All poems marked as copyrighted were done so at The International Library of Poetry (Poetry.com) in the name of Margaret I. Walker
STEPPING STONES
(Stages of Life)
Babies are born
Naked and warm
So close to God
Begin with his nod.
Time to explore and discover
With hopes all will recover
Gentle wiping of tears
Erases all those fears.
Fading closeness to Mother
Brings joy in finding others
Though often caught in a rage
Someone is setting the stage.
Oh, how nice to be grown-up
And know exactly what I want
A time to pick and choose
And hope I do not lose.
Though I learned from their example
I really never had a sample
Of Life weaving in and out
Between extremes and all the doubts.
Careless freedom strikes a blow
Life can only go so low
It's time to sink or swim
Decisions coming from within.
Now it's time I met myself
And take my talents off the shelf
Visions are seen and goals are set
I really need to be a jet.
Things are done and some are not
Win you can't unless you've fought.
Learning how and when to change
Undoubtedly is half the game.
Peace of mind is so sweet
My God, I hope we'll meet
Never have I seen such beauty
Love is no longer a duty.
Now in the hour before my death
I know I can easily rest
For all about me life is budding
I no longer feel like running.
From age to age everything gets better
Soon we'll have it down to the letter
Our only hope in being
Is for what they'll be seeing.
My Father is calling me home
On earth, I'll no longer roam
If life was meant to teach a lesson
Surely we'll all receive a blessing.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SPRING
Spring is on it's way
A glorious transformation
No one can delay.
Nature bathes itself
Washes away the grays of snow
People begin to help.
An old painting is restored
With dabs of bright colors
We are no longer bored.
Birds chirping overhead
Stale air overcome by sweetness
Makes us begin again.
Fresh and new
Armed with goals and dreams
We are the morning's dew.
Copyright 2001 by Margaret I. Walker
NEW LIFE
As I contemplated
New Life
Six million butterflies
Soft and delicate
Fluttered in the window
And danced around my heart.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
DUSK
The calm dusk
colored its way
through the town.
It's shadow brought
a hush and stillness
that blackened out
all signs of life
until only the crickets
could be heard
playing taps
while another day
was laid to rest.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SNOW
Snow flakes floated down
like feathers from pillows in heaven
Painting everything white.
Mushy, gushy, dingy slime
Mixed with dirt and grime
Filled the city streets.
Cotton coated the trees, roofs
And ground as we slept
Creating a Chritsmas card.
Inconsiderate white stuff
Trapping me in my car
Away from home and job
And the neighborhood bar.
Mother Nature frosted
the mountain with vanilla icing
Just so we could ski.
Ice cold crystals fell
Weaving a magic carpet
Insulating earth from hell.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
PRECIOUS CARGO
Hey you fourteen wheelers
You unthinking teenagers
Stay off my tail
Before my patience fails
You see, I've got precious cargo
You'd better hang low
You're coming too close
To the one I love most.
He's my only child
So stop being wild
Pay attention to my beep
Don't make his mother weep.
How sweet his nose and little toes
As he lies in his sleeping pose
Yes, I've got precious cargo
And you're coming too close.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SPECIAL QUALITIES
In each phase of my life
I have been blessed
By knowing someone nice
My heart can caress.
Someone with qualities
Recognizably angelic
That transcend frivolities
They must be hand-picked.
Lying dormant, these qualities
Encompass many things
Given time to unfreeze
Burst forth like Spring.
They are tempered and aged
Wonderful to behold
After being rearranged
Are sincere and yet bold.
The holder of these gifts
makes one glad to be alive
Mere presence can uplift
When life touches life.
Honest and yet kind
Loyal and yet free
With traits that can bind
I'm so glad to be!
Sympathetic yet stern
Intelligent and neat
With loving concern
And a smile so sweet.
If ever you wonder
Why you've been
Look around you, don't ponder
At the love that you bring.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
MEDITATION
As I sat in full lotus seeking, seeking
The cosmic Buddha came to life
Inside the prison of bronze.
His profound utterance
mingled with the incense
That curled about the room
entering all senses simultaneously
Spiraling their way to my soul.
"Universal Love"
"Universal Love"
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
GRANDMA SOPHIA
Making homemade ice-cream
Cranking, cranking
Everyone taking a turn.
Parents, brothers, offspring
Cranking, cranking
A family tradition.
Using Grandmas's ice-cream maker
Cranking, cranking
She's the only one missing.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
GORILLA BABY
Through the shiny glass
We stole a peek
At the precious baby
In it's crib
With spastic jerks
And quivers, it
Kicked and batted
At the air.
An attendant carrying
a bottle and soft blanket
Gently and lovingly
Lifted it up
By one arm.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
JAKE
"Come here old fellow", loyal and true
The only friend I have left is you.
