Poems
ANNIVERSARY OR GRANDPARENTS
EXAMPLES OF LOVE
(see option G)
These words are for you, my Granny and Pop
For I want you to know how I feel
As I’ve watched the two of you live your life
I believe in a love that is real
I felt so at ease when first we met
And I sensed that you liked me too
This was soon confirmed by your joy,Granny
At the fact I was taller than you!
Building your cabin those first ten years
All those times are pressed in my mind
Each weekend we spent a new memory made
Filled with family, the most precious kind
Of blackberry cobbler and syrup so good
Twice baked taters and 4th of July
And just before reaching that bumpy old road
To drive in Dad’s lap, the girls always would try
Even after your marriage of 62 years
Pop still hugs you ever so close
As you lovingly apply his drops in each eye
I realize these little things are what matter the most
As grandparents you share a bond with the girls
That no one else can touch
Even Pop fell down stairs to hide his legs from Kalynn
No wonder they both love you so much!
In raising your son you gained his respect
Your wisdom taught lessons of life
While granting independence to become his own man
Gentle father, loyal friend, loving husband to his wife
My dear Granny and Pop, I admire you so
As a couple, and individually my friends
For your Godly life and your example of love
A family’s love which has no end
I am truly blessed to have become your daughter
You created the path we walk down
And I thank you and love you with all of my heart
In my soul, you will always be found
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Picture YOUR fishing story in verse with your photo in a frame!!
FISH OF A LIFETIME
It was Memorial Day weekend in 2009
The Gulf of Mexico was slick as glass
With a forecast reported at one foot or less
For a more perfect day, we couldn’t have asked
We loaded up at sunrise
Heading out of Matagorda Bay
We had high hopes, though little did we know
What a memory we would make that day
Along with my son and nephew
In the legendary boat “Big Pop”
My faithful and sturdy 25 foot Robalo
With Yamaha sporting letters “Ms Mamoo” on top
We cruised in blue water about 35 miles off
For an hour that weed line we did troll
Without a single hit, we decided to give up
Thinking nature, beyond our control
As I stood at the wheel of that center console
Like I’ve done so many times before
We were all reeling in and suddenly it hit
Excitement filled my body through every pore!
My nephew held fast to that Shimano reel
With Trilene XT green 40 lb. line
In those next fifteen minutes the fight was on
And this day would be nothing but “FINE”
On the end was a lure from the “fishing show”
And whatever it hooked spooled the reel
Not convinced what it was; made with Wahoo in mind
From Granddad’s Fishing Tackle, “Man what a deal!”
Still in suspense, it made three long runs
Line all gone; I cranked up the boat
Then my son grabbed the gaff and stuck it in
For this Wahoo, that was “all she wrote!”
From 150 feet down, my nephew pulled him in
The 70 pounder had been caught
As I watched my son sling him into the box
So proud he has followed all that I’ve taught
The old river house has stood for 42 years
Thanks to “Big Pop,” my Dad, we are here
From these waters, an abundant harvest of fish
Whether offshore or right from our pier
We looked at each other and smiled like kids
High fives were exchanged all around
Our “Fish of a Lifetime” was caught that dayIn our minds, it will stay, safe and sound!
(see option F)
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LOVE
(written from husband to wife)
STILL SMITTEN
I remember the time you first stopped my heart
When you winked, almost fell out of my chair
Back in high school during Spanish class
That very moment I began to care
So very nervous to ask for a date
Saw a movie then “cruised” down Main Street
I was smitten right from the very start
For close to you, I felt complete
We parted ways our senior year
Different colleges we both attended
As five years passed, reunited by fate
To find our love had never ended
Before your father, I asked for your hand
My stomach was tied in knots
With every intention to get down on one knee
Instead silently, in your hand placed the box!
I recall that last day on our honeymoon trip
As you rounded the curves of each cliff
Atop the console I clung as that skunk hit the wheels
Luggage stayed in the trunk after getting a whiff!
With Trey and Mariah our lives were blessed
You were homemaker, nurse, wife and mother
I look back on it now and think, “what a woman!”
And for me, I know there could be no other
You never gave up on the nursing degree
Helping couples and bringing babies into this life
The most giving person I have ever known
I am privileged to call my wife
Your tears of joy while in Paris made me a happy man
For my soul mate these words were written
Across our table I see confidant, lover and friend
You see my dear Glenda, I am still smitten
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PETS
Little Miss Lulu!
(see option D)
She’s brown and cute and wiggles all over
Lulu is her name
Jana and Chuck never knew their life was dull
Until the day Miss Lulu came!
