I Am From

I am from
     a desire fulfilled--
     a dream, a wish, a want.

I am from
     skinned knees and
     allergies and outside
     play til dusk.

I am from
     songs round the piano,
     guitar and cello too--
     each melodic strain building
     a symphony in my heart.

I am from
     a punny place
     a battle of wits to share
     the laughter rending a talkative bunch.
     There is appreciation there.

I am from
     a regency romance
     with gallant men and women of the past--
     a guilty escape I truly love.

I am from
     a tender heart
     that feels another's pain or joy--
     my tears flow easily and I love deeply.

I am from
     a simple place
     no fancy stuff for me
     I rarely shop--I am content
     more--I do not need.

I am from
     a teacher's nest
     my fledgling students many.
     They are all children--they've
     my heart and most of my time.

I am from
     a crazy family
     easily entertained
     marshmallow roasts over emergency candles
     or silly inane games.

I am from
     macaroni and cheese from a box
     whenever I cooked as a child.
     roller skating with old metal skates
     you put on your shoes--tightening with a key.

I am from
     a quiet place
     very deep inside of me,
     but a very opinionated place.

I am from
     a mother's heart
     pressed by worry and care.

I am from
     a father's love
     all my burdens to bear.

I am from
     love.

Perfect Square?

Thinking "outside the box"
Held by rigid boundaries--
stereotypes of what I should be.

What next?
Can I let go enough?
Allow myself to be redesigned, retooled--
even crumpled.
Can I be happy in a safe square?

Fear is the formula that keeps one square.
Messy outcomes
Unpopular choices
Clashing colors.

Faith is the key to freedom.
No bad outcomes
Self acceptance
Moving forward.

LET GO!

Candy

Candy

A sweet indulgence soothes my tired, achy day
It wakens me and lifts me up
and energizes I'd say--

But sadly, quickly fleeing--
it's flavor's soon forgot
And I am left just craving more--
a habit relieved a lot.

O Candy, are you the bane of my existence?
No--even short, sweet moments
in my memory have persistence.

I'll savor and I'll treasure each
sweet interlude--
Unless the pounds pack on too much
--I'll quite a while--so rude.

But, I'll be back--you see I'm hooked
I understand my fate.
You will always win--I sadly learned--
when I thought sweets so great.

[January 3, 2017]
This was done as an answer to the writing prompt--candy.  

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)