. Genes I posess a lot of Irish spice Sometimes its crude and not so very nice. Tho lomma taught me well another way What Poppa said comes out in what I say. Lonely Indeavor My art is not appreciated Dut at least no one says I can't y efforts underrated But so far theres been no complaint. wi Soneday I hope one is noticed nd I can hand them a check When they'll recall the "Special Mentions and maybe I'll get some respect. I really don't want my back patted But it hurts when they don't understand That today there is a future for poetry ilhere is a growing demand. 13 Dear Friend, I just bet you have forgotten what you owe me Sure a letter would be nice but thats not it. THinking back you'll know I hurt your little puppy And he cried so much I nearly had a fit. We now have this teeny-weeny spotted terrier Tipped the scale at forty ounces to a tee You can come and step right on him if you want to That would just about make you even with me. Now his momuie could object if things don't go right She came along his bottles to prepare But I noticed when she ate her meat and gravy Little Tiger gobbled up more than his share. They told us he will be six weeks old next Sunday That would just about make him a Christmas pup From now on every day will be a fun day I feel sure that he will liven this place up. Tating Out I thought it was nice that he fed the child While her momma watched and occasionally smiled She batted her sweet little hands in the air As she sat on their table in her little chair. Her dad was nice looking. Her momma was pretty They'd driven from home to have lunch in the city. He would spoon in a bite then wipe her mouth clean A familiar sight in our everyday scene. True Value A time to build and a time to tear down Have both of the times really come? Our memories fill the little old part nd both of our hearts are numb. We're adding the new but we're keeping the old He can't do it and neither can I Tear down our first home? Don't be so cold! These walls heard our babies cry. Good Old Days There is a crack in the shack in the back of the stack And a little green snake crawled through it. There he is on the seat! How neat! What a treat! But now......... (you add some words to it.) -- Winter Time Every eye was on my nose It was as red as any rose I carried logs and nearly froze They could have helped don't you suppose? Words I love words. I want them all But I don't have very many. Tnglish professors should all stand tall While I sit here like a ninny. The Heir Hy weakened hand covers the small tender lump That someeay will be my child. I hug myself, curl up in a ball And I think I probably smiled. Thouch I can't hardly eat I am eating for two And it sure doesn't taste very good. Hee One, I'm doing it all for you And I'd keep it down if I could. - Sympathy There are some things I know and some places I've been And I well know the score as this happens again. Wenty-six years ago I was: there in her place In my hour of distress before man saw his face. Then a sweet little boy in this world did appear He's been my pride and joy every day every year.. When the last pains have ended and he's in her arms She'll be the one who shields him from all harms, She'll be the one with the deepest real love She'll know that God sent her babe from above. Somehoy it was his plan we must hurt so they live A newly born infant only our God can give. As a prarma and momma I wait in my chair "Let it rire, let it ring, let it ring,"is my prayer. 15 Retirement First you have a husband to do some things for you And when the boys are big enough they can do things too Then you have some grandsons who can reach the high light fixture But today theres not a soul around to hang my big new picture. Listen Self There is a stack of dusty bibles in the corner of the room And some magazines there open on the bed. from the filth there on those pages you can know that it means doom And the soul of man from sin is nearly dead. Take the dusty little bible on the top of that small stack Open up its pages, read a while and see If the worldly stack of trash there open on the bed Is the reading matter Jesus meant for me. You can read the current issue, maybe get a little zing Just from knowing what is happening today But the basic, truthful rale book tells us clearly with a ring That the word of God is forever here to stay. Take your mother's worn old bible,read the verses where it opens Unassisted in your hands to guide your day hink about what Jesus told us, He's eternal, true and honest And turn back to God,reject the "Modern" way. After 40 Years Bill eats early as one should I am hungry later Iggs, toast and bacon he calls good But I bake me a tater. : I Wish He says I'm his better half But I can seldom make him laugh: I wish I could write so funny He would laugh out loud like Sonny. Guest in the Garden This is the cabbage the little worm ate He didn't need a fork and a plate He just kept chewing around in a ring He didn't know he was hurting a thing. Soon his friends were all over the place Hly cabbage row was turning to lace But I couldn't kill them they were having so much fun and they ate the cabbage so we will have none. ... ...... .. ...... -- ----- Confession I lied when I said the vorms ate my cabbage And I wish you could see how that cold spell did ravish Those sixty preen heads just ready to pick hey look like bror bars and it makes me sick, Its a time to be