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The GRowing Season
I know of some flowers
In fact quite a few,
That don’t seem to bloom
Just when others do--
In April when tulips
Bloom stately and tall
These others just watch
And do nothing at all---
And June when the roses
Burst bright pink and red,
Some flowers sit quietly
And stay green instead--
Then when in July
Sunflowers climb high,
These others watch
Quietly as ants walk on by--
But then in late August
When the garden gets browned,
And no tulips or roses
Or others are found,
Now is the time
Pink covers crepe myrtle,
That asters bloom blue
And gentians bloom purple--
The mums join the fun
With confetti-colored hair
And they’re all quite happy
‘Cause fall’s in the air--
So when you think that you’re
Growing too slow,
Or in classes at school
There’s too much you don’t know,
And you think you should bloom
When you see others do,
Here’s a big secret
I’m sharing with you:
If you’re a myrtle, a mum
Or an aster
Don’t try to push--
Don’t try to grow faster--
Because for each flower
In this big world of ours
And for every child,
There are plenty of hours--
We grow and we change
At our own special rate
And soon we’re all happy
And blooming and GREAT!
In fact quite a few,
That don’t seem to bloom
Just when others do--
In April when tulips
Bloom stately and tall
These others just watch
And do nothing at all---
And June when the roses
Burst bright pink and red,
Some flowers sit quietly
And stay green instead--
Then when in July
Sunflowers climb high,
These others watch
Quietly as ants walk on by--
But then in late August
When the garden gets browned,
And no tulips or roses
Or others are found,
Now is the time
Pink covers crepe myrtle,
That asters bloom blue
And gentians bloom purple--
The mums join the fun
With confetti-colored hair
And they’re all quite happy
‘Cause fall’s in the air--
So when you think that you’re
Growing too slow,
Or in classes at school
There’s too much you don’t know,
And you think you should bloom
When you see others do,
Here’s a big secret
I’m sharing with you:
If you’re a myrtle, a mum
Or an aster
Don’t try to push--
Don’t try to grow faster--
Because for each flower
In this big world of ours
And for every child,
There are plenty of hours--
We grow and we change
At our own special rate
And soon we’re all happy
And blooming and GREAT!
Starting Again
I’m too afraid—I just can’t go
My school last year
Was so long ago
What if my brain goes totally numb
And I can’t think in math at all
And all my words come out real dumb?
What if I walk right down the hall
Forget to find my class
Then fall?
What if at gym my feet get smelly
Or I gobble my lunch
And hurt my belly?
What if the kids all laugh at me
When I put on new glasses
So I can see?
The bus is coming—it’s almost here
I’ll have to get on
Oh dear—oh dear--
I lift my eyes and look around
‘Cause I’ve been staring
At the ground
I see that Susie looks all grim
And Paul is shaking
Hmm—that’s not like him--
And Sara’s eyes look full of tears
And Jeffrey’s tugging
At his ears
I wonder if they’ll all scared too
Maybe because it’s all
Brand new
I smile at them and wave my hand
They all smile back
From where they stand
And then I talk about my cat
And Jeffrey shows us
His baseball cap
We start to laugh and tell silly jokes
And soon we’re a team
With lots of folks
The bus arrives and we scramble inside
With no more fear
I don’t need to hide.
Sometimes I think I’m all by myself
And I feel afraid--
Left on a shelf
But all people get afraid
All people
Get dismayed
So even though it seems so new
Together as a team
We can see it through
And learn a lot and have some fun
And play at recess
In the sun
The world is better for you and me
When we’re together--
Let’s go and see!
My school last year
Was so long ago
What if my brain goes totally numb
And I can’t think in math at all
And all my words come out real dumb?
What if I walk right down the hall
Forget to find my class
Then fall?
What if at gym my feet get smelly
Or I gobble my lunch
And hurt my belly?
What if the kids all laugh at me
When I put on new glasses
So I can see?
