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Traditions: passing down poetry and stories - Crystol Woods's Blog

About Crystol Woods
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The words I write are simple I'm as simple as they come. I'll never be the best poet But I'm an okay one! I write simple rhymes, Expressed with words understood, But I'll continue learning As every person should. So don't look to me for perfection Here it won't be found But if you enjoy simplicity You can stop looking now! :)

I am married, going on 18 years to a sweet heart of a man, Harvey. We have 2 children. Our daughter, Rosalie,is 17 years old and a blessing everyday. Our son Hunter Harvey lives with God until we meet again. He passed away at 2 months old from SIDS.

We are a happy little family living in the mountains of West Virginia. I'm a teacher by profession, an ordained non denominational Christian minister , and I love to write, play ukulele, sing, sew, craft, cook, read/ listen to audiobooks and study my Bible.

I'm originally from New Hampshire but moved here in 2002. We have one little dog, a chihuahua jack Russell mix named Sassy, a gold fish named Sushi, a female calico cat named Sookie, and 2 male cats. The oldest named Salem(he's all black), and a tiny male kitten named PorkChop or Chopper...a long haired orange and white stripe.

(I know we dropped the"S" name for the last kitten... but we are only fostering until our friend can keep him.. Otherwise we'd have named him, Sunny!;)

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.( Numbers 6:24-26 KJV)

<3<3 xoxo Love, Crystol


Traditions: passing down poetry and stories

Blog Posted:10/13/2024 10:36:00 AM

AHHHHHHHH!!!!

You've done it, Scary Story writers! I had goosebumps and spontaneous laughter while reading your amazing entries! Who said scary stories can't have humor? I loved every one I read, so the judging is not easy! Thank you all who have entered and all who are following this contest for support.

I am planning to finalize the judging no later than Thursday, Oct.17th, and will contact the top 3 for your prize information within 24 hrs of posting the results.

I was leery about trying this again, sponsoring a contest, but so far so good! I'm so grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement! I pray you will be pleased with the results and happy for the 3 poets whom I choose for the top 3 winners, and 12 Honorable Mentions. Our opinions will vary of course, so keep in mind that I am not a professional and the judging is simply my opinion based on the contest requirements.

I decided to sponsor this contest because sharing scary stories and poems during this season is a tradition in my family. We gather around a camp fire with all of the usual goodies, cocoa, smores, hot toddies, and more! Then we each share a spooky tale we've made up or recently read. There are always the usual ones like, Poe's "The Tell- Tale Heart", and cultural tales passed on through the generations.

So, this year, with your permission, I'd like to share some of your entries to this contest! They will be a hit! I'll reach out to those whose stories I'd like to use, to get your permission. Thank you again to all who have entered such awesome poems!

"Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve ever done before." – Bonnie Blair

Here are a few of the scary or seasonal stories,lyrics and poems I've learned over the years... that are especially loved by kids.

1.Old Woman All Skin and Bone Song by Harley Poe There was an old woman all skin and bone Who lived in the graveyard, all alone Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

She thought she'd go to church one day To hear the parson preach and pray Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

And when she came to the church house style She thought she'd stop and rest a while Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

When she came up to the door She thought she'd stop and rest some more Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

But when she turned and looked around She saw a corpse upon the ground Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

From its nose down to its chin The worms crawled out and the worms crawled in Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

The woman to the preacher said "Shall I look like that when I am dead?" Ooouuoouuooouuuuh

The preacher to the woman said "You will look like that when you are dead" AAAAH!

2.The Hearse Song

Don’t ever laugh when a hearse goes by, or you may be the next to die. They wrap you up in a big white sheet, from your head down to your feet. The worms crawl in , the worms crawl out. The worms play pinochle on your snout. They eat your eyes, they eat your nose. They eat the jelly between your toes. They put you in a big black box, and cover it up with dirt and rocks. All goes well for about a week, and then your coffin begins to leak. The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out. The worms play pinochle on your snout. They neat your eyes, they eat your nose. They eat the jelly between your toes. A big green worm with rolling eyes, crawls in your stomach and out your eyes. Your stomach turns a slimy green, and puss comes out like whipping cream. You spread it on a slice of bread, and that what you eat when you are dead.

