Snowflakes

Snowflakes

Delicate
          Unique
                    Masterpieces.
                              Animated
                                        Illuminated
                                                  in a short-lived descent of fame.


Collected
          Undetected
                    Collaborators.
                              Contributing
                                        Consumed
                                                   on a frozen pallet so plain.


Are all our lives like snowflakes
only noticed by a few?
When clumped with all the others
can we make an imprint too?

Perspective gained-we have learned
and should always be aware.
Find comfort in this gem of truth
"We once shimmered in the air".

(ending revised 2-23-16)

I wrote this poem a long time ago, but struggled with the ending.  I am trying this ending on for size.
:)

Dear Mother

Dear Mother
(A Mother's Day Song)

As I see you dear mother
your gentle eyes and smile
it makes heaven seem nearer
I'll bask just for awhile--

--chorus

For dear mother
each day is a gift from up above
heaven's closer,
his love nearer
when I feel of your love.

When I hear you dear mother
your tender voice divine
you bring comfort and sunshine
I'm glad that you're mine.

--chorus

For dear mother
each day is a gift from up above
heaven's closer,
his love nearer
when I feel of your love.

When you teach me, dear mother
of heaven up above
I see true faith and courage
you lead me with your love.

--chorus

For dear mother
each day is a gift from up above
heaven's closer,
his love nearer
when I feel of your love.

When you leave me, dear mother
how can my life go on?
For your presence and spirit
are what I lean upon.

--chorus (revised)

But dear mother
each day is a gift from above
Even in heaven
your love's nearer
and I will feel your love.
(5-10-09)

I composed the music and wrote these words as a tribute for my mother.

We Belong--The Wheeler Family Song

We Belong--The Wheeler Family Song

We Belong to a Family
that is truly great.
It started when your Grandpa
asked Grandma for a date.

They married and then later
their little family grew.
Ten kids were added to the clan
all wonderful and true.

--chorus

What does it mean to be a Wheeler?
What does it mean to belong?
You have a heritage that's awesome.
You have a family that is strong.

Those 10 kids up and married
and had kids of their own.
And even of those grandkids--
many are now grown.

This family just keeps growin'
but it's OK--there's room.
Our hearts can handle so much more
it's a Wheeler Family boom.

--chorus

What does it mean to be a Wheeler?
What does it mean to belong?
You have a heritage that's awesome.
You have a family that is strong.


So long for now, but don't
forget each memory we've made.
With heartfelt hugs and kisses
our love will never fade.

Just don't forget to keep it up
until we meet again.
So long, farewell, auf vedersehn
we're sad it has to end.

--chorus

What does it mean to be a Wheeler?
What does it mean to belong?
You have a heritage that's awesome.
You have a family that is strong.
(Summer 2008)

Christmas Correction for my Class

Christmas Correction for my Class

'Twas the day before break, when all through the room
the teacher was frantic and felt some great doom
For though the request was made ages ago
Many of the children's recipes never did show.
This present has always brought holiday cheer
From children and parents--it brought us all near.
So what could she do, but hope yet once more
That somewhere out there are recipes galore.

So I hope you'll forgive our present delay
It's coming, but not without each child's say.
Have a wonderful break and a Merry Christmas holiday!
(12-2013)

The Leap of Faith

The Leap of Faith

I stand upon a precipice

          my toes curl o'er the edge,

The view from here is quite daunting

          now all old fears I dredge.

A lack of courage smacks me hard

          as I peruse the view.

What was I thinking coming here

          --so much to live up to?

I look around for some support

          of who might "have my back",

Just knowing they are all close by

          --a place I might fall back.

But they all want me in that mode,

          they're cheering me go on

To take the leap to my unknown

          before the chance is gone.

It's all or nothing--no half-way.

          I must commit--not try.

No holding back or giving in--

          On wings of faith I'll fly.

Fresh courage wrought, I step ahead

          to meet a better fate

Than waited me had I stood there

          and tried to contemplate.

My wings!  My faith!  I'm soaring now.

          I've left my fears behind.

How could I miss this grand new life.

          I must have been so blind.

Yes, faith and courage start the point

          that you must tread alone.

Leap faithfully from where you stand,

          with God you're always known.

The safe road's there as life goes on,

          but then you miss the sky.

Don't play it safe--be brave, be bold

          and live and love, and fly!

(2-23-16)

Today I was contemplating about the path my life has taken of late.  I was amazed at my leap of faith with this master's, my Kodaly training, and the phonics program.  I am so grateful for the opportunities and growth it has given me.  This is my encouragement to "leap away".  

Too Soon

Too Soon

A life well-lived,
               compassion shown
               in every passing hour.
The full bloom
               reached and beauty
               shown--a magnificent flower!

One day the precious
               bloom is lost,
               and true heartache ensues.
We search to find
               some meaning in those
               wilted, fading hues.

Why must we lose
               the beauty and the
               comfort we have known?
What purpose can
               we find now that
               we face this time alone?

The Master Gard'ner
               knows why, and His
               purpose is served there.
He placed that plant
               so tenderly, and
               He provides its care.

So trusting Him,
               we look to find
               the purpose in our pain.
For with that trust,
               we soothe our hearts--
               our suff'ring's not in vain.

A peace flows forth
               from fountains pure,
               and heals our aching heart.
Then once again
               we find sweet mem'ries
               never more to part.

And then one day
               in brighter light
               we'll reach beyond the veil.
And love's embrace
               will then erase
               and make the absence pale.

O Master Gard'ner
               grant that we
               may trust in thy great love.
And help us to
               accept thy will
               and mercy from above.