The bus is coming—it’s almost here
I’ll have to get on
Oh dear—oh dear--
I lift my eyes and look around
‘Cause I’ve been staring
At the ground
I see that Susie looks all grim
And Paul is shaking
Hmm—that’s not like him--
And Sara’s eyes look full of tears
And Jeffrey’s tugging
At his ears
I wonder if they’ll all scared too
Maybe because it’s all
Brand new
I smile at them and wave my hand
They all smile back
From where they stand
And then I talk about my cat
And Jeffrey shows us
His baseball cap
We start to laugh and tell silly jokes
And soon we’re a team
With lots of folks
The bus arrives and we scramble inside
With no more fear
I don’t need to hide.
Sometimes I think I’m all by myself
And I feel afraid--
Left on a shelf
But all people get afraid
All people
Get dismayed
So even though it seems so new
Together as a team
We can see it through
And learn a lot and have some fun
And play at recess
In the sun
The world is better for you and me
When we’re together--
Let’s go and see!
Possibility Cottage
(a poem written for my young grandsons on the naming day of our beach cottage)
Come join the celebration
On this auspicious day
Our house has got a brand new name
Right here in old Cape May
Bring all your warmth oh Mr. Sun
And too your shining smile
And you come also bunny dear
Do stay with us a while
We’ve put some carrots for your feast
Come early please don’t fail
You come too all puppy dogs
And bring your wagging tails
And bees buzz closely come right here
Some honey you will find
Please tell your friends the butterflies
To visit (We’ll be kind!)
The leaves on all the nearby trees
Will wave with joy and glee
We’ll hear the loud and roaring song
From our good friend, the sea
The love we share with this whole world
Of which we are a part
Is in this house of wood and nails
And (most of all) with heart
It’s lived for many years right here
And will for many more
With happiness and merriment
And possibility in store!
Come join the celebration
On this auspicious day
Our house has got a brand new name
Right here in old Cape May
Bring all your warmth oh Mr. Sun
And too your shining smile
And you come also bunny dear
Do stay with us a while
We’ve put some carrots for your feast
Come early please don’t fail
You come too all puppy dogs
And bring your wagging tails
And bees buzz closely come right here
Some honey you will find
Please tell your friends the butterflies
To visit (We’ll be kind!)
The leaves on all the nearby trees
Will wave with joy and glee
We’ll hear the loud and roaring song
From our good friend, the sea
The love we share with this whole world
Of which we are a part
Is in this house of wood and nails
And (most of all) with heart
It’s lived for many years right here
And will for many more
With happiness and merriment
And possibility in store!
Matching: A Kid's Problem
Inside my head I think a lot
But I’m much too shy to speak--
And in my bones I’m very brave
But outside I seem weak--
The mind inside my brain is smart
Although my words are few--
And I might seem to stand apart
But I want to be friends with you.
My heart is full of love and joy
But sometimes I might look sad--
Just know I really want to be good
And never intend to be bad--
The me inside just doesn’t match
The me that others see--
And why this is I’ll never know,
Life is such a mystery!
But I’m much too shy to speak--
And in my bones I’m very brave
But outside I seem weak--
The mind inside my brain is smart
Although my words are few--
And I might seem to stand apart
But I want to be friends with you.
My heart is full of love and joy
But sometimes I might look sad--
Just know I really want to be good
And never intend to be bad--
The me inside just doesn’t match
The me that others see--
And why this is I’ll never know,
Life is such a mystery!
Lost
I have a big problem
Oh, what shall I do?
Here is my left one but
Where’s my right shoe?
I looked in my toy box
And under my bed,
Found five orange marbles
And my brother instead.
I checked in the closet
Then under the sink,
But only found mittens,
One of them pink.
If I ask my mother I
Know she’ll be sore
‘Cause she always says that
She told me before
To put all my shoes in the
Very same place,
How messy my room is, and
How it’s a disgrace!
Oh, what shall I do?
Here is my left one but
Where’s my right shoe?
I looked in my toy box
And under my bed,
Found five orange marbles
And my brother instead.
I checked in the closet
Then under the sink,
But only found mittens,
One of them pink.