proud of the kraut on the shelf I grew it and krauted it by myself but of course it took nourishuent from the soil ind the Lord rewarded me for my toil. Who Yon? Iris is my little Honey She's perfection and I'm choosey Tho you may think this sounds funny She's no sweeter than my Susie. e Command ity terrier stands with both eyes to the screen His little stub tail in the air Six cows and to calves is all I have seen He won't chase them unless I am there. mergency e bull was on the natio and the telephone was ringing I hate to be disturbed so much when Charlie Pride is singing. Delema 70" in the world do you get off the phone? the time they are spending is not all their on.. her time is fleeting and there is work to be done To sa uirn and speak nicely is not any fun. You and Me You've got a dollar and I've got a penny You wear a whits collar and I don't wear any You've got a poodle but I've got a dig. hen we butcher you won't feel so big.. Heaven Help Us We have just entered at exit Ho can I make it right? I" I could leave through the entrance Tut t?o roncs won't make a right, Te tried to describe it but he never could nen he said," hat face makes ugly look good." A Swat at Pessimism Gripe, gripe, gripe, gripe How it plagues my soul"hy don't you look at The picture as a whole? Don't Ask Me I looked in the mirror and what did I see Who is that lookin' back at me With wrinkles and moles and arms turned to jelly Fat svollen ankles and a great big belly Shoulders that stood and old curves that sag Tho in the world is that old bag? Here is a Deal You don't like the things I do There are some things I don't like about you So you roll your hoop and I'll roll mine That way everything will be fine. Hammer and Nails He was sitting there on the patio Without a thing to do I don't think I had ever seen a little guy so blue. I said, "Hi, there, I'm glad you're here There is something I can't fix. * on his face I saw a tear Really five or six. IIe smiled and sniffed and said, "I'll help. I'll fix it right away." 10.K.," I said, "That would sure please me I'll make cookies if you can stay. "Granma, your cookies sure are good. How did you make tem so quick?" "Oh, its rot hard to bake tea cakes But too many hight make you sick," Pack Rat I was looking through some old boxes And I found a: clipping I'd saved By a local prominent writer .. On a gossip and how she behaved. Morning Prayer Lord, take my life and let it be a kind of symbol unto thee À tiny inkling of your love awaiting for us up above. 18 Spring Yelloy green leaves veil a powder blue sky Ancient dormant trunk conveys naturels command I.ive roots hidden from the eye Tife goes on, mid-arch is grand. Better kot Don't feed your cat He will eat just that Lay there fat And never catch a rat. Tinkling Brass that is this thing that I seek I delight in tongue in cheek I come near it now and then But its spredaing mighty thir. vould I fail if I should try to be tongue in cheek and wry Also humble and discreet That would be a package neat So take out this wasted sheet Let it fall there at your feet Wor, your little wheels are spinnin. (Cummy kne: she wasn't vinnin.) But For what? If I don't write it , it goes away If I do its here to stay. The Puneral, Io tiere ever a time to be more socially correct Than when you are expressing sympathy and showing your last respect I was inclined to run and hide some error to deter But I was compelled to shake her hand and say I'm sorry to her, Thymin' There ain't nothin' that won't rhyme if you're not too choosey But sometimes I get cui of line and sound a little boozey. Watch your Sten Clainny little lady with a seven month curve and ile high heels, that sure takes perve. The Image She was reeking alcohol and nicotine combined Ho see hersell as others do would probably blow her mind, The Silent Quarrel If you knew him like I know him You would see a different man I don't like it a bit when you put him down HOW I wish you'd do this if you can. AN Tell me he doesn't show sympathy Prove that he doesn't have love Tell me he doesn't believe in the Lord And His Son up in heaven above. Maybe he sometimes he says things he should not Surely his words are a sin But I know a heart of real gold he has got and God will forgive him again. How are you qualified to judge him Do you have no faults tucked away A sin is a sin be it great or small Check your own situation today. It takes the whole book to live by Not just a verse or two I see in him some admirable traits Just as I see some in you. Oh, No! Here I am struggling over these thoughts hen a pattern looms in the light These are the very words that I need This way it has to be right. About a week later I froze in my tracks Thats what somebody else wrote I crumpled my paper and capped my pen That man would have cut my throat. Gone Honey saved is money not spent I don't know where mine all went They tell us saving is a way to earn But doin' without ain't worth a durn. Non-Fiction I looked in the mirror and my heart wept For the old, old lady who had just slept Unshapely old body pregnant with age Positive proof of life's turned page Veined hands with wrinkles, mostly gray hair here is the girl who once lived there? Free Advice You would never believe the advico I got when I planted onions in my garden plot Pull the dirt back so they'll be sweet rake soil to them so they'll be fit to eat Pun the sprinkler to wash off the