3. IN The Dark, Dark Woods

(chanted in a slow,spooky voice)

In a dark, dark wood, there was a dark, dark house. And in that dark, dark house, there was a dark, dark room. And in that dark, dark room, there was a dark, dark closet. And in that dark, dark closet, there was a dark, dark shelf. And on that dark, dark shelf, there was a dark, dark box. And in that dark, dark box, there was a GHOST!

What are some that you know???



Please Login to post a comment
Date: 10/13/2024 8:55:00 PM
Oops! I accidentally deleted my poem when I purged it to keep it to 100 poems or less on my list here at PS. I am looking forward to reading the entries on your winners list, Crystol. I am glad that I came back to your page as I see that you have enhanced it with some examples. In the Dark, Dark Woods, was a particular year-round favourite of my kids. I love the quote :) I am sure that you would judge fairly and scare most of us right out of our wits ...
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Richards Avatar
Suzette Richards
Date: 10/15/2024 2:14:00 AM
Yes, it was unfortunately one that I entered for the contest: "Friday the Thirteenth". By the time I noticed my error, the contest was closed. :( There is always a next time ...
Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/14/2024 11:47:00 AM
Not one you entered in the contest I'm judging rn I hope!!?? Thanks so much for your input!! Xo
Date: 10/13/2024 1:13:00 PM
Nice blog Crys. You're a precious addition to PS
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Woods Avatar
Crystol Woods
Date: 10/14/2024 11:46:00 AM
Awe thanks my friend! <3xo