If I ask my mother I
Know she’ll be sore
‘Cause she always says that
She told me before
To put all my shoes in the
Very same place,
How messy my room is, and
How it’s a disgrace!
Jameson's Shark Poem
I’d really like to be a shark
It would be so much fun
To swim in water deep and wide
And scare most everyone
A Megalodon I might be
So huge in every way
But then I’d be an extinct shark
And not be here to stay--
With big teeth and dark stripes
A Tiger Shark I’ll be,
But stripes don’t last when I get old
Only when I’m just a baby--
If a Bull Shark I became
I’d be fierce and tough and mean
I’d live in water that’s quite warm
And never want to be seen--
I might decide to be a Great White
The biggest of them all
I’d swim in oceans far and wide
And make all people feel small--
But best of all a Mako Shark
The fastest in the sea
I’d swim and dive and eat all day
How happy I would be!
But since I have no gills or fins
On land mainly I’ll stay
And watch the sharks and their big world,
But I’ll be far away!
It would be so much fun
To swim in water deep and wide
And scare most everyone
A Megalodon I might be
So huge in every way
But then I’d be an extinct shark
And not be here to stay--
With big teeth and dark stripes
A Tiger Shark I’ll be,
But stripes don’t last when I get old
Only when I’m just a baby--
If a Bull Shark I became
I’d be fierce and tough and mean
I’d live in water that’s quite warm
And never want to be seen--
I might decide to be a Great White
The biggest of them all
I’d swim in oceans far and wide
And make all people feel small--
But best of all a Mako Shark
The fastest in the sea
I’d swim and dive and eat all day
How happy I would be!
But since I have no gills or fins
On land mainly I’ll stay
And watch the sharks and their big world,
But I’ll be far away!
A Question and an answer
Question:
I’m a frightful set of problems
A freckled, clumsy mess--
My feet are too big for my shoes
And my weight I won’t confess--
My voice gets loud, and not by choice,
Still sometimes I can’t speak
Then I get nervous, scared, or stressed
And what comes out’s a squeak--
I try to do my work at school
But my brain has other plans
I think about the wandering clouds
And people from far lands--
Then comes the time to take a test
I confess I’m not prepared--
And when I have to play a sport
I really do get scared.
Is there any hope, I ask you now
For this pitiful sight you see?
Is there any hope, I ask you now
To rescue poor old me?
Answer:
A rose never asks: what good am I?
What it is, it’s happy to be
It has some thorns and ragged leaves
And colors we all can see.
A pup doesn’t care what his tail looks like
He wags it without a care--
Bunnies don’t worry their ears are too big
Or that others will laugh and stare--
The sky above has lots of moods
From sunny to dark gray
It follows its days in its own path
And not by what others say.
We’re all so different in this world
It’s hard to understand
That every one has their own special place,
Each one with their own special plan--
Don’t ask to be some other one
Don’t try to be a clone
There’s only one of you—it’s true--
Just one of you alone
Celebrate the you, you are
And the you that you’ll become--
Because like a gem, precious and rare,
You’re brilliantly the only one!
I’m a frightful set of problems
A freckled, clumsy mess--
My feet are too big for my shoes
And my weight I won’t confess--
My voice gets loud, and not by choice,
Still sometimes I can’t speak
Then I get nervous, scared, or stressed
And what comes out’s a squeak--
I try to do my work at school
But my brain has other plans
I think about the wandering clouds
And people from far lands--
Then comes the time to take a test
I confess I’m not prepared--
And when I have to play a sport
I really do get scared.
Is there any hope, I ask you now
For this pitiful sight you see?
Is there any hope, I ask you now
To rescue poor old me?
Answer:
A rose never asks: what good am I?
What it is, it’s happy to be
It has some thorns and ragged leaves
And colors we all can see.
A pup doesn’t care what his tail looks like
He wags it without a care--
Bunnies don’t worry their ears are too big
Or that others will laugh and stare--
The sky above has lots of moods
From sunny to dark gray
It follows its days in its own path
And not by what others say.