You greet me merrily whenever I come home
Never asking questions about where I roam.Whether I'm sober or stoned.
"Come on old fellow" curl up by my feet
Did I feed you last week?
Well, you know how it is,
You know how it is.
A guy has to have a little fun
Go to the track, play some poker
"Come here Jake", where are you boy?
My head feels like a ton
"Here Jake" - don't be a joker
let's have some fun.
"Where are you boy?"
"Jake?", "Jake?".
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
JANUARY l0th, l97l
Sun prying it's way in
between the slats of the
venitian blinds, signaled
The arrival of a new day
January l0th, l97l.
Worn out by twenty-one sleepless nights
Wrestling with the couch
in false labor, I vowed
To convince the good doctor
to induce labor.
Walking like a penguin
I began morning routines
Coffee, the Bethlehem Star, dishes
But, something was different
The false labor was not false anymore.
Waddling back to the
all-to-familiar couch,
I spent eight hours watching
My stomach go up and down
In contractions, stop-watch in hand.
Latent recognition of the real thing
Signaled the sergeant to escort
Us to St. Luke's General Hospital
Where a miracle took place
Twenty-eight minutes later.
The Daddy was almost angry
Books still unread
He had just sat back to relax.
"Let me introduce you to your son".
Overcome by fatigue and
Twilight opiates, I slept for hours,
Then, rolling down the bumpy hallway
Banging through doors
The gerny stopped.
When I looked at my baby
I felt I'd known him for a
million years. His bright eyes
revealed the secrets of the universe
They said"How you doin Mamma?"
The slamming door jarred me
from the world of thoughts
Standing in the doorway
A handsome man-child
Said "How you doin, Mamma?".
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
WALK THROUGH PARADISE
Walk through Paradise with me once more
Out where nature runs free and easy
Leave your cares and worries all behind
Come and swing from a vine.
We've been here before to even up the score
To pause and reflect where the mood is peaceful
Away from competition, anxiety and such
And back in harmony with God's even touch.
Now, here we are again as we open up the door
To a woodland of miracles in quiet slumber
Carpets green and plush and air sweet as dew
The sun is shining through, My God what a view!
You tell me you must go away for awhile
And I have work to do that requires concentration
So, walk through Paradise with me once more
Knowing we'll return one day is what I'm living for.
Come, walk through Paradise with me once more
Stopping now and then for gentle carressing
When our work is done, let's have some fun
We'' play all day together spinning in the sun.
Walk through Paradise with me once more
Out where nature runs free and easy
Leave your cares and worries all behind
Come and swing from a vine.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SHALL I CLIMB THE LADDER?
I found myself upon a ladder
How I got there, I'm not sure
The choices would definately matter
That I was forced to make from there.
I liked the view
But could not stay there
Out of boredom came my cue
To proceed, for I must go somewhere.
I could jump
to another ladder, but wait -
Look how far it goes up
Falling between would even be sadder.
I hesitated at descending
In fear I could never return
I could make but one decision
To leap and then to learn.
I climbed higher and higher
Enjoyment filled my soul,until
Lonliness became clearer and clearer
There is no one to share with up here.
The trick is not in knowing the ending
But knowing the choice is entirely mine
Elitism requires continual reaching
But others are really not too far behind.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
KIDS
Kids are special little people
Loving them is really quite simple
Without those sisters and brothers
We wouldn't be Mothers.
Let's erase the generation gap
For we've been where they're at.
Let's hang up all strife
And just celebrate life!!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
STAINED-GLASS WINDOW
You say you don't quite understand
The pure, sweet love I feel for you
Such a perfect love, I have never known
With anyone else but you.
My heart is aching to tell you why
This has come to be
And in my search to understand
These words have come to me.
You're a stained-glass window in my life
With beauty beyond compare
You're the stained-glass window in my life
And I Hope you always are.
Others are within my sight
And I'm glad that they are near
But, you really can't blame me for staring
At the one that has become so dear.
Your beauty reaches out and captures me
My soul longs to hold you fast
For the sight of you takes my breath
And I feel like I'm in heaven at last.
You're the stained-glass window in my life
With colors pure as gold.
When the light of love comes sparkling through
Only angels should behold.
Now, I hope you understand
As I reaffirm my belief
This pure, sweet love truly comes
From the stained-glass window in my life.
Thank God for putting you here
Keep me from blocking this view you give
Your essence should be enjoyed by others too
The stained-glass window in our lives.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
FRIENDSHIP
We hear a lot about friendship
But how many truly experience it
And how many are really deserving
Of those unique little thoughts and sayings.
Friendship is something I've always had
But close friends can be counted on just one hand
Intertwining of our naked souls
Allows us all to grow.
