We had a neighbor growing up…
one every child in the neighborhood adored…
and it was my good fortune…that she lived right next door.
She was an older woman…I was never sure how old…
who lived all by herself because…she was a widow I was told.
She had a beautiful garden…she loved to feed the birds.
Her name was Mrs. Miller…but Miss Nancy she preferred.
She loved to bake me cookies…tell stories of when she and her husband met.
She had a heart as good as gold and a smile I’ll never forget.
She was one of the kindest people I ever knew
always giving, accepting, compassionate and kind…
To me…she was love, sympathy, caring and charity combined.
And I must thank Miss Nancy…not only for all the joy she brought
but for teaching me one of the most valuable lesson I have ever been taught.
Whenever I would thank her for one of the wonderful things she did
She would smile, hug me close and put her lips up to my ear…
“No need to thank me.” She would whisper
“Isn’t that the reason we’re all here”
When I’m in a place of darkness and cold,
Speak to me from Love, no need to be bold.
For you’re only sharing what you’ve been told,
Allow Truth to flow through that’s good as gold.
Dear writer of poetry, release truth which can mend.
Let it flow through our land and spread like the wind.
Write from your instinct, tell us like a friend.
The impact will expand and never end.
There’s still a chance, this could be the start.
Each of us courageous enough to do our part.
If we’re each willing to listen with our heart,
We can choose what to believe a la carte.
I buy myself the gift of you
Giving to me each happiness new
When i see what eyes have treasured
With in my heart I give great measure
With deep feeling I dare invest
To save my joy and happiness
Each encounter again of interest
Even your change fills my treasure chest
How rich I've become with you in my life
I gather the crumbs of you with delight
The richest man on earth if you were my wife
The heaven I would claim after living a good life
Just a couple of lines to say
We wish you all the best,
On this new role you’re doing
It will put you to the test.
We know that you’re not leaving us
There’s too much here to do,
Besides, you know you’d miss us,
We’re such a friendly crew.
And we never give you hassle
Cos we’d never be that bold,
You know we’re little angels,
In fact, we’re good as gold.
And remember that old saying
That people used to say,
When the cat has left the building
The mice come out to play.
But all joking put aside
We wish you well indeed,
And hope you enjoy the job
And that you do succeed.
Live in my heart, rent-free
Now and forever more.
Don't stay out in the cold;
Make yourself feel at home,
For its as good as gold.
Live in my heart, rent-free.
Don't knock, just come right in
To a place very safe,
To a place you belong,
To a heart that's fail safe.
Live in my heart, rent-free.
Flow into me, my sweet,
Like most gentle of streams.
My heart is a refuge;
It's where love's bright light gleams.
Live in my heart, rent-free.
There's enough room for you;
Stay as long as you wish!
You possess the sole key;
There, our love shall flourish.
“I Know Your Presents Will Never Leave ”
(written by Michelle L. LeBlanc 12/24/2023)
Dedicated to my son: Jayden Donald LeBlanc
__
Oh how we miss you
Especially this time of year
Christmas was your favorite holiday
The time for Christmas cheer
It wasn't all about the gifts for you
Although you loved them just the same
Family visits, Christmas lights and music
Always held the brightest flame
You had such a beautiful spirit
You're heart was as good as gold
You had compassion for others
Your smile never grew old
You loved to make people laugh
That was a gift you always gave
Making fun and pulling pranks
Just to get them at their game
You loved Christmas so very much
Just can't stop thinking of you
You're in my heart and in my mind
Even though I press on through
I love you so much, my precious son
How I miss you this Christmas Eve
As I hold your memories in my heart
I know Your Presents Will Never Leave!
RIP 2006-2022
There is no value in working hard.
Is this not the great deception?
Money is as good as gold,
it has equal value;
Everything is fine,
first world problems
are nothing;
We can’t
lose.
My silent melody
By Michelle Morris
12/09/2021
You were always the best of them:
Good and kind and true;
No one could ever replace
the essence of all that is you.
You were always the righteous one:
As good as gold and pure;
No one could ever emulate
such passion and allure.
You were always the one
that was there for everyone else;
No one could ever replace
your smiles, kind words and help.
You were always the life
of every room you walked into;
No one could replace
that energy, light and mood.
You were, you were and
are no more -
Now only memories are left,
such tearful mourning.
You were, you were,
and are always remembered -
Every single day in heart's
longing and surrender.
You were, you were, and
will always be -
You'll be forever
my silent melody.
© Michelle Morris, 2021
Dear little pussy cat sleeping all so snug
perhaps she maybe dreaming of a birdie or a bug,
Though as soon as I be resting you betcha she'll be woke
running like a sprinter, and this is not a joke!
Sweet pretty putty cat snoozing moonlight gleam
Now snoring very loudly and Oh it's quite extreme,
What if she's not feeling well? Maybe it's a cold
Suddenly she's piping down and phew she's good as gold.
