Best Cousins Poems
Dusk shone lavender toned skies upon the mountain field
where scattered trees with wizened limbs were steeled to ground.
High grass tickled their small legs while they giggled and ran.
Intoxicated by freedom from rules and the summon of fireflies,
they were four cousins with jars on a lark never known before.
All under nine but two would wake the morn to lifelong heartache.
From Cousins to Nieces and Nephews
When young we have cousins; they’re second to none.
Then along come siblings’ each daughter and son.
A new wondrous time of our life has begun.
With our new family ties, new stories are spun.
We watch them together and having such fun,
and always there’s one who’s a son of a gun,
pulling pranks everywhere and on everyone.
Just leave them together all day in the sun.
They’ll be making up games before the day’s done.
In fields and back yards or in parks they will run.
Good times and loud laughter they never can shun.
Such close family ties between cousins are won.
But nephews and nieces that we love a ton
make each aunt and uncle a real lucky one!
Written June 11, 2016 for the Personal Memories Monorhyme II Contest
Based on Laura Loo's Picture #2 as well as my own family experiences
(This poem is based on a movie I saw.)
It was tragic when two teenagers died.
They couldn't be together so they committed suicide.
They were cousins and that's why their parents kept them apart.
They decided to end it all because of their broken hearts.
The parents forbade their relationship because they were in love with each other.
They decided that they wanted to die because they couldn't be with one another.
Now their parents are all tore up inside.
They'll be in misery for the rest of their lives because of their kids suicides.
Dorrie Ann left Herman again.
It happens on a cyclical schedule.
October, January, April and July.
A quad-yearly thing.
We cousins take her in.
Knowing in a day or two Herman will show up.
Sweet, with candies and maybe flowers.
He will sweet talk her back home
because he is tired of frozen food.
Dorrie Ann could be annoying after the
second day but none of us know this because
Herman’s pattern is cyclical too.
Most have several, others dozens
But it's nice to have some cousins.
Unlike siblings, who may fight,
Cousins get along all right.
With connections formed when young,
Cousins count as those among
The people who go way way back
And know your strengths or what you lack.
Of course, some cousins grow apart
Or never let a friendship start
But if you're lucky, you may find
Support from years you've left behind.
For cousins can remind us how
We used to be, compared to now.
To the people of the earth, we convey this greeting.
We are quite anxious for this long-awaited meeting.
Coming in peace, we are your cousins, as once before.
In a few hours, we’ll be reunited once more.
You will recognize us; our appearance you will know.
We see the sun we once shared ten million years ago.
The planet’s orbit remains between Venus and Mars.
History is forgotten, but we remember ours.
Our first arrival was with the great reptiles roaming.
Something happened, and we could not save them from dying.
Your entire world was completely warm and tropical.
This appeared to be the ideal place for our people.
Our interstellar travel made us masters of space.
However, we knew nothing of climate in this place,
or evolution and genetics within our race.
Your planet is in a section of isolation.
It takes many years to reach your civilization.
Our starships would be bringing news from the galaxy.
They would land three or four times in every century.
Your earth was once a constant tropical paradise.
However, climactic changes covered it with ice.
A strange phenomenon caused some harmless mutations.
Some of us were immune. There were no alterations.
This did not kill, or cause destructive physical harm.
It did start to arouse inevitable alarm.
Two separate groups arose over thousands of years.
Suspicion was perpetuated and caused great fears.
Those who did not leave earth sank into barbarism.
Envy, discord, and conflict were caused by the schism.
We had thought the end came for your civilization.
Your first radio signals gave us indication
that your culture has survived all these millennia.
This discovery has given us euphoria.
We see you have made your long ascent from savagery.
We are here to restore the long-lost fraternity.
We have uncovered much since we abandoned the earth.
Now that you are re-discovered, there will be much mirth.
Perpetual tropical climate, we will restore.
You won’t have to withstand freezing winters anymore.
With genetic mutation, there’s no need to endure.
For your offensive, yet harmless plague, we have a cure.
For what is now wrong, we have the power to make right.
Only let us know how many of you are still white.
Based on the short story "Reunion" by the late Arthur C. Clarke
Luke* and Frank* were my cousins from two of my father’s sisters.
Luke and Frank lived in the same city, and I joined them for an important family event. I had not seen nor spoken to either of them for more than 40 years. When I arrived, I telephoned Luke.
Luke was a year older than me and having grown up together, we were well acquainted with each other. Luke and his family moved 2000 miles away when I was 13. Frank and I knew each other as young kids but were not well acquainted. When I saw them again after 40 years, their response to me was a vast story in contrast. I have shared this story with other members of the family. Where appropriate, I have not revealed their identity, desiring not to be offensive in any way.
Upon arriving in their city, I spoke with Luke over the phone. I was excited in my voice tone and very delighted to finally renew our acquaintances. However, I was stunningly surprised by the response from Luke on the other end. I was quickly mistaken to think that I would at least be warmly welcomed with a sense of anticipation of him seeing me again. Instead, Luke was rather indifferent, tamed, and subdued. His tone was so disconnected from mine that I was forced to calm my emotions toward him. It felt so very awkward to me.
On the occasion of the event with everyone gathered, Frank was among the crowd and not at all recognizable by me. As kids, we saw each other only occasionally when my father took us to visit them several miles away. Nevertheless, Frank walked straight up to me, and in spite of the years, my full beard, and eyeglasses, he said, “Hi Michael!” I was 55 years of age, and could not have been more than 10 or 12 when we last saw each other.
Although a little disappointed, I was really okay.
And I would never tell Luke how he made me feel.
Frank was the kind of guy that made up for guys like Luke.
But “Not all cousins are created equal”, is what I wanted to say.
02182016PS
*True story; Names have been changed
Oh no...I see her number on the screen!
I didn't answer calls from her last week.
One hundred miles away, cousin Colleen...
I know just what she wants! I want to shriek!
A month ago she asked our cousin Sue
if she thought I would lend some funds to her,
and Sue told her she didn't know, pursue
by calling me direct...what she'd prefer.
So now the answer's left to me alone.
Sue knew that this request would never fly.
I wish she'd told Colleen on that darn phone
my answer would be no, and she'd know why!
You see, cousin Colleen is known for crime
of begging money from a cousin-kin
and never paying back a single dime!
She's nice...this just might be her only sin.
Dear cousin Sue was hit hard just last year
and should have told Colleen, firmly and loud,
to never bother me! It's very clear
scamming another cousin's not allowed!
Now what to do with cousin Colleen's mess...
next time, pick up that phone...or let it ring?
I know...with my soft heart, I must confess...
...most likely I will help...absorb the sting.
May 26, 2016
~HM~
Contest: $
Sponsor: Anthony Biaanco
Judged: 06/22/2021
Actually...partly based on truth!
When we learned our elderly, kind granddad had died,
all paternal cousins traveled, gathered and cried.
Later, the ‘reception drive’ offered varied rides;
in Rachel’s auto, they shared a liquor-filled flask
and in Rob’s ancient van, a joint or two was passed.
If any cousin did not seek a high that day,
Terry drove sober now that she was freely gay.
At the reception, we all loved, giggled and shared.
Funny, that the sober car was the last one there!
In time, we caught up using our familiar flair.
Rob, Rachel and Rita’s Father had been paroled.
Rob still refused to pay taxes or live controlled.
Rachel lost her job when her flask fell out and rolled.
Rita found Jesus after holding marigolds
and walking naked down a long suburban road.
Mark was racing fast cars, playing music in bars
and had built a planetarium to view stars.
His maternal grandmother supplied the dollars
so why not avoid wearing a working collar?
Terry shared the same dollars-aplenty, flow-jar.
She had just graduated college with honors,
moved in with Sue (who then quit work as a mauler),
and now barely leaves their home built near water.
I shared my struggle to work a forty-hour week,
make sure my special needs child never feels defeat
and bear my third spouse, who keeps a petulant heat.
When a toast or a toke to Granddad was complete,
Mark grabbed his guitar and set a steady, good beat.
Each cuz, in turn, sang their made up line which was neat:
“We’re from the family tree of true dysfunction.
What others call stupid, we see as brave gumption.
We do not take kindly to outside instruction
stalling our families’ chaotic production.
If we pass loud gas, we won’t care if others laugh.
Now, just like real life, our song has gone off track.”
Limerick crochetés: Once North Koreans joined South cousins
Once North Koreans joined South cousins
Agreed to let drop divisive sins
Formed one team ice-hockey
Won bronze not so lucky
Each side said: “Not for US, no side wins!”