We’re all so different in this world
It’s hard to understand
That every one has their own special place,
Each one with their own special plan--
Don’t ask to be some other one
Don’t try to be a clone
There’s only one of you—it’s true--
Just one of you alone
Celebrate the you, you are
And the you that you’ll become--
Because like a gem, precious and rare,
You’re brilliantly the only one!
The Garden
I look at the garden and what do I see?
Hundreds of flowers smiling at me.
They’re red and they’re yellow, pink, blue, and white,
Together they make such a beautiful sight!
I look at the forest and what do I see?
So many leaves all waving at me.
Some green and some golden, some orange and brown,
All wiggling on branches, not one with a frown.
I look at my school, and what do I see?
Lots and lots of children just happy to be!
They’re tall and they’re short, they’re skinny and round,
And every skin color is easily found.
I look at our country and what do I see?
One giant family from sea to sea.
All want to be happy all want to be free
To grow and to learn like you and like me!
Let’s all work together to make futures grand--
And to every person lend a helping hand--
So like different notes in a wonderful song,
Our voices lift together loud, beautiful, and strong!
Hundreds of flowers smiling at me.
They’re red and they’re yellow, pink, blue, and white,
Together they make such a beautiful sight!
I look at the forest and what do I see?
So many leaves all waving at me.
Some green and some golden, some orange and brown,
All wiggling on branches, not one with a frown.
I look at my school, and what do I see?
Lots and lots of children just happy to be!
They’re tall and they’re short, they’re skinny and round,
And every skin color is easily found.
I look at our country and what do I see?
One giant family from sea to sea.
All want to be happy all want to be free
To grow and to learn like you and like me!
Let’s all work together to make futures grand--
And to every person lend a helping hand--
So like different notes in a wonderful song,
Our voices lift together loud, beautiful, and strong!
Peace Poem
When I look up to see the sky
And watch the birds all flying by,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
When lovely sunsets make me sigh
And cruel mean words make me cry,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
When summer flowers wilt and die
And cold November is quite nigh,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
I am a kid who loves to play
And loves my family night and day,
Who wants to grow up and be strong,
And to help others all life long,
Who wants the world to live in peace
And work to make all hatred cease.
Are you a kid who wants this too?
Isn’t it great? Now we are two!
This special day let’s make a pact,
To make fun and harmony a real and true fact!
And watch the birds all flying by,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
When lovely sunsets make me sigh
And cruel mean words make me cry,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
When summer flowers wilt and die
And cold November is quite nigh,
I wonder, “Who am I?”
I am a kid who loves to play
And loves my family night and day,
Who wants to grow up and be strong,
And to help others all life long,
Who wants the world to live in peace
And work to make all hatred cease.
Are you a kid who wants this too?
Isn’t it great? Now we are two!
This special day let’s make a pact,
To make fun and harmony a real and true fact!
Halloween Haikus
Trees toss their branches
High into the cool night air--
Eerie October
Masks on our faces
Faces cover emotions--
Why are you hiding?
Is it the sweetness
Of the candy that we like,
Or the memory?
Being someone else,
Even for just Halloween,
Is a real relief.
Laughing with my friends,
Wandering down the cold streets--
Life is wonderful!
High into the cool night air--
Eerie October
Masks on our faces
Faces cover emotions--
Why are you hiding?
Is it the sweetness
Of the candy that we like,
Or the memory?
Being someone else,
Even for just Halloween,
Is a real relief.
Laughing with my friends,
Wandering down the cold streets--
Life is wonderful!
Halloween Drama
It’s three more days ‘till Halloween
And I am feeling pretty mean!
My nose is red, my throat is sore,
My temperature is one-o-four--
It feels like pounding in my head,
So mom says I must stay in bed.
It’s two more days ‘till Halloween--
A sadder child you’ve never seen.
The running of my nose won’t stop,
And my clogged ears go, pop, pop, pop!
With all my toys I want to play,
But I just can’t—I’m sick today.
It’s one more day ‘till Halloween,
It must be true—it’s not a dream--
I’m feeling better, my head’s not hot,
And I’m eating food—quite a lot!