dust Let water run slowly from dawn till dusk Dont use water let them root down They'll be bigger than the ones in town One by one they appeared when the cron was in Fach with a drool and a winners grin See what I told you, just look at that and carried home a few in his hat Tor I had listened to what Jerry said When I purchased the seeds to sow in the bed. - Broken Drought I heavy rain.came pouring down und wahed the garden smoothe Å brilliant sun came shining through the droning roots to soothe. Soon the ground began to crack In a pattern nature's own And now I see along each track That tiny weeds have grown. Absent from the Reunion The day has come now for the meetin! They're all huggin' and kissin' and greetin. Stories from the past repeatin! ini I'm lyin herc alone. : There's fruit salad, pie and puddin' And coffee cake(they made a goodun) I wanted to go but this year I couldn' So I wrote a little poem. Memories from last year just kill me 110:1 sunt Lena's deas did fill me! and Helen's corn bread simply thrill me and I bet it's there arain, I'm so lad the sun is shinin' hile Im lyin'here reclinin' Tor my family I'm pinin. But I eu I couldn't win. ith my new scar healink quickly In no longer quiet so sickly who it feels a little prickly I will soon be well again. 21 21 In a Rut I found this snazzy recipe and baked it up real fine We all sat down to dinner but it didn't look like mine lobody took a single bite and finally I cried The dog is on a fancy diet---but at least I tried. Meanie Did my little poem offend you? Did it really raise your ire? Do you wish I hadn't done it? Don't you throw it in the fire! Yeah, I know it made you angry Tho I laughed a bit myself If you don't like what you're reading Fut the book back on the shelf. Sorry We were window shopping around the square When I noticed this plaid pleated skirt It wasn't the sort of thing that I wear But I reasoned just one couldn't hurt We went in the store and asked the nice clerk If I could try on one and see She picked up her tape and embarrased us both . The thing wouldn't go around me. Please Don't take for fact everything that I say In a lighthearted poetical way. The greater part of it won't be true Just a little clean fun for me and for you. Brewmaster One tablespoon makes three teaspoons And that makes three cups of tea But I use five cups of water Because that way it pleases me. Spring Storm "Oh, God!" The way that thunder rolled as lightening split the sky! I didn't swear, it was a prayer,wind gusts were ripping by. Beside my bed is an old black book live lived with all these years l'iy hand reached out to touch it and it helped to calm my fears. . .... .... .. . . How? TTOcan you accept the fact me test goes off, the call comes back The doctor says, "Yes it is true." palimancy has chosen you. hen tiet sad day I was the one I sensei a dimming of the sun i shortening of precious time I'd thought that I was in my prime. Dhe fact is you have met your match That is the only thing to know Don't squirm and suffer here's the catch Just take God's hand and forward go. - Cive Him the whole of it that day Don't take it back, just let it stay He cares for you; He'll see you through I've tried it. It's the only way. Aging when you really stop and think It is hard to understand That Jesus died upon the cross o save the souls of man. rtritis causes pain in bones Sonetimes it elps me to see little bit of what he felt hile he died for me.. Repent: Then a jen disregards the law of the Lord The rest of his life is sure to be hard What is stamped on the brain is that sure to last hile a guilty conscience rides herd on the past. The same thing applies to a woman as well She can dabble in sir, sen her own soul to hell But our Dear Lord's forgiveness is there for our gain Cleansing the soul like a sweet summer rain. Look Its a world full o? fun if you'll see it. To the bird throie cut his chest to sing his song here's no sorry that a sour rote could spoil it riot considering that he just might be wron. everyone Standing near the brook, pen in hand, just being. Butile effort, that words might confine THIS on paper. . .. ES Too Bad They would lock me up I guess if they knew What I sit on the patio and do. This bird in our tree was singing a song I was writing it down but I got it all wrong. Hever, Never He hugged me and chuckled in my ear Then he popped my elastic right back here. "I could write about you, there'd be nothin' to it". · Trom the look in his eyes he thought I might do it. My Goal In the Many Moods of Melt A whole character you see with the many sides to view I have moods and so do you. Sometimes fiction, sometimes not Meant to put us on the spot Sometimes me and sometimes you Hopefully when this is through... You will read, and read with zest All the poems I like the best But I know there will be some You will think of as ho-hum. My Susie Bib, big glasses on a little bitty nose, my Susie Gentle as a drop of dew, sweeter than a rose,my Susie. Be Advised There is an old charmer on the loose With an invisible property noose. Rough and rugged, a come hither grin Twice he's failed and he's tryin' agin. Stop Here How do you know where to end your rhyme That depends on your goal When they laugh a little bit . (or cry) then your tale is told. To be Sure 4 thei? is a theif wherever you find him And he'd better put that habit behind him. ------------... . - - Cheer Up Don't be