"Listen closely," Rumple Stein
cackled, his yellow eyes
scanning the terrified faces
of the children huddled
around the campfire.
"A massive, hairy Bigfoot
stalks the foggy mountains,
sniffing the chilly night air for
a very specific scent."
"This towering beast
possesses a terrible, burning
fury against children who
refuse to do their homework."
"Because some kids don't do
their homework, the furious
monster swore to hunt down
every single lazy child."
"He tracks the scent of blank
pages and hidden schoolbooks
straight to your campground tents!"
"He wants to stomp slacker
kids to a pulp to punish them
for neglecting their daily education!"
He suddenly jumped to his
feet, throwing his hands high
as the wind howled through
the branches.
"And when he catches a lazy
student, "Rumple Stein roared,
"he crushes them with his giant
feet!"
The terrified children
immediately reached into
their backpacks, pulling out
their folders in absolute panic.
They frantically began
scribbling their spelling
words by the dim, flickering
light of the dying fire.
As in a dream an angel shines
On pieces of heaven drifting
In the mind of times of
A life’s savored memories.
The mists of falls gone by
Of schoolbooks, woods,
And dancing leaves
You and I under old oak trees.
Do you remember that weathered place
We played house, enjoying china teas?
We, so refined, so elegant
In an old Indian summer.
Now as I warm my tired old feet,
Close my eyes, turn to yesteryear,
And meet you in my dreameries,
In life's autumn, I am, I am content.
some days, I walk in the forest for hours,
everywhere I turn, they wish me well
little boys rise up on their toes to drink from the fountain,
the pictures in schoolbooks show benefits, for only a few
when I go to the farm to buy fresh eggs,
chickens gobble in refrain... just say "no" to drugs
when I ask the grocer what farm his pork comes from,
he sighs, and sends armies to attack my brain
when I raise my voice to slow the machine,
only those parts already rusted.... understand
only those parts
already rusted
understand
Tree leaves emboldened in colors,
Pumpkins, witches, sweet Halloween,
Good sleeping weather,, the great holidays
approaching....Cozy in our warm homes...
Soon to thrill to the first snowfall...
Schoolbooks and art projects...
Curling up with a good book and
a loving spouse on chilly nights...
My favorite time of year.
Make believe fear....a love so dear...
A time when the full moon seems extra large,
And children thrill to their decoupage
What a marvelous world we are blessed with
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