My mom says if I feel alright,
I’ll trick or treat tomorrow night.
It’s here! It’s here! It’s Halloween,
And a happier child I’ve never been.
My friends and I all laugh and play,
And dress in costumes for the day.
I’m oh, so lucky, that is true,
‘Cause I got candy and I’m healthy too!
And I am feeling pretty mean!
My nose is red, my throat is sore,
My temperature is one-o-four--
It feels like pounding in my head,
So mom says I must stay in bed.
It’s two more days ‘till Halloween--
A sadder child you’ve never seen.
The running of my nose won’t stop,
And my clogged ears go, pop, pop, pop!
With all my toys I want to play,
But I just can’t—I’m sick today.
It’s one more day ‘till Halloween,
It must be true—it’s not a dream--
I’m feeling better, my head’s not hot,
And I’m eating food—quite a lot!
My mom says if I feel alright,
I’ll trick or treat tomorrow night.
It’s here! It’s here! It’s Halloween,
And a happier child I’ve never been.
My friends and I all laugh and play,
And dress in costumes for the day.
I’m oh, so lucky, that is true,
‘Cause I got candy and I’m healthy too!
Eddie's Bad and Good Day
It’s been a really awful day,
My friend said, no, he wouldn’t play--
And then I dropped a box of eggs,
Slipped, fell down, and hurt my legs!
I turned on the sprinkler by mistake,
And now my yard is like a lake.
My dog chewed through my science book,
And, oh, my angry teacher’s look
Started me crying right there in class--
And now I’m sure I’ll never pass.
And all the kids thought I was funny,
When I sneezed real hard and my nose got runny!
The whole day’s turned to an awful scene--
But wait! There’s hope! It’s Halloween!
My friend said, no, he wouldn’t play--
And then I dropped a box of eggs,
Slipped, fell down, and hurt my legs!
I turned on the sprinkler by mistake,
And now my yard is like a lake.
My dog chewed through my science book,
And, oh, my angry teacher’s look
Started me crying right there in class--
And now I’m sure I’ll never pass.
And all the kids thought I was funny,
When I sneezed real hard and my nose got runny!
The whole day’s turned to an awful scene--
But wait! There’s hope! It’s Halloween!
Night Fright
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump,
What’s that awful noise I hear?
It sounds really, really near!
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
The house is dark and I’m in bed--
I wish it was morning instead--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
I’ve pulled the covers over me tight,
But still I’m shaking from the fright--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
It’s getting closer—it’s at my door,
Maybe I should hide under the bed—on the floor--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
My door squeaks open—I want to shout
I open my mouth but no noise comes out!
I hear a sniff and then a cry
And then a sob—I wonder why--
I better look, but oh so slow
I’ll peek out gently—they’ll never know--
Oh, what is this looking me in the eye
But my little brother and he says, “Hi...
I heard a noise and I can’t sleep tonight
Can you please, please hug me tight?”
Poor little boy scared and small
Pulled his toy train down the hall
(Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump)
Hoping I’d help him with his fear--
Wanting someone older (like me!) to be near.
I took his hand and led him back to bed,
Tucked him in and kissed his sleepy head.
It’s strange when you’re scared that something is wrong,
Helping someone else really makes you more strong!
Kerthump, Bump-Bump,
What’s that awful noise I hear?
It sounds really, really near!
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
The house is dark and I’m in bed--
I wish it was morning instead--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
I’ve pulled the covers over me tight,
But still I’m shaking from the fright--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
It’s getting closer—it’s at my door,
Maybe I should hide under the bed—on the floor--
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump
My door squeaks open—I want to shout
I open my mouth but no noise comes out!
I hear a sniff and then a cry
And then a sob—I wonder why--
I better look, but oh so slow
I’ll peek out gently—they’ll never know--
Oh, what is this looking me in the eye
But my little brother and he says, “Hi...
I heard a noise and I can’t sleep tonight
Can you please, please hug me tight?”