a dark spot in the sunshine You're spreading little rays of gloon to put on a smile of some kind lease stop predicting doom. The Fromise The man so very nicely placed his order I said, I will", and should have said, "I'll try." of having nervious fits I'm on the border I hope that I won't tell a business lie. Wartime Baby a long time ago on a hot summer day A nice baby boy was sent our way Ie was mine all alone with his daddy away I can remember like yesterday. Short little hands and chubby feet i hone made shirt and a diaper neat Pretty blonde curls, big happy smile God let us keep him for a while. Por 10 The car relate to the wons of Eve **!!0 by the serpent was beguiled when we are tempted to "Just put it here" Then the invoice is missiled. Pemptation Il not so good with finances Here's what I'm thinkin' about Ho: to best use my pencils Wow am I going to come out? L.! TIT For ninety-nine cents I bought them lovely brand new box of eicht Is it 0.3, to sharnen them all Cr only one pencil and wait? y Sony Son Teas So errossed in his reading Just looking a hole through the page "40: I would like to go hunting with her," I flew into a rare. "You with a wife and kids at home hy are you talking like that?" kllana", he said, "You missed the point " e loro:2 here the big bucks are at." ... . .- . $? **.-- *** .......... ................ .. ---.. - . . . - 25 That's You? She was trying to study And there he stood She recognized him But not very good His voice was the same And so was his pace But her favorite uncle Had shaved off his face. Post-Op There finally does come a time when you care I dry up the mirror to look at my hair It was worse than I thought and to my surprise Huge dark crescents held up both my eyes. "Iy hands touch my tummy, it seems strange because I'm now just a netork od tape ,wireand gauze And the odor(forgive me) is something to fear Did they throw out the best of me, leave the worst here? It's a wierd situation, I hope I survive And I thank the dear doctors who kept me alive I slept on, so sweetly, while he did his chore And tomorro: they say I can walk out the door. The Birth of Blank Verse À poem is the daydreams of someone their brainchild on paper Usually. Thoughts as they come and go Sifting, sorting, choosing, rearranging, Erasing, recopying, throwing away. Until the thought fits into the words like nesting bowls. Sort of. One part out of line Like a rotting apple Spoils the lot. Some days I yearn for The prefect number 01 feet Reach for hat exact sound But alas: I find It only rhymes Åt times, ho does this? Bush,rush, fizz, fizz always in a hurry Fix this, change that worry, worry,worry. ..... .. ..... . Crowing Up I had the gigoles real bad one day en there was riama. I heard her say, "I couldn't help laughing it tickled me so 50-10-0, 0-10-10, ho-ho-ho, hoa c a SO laured together at what she had said We stood there torether by her flower bed She in her apron ad me with my cat How would you price a sweet memorie like that? Observant it three she was just tall enough to lock as my hands when I stood hey were sun tanod, red and rough cne tat ៗ ! tg ជួcd , 1970ny, your hands?lishe questioned 1pc the hurt you real bad?" I told her the truth to confort her mind And she looked a little bit sad, month or to later I say her She said, "Granny, (hile pointing) your neck?" I took pride in her seeing those lines but it made her poor parents a wreck. As I See It (ristras is not th time to turn Tour hole house wrong side out ind cook every rich tasting recire You heard someone talking about. It's not the price of the gift but the way that you feel ??? at determines the joy of the day Oton and consider and toach your chil! The meaning of Christmas day. Pamily Tride I! You want to see something funny Just look at a on year old boy Cearin. his unclo's worn out boots 100 9 freckled fice full of joy. e911kethey didn't fit hin But the stuck to his story they did 20 as he went; whistling on down the trail e vas a happy lin. nie. ..... ..... ........ . . L AH "They Get Lonely You can't buy your way into somebody's heart Or hode a wrapped package your love will impart It doesn't take money for love to grow Your honest affection is sure to show, Why not consider the minimum wage Time is money I've heard it said In their lifes story you'll brighten a page When you visit someone who lives in bed. So There P Why do you polish your fingernails Is that because they're dirty? I polish my nails a coral pink To make my rings look purty. ILI Txcuses, Excuses , If heaven is better than Sleepy Creek Then I would like to try it I know they won't let me stay but a week (But for that you can't decry it). when people tell me, "low, you be good," Hy head begins to bow I really tried, I would if I could, But I just never learned how. Some Days very joint of my spinal column is on fire I can't separate the notes but together they make up a choire. It hurts to sit and it hurts to lie down And it hurts each time I nod Then I let my mind run rampant I see a little per squad. Pinch that nerve! Scrape that bone! : Give her heck She's all your own ! 11 . He Knen Once there had been a crime in class Dut nobody knew a thing He sat wishing for time to pass Praying the bell would ring Dach of our faces turned fiery red. e all felt like black sheep When our wise old professor calmly said, "Still vator runs deep." men .. .. 