My Past Blog Posts

 
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My Recent Poems

Date PostedPoemTitleFormCategories
5/28/2025 Alone in the Cemetery Rhymebible,child,dad,death,fam
5/26/2025 Help Meet Acrosticbible,christian,women,
5/25/2025 olive Haikufruit,
5/22/2025 Along with the Thunder Rhymeconflict,hope,
5/16/2025 The Peace of Passing Rhymebible,death,forgiveness,l
5/15/2025 Bless They That Mourn Otherbible,death,hair,
5/13/2025 I Long For Free verseage,change,childhood,grow
5/12/2025 Distant Shore Verseboat,home,journey,
5/10/2025 Fear Will Breed Hate Quaternemotions,fear,hate,
5/9/2025 Robin Haikuspring,
5/9/2025 Flowers bloom Monokuspring,
5/9/2025 Mother Nature Haikuspring,
5/8/2025 Soul Ties Rhymeheartbreak,hurt,loss,
5/7/2025 To Fly Chastushkahumor,husband,
5/6/2025 The Prismatic Self Narrativeart,creation,extended met
5/1/2025 SON Acrosticdeath,grief,
4/28/2025 If That Wasn't Love Free verseangst,break up,divorce,he
4/26/2025 Deprived of Your Love Rhymeemotions,heartbreak,lost
4/25/2025 Sorcery Rhymedrug,gothic,mental health
4/24/2025 Self Esteem Rhymebeauty,body,child,daughte
4/23/2025 Charity Shadormachristian,i love you,
4/22/2025 Scarlet thread Acrosticchristian,family,
4/21/2025 I Bleed Free versebible,birth,faith,jesus,m
4/21/2025 Grandma's Stories Rhymeage,cute,family,grandmoth
4/20/2025 Direwolf, Dire Times Dramatic Monologueanimal,bible,community,fa
4/19/2025 Bread Pleiadesfood,
4/17/2025 Lost All Sense Lyricabuse,black love,fear,hea
4/17/2025 Tick Toking Rhymetime,
4/17/2025 Museum of the Past Free verseemotions,heartbreak,memor
4/16/2025 The Eternal Question: God, No God, Maybe God Didacticbible,christian,
4/14/2025 Whisper Man Free verseanxiety,bible,evil,fear,
4/13/2025 Stand In His Strength Rhymeencouraging,endurance,
4/13/2025 Tornado Warning Rhymestorm,
4/7/2025 Awe,age Free versechange,emotions,growing u
4/7/2025 The Maker of Idols Ethereei love you,
4/5/2025 The Butterfly continued Coupletbutterfly,nature,
4/4/2025 Baby You're a Firework Free versebible,firework,
4/3/2025 Asleep next to me Odeblessing,daughter,
4/3/2025 What makes you feel Monokufriendship,i miss you,
4/2/2025 The death of leaves Personificationautumn,death,
4/1/2025 Baby I Love You Lyricanti bullying,anxiety,bul
4/1/2025 Show and tell Rhymefaith,hope,
3/31/2025 The earth brings new life Haikubirth,nature,
3/30/2025 Dizzy Dancin Rhymedance,
3/29/2025 Supercalifragilicticexpialidocious Rhymenature,
3/27/2025 Second chances Free versegrowth,
3/26/2025 The Blind Behold Beautiful Rhymebeauty,
3/25/2025 Speech Impediments, Moons and Spoons Limerickchild,funny,
3/23/2025 Our First Kiss Free versefirst love,kiss,
3/21/2025 Pass the TP Please Limerickfun,funny,humor,
3/21/2025 Refections of the Past, Visions of the Future Dramatic Monologueemotions,family,identity,
3/19/2025 A Harvest of Joy Free versechange,fruit,growth,joy,
3/16/2025 Guardian Angels Diminished Hexaverseangel,
3/15/2025 Bright As Stars Free versefate,love,
3/14/2025 The Story of My Life Quintain (English)feelings,i am,
3/14/2025 Up, Up Lazy Bones Free versenature,spring,
3/12/2025 She's Only Seventeen Rhymechild,family,growing up,l
3/10/2025 Sweeter Than Honey Free versebible,christian,corruptio
3/6/2025 One Faithful Friend Rhymebest friend,caregiving,co
3/4/2025 No More: the Crimson Flow Dramatic Versebible,encouraging,gender,
3/3/2025 Ancient Tree Haikutree,
3/3/2025 Poetic Assault Ottava rimacry,emotions,poetry,
3/1/2025 Psalm of Praise Odebible,christian,faith,
2/28/2025 Most Sacred Rhymeblessing,
2/26/2025 The Trees Clap Free versenature,
2/24/2025 The Moon in the Rowan Tree Narrativeallegory,fantasy,gothic,i
2/23/2025 Mind of the Heart Rhymebible,christian,emotions,
2/22/2025 Our Home Within Shapefamily,home,
2/20/2025 Star Shapedark,light,
2/20/2025 Disposable Free verseamerica,culture,hyperbole
2/15/2025 The Mark of the Mother Epicfamily,fantasy,mother dau
2/14/2025 Midnight Lovers Rhymebest friend,love,marriage
2/12/2025 They know not what they do Balladbible,christian,
2/12/2025 My Strength Balladbible,christian,
2/11/2025 Sleep sweet boy Rhymebaby,boy,mother,
2/9/2025 Lay Your Head Rhymebirth,caregiving,family,L
2/8/2025 Undergrowth with Two Figures-Van Gogh Ekphrasisart,death,fear,garden,
2/7/2025 Sky of Fireflies Alliterationchildhood,nature,
1/31/2025 Walking Man Coupletcharacter,dedication,endu
1/28/2025 Bone In Her Back Free verseamerica,conflict,culture,
1/25/2025 DELIVER ME Kyriellebible,christian,encouragi
1/23/2025 Recalling Your Kiss Free verselost love,memory,
1/18/2025 I Must Awa Rhymecharacter,history,imagina
1/18/2025 What Are Photo Albums? Free versechange,culture,truth,
1/17/2025 Growing Up Crystallinecelebration,growing up,
1/17/2025 The Sun You Forsook Rhymeage,true love,
1/15/2025 Vogan Monorhyme Monorhymenonsense,
1/9/2025 The Ramblings of a House Wife Free versecorruption,earth,emotions
1/9/2025 Amorous Attentions Free verselove,
1/5/2025 Holiday Fun Limerickchristmas,humor,
1/5/2025 Rudolph's Broken Leg Monorhymechristmas,
1/5/2025 Plucking Petals Ottava rimabeauty,flower,
1/2/2025 Wherever We Go, Whatever We Do Sonnetlove,marriage,
12/31/2024 Anticipating This Deluge Tankaemotions,imagery,love,rai
12/29/2024 The First Prophecy Sonnetbible,christian,god,
12/29/2024 Born From This Free verseamerica,black african ame
12/26/2024 The Rose and The Briar Sonnetmarriage,romance,
12/17/2024 Just a Rumor Rhymebody,funny,humor,
12/15/2024 Astray Rhymechristian,leadership,
12/15/2024 Chance Encounter Rhymeanimal,child,death,emotio