Poor little boy scared and small
Pulled his toy train down the hall
(Kerthump, Bump-Bump
Kerthump, Bump-Bump)
Hoping I’d help him with his fear--
Wanting someone older (like me!) to be near.
I took his hand and led him back to bed,
Tucked him in and kissed his sleepy head.
It’s strange when you’re scared that something is wrong,
Helping someone else really makes you more strong!
All Year Long
Lovely fall leaves—so bright and so gold,
Fresh, clean air so crisp and so cold--
Sky full of stars that sparkle and gleam--
World, you’re much better than even a dream!
Mommy’s warm hugs at the end of the day,
Friends who giggle and laugh while we play,
Water that gurgles in a clear, cool stream--
World, you’re so much better than even a dream!
Puppies that frolic, all having some fun!
The shimmering, warming, bright noon-time sun.
Fluffy white clouds like yummy whipped cream--
World, you’re much better than even a dream!
Oh, World I do promise to always help you,
Your forests of green, your sky oh so blue--
It takes every person, all on one great, big team--
We’ll always keep you better than a dream!
Fresh, clean air so crisp and so cold--
Sky full of stars that sparkle and gleam--
World, you’re much better than even a dream!
Mommy’s warm hugs at the end of the day,
Friends who giggle and laugh while we play,
Water that gurgles in a clear, cool stream--
World, you’re so much better than even a dream!
Puppies that frolic, all having some fun!
The shimmering, warming, bright noon-time sun.
Fluffy white clouds like yummy whipped cream--
World, you’re much better than even a dream!
Oh, World I do promise to always help you,
Your forests of green, your sky oh so blue--
It takes every person, all on one great, big team--
We’ll always keep you better than a dream!
Eliza's Song
The world is full of wonderful things--
Like grass and sky, and the blue bird’s wings
And when I hold my arms out wide
I can’t wait to hug the whole outside!
My special friends are all these trees
They hold some secrets no one sees
They know the truth of wrong and right
And stand real firm in day or night--
When winds of winter bend them low
They swing and sway and no fear show--
Then spring brings on the leaves so green
That wave and twirl like a ballet scene--
In summer when I climb trees high
Their limbs hold me steady so I can touch the sky--
And when their leaves turn in the fall
They’re not sad of changes—no, not at all!
Trees change and they grow with roots deep and strong
With lives like ours—so happy and long--
Trees are my friends, sturdy and true
And full of life—like me and like you!
Like grass and sky, and the blue bird’s wings
And when I hold my arms out wide
I can’t wait to hug the whole outside!
My special friends are all these trees
They hold some secrets no one sees
They know the truth of wrong and right
And stand real firm in day or night--
When winds of winter bend them low
They swing and sway and no fear show--
Then spring brings on the leaves so green
That wave and twirl like a ballet scene--
In summer when I climb trees high
Their limbs hold me steady so I can touch the sky--
And when their leaves turn in the fall
They’re not sad of changes—no, not at all!
Trees change and they grow with roots deep and strong
With lives like ours—so happy and long--
Trees are my friends, sturdy and true
And full of life—like me and like you!
Arthur Speaks: Story-Song
I’d like to write a great big story
One that’s sweet and kind and true,
And that’s filled with lots of laughter
Bringing joy—just like you.
I’d write of the spring with its new growth beginning
The soft gentle leaves and the sky oh so blue,
A now-golden sun its rays softly warming
Healing life’s angers—just like you
I’d write of the summer filled full with flowers
And sparkly dawns glittered with dew,
Gleaming stars in the vast dark night sky
Brilliantly shining—just like you
I’d write of the autumn with leaves gently falling
Until on the trees there are only a few,
But still they hold strong while the winds harshly bend them,
And they take all life’s changes—just like you
I’d write of the winter—its coldness so freezing
And how it might seem all of life is now through,
But just underground new life’s almost stirring
Like memories of joy and of love and of you!
One that’s sweet and kind and true,
And that’s filled with lots of laughter
Bringing joy—just like you.