28 Dinner kan They came and washed my dishes and then they left a note In it on the table and wondered what they wrote. It said, he love you, Granny, your dishes washed themselves." They must have tiptoed out the door like two little elves, Sweet Victory Quaint and rustic there it stood Native stone and ancient wood Boldly braving all the wear and tare of time O small rooms So filled with love Sent from heaven up above il it sheltered us in happiness sublime. ter with me if you will, this farm house upon the hill here we lived and worked and laushed and cried a little You won't get lost in the halls; there are only five thin walls 1190 doors here in front and one there in the middle. Tever blessed with point at all Scrubbed with soap both floor and wall Seldon ever without cobwebs high above nhi. took someone young and able 0 could stand upon the table In: remove them with a large broom and a shove. had seven kids in all 70 ,our family wasn's small Inople looked at us and mumbled, "hat a pity." ute oskert the Lord's assistance ind he gave us rcat resistance nd we didn't move our children to the city. . size 7 I woke up and my arm was alaze And my hand in a terrible state Ike! I was abusing it but the hat order wouldn't wait. I thought,"mercy! That have I done y amis asleen to the shoulder Ohis hat may well be my very last one out at least I did what I told her. temptation hirl: :20: pasy it would be Deok in the boxes under te tree e are in luck with a cotch to the thir hey could have used a short cliopet string. uni t . ....... ... .. .. E L SE ------ --------------------- May 17,1984 Please, Lord, guide me in my efforts In this offer that was made Let me be your gentle builder On Foundations you have laid Let me be a worthy workman One who need not be ashamed May I not use stones unfinished Ior a wayward tongue untamed. Sincerely The strong and steely hand of fate Is gently knocking on our gate Our time is short, our days are few Know this, Seetheart, my love is true. If for some sin you should repent Before your days on earth are spent How sad to let senility Re-po your opportunity. In marriage we have lived as one On this earth life is just begun lust I face eternity Yithout you being there with me? The bible says it won't be hard ve will see the glory of the Lord I wish you would share with me 11 There will you spend eternity?" ne many facets of life's span "he opportunities to man : Offer so many ways to sin Pernape I'll check my own again. Rose Colored Glasses At the hospital I was on heparin With an expensive I.V. Then they gave me coumadin hich did the same thing for me How I am taking some aspirin hich does the same thing they said And I've got a weeks vacation right here in my very own bed. V-Ray yes Olotted blood has its own texture vein feels like half limber chalk Tever allowing me to squat down Yet yoilding enourth I can walk, . - --- - - - How much I wonder, flows throurh it? There is some rerouting I am sure I can see ature's small detour cims Staunchly directing the cure. Christus Baking were shelling pecans for the cookies Tie would freeze thom a week or 1:0 !!I'm having a sweet tooth early this year Grandna, how about you? August 184 iltine eeds and singing crickets 03 the creek is running ary Cracking ground beside the thickets vieans the Tarden soon will die. Sweet Corn The beauty or the harvest is a great thing to behold But the acory of the aftermath can almost leave me cold With hands on fire and shoulders too and pain throughout my spine I wonder i life on the farm respects this life of nine. Cently his thin? alays falls anart and tents to raise my irs I like to pick up all the parts und lay them on the fire. et?? 79 Dead this I ever found under the tree as a rar doll my morna made for me Che only made ore,not a whole batch And it stronly resenslor the new Cabbage Patch. old Joe some of the best old tales I know re about a man nano? Joe nad the huaorous things he said (Yonh, I heard Old Joe was dead) is a way back in the past Corli, me years are passing fast ut 012 Joe was quiet a card rie oull ride up to our yard 01 say, "come to a while." But 01 joe ould cul smile Felda, mil,"0 way from me. Touronna cerch senility": . ... -.. --- t o - --- 51 Defeated This is a job for a paint brush À pencil is too ordinaire A tool to capture the view here ind the smell of the morning air. Here, Puppy I worked until midnight and then couldn't sleep There's a whole days work to do now Somethings can wait and some things will not I guess I'll get through it somehow. Last night I wrote letters and made out a list Of what I must buy for sure À Yednesday night vigil of what I need now And what I should put in store. Ily coupons(Ilovetem) are clipped to my list: In my purse which now hangs on the door There's my brush,watch and chap stick? There's something I missed" I guess I am armed for the chore. The puppy goes with me, he'd run if he knew That we're going to get him a shot Oh, my poor car! I hope he behaves I wish he was trained for the pot. The nice young vet-er-un will give him a treat and a pat and a studying smile Then we'll come on home where he'll chase him a cat And lay by my feet for a while. jo Shroud Please What will you wear to meet the Lord when you are heaven bound? I'm going to wear a dress I'll make by a pattern I've just found. Simply made in shades of blue and a skirt that flares a bit The decision will have been made for you When you find it you'll know that's it. Ho Insomnia Do your hard work in the morning Before all your energy's cone nothing quiet equals the vigor hat comes with the breaking dawn. Eat a good supper at sunset Shower and crawl into bed Include in your prayers that nobody will call You're sure to sleep like the dead. .. . ... ... . .... .... 