My Photos


Fav Poems

PoemTitleFormCategories
spring mountain spring Haikumountains,nature,
Life is a Song Narrativeappreciation,music,romant
the little things Haibunappreciation,
Raindrops 2 Free verse11th grade,freedom,humani
My Trip Journey Dramatic Verseanalogy,journey,
The Eternal Question: God, No God, Maybe God Free verse10th grade,bible,christia
Almost Something Lyricgod,
I Found Someone To Love Today Pantoumanti bullying,
The Rape of Lebanon Rhymeanxiety,war,
Hear Me, and Be Still Lyricbird,deep,pain,psychologi
Death Blows a Flamed Horn Sonnetbereavement,death,
Die with me Free versedeath,
Stoic - POTW Free verseendurance,life,
Ode to Aaliyah Odestrength,
Ode to the Mirror Odeanalogy,courage,imaginati
My Fellow Poets Free verseappreciation,art,dark,dee
DAYSTAR Acrosticstar,
MISMATCH - TRI Rhymeanimal,
Mary Rogers - Now a Song Lyricabuse,addiction,hope,
Serging Through Life's Stitches with Scars Free verseemotions,faith,philosophy
The Happiness Factory Free verseappreciation,
Soupers, to you I am Indebted Rhymeappreciation,family,poets
You Keep on Moving Free verseheartbreak,
NEW - Where is The Love Mamma - The Video Dramatic Verseanger,angst,conflict,pove
SIT-UPONS Free verseplaces,
Rainbows on the Moon Rispettodeath,
Urban Legend Rhymemurder,mystery,
A Cup of Tea Rhymeemotions,growth,happiness
Pursuit of Infinite Knowledge and Understanding Dramatic Versejourney,passion,philosoph
Absolute Truth: How Can it Be? Free versefaith,history,mystery,phi
If I could cast a spell Rhymehappiness,inspirational,m
Lantern of the Shadowed Glade :POTD: Rhymedark,fantasy,halloween,ho
The moon, now full, begins to show Rhymescary,
Letter from the Grave Free verseemotions,
Rapture Coupletlove,
Makabre Marionetta Free versecharacter,child,conflict,
Room Made of War Rhymeabsence,depression,psycho
Encouraging Your Fellow Poets Rhymeencouraging,friend,poets,
Note to Self Rhymehumor,poetry,
The Scary Story Rhymedark,death,evil,halloween
The Burden Man Rhymeanxiety,horror,
The Fly Rhymedeath,humor,insect,
To Whom Does This Come Rhymedestiny,inspirational,int
Why I Became a Poet Biohow i feel,
Poe's Untimely Demise Rhymehorror,
Step Ever So Light, On Halloween Night Lyrichalloween,night,scary,
Shameful Lover Rhymeanalogy,first love,irony,
Mary Rogers Lyricmental illness,
When The Space Between Stars is Not Empty Free versepassion,stars,
Three Sides to Every Story Rhymejealousy,marriage,
Marionette of Flesh in a Borrowed Dress Dramatic Versedeath,loneliness,mental i
For My Children Dramatic Monologueloneliness,longing,native
HOLIDAY LIMERICKS Limerickamerica,holiday,sunshine,
POETRY CHURCH Rhymepoetry,
Mouser Jill Rhymenursery rhyme,
Hindsight is 20 20 Rhymeangst,anti bullying,anxie
Golden Hearts - ::POTD:: Rhymeangel,bereavement,goodbye
Knots Between The Pearls Free verseangst,life,pain,relations
Justice Served in Blue and White Rhymemurder,
Within these Walls Free verseabuse,introspection,love
The Empty Room Free verseangst,emotions,
Sea Of Love's Mystery Romanticismromantic love,
The Empty Room Free versebaby,flower,girl,grief,li
The Rose II Cy Twombly Ekphrasisart,
Enigma Rhymeabuse,racism,
Calls My Name Free verseaddiction,cute love,dark,
Santa versus The Grouch Rhymechristmas,holiday,humor,s
The Gun Shop Quatrainanimal,conflict,death,lif
Recognition Free verseappreciation,meaningful,p
Enigmatic Perspective Free versebird,dark,death,extended
Where Do We Come From Sonnetcreation,
Recital Free versedaughter,music,parents,pr
Forgiveness Free verseforgiveness,
Shattered Free verseaddiction,
The Ballad of Circumlocution Balladallegory,allusion,confusi
The Tempest, Painting by Michael Cheval Ekphrasisart,
Snowbound Kimosnow,wind,winter,
Epilogue Tercetangel,writing,
Tired Soul Rhymedepression,
frame by frame Monokumemory,time,
MONSTER I do not know?depression,
My Son I Still Sing To Narrativechildhood,emotions,father
Where the Ocean Meets the Mountain Lyricassonance,love,metaphor,m
When You Need A Friend Sonnetfriendship,