I’d write of the spring with its new growth beginning
The soft gentle leaves and the sky oh so blue,
A now-golden sun its rays softly warming
Healing life’s angers—just like you
I’d write of the summer filled full with flowers
And sparkly dawns glittered with dew,
Gleaming stars in the vast dark night sky
Brilliantly shining—just like you
I’d write of the autumn with leaves gently falling
Until on the trees there are only a few,
But still they hold strong while the winds harshly bend them,
And they take all life’s changes—just like you
I’d write of the winter—its coldness so freezing
And how it might seem all of life is now through,
But just underground new life’s almost stirring
Like memories of joy and of love and of you!
A Sonnet to Life
The world gives us gifts all of our days
And we should be grateful in so many ways--
For the trees with their gold, red, and purpled hair
Brown leaves that twirl in the brisk autumn air--
Pumpkins quite orange and so very round
Perch brightly on doorsteps or sit on the ground--
And white fluffy clouds softly float in the sky
While our sun shines yellow, up, way up high!
Friends’ smiling faces all gathered around me,
Laughing, and joking, and as happy as can be!
The world is so beautiful in so many ways
All dark starry nights and bright sunny days--
So please, won’t you join me (We can all get along!),
And sing with the whole world this thankfulness song.
And we should be grateful in so many ways--
For the trees with their gold, red, and purpled hair
Brown leaves that twirl in the brisk autumn air--
Pumpkins quite orange and so very round
Perch brightly on doorsteps or sit on the ground--
And white fluffy clouds softly float in the sky
While our sun shines yellow, up, way up high!
Friends’ smiling faces all gathered around me,
Laughing, and joking, and as happy as can be!
The world is so beautiful in so many ways
All dark starry nights and bright sunny days--
So please, won’t you join me (We can all get along!),
And sing with the whole world this thankfulness song.
About power
My uncle Jeff’s an army guy
He’s been in combat twice--
And though he’s big and brave and strong
He’s also very nice.
I like to hear his scary tales
Of using guns and tanks
And climbing up to gain control
Of many vicious flanks
But this he tells me every time
And puts it in my mind:
The bravest soldiers don’t like to kill--
They really want to be kind.
The soldier fights the battles
So safe we all will stay
They want to keep a peaceful earth
Each night and every day--
But kids who want to hurt another
Are really very weak
They think that if they act all tough
It will make others meek--
When you’re a bully full of hate
And you want people in your control
That means your power isn’t big
You’re actually very small
The more you yell how strong you are
And the more you threaten others
The weaker that you really are--
You don’t have any powers
I want to be like Uncle Jeff
A hero through and through.
He says that power comes from making peace--
I agree with him, do you?
He’s been in combat twice--
And though he’s big and brave and strong
He’s also very nice.
I like to hear his scary tales
Of using guns and tanks
And climbing up to gain control
Of many vicious flanks
But this he tells me every time
And puts it in my mind:
The bravest soldiers don’t like to kill--
They really want to be kind.
The soldier fights the battles
So safe we all will stay
They want to keep a peaceful earth
Each night and every day--
But kids who want to hurt another
Are really very weak
They think that if they act all tough
It will make others meek--
When you’re a bully full of hate
And you want people in your control
That means your power isn’t big
You’re actually very small
The more you yell how strong you are
And the more you threaten others
The weaker that you really are--
You don’t have any powers
I want to be like Uncle Jeff
A hero through and through.
He says that power comes from making peace--
I agree with him, do you?
Light
In the darkness of the night
You will know that day is soon
In not knowing music’s lyrics
You can still hum out the tune--
When your pain and sadness grip you
Hold on tight to what is near
Don’t forget that we’re together
And our love outlasts the fear--
In the worry ‘bout tomorrow
Don’t forget about today
If you’re lost with head bent down
Just look forward for the way--
We are on this earth together
Shining love on all we meet
So like now in time of sorrow
Be quite kind to all you greet--
Life is like a roller coaster
Full of up and twist and turn
And the downs feel like disaster
But it’s then the most we learn--
Help me make the day much brighter
For those needing extra care
And together we can triumph
On this world we all do share!