Dear little pussy cat calms me with her poise
bringing me much joy within, when there is no noise,
Sometimes she does silly things coaxing me to giggle
sweet pretty putty cat Haha she done a wiggle !!
like peacock,
her hair
ostentatious - diamonds
in her fearless lair
quietly…boldly…divine
human, yet
impregnable
pregnant
with perfume
pulse point spitfire -silk of moon
her countenance beams
lights up the stars of heaven
gate of pearls
luminescent
prettified
princess
outshines the knight. his armor
crimson and cherry
he lowers his shield, lays down
his bloody sword…
petrified
like tin man
he creaks
he reeks of oil, dead man’s spoil
valiant in battle
yet he cannot penetrate
royal spirit
of beauty
many moons
sail o’er
the cleansing pool, deep skimming
of flesh, breath and beast
the sun puts new clothes on him
he looks good as gold
shining
at the ball
eyes lock
key to her heart in his hand
she recognizes the night
they first met…he bows…she bends
her knees weak
for prince charming
diamonds,
like stars
well wishes…new beginnings
sparkle of rainbow
no more cries of war…wells tears
mad in love
drops her headdress
7/3/2023
I’ve just moved
to the next screen
after another dollar
and I’m a hero
a man looks
over my shoulder
he slurs his speech
he falls down
the front steps
and takes a swing
at the person
who helps him
to the apartment
across the street
where he lives
for his convenience
after his fifth DUI
(he says he has
a house somewhere
and a mail order bride)
another gulps
a twenty-four ounce beer
and says the other
is as good as gold
when he isn’t drunk
and the bartender says
his tab pays the light bill
but sitting at the screen
I match
numbers and colors
in patterns
clear the screen
as if a world
collapses
making way
for another
and I can live
another life
if I chose
another game
I can be anything
and a lady hugs
another patron
and is gone
before he can
respond
while neon lights
tint a window
red and blue
You're spending time in isolation now
Nobody comes to visit anymore
You've things to say, but really don't know how
To get your message past the bedroom door
Try poetry! It's fun and it's quite cheap
Express yourself, whatever's on your mind
Plant seeds your loved ones 'ventually reap
You'll do the world a favor, sweetest kind
Tell folks about the virtues you hold dear
Consistency ... Reliability
Integrity and Honesty, that's clear
Old-fashioned, but as good as gold can be
When you look back on life and love, you'll see
You'll frame your legacy with poetry
~ Iambic Pentameter ~
March 11, 2021
Poetry as Legacy Contest
Sponsor: Line Gauthier
Rose Ladies
Lovely ladies, Tiggywinkles, to my garden return
Good as Gold after absence from winter’s sojourn
Shirley’s Bouquet – blue tipped rose acclaimed
American Beauty a winner proclaimed
Spicy perfumes from Brandy - First Love -
Calls Whisper out - petals of white like mourning doves
Midas Touch gown glows bright as Sugar Moon
Queen Mother, Sunburst in Carousel swoons
Ketchup and Mustard ready for a Garden Party
Hot Cocoa in Sterling Silver served up so smartly
The Dark Knight looks out for purple Intrigues
Neptune on guard coming from twenty leagues
Swan ladies so graceful tell of Sutter’s Glory
See constellations and pale Virgo’s story
Olympiad sighs for races with stallions
Gold, silver, Bronze Star – precious Medallions
Shares Anna’s Promise, Tiffany’s First Prize
As Just Joey and Blue Girl in Iceberg fantasize
With Peace they arrive, some in Tropicana dress
A Double Delight, Mr. Lincoln, to beauty confess.
These are the roses that grace, and have graced, my garden with a few minor exceptions.
3-10-21
Contest: List with a Twist
Sponsor: Charles Messina
A fellow came round
120 years old
I inquired of his health
He said, Good as gold
I asked him to tell me
of the life that he'd led
He chuckled a bit
'You mean, 'fore I'm dead'
Then he stopped me real quick
Said he was a bit out of line
And began forthwith
to chronicle his time
Told me he fought in WW1
was hit by the foe's guns
Developed a fearful infection
Long months of dejection
Said his parents died from the Spanish Flu
Sister and brother got pretty sick too
He lost all his money in the Stock Market Crash
Ate dinner forever from dumpster trash
During WW2 he recalled lines and shortages
How difficult it was to pay the mortgage
On and on he went, through Korea and 'Nam
Winding up for the finish, he started his slam
Bemoaned the hippies, the yippies, sex-drugs-rock'n'roll
Said the decline of the Church has exacted its toll
Felt folks today can't bear the smallest sacrifice
Concluded with words perhaps true, but not very nice:
'Now all these spoiled brats complain
about temporary mask mandates
I wonder if there's much of a future
for the once-great United States'
GRANDMA
(VERSE 1 )
Grandma I remember when you talked of days of old
When being with family was as good as gold
And how life was easier back then
You talked of all the good things that you saw
Spending time reading the bible with grandpa
And how you want to go back again
(CHORUS)
Those days will never be the same
Since the day the angles came
And took you to your home in the sky
I know you are happy with your wings
And with the other angles you sing
I’ll see you again as days go by
( VERSE 2)
Grandma I wish you didn’t have to leave us so fast
Always thought your life would always last
But Jesus had other plans
How sadness has begun to fill all my days
Wish you were still here with ma today
But I’ll see you once again
(CHORUS)
Those days will never be the same
Since the days the angles came
And took you to your home in the sky
I know you are happy with your wings
And with other angles you sing
I’ll see you again as days go by
Marty West
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