A stressed little wiener when folks are around
She’s the drama queen of the canine world
But makes friends quickly, constant kisses you’ll get
As she jumps into your lap to curl
She lives for attention and rules the roost
Poor Leo doesn’t stand a chance
As she bites and attacks him despite the odds
By his side she continues to prance
“Excited” is her middle name
Down the hall her little nails pitter-patter
But just ignore her for a little while
Oooops too late; D.O.B. “doggie overactive bladder!”
Then you look into those sweet little eyes
And that cute little body she has
No matter how much trouble she is
All you see is that “daschund pizzazz”
So love and pamper little Lulu, Jana
Through your lives she will be a big part
Each night while she’s snuggled close by you will know
Dogs are little blessings to comfort our hearts
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VALENTINES
BUT STILL...
We met through work, many years ago
It was 1998
When I was drawn to that smile from across the room
So decided to ask for a date
We talked of life, our ups and downs
And very soon I found
This happy man, so full of life
My body and heart would surround
We shared so many happy times
While watching each other’s children grow
Although there were some rough times too
The highs outweighed the lows
I gave my heart and soul to him
And after several years
I knew I must take charge of my own happiness
So I walked away from his fears
Even today I don’t think he knows
How hard that was for meGod guided me and filled me with strength
Then slowly and gently set his heart free
You see all these years we’ve spent together
Have brought us to the place we are now
For to lose this special love we have found (see option F)
God simply would not allow
The joy I feel now is just sinking in
With love and contentment each day my heart fills
With the best of my love, on this Valentines Day
He need only look in my eyes…..."but still"
(see option F)
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WEDDINGS
WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED
We never can tell what God has planned
As the days and months pass us by
We raise our children and do our jobs
In an instant, the years simply fly
The paths of our lives, they twist and turn
We endure much sorrow and pain
Along the way we may lose friends or family
Turn a corner, then new ones we gain
I have been blessed to meet such a friend
Her voice and her laugh are unique
She is always supportive, her wisdom I treasure
Being strongest when times are bleak
A caring daughter and wonderful mother
This friend of mine is the best,
And her once wounded heart is now healed by Jim's love
Here today through God's plan, now can rest
So a toast to the groom, and his beautiful bride
They have both made an excellent choice,
But I must say that Jim, you're a lucky man
For your wife is my dear friend Joyce!
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TEACHERS
FOR THOSE WHO TEACH
A teacher gets up early Monday through Friday
Just as most all of us do
To greet each student with a positive smile
For each day brings a challenge that’s new
Although unlike many other jobs
A teacher must be an example
Alert and ready to fill each young mind
Though the time is rarely ever ample
To be patient and caring, ignoring the stress
Sometimes dealing with the parents of some
Or basically being the parent themselves
To a child raised where no guidance has come
From first bell to last, influencing lives
It takes a special breed
For a truly good teacher has compassion inside
Their spirits lift while helping others succeed
Day in and day out, they guide and instruct
The character of our future they do mold
Some of the best, though not famous or rich
We still remember when we are old
So God bless our teachers with patience and strength
Guide their minds, their hands, and their hearts
For those who teach should be held in esteem
Their contribution in our lives remains forever… a part
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CHILDREN
TO MY LILLIE
(written for a 5 year olds birthday from her Mom)
It was September 29, 2004
hen I first saw your sweet little face
From that moment when I first held you in my arms
I knew our bond would never be replaced
My Doodle Bug how quickly you’ve grown!
I still see a toddler with eyes of blue
As I tuck you in to cuddle with Scoobler
For you named him when you were just two
I love to watch your beautiful smile
As you tap dance and do your ballet
You make Mommy smile as you sing in the tub
Or to tunes in the car as we start our day
Whether playing with Rosco or Zoe and Roxy
Or watching cartoons with Le Meow
All of these memories my “Snuggle Bug” makes
Are so precious that I treasure right now
Spending time with my Lillie is what I love
We always have so much fun
Those special Sundays we get to share
Getting our fingers and toe nails done!
I am so proud to call you my own
And I’ll be there to hold your hand
To be at your side even in your dreams
As we wander through Candy land
Happy birthday to my sweet little girl
I just can’t believe you are five
With hugs and kisses and loads of love
On this special day you arrived!
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VETERANS and SOLDIERS
THE VETERAN
To reflect upon the life a veteran has lived
Is hard to encompass with mere words
For that period of time would stay etched in one’s soul
Filled with flashbacks from things seen and heard
(see option D)
To be far from home and the people you love
Training daily from morning till night
Then to serve where you’re needed, not questioning why
Ever vigil, standing proudly to fight
Sacrifice and suffering are what you know best
All discomfort taken in stride
In each era, across battlefields, remain bits of your hearts
Where you left them with others that died
The horrors of war have passed through your veins
Leaving traces of sorrow and pain
But for all of the trials and the loss you endured
Know that now our freedom remains
A veteran’s path has been traveled by many
Yet each journey holds a different story
Though the endings all merge to meet at the end
On the road straight to heaven’s glory
We love and embrace you, as mother to child
You are the core of America’s pride
May God grant you comfort and bless your lives
Upon angel’s wings may you glide
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ANDREW'S DESTINY
As a boy you loved to climb things
For the sheer pleasure of jumping to the ground
My little daredevil who now does impressions as well
Was voted as the 8 grade class clown!
A natural athlete, you tried every sport
To find tennis was your talent
The skateboard group you befriended as yours
In defending others you were quite gallant
At twelve years of age you made a pact
Asking God to just grant you one chance
To attempt to be the best, a Navy Seal
And put aside material things, even including romance
Yet you followed advice and went on your way
Down the path you were college bound
But all these years later, destiny called your name
There was no denying God’s sound
For special forces you were hand picked
From deep within you were driven
In boot camp you excelled in every task
No nick name for you was ever given
And so my dear son, I look at you now
And see nothing but a star
For heroes are born when they first heed the call
And a hero is what you now are
You are in that “fraternity” above all the rest
Where your friends are truly your brothers
In your eyes I see happiness which was destined to be
With so much love, forever proud to be your Mother!
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FUNERALS
MY LITTLE BROTHER
(written from older brother's heart)
When I was just ten, I asked my Mamma to please get me a baby brother
Little did I know that when Paul was born, he would change the lives of so many others
As he lay in his crib next to me in my room, I began to have new feelings
I would always be there to protect my brother,No matter what the dealings
Paul had a birthmark on his arm that bothered him a bit
He'd wear long sleeves in Summertime, so teasing kids would quit
We ended up adopting a dog, following Paul from school she came
All dirty and snuggled under Paul's covers; Missy was her name
I remember in high school bringing home dates, and while sitting on the couch
Hearing little giggles and annoying sounds, while behind it Paul would crouch
At times we'd fight, as brothers do, and I would bite his heels
Grab his hair and pull him down, I still remember how thick it would feel
He started fishing as a young boy, on the pier with a small cane pole
As years passed by, the waters here slowly became part of his soul
I remember a time wade fishing on the beach, with Big Pop, Mark and me
Paul's new rod was jerked from his hand, and we laughed as he dove after it into the sea
He had a talent for basketball, which earned him a scholarship to college
Then later went to cobbler school, making boots was now part of his knowledge
He moved into Grandpa Meyer's house where he raised chickens for a while
You see those of us who knew Paul well also knew 9 to 5 was never his style
Paul never met a stranger, and he was never one to judge
He was always generous and helped those in need, and never held a grudge
I miss my brother and always will, the pain still cuts like a knife
But I know in my heart that wherever Paul is
He's happy and still "living life!"
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SONGS
THE FLAMINGO BUNCH
(sung to the tune of the Brady Bunch)
(written for my friend's crazy annual pink flamingo party)
Here's a story, of a yearly party
Number seven is here and pink is everywhere,
Chuck and Jana are the hosts, they work their butts off,
To give Flamingo Flare!
It's this social, good food and laughter,
That inspires us to wear our hot pink clothes,
And the men in pink, look even better,
As more and more beer flows.....
As the hours pass the die-hard pink flamingos,
In the hot tub drinking, smoking, getting loud;
Will proceed to sing and dance, into the morning,
They'll make their Mama proud!
So we all say thanks and plan to come back next year,
We'll look forward to Flamingo time again
For tonight you've made a memory we can treasure,
We can all look back and say remember when......We partied then, And twenty ten (2010)
We will all be back "Flamingo-ing" once again!!********************************************************************************
NATURE
AUTUMN ECSTASY
As the leaves transform to a flaming red
Floating gracefully upon the crisp, cool breeze
I gaze in awe, trees sway on brilliant blue
My words flow from within with ease
Turtles bobbing up and down
Making ripples across the pond
Droplets of water cascade from the fountain
Soothing sound, gently landing, sinking softly beyond
To sit and listen to each wisp of the breeze
Flow through leaves on each reaching branch
As each autumn begins, year after year
My soul is filled by nature’s romance
Memories enter the back of my mind
Of people and places I once knew
Of football games, the excitement of youth
Embers flicker, then fade, like the autumn hues
This spectacular beauty has arrived once again
Acorns scattered round ‘leaves as they pile
These special feelings are life’s treasure to me
My heart rises as if to smile
The colors, the sounds, the magic north breeze
Touch me deeply and my spirits are raised
Autumn’s ecstasy has arrived once again
Remaining ever, the best of my days
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