(9-24-14)
Dedicated to Ana Preto-Bay.  Ana was my neighbor and friend.  I taught her son in school last year.  Her passing was a shock and I wrote this poem to give to her husband.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Heaven sent an angel mother
     to watch and care for me.
The task would be so difficult--
     the way so hard to see.

And so He chose his very best
     and sent her off with love.
He promised her He'd not be far
     as He watched from above.

Now years have passed, the
     time has flown and those
     children have all grown.
Each child has left and continued
     on with children of their own.

But we remember each day to
     thank our Heavenly Father true,
For giving us His very best
     When he sent us to you.

Happy Mother's Day!

(Found in my old papers.  I am not certain when this was written.)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

                        Wind-blown leaves

                                    From barren trees

                        The outside’s biting air.

                        Baking pies

                                    And hungry sighs

                        Aroma everywhere.

                        It’s great to

                                    Be together,

                        All smiles—as you can guess.

                        We all feel

                                    Very Thankful,

                        In spite of all the mess.

                        This time of

                                    Year is awesome.

                        We like to celebrate.

                        With fall here

                                    And winter near—
                        Thanksgiving's really great!

            

(9-14)

In Limbo

In Limbo

I have a goal

                --I really do,

It’s just I’m not quite there.

I’m well past “start”

                --‘twas long ago

And yet I wonder where.

I think I’ve lost

                Perspective here--

This step is so unknown.

The end’s too far

                --my vision’s lost

Where was my hope first sown?

And so in faith

                --near blind, I press

Toward a mem’ry fair.

Pray courage and

                a dose of grace

Will fin’lly get me there.

                               

                                  (8-17-15)

This poem was written at Back-to-School night during the breaks between meeting the students and parents.  It was in response to the feelings I have been having about some of my goals and the goals my children have.  It is sometimes really hard to remember why we embarked on the path, or to maintain enthusiasm and vision for what we started out to achieve when thinking about the future.

Baptism By Fire

Baptism by Fire

As a young child I really didn’t know

What made me cry and feel overwhelmed.

I just knew, what I felt was real,

And tender, and sacred.

It “made my heart within me burn”.

--I started to Learn!

As a youth on a testimony quest,

I obediently asked, “Is the Book of Mormon true?”

I knelt and waited for that now familiar burning.

What I did not expect was the all-consuming

Fire from head to toe.

--Now I Know!

My dear companion, The Holy Ghost, has taught, directed,

Led, comforted, confirmed, given hope, and kept me from harm.

As a messenger of Deity, He has witnessed truth and

Filled my soul with joy.

Tender testimony now bears fruit to share—I know He’s there.

--He Lives!
(1-12-2015)

1st stanza refers to:
When I was very young (after I had been baptized), I got up in fast and testimony meeting to bear my testimony.  It was back when you stood in your pew and a microphone was passed to you by one of the deacons.  I tried to speak, but I became so overcome with emotion--I just sat down and cried into my Dad.  He passed the mike back and comforted me.  The spirit started early working on my emotions.

2nd stanza refers to:
I was a teenager in seminary.  We were reading the Book of Mormon for the school year.  I had not quite finished when school was out.  Our ward went on a temple trip immediately after school let out to the Manti temple.  On the way, we stopped at a hotel.  The others went off swimming--I remained behind--determined to get done before going to the temple.  When I read Moroni's promise, I felt a desire to pray and gain my personal witness.  I didn't want to be disturbed by people walking into the hotel room.  I went to an area in the back and knelt to pray.  I received a sure witness.

3rd stanza refers to:
A life of experience and I am still learning to listen and heed.  How can I doubt when so often the spirit witnesses to me?  He lives!

State of Affairs

State of Affairs

I wish you were here in person.

I mean it—‘cause I really do.

So I’ll live off calls, texts, e-mails

Until I can be there with you.

So keep all those good things coming.

I’ll do my part and just reply.

Each day will bring us closer soon.

A virtual hug—we’ll get by.

(10-6-15 pondering about how my kids are all over the place in England, Vegas, Rexburg, Germany and Provo and how we communicate now)

You Knew

You Knew

I don’t know how it happened,

Or just how you chanced to know.

You sensed my faint unspoken need,

 Then you were “on the go”.

Your thoughtfulness was gen’rous

Showing love--pure selflessness.

Your heartfelt gift came eas’ly,

Unconditional and blest!

In a world surrounded--

 A surly host of graft and greed,

It takes a special kind of heart

To meet another’s need.

We don’t go ‘round announcing

Each new challenge or each task,

And ‘oft in desperation

It’s too much to try and ask…

For help in times of trial

When our life demands a lot.

But, there are those whose inner sense

 Bring gifts before they’re sought.

A listening ear, a helpful hand,

A faithful, sincere prayer,

A note, a meal, or something small

That lifts a load of care.

And then just like the sun’s rays

There is hope and love so bright

It makes you feel that afterwards

You’ll brave your darkest night.

Thank you dear friend--angel bright,

For listening with your heart,

Your gentle kindness, and pure love will

Never from me part.

Trapped

 Trapped

            It doesn’t take a cage…

                                                            or fetters

                                                            or imminent threat

                                                            or lock and key

                                                                                                            …to enslave me.

            A lack of vision…

                                                            too tired to try

                                                            resigning to life

                                                            fear of what lacks       

                                                                                                            …to stop me in my tracks.

            With nothing but me…

                                                            to hold me back

                                                            to keep me down

                                                            to convince me otherwise

                                                                                                           

…to criticize.

            Will I break free…

                                                            improve perspective

                                                            try again

                                                            compensate

                                                                                                           

…before it’s too late?

            Or will I just remain…

                                                            frozen

                                                            immoveable

                                                            zapped

                                                                                                            …so trapped?