Fav Poets

PoetCountry 
Tom Woody United States Flag United States Read
David Crandall United States Flag United States Read
Daniel Henry Rodgers United States Flag United States Read
Sam Scott United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Daisy Meadows United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Silent One United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Gordon Mcconnell United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Arthur Vaso Canada Flag Canada Read
Kim Rodrigues United States Flag United States Read
Joe Maverick United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Victor Buhagiar Malta Flag Malta Read
Benjamin Bartley United States Flag United States Read
Poet Tacito United States Flag United States Read
ThoughtsFrom B4 United States Flag United States Read
Christopher Grieves United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Darlene De Beaulieu Canada Flag Canada Read
Speaks Volumes Australia Flag Australia Read
Susan Ashley United States Flag United States Read
Beatrix Macabre United States Flag United States Read
Andrea Dietrich United States Flag United States Read
Candide Diderot United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Leanne Lovejoy-Burton Australia Flag Australia Read
Lady Labyrinth Australia Flag Australia Read
Peonieslore xo United States Flag United States Read
Jcb Brul Korea (South) Flag Korea (South) Read
Arlo Parker United States Flag United States Read
William Chapman United States Flag United States Read
Regina Mcintosh United States Flag United States Read
Mark Toney United States Flag United States Read
Bryan Norton United States Flag United States Read
Gershon Wolf United States Flag United States Read
Phillip Knox United States Flag United States Read
Dr. Padmashree R P India Flag India Read
Anthony Passmore United States Flag United States Read
Hakim Fuhad Mansaray Sierra Leone Flag Sierra Leone Read
Jim Healey Canada Flag Canada Read
Christina Bowring United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Alesia Leach United States Flag United States Read
Hiya Sharma India Flag India Read
I.A. Ryd Philippines Flag Philippines Read
Nette Onclaud Philippines Flag Philippines Read
Di11y Da11y United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry