A Poem about "Like"

Madison came home from school today with a homework assignment to write a poem in iambic pentameter, and since we had a crazy schedule this afternoon of doctor's appointments, running errands, picking up kids from hellandgone, and trying to squeeze dinner in before softball practice, we didn't even get around to the assignment until a time when Madison is usually being sent to bed. That being said, we were both pretty exhausted (maybe even bordering on hysteria? lol) when we joined forces and came up with this gem, and the fruits of our labor are pretty hilarious:

A Poem About "Like"

I've read a lot of poems about love,
But those sad suckers can go take a hike.
There's something else that I am thinking of,
So I will write this poem about "like".
I like to read imaginative books.
They allow me to leave this world behind.
To get by on more than just my good looks,
I must keep creativity in mind.
I like to eat bologna on white bread
with mustard, but please hold the yucky cheese.
I like to act, but that just goes unsaid,
And poetry - but keep it simple, please.
I like to play with my new softball glove,
But chocolate, THAT'S something that I love!

The poem even comes complete with artwork of epic proportions . . .

Artwork courtesy of MaddieMae. :-P

You're welcome. :)

While They Sleep

Sitting, watching

Sweet babies sleeping

Gazing, admiring

in the silence of hearts beating

Reflecting, realizing

Precious moments fleeting

Wishing, relishing

Memories repeating

Eyes wandering, mind pondering

Happiness repleting

Attentively attending

the sound of restful breathing

Elation overwhelming

Pride inside swelling

Suddenly understanding

time and its meaning

My heart, they are stealing

Can’t help but feeling

humble, yet able - 

and grateful to Thee.

related link:

Baby's Breath

In their shoes

Gems of Reflection - Week 14

As a child, I looked up to her as an angel from above.
She would kiss away my sorrows and then wrap me in her love.
In an effort to be like her, through her clothes I would peruse.
I was eager, yet, to walk the length of the hallway in her shoes.

I knew him as a selfless man - in serving, he'd delight,
But he'd still take time to let me climb up in his lap at night.
We'd sit and watch tv together, cuddling all the while.
I would say, "I'll marry you some day." Then he'd look at me and smile.

As an adolescent, eager then to conquer my domain,
She taught me to be kind to all, even those who cause me pain.
Her love was always constant, she was patient in all things -
Despite the way I tried to break away and spread my wings.

My dad could fix most anything, quite the genius to this day.
He taught the value of hard work, but also how to play.
He had a truly tender side, was an ever-present friend.
There was no heartache or sorrow that rocky road ice cream couldn't mend.

And now that I have wee ones, I hope to emulate
The example of the Savior, that she'd always demonstrate.
Through the gentle words, the patience - I forever try to show
So the measure of my love for them, in their hearts they'll always know.

I pray that as they grow and reminisce of childhood years,
They'll remember all the times we shared - both the laughter and the tears.
But I also hope they'll learn to be self-governing and free,
That they'll be honest and hard working - lessons that my dad taught me.

I reflect back on my childhood with gratitude to Thee
For blessing me with loving folks, who taught me how to be.
I seek to be as they were, open-minded in my views,
And I pray that as a parent now, I can follow in their shoes.

Related Link:

52 Gems of Reflection

Thirty Days of Gratitude - Day 17: My Daughter

My 12-year-old daughter came into this world at a time when I was facing some serious challenges, and she continues to bless my life each and every day. This poem is for you, Munch Munch. :)

Beautiful Child

Beautiful child, remarkable child

From Heav’n you descended, a mom I became.

Beloved child, celestial child

I feel of God’s love when I but speak your name.

Beautiful child, radiant child

Your spirit so eager, your smile so bright.

Glorious child, innocent child

You sing to the heavens and bless us with light.

Beautiful child, intuitive child

Bestowed with your wisdom, your intelligent mind.

Courageous child, faithful child

Our friendship eternal, our souls intertwined.

Curious child, creative child

With a book in your hand, and ideas running wild.

Artistic child, inspired child

Enchanting, romancing, an essence beguiled.

Beautiful child, benevolent child

Your heart so forgiving, compassion aflame.

Beautiful child, significant child

Without you, our family would not be the same.

Photo by The Purple Lady

Related link:

All Things Purple: Thirty Days of Gratitude

Baby's Breath

You lie in my arms

Staring up at me

With those big, beautiful, steel-blue eyes

And my heart melts.

I hold a little piece of Heaven

When I hold you in my arms.

And for a moment,

My whole existence is evanescent

Of worry and sorrow.

I brush my lips against your cheek

And fill my lungs with your essence;

The sweet aroma of your breath.

You are all that is lovely and pure in this world. 

A perfect example of innocence and love.

I playfully munch on your soft, little cheeks 

And you smile.

I then can’t help doing so myself,

For I am suddenly filled 

With a complete sense of joy and pride.

How can one, little being 

Bring such happiness?

Such overwhelming gratitude?

Looking into your smiling eyes, 

I see your innocence;

Your precious soul.

And as you stare back into mine 

With loving acceptance;

So trusting

So dependent on my love,

Tears of gratitude fill my eyes.

And I can’t help but thank Heavenly Father

For entrusting me with your sweet spirit,

For blessing me with the amazing gift

Of being your mother,

And for granting me this precious moment

In time

When the world stands still

As I hold you in my arms. 

A Hope of Heaven's Light

It seems lately that too many people in my circle of influence, who I care about deeply, have been plagued by the bitter sting of divorce, and it breaks my heart to watch them suffer so cruelly, whilst I stand helplessly on the sidelines, feeling like nothing I do is sufficient to bring them comfort. To see such loving, amazingly selfless people experience feelings of worthlessness and failure is truly a tragedy, and I find myself praying for wisdom to discover ways of supporting and uplifting them.

Upon visiting with a most beloved family member recently, and having the rare opportunity to witness, firsthand, the pain and frustration that have become the new version of "normal" in her life, I found myself being reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago when I was going through a similarly difficult time myself. It is a poem of hope, and I pray that she (you know who you are), along with others who are facing equally disheartening trials at present, will remember that Heavenly Father allows us to experience trials, not only to test our faith, but to strengthen our character. I am not sure what grand lesson is meant to be learned from all this heart ache, but I do know that Heavenly Father loves us and is always there to lift us up in our moments of darkness. I only pray that this poem will remind those who are struggling that hope is in sight, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. :)

Alas, a fair one - wounded, yet she stands

Broken by the sting of winter's cold.

Reluctant, still, to take an offered hand,

Concealed, her scars reveal the traveled road.

But in the spring, a window opens there.

A new light spills onto the darkened path.

Relaxed, she takes a breath of youthful air,

And wipes the tear replaced now by a laugh.

Her weary soul concedes to start anew.

Finally, an end to dark of night.

A broken heart again begins to bloom

Given but a hope of Heaven's light.

Source: twowritingteachers.wordpress.com via The Purple on Pinterest