32 Christmas time This is a happy time of year Å time for sharing gifts of love hile every heart is filled with cheer e're thinking 0.9 our lord above. In papan tree and Santa Clause Is not what Christmas is about For Christ yas born at Bethlehem 2o be our savior never doubt. ni so we share this day together the family fellowship and eating In spite of this inclement weather He give our gifts his love repeating. - Think head Don't plant a fall garden when nature says not to I did and I'll tell you just how far I got to I worked and slaved till I could hardly live Do mrow thints for me and some to mive I fretted and sweated and almost died I hoed watered, mulched and even cried But the bear all got rusty and worms killed my squash nd nest year I'll know not to do this, by fosh! Terry Christmas Do:n on the table bereath the ristmas tree here is a little boy I hope each of you will see. In the lit le box there are some envelopes We hope it will help fulfill part of your Christmas hopes. So folce it over to the store and shop around a bit You'll probably find a pair of socks or undies that will fit Or maybe you would like to have something with which to play Just don't forget you got it here from us on Christmas day. Dar Plus hat dictionary you gave me 711,You ougit to see its cover i uso it an awful 10% Dit aint nonna last forever ten Wer is a CrI'wantine meedias wanting but this one is not what i need I till i fin a boater one there mny felbel roin to feD. at I am not hurfry In 10 jodend pacina I eat down the house 0, peace of mind there are you, this kes me feel like a louse. . -- 33 Bushey Tail I didn't know my yard had hills But that was how it looked Like this squirrell was hopping little deals I watched while my breakfast cooked. She must have slept near here last night The place seemed all her own She acted like everything was alright Because the dog was gone. She didn't seem to know it was Sunday She was working terribly hard To take to her nest the walnuts that I Had drying in the yard. I thought I'd just help her along with her work They weren't very good at the best So I poured the whole lot of them over the fence And she carried them off to her nest. They next day and I looked and they were all gone I shariefully noted my deed So I tossed a few pecans off of the hill Thinking that will be more what you need. After lunch the squirrell came back Gathering bark off our wood stack Cedar bark to build a nest So her little ones could rest. You should see her take her feet and make her little bubdle neat Then she hopps down off the pile und stays gone a little while. I could help her but she'd go and I think it's going to snow Si I'd better let her be There she goes up that oak tree! How shes back to get some more There must be a storm in store I don't want to make a fuss Tonight I'11 get some logs for us. She's gone such a little while Then she's back upon the pile Oh, I think there's more than one. Pretty soon they'll get it done. ***** I was too close to the window ind I think I did offend her zor she stood there looking south Lithout nothin' in her mouth. She surveyed her situation then with still more hesitation Got her load of bark together They'll be am in any weather. Ajax Te olerk told me that it was good ho I never buy it and I thought I never would Have the cash to try it. Finally I bought just one The bottle looked so tiny Jut cleaning became almost fun And everything is shiny. Althouch I lived beyond my means the kitchen sure lcoks better I pulled on some faded jeans ind my favorite sweater. hen I yert strolling in the woods o pick some mistletoe Het?1 zive me a spacial hug nr 2 Treat bir kiss i krou! Seriously 10 invited her,eset the date I cleaned and cooker, er stopped to wait he di in't come to visit ne 90 was to ich society? Thanks I called the humane society Ind told them I wanted a dog She told me she had a variety s sie thumbed through her catalor. She has to be youn, she must have short hair she can't have a pedigree n? hat you see here is the cute little lady that they had waiting for me. The Alternative Curirst little boy was three years and a day on nie sister came along Oo his birthday I baked him a cabo ? " sans in the biriday song ce the meal there were dishes to do He sair,"orie, hold me Dynage." I putten his shculier and said, "I love you; omie crouri her lees." 35 Un memories are times rea 10 tear down True Value À time to build and a time to tear down Have both of the times really come? Our memories fill the little old part ind both of our hearts are numb. erre adding the new but we're keeping the old tie can't do it and neither can I Tear do:n our first home? Don't be so cold! These walls heard our babies cry. Wisdom She said the boss had made a pass I told her theres your clue She said he really seemed quiet nice I said I'm sure thats true She said she wasn't really sure Cf the plans he had placed on her I told her its better to leave a good job Thar have to defend your honor. How Hear This It only takes a small idea to set your thinker spinnin' It only takes a little praise to think that you are winnin! A little tiny stumbling block can put you on the ground Don't point your noge toward the sky when some success you've found. whats an appestat? rackers, cockies, dies and cheese I'm gonna eat just what I please. Here comes blubber, I'm a whale How I dread that bathroom scale. Cur Dividends What could be more interesting Than seven little girls ith black hair, blond hair, almost none Fony tails and curls. With bro:n eyes, blue eyes, gray eyes There is one with eyes of green One likes plain things, one likes frills ind one lives in her jeans. hey are not a bit alike Yet in eac I see Somethine of a little girl ho once lived with me. Quiet a Difference Please stop and consider this Its simple as can be IR I laurh first please laugh along If I don't don't l2ur at ae. .. - --...... . . . .. - - -..- .... . . LE22 36 6th Grade Assirnment In the springtime horges mrazins ir blades whose heads are raisin From the cold around laden doen with ice and snow Lejoice greatly in their coming "hile the humming birds are humming noxinn not which way they are to go. This is my very first poem. The teacher gave me a bad grade mostly because my poem was all in one sentence. My daddy said she just didn't appreciate poetry. So then I just lovert it and learned it real good and I said it outloud every time that I could. pril Shovers Denrier little beans in the dry cracked dirt They don't complain but I know they hurt See the strenk of lightening? Ilear the thunder roll? Soon there'll be creer. beans in the bowl. diny green corn stands proudly down the row "'atch just a little while you can see it grow Pext morth a tossel, then comes the ear o od eating in store this year. V Tending('the first words I ever had published) e friendly young felloy behind the beard 21:,'brins than in and we'll see." ac doubt in his Cyes was what I had feared So I only took him three Where is really no way I can write this today Tor there is nothing to write about. I singly don't 70! if he'll publish my poems Or if he ill just throw them out. Six Year Old Croana said 15 wasn't funny ind it sickled her again. ho could not hcl. back her cicles ish thet purdis or his chin. Torrection one C110 rom behind the paper and looked me square in the eye Tere 29 10 Evolginc him, no us? to even try I thoumat you' i never find it I told him looking do'r I didn't somebody shon me while i wee drinking coffee in town. hers all is aholt puddin! 9. ho is six years old? - Ito 2009 lauber to reber a out th:t lie It told. .. .... . .. .... . ...... ......... . ...... Bringing up icother My life had been so very dull,I sat here like a mourner until you started printing your little poets corner. they never seem to trust me no matter what I do I get this little inkling I'm fighting one or two. They're all afraid of what I'll say, they think I'm going to fail hile I'm as happy as can be to get the Thursday's mail, Pirt It! You don't have to lose your spunk just because you're old Giving up is a lot of bunk, life can still unfold. tewborn Words aren't made for babies Such would never rhyme Hold them gently to your heart ind comunicate with time. mote the sweetness ard rate of the delicate breath Peel the speed of a precious heart beat With a tiny hand clamped on your finger Ch, God, this is neat.his is neat. Den Long Years How can it be that one could be so soon forgotten One who loved his fellow man with all his heart Or could it he thats its for me he isn't pentioned Very o2ter in these years we've been apart? There are times I see an infant son so loving Chubby hands and laughing eyes and smile so wide There are days I see his face at different ages Tho ten long years ago today our firstborn died. Loving Jesus, cure his ills and soothe his heart ache Make away the pain encountered those few years lease forgive me here I failed him-hos my heart breaks und someday I hope you'll dry part of my tears. There are other mothers who have felt this sorrow There are fathers who have held them while they cried Haybe gomeho! we will feel it less tomorrow but ten years ago today our firstborn died. One mornin' mere was a randeddy on Grandpa's hat He sure did look funny like that It was moving there on the side of that old creen one he wears with pride. You Know Him I'm not the way other reared me I wish I was back like I was Hith feelings my Maker had geared me She tried to further the cause. our kind old physican once told me I wondered about the strance verse Tho the meek shall inherit the world, Kid, Don't let them idherit you first. The ran . I slung both my legs cross the arm of that chair and suggled my back in that side over there ind ran all my fingers through my touseled hair Then I slept. hile I was snoozin! I heard someone say 07 thats the best siiht I have seen yet today I'd just like to knohow she sits there that way So I lept To my feet with a start Furious then was the beat of my heart I'd slept while I should have been doing my part And I wept. Desperate I know you would never hurt me from the gentle things you say Yeü you fill my lungs with poison and you choke me every day. Corts clean air,so sweet and precious, meant for me as well as you her it's snoiled, there is no other;what's a woman going to do? I can hold my breath and smother;I can breath it maybe die. I could leave you but I'd rather keep the vows we're yedded by. I can be you change your habits; you ignore me time again heres ro may I can escape it and , Sweetheart, to you thats sin. Si I ask you think about it. 