You will know that day is soon
In not knowing music’s lyrics
You can still hum out the tune--
When your pain and sadness grip you
Hold on tight to what is near
Don’t forget that we’re together
And our love outlasts the fear--
In the worry ‘bout tomorrow
Don’t forget about today
If you’re lost with head bent down
Just look forward for the way--
We are on this earth together
Shining love on all we meet
So like now in time of sorrow
Be quite kind to all you greet--
Life is like a roller coaster
Full of up and twist and turn
And the downs feel like disaster
But it’s then the most we learn--
Help me make the day much brighter
For those needing extra care
And together we can triumph
On this world we all do share!
Life
Sometimes I worry that I’m not good enough
I’m not very fast and I’m not very tough
I try to be nice but sometimes I’m mean
And always by nighttime I’m not very clean--
I often spill stuff when I’m eating my lunch
And unhealthy foods I do love to munch--
I think maybe others are better than me
And that makes me gloomier than I want to be--
I start to feel small and clumsy and sad
Because I’m so little and awkward and bad.
But then out my window there’s a beautiful world
The wind ruffles trees till the leaves get all swirled
Trees are so happy standing tall in the earth
And they never think if they have any worth
And look, over there, there’s a bird flying high
Its wings spread out wide by itself in the sky--
The sun shines his light making everything bright
He never worries if he gets it “just right”
The squirrel doesn’t try to be better than air
And grass doesn’t think being green is unfair
The lake isn’t angry ‘cause it can’t grow flowers
And day and night never want to trade hours.
Each thing in the world has its own perfect place
Like the parts of my body and my own special face
I have my two feet so real far I can walk
A mouth with a tongue so I can talk, talk, and talk
Eyes that can see up to heaven above
And a great big heart that’s filled full of love
Now I know no one else I would ever want to be
‘Cause it’s totally great being exactly ME!!!!!
I’m not very fast and I’m not very tough
I try to be nice but sometimes I’m mean
And always by nighttime I’m not very clean--
I often spill stuff when I’m eating my lunch
And unhealthy foods I do love to munch--
I think maybe others are better than me
And that makes me gloomier than I want to be--
I start to feel small and clumsy and sad
Because I’m so little and awkward and bad.
But then out my window there’s a beautiful world
The wind ruffles trees till the leaves get all swirled
Trees are so happy standing tall in the earth
And they never think if they have any worth
And look, over there, there’s a bird flying high
Its wings spread out wide by itself in the sky--
The sun shines his light making everything bright
He never worries if he gets it “just right”
The squirrel doesn’t try to be better than air
And grass doesn’t think being green is unfair
The lake isn’t angry ‘cause it can’t grow flowers
And day and night never want to trade hours.
Each thing in the world has its own perfect place
Like the parts of my body and my own special face
I have my two feet so real far I can walk
A mouth with a tongue so I can talk, talk, and talk
Eyes that can see up to heaven above
And a great big heart that’s filled full of love
Now I know no one else I would ever want to be
‘Cause it’s totally great being exactly ME!!!!!
Halloween
I dress up as a fairy godmother, hand out poems I wrote (and candy--I'm not totally nuts--), and grant a wish. The catch is that the wish must be for the good of someone else. Kids get it. Always. (I hope you all like the poem for kids I wrote Love is always the answer.)
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A Child’s Question
Halloween is so much fun With costumed kids who laugh and run-- But in the night there was one word That over and over I thought I heard: “It’s magic,” people seemed to say, “Hooray for the magic we have today!” So I asked my mom, “What does magic mean? And is it real or just a dream?” A Mom’s Answer She gave me a hug, and kissed my cheek, Then looked at me and started to speak: “There’s magic in everything you see, The stars above, the birds, the tree-- Laughing when you’re on a swing, Lifting your voice to loudly sing. There’s magic in the sun’s warm glow, And also in the white, white snow. It’s there in all the grass so green, And every bug you’ve ever seen. But one more place were magic lives, And where it always happiness gives, Is right inside our human heart Which is a big, important part, Because this magic, all others above, Is real and true, and is called, love!” |