Both sides appealed to prize committee
Some judges with none could agree:
“South on its own could win
Gold!” said Pence swilling gin
Kim Jong-un said: “No, Siree!”
“Next time round we’ll stage World Jamboree
South will pay for nukes in joint country!
Not cash but solid gold
Stand on launching pad bold
Remember who stood by US in ’53!”
© T. Wignesan – Paris, 2018
Driving to Nick's wedding,
Cant help but think...
Is there anyone there besides him I want to see?
Not really..
There's aunt Shirley,,
She always, always, always wants to squeeze and kiss my cheek
I'm not five and I'm not a geek,
Bless her soul, my softer side will be in deep need
Grandpa Bill,
Oh man, he's so chill,
Usually in his rocker with a beer,
Maybe he'll rock it on the dance floor,
My spirits will need a lot of help,
Nick bought the Vodka, and he's poor.
The bride will be gorgeous,
One bridesmaid I've never met
I'm skeptical because it's Nick's Ex.
No way I'd have a ex lover there,
For sure we tearing at each others hair,
Maybe that will beef up the party!
Cat fights are fun to watch,
Hopefully doesn't go too far,
Don't want the paramedics calling by her last name, “Ms. Gerardi”
I'll know soon enough..
Finishing this road trip is a must
It's your birthday today,
And I know we haven't spoke for long,
But I just wanted to let you know,
You've done no wrong.
You've been a great laugh,
And always listened to me,
Now it's my turn to give back to you,
And you've been the best that best can be.
Happy birthday on your day so special,
The day the lord came and blessed us,
With your presence in the world,
And with your friendship and trust.
Happy Birthday! :)
**dedicated to my cousins that i miss truly and love so much , p.j and royal
trevino
happy bday to u all from ur cuz audrey castaneda happy b-day 4-20-2010**
We British love to stand in queues
We are known through out the world for it.
It must be something in our genes
We have tried all the other means.
Nobody teaches us what to do
We just line up when we see a queue.
The trouble starts with our foreign cousins; they look on us amused,
Then they walk to the front, ingnoring us and bypass all the queues.
Excuse me Sir or Madam, we say but you should be at the back,
‘What on earth for when I can walk in, you know what you can do with that!’
Fury starts to raise and feet begin to tap,
I am sorry Sir/Madam, but you must join at the back.
The door opens and we see just what we are queuing for,
It is the ladies services but then she grabs the door.
Our foreign cousin jumps in, what a nice neat trick
And locks the door behind her, it was ever so quick.
There is a murmur from the queue,
I’d tell her off if I was you.
Don’t you worry I’ll do that when she comes back on out
I’ll stop the lady on exit, but then I here the shout.
You’ve missed another spot you dolt, just let the woman go.
Oh not again why was I so slow.
So to all our foreign cousins when, in England you arrive,
Please don’t forget to queue up here, if you want your holiday to survive.
Why so,
as beauty grows old
charm ,becomes a scold
Why so,
as strength fades away
stubborn pride,remains the day
When I was a little kid,
I used to play with my
Little cousins,
In my grandma's huge
Old house
With no electricity...
It was a village
Filled with greenery
It was like a vacation
Home to us...
There is no pool
But there are many river, ponds,
streams, Hills and fields...
I have some naughty cousins
Accompanied me to catch fishes,
climbs up trees to
Pluck berries and mangoes,
We cooked together with our
Grandma's help...
We giggled and ran over the fields,
Played cricket without
Even knowing rules,
We fed small
Abandoned birds
We cried together
When It departed...
We grew chicks together
saved it from hawks...
We climbed the trees
For nuts and jackfruits...
Each day with my cousins
Was filled with laughter...
Old house had an open space
In the center,
Which was our bathtub
While it rained...
Old house of my grandmother
Filled only with laughter....
Every blackout nights
With the glowing
Candles and lamp,
We played hide and seek game
Unknowingly we Smashed
the bananas and jackfruit....
World of my childhood
In my grandma's old home
Filled only with laughter....
Now there is a broken house
With same greenery ,
Ponds and hills.....
My cousins were busy
With their jobs,
Our childhood has turned
Into memory,
Chatting with them rarely
Through my mobile.