'ould you kill me out and out? Theres no way you can deny it;you wouldn't hear me if I'd shout. Ticotine, that hellish killer Yill we ever overcome it? e are not a stupid people but the habit blinds, dad-cum it! Taybe you can say it nicer, I'm not feeling nice today And I don't think I should be cussin' but I HAD to have my say. Try *eather Beautiful moisture drids off of the roof And that in itself is livins proof hat rain drone can tell on this little hill on which sets the house where I live with Bill. . I hasten to set a tuh' under the drip Will it be a gallor or perhaps just a sip Maybe I'll cook him his favorite beans Or if its 2 lct, hou nicely it cleans. aybe thera'll be some nud trors to the door Pnen agh them away and rain some more Maybe the maure will run over tonight 57ins over the dam,what a beautiful sicht e 90 it will rail an: ve 211 onto when Some rood rains will fall on our cron land again Termers are busy,ranchers alert What do you think a rood slow rain would hurt? Broken Draught heavy rain cane mouring down and ched the warden smoothe brillit cun cane shinning th:rough the drowning roots to soothe, con the rround began to crack in a pattorn natures own ni no Isoe alo118 cach tract that tiny weeds have grown. LIITU I t wash dishes any more until I go to the grocery store. t: Marit on sale and it didn't seem urrent I di not have a counon for dish detergent. 01 riendo: rolirlo her lived in tourn Daid ?yisit to the tm. cha oor rien, liviri there tourat it lovlono horri. ved in t to the he had The Out it ouics innrassive n on che prove day I could tell by the way she linrcred That go': rerlly like to stay. "I think per chanc, your anbiance Ia suci borecen your means, 1:1 ther behind her hand) Cuc I just love your roasted dove n fresh sickall furnin rreers." I tood to "ith my coffee cuir nored the ducks To by hell cocthir. I tourt uusin Just onener to catch my eye. PTS O OLI MI OBATvitu viiu. 0:1 Ciril they To The 7?11 white dot on each cuclla tail Tortelling the orla no-10. - Pro First Things First Happiness Last Week Don't tell? Forgotten Lunch The Compliment............ page 1 Insight The Bissel Guess How I Know That Intuition Too Late Practacality 12-22-8)................. page 2 Please Four i M. ? Mistake..................page) Watch Out Now Sixteen Degrees Assistance I've Got a Problem Too You Can Believe his........ page 4 Olden Days Christmas Tears Do unto Others Heinz 52?................. page 5 The water is Fine Please lot verything Was Fine Until Blossom in the Grass Memories............ .....page 6 10-30-83 *** Me Too Son Turn it off!!! Except Hly Others........... page 7 Osteoporosis Tad Diet Thats 0.K. Cabin lever For the Birds Just a Jet............... page 8 Part Alike? They Drank Too Tor a Fact Plumpish Yea, Wilbur!............page 9 541 For a Sact Hint-int Spring Feyer Pulfillment lps......................... base 10 I've Voticed Fun Time The Vision Hazel Next builtin......................page 11 Since You Asked imen (be it so) Ode to a Bore Cut Strollin' Genes Lonely Endeavor...... LEAVOI.............. page 12 : Dear Friend Tating Out rue value..................Date 12 ....... pare Hinter Tino ords ✓ The leir Symnathy....................page 14 Retirement Lister Self after 40 Years I ish Guest in the Garden........ page 15 Coression ho on? The Command Omergency Delama You and te Ileaven Help US ............page 16 f Aswat at Pessimism Don't pick me Here is a deal Hammer and fails Pack fat Hiorning Prayer.............haro 17 Coring Better Tot But for that ninkling Brass The Funeral Rhymin' atch Your Step The Image ......................... page 18 The Silent Quarrel Oh, no! Gone lion-fiction......................page 19 Tree Advice Broken Drought Absent from the Reunion..........page 20 In a Rut Meanie Sorry Please Brewmaster Spring Storm....................page 21 How? iging Repent Look liever Alone....................page 22 Too Bad Hever, ever jy Goal Oy Susie Be idvised Ston Here To Be sure .................. page 23 Cheer Up The Promise bartime Baby For low Temptation Hly Son, y son .............. page 24 That's you? Post -Op The Birth o7 Blank Verse ho Does This? ..............page 25 Gro:ing Up Observant As I See It Fam..ly Pride................ page 26 They Get Lonely So There scោទង,xcues Some Days ile bnew ........................ Page 1 Dinner Kap Sweet Victory Size 7.1 Templation...................... page 20 Temptation........... May 17, 1984 Sincerely 1C3e Colored Classes 1-ray Yes": ....................page 29 Christmas Baking August 184 Sweet Corn Gently ie:? 01. Joe.. ...........page 30 Defeated Here l'uppy To Shroud Ploase Ko Insonnia..................... pare I ! . 1 Christmas Time Pink shead Merry Christmas Tas Plus Fat.. Bushey mail.......: a page 32 .........page 33 jax Seriously yo! thanks he alternative...............page 34 Wirue Valve isdom jou lear This hats an opest:?: Our Dididends viet a Difference nage 55 7 6th. Gnade i giorment pril Showers Pendin e Six Year Old Correctior.... ICCU01:...................page Bringing Up Mother Fight It Newborn wien Long Years One d i . . .: :::::::: :* * Page 5 in The Grouch My Teacher ੩o Soy y Daddy ' 3 Gir1.... ••••••• • page 38 You Know Him The Jap Desperate Dr the .. ::::::::: páge 59 Broken Draught Darn Cld Friends Ducks