Friendships are so very important
And yes, do call for commitment
The basic ingredients are universal
The fruits are gloriously plentiful
It's hard to leave a dear friend
But rest assured in the end
God will give you another
More beautiful than the other.
Instead of a friend for all seasons
God gives us many for different reasons
We can no longer hold onto just one
Unless, of course, it's His Son.
Copyright 2001 by Margaret I. Walker
WOMANKIND
Mothers gently wipe tears from the face of the earth
They humbly minister to our needs from birth.
Mothers are the foundation of our society
Knowing what's best has brought them notoriety.
The loving steadfast commitments of Mothers
Nourish and foster the becoming of others.
It is sweetness that should be worn outside
Gentlemen, elevate your brides.
It is woman who holds in the palm of her hand
Qualities that can bring peace throughout the land.
She's a messenger of understanding, life and love.
A very special agent sent from above.
Give her a throne worthy to sit upon
For without her all hope would be gone.
I certainly hope the force that is with us
Is at least half matronly instead of all chivalrous.
Copyright 2001 by Margaret I. Walker
THE ENCHANTMENT OF LOVE
Love,
Consider love
Thought indescribable
By those who don't know it.
Love,
I felt it once
And knew I would never forget
I felt it twice - then it returned to me.
Love,
Is beautiful
A seventh sense
Unequal to anything else.
Love,
Is ecstatic
In the presence
Of someone you adore.
Love,
Radiates
Between those involved
Distance, being no factor.
Love,
A magnetic force
Drawing people together
And impossible to break.
Love,
Is ultimate
When simultaneiously felt
Independent of sex.
Love,
Is intensified
By a humbling experience
Of meeting someone's needs.
Love,
Sees Christ in others
And knows without doubt
That God truly loves them.
Love,
Inspires
Unusual feats
The writing of a love poem.
Love,
Ancient love
Concretely expressed
With a sense of caring.
Love,
Present love
Balanced somewhere between
Something we can hold onto.
Love,
Futuristic love
The mind has reached it's peak
Kissing with eyes, feeling without
touching, saying without speaking.
Love,
Endless
Unwaivering
Glorious, love.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
RHYTHM OF LIFE
Amidst all the hustle and bustle
I can hardly hear the leaves rustle
As we hurry and scurry
All I seem to do is worry.
Life can be so beautiful
Instead of all dutiful
If we'd even up the pace
And meet ourselves face to face.
Throw away your anxiousness
And enjoy true happiness
Haste really does make waste
Steadiness is much more chaste.
So get in time with simplicity
And be firm in your priorities
Then enjoy every single day
And let come what may.
Listen to the birds and bees
And God's gentle breeze
Watch the sun come and go
And never get too low.
And when you're really out of touch
And things get to be too much
Just go to the oceanside
And recreate the beat of life.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
THE OTHER SIDE OF LOVE
Love,
Pure love
Is a perfect love
Overlooks age, color, and gender.
Love,
Sees you loving others
Causing others to love you
Witnessing makes me love you twice as much
Love,
Brings patience
To feel and understand
The negative emotions of others.
Love,
Comes late
But is worth the wait
Of discovering the finer things in life.
Love,
When love leaves
And breaks your heart
You know it was really real.
Love,
Has it's price
Sometimes very high
But in the end it will prevail.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
EVEN THE THORNS HAVE REASONS
Life is full of bad and good
It's always been that way
Slowly we're changing our mood
And headed for a new day.
Things which seem so terrible
Shouldn't be feared so much
The things which get us in trouble
Eventually deliver their punch.
We have to know both sides
Before we can choose what's best
If the devil does reside
God has the power to arrest.
In his Almighty plan
Even the thorns are useful
Though they can prick the hand
They allow flowers to grow beautiful.
Help us to understand
How you teach and protect us
And give us a helping hand
For even the thorns have reasons.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
REMNANTS OF THE PAST
Everyday since middle age
I see things from every stage
That remind me of the past
And make the good times last.
Little trinkets, pictures and places
And at times my mind erases
Thoughts that hurt me to remember
Of times when we were together.
It's funny how when people talk
Words recall our little walk
When our lives became so close
And you were simply warm as toast.
Somehow I've learned how to
Sift and strain memories of you
Only the happy days hold fast
As Remnants of the Past.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
Little boys like me
Have a small problem
Our interest, we agree
Have one thing in common.
We can't see real dinasaurs
They lived long ago
And we can't see battlestars
Except for on shows.
We didn't come too late or soon
The past and future are part of us
We can hope, while we gaze at the moon
That the Force Will Always Be With Us!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
MONDAY MORNING
PHONE CALLS
Every Monday Morning
It's the same old thing
Every Monday morning
The phone begins to ring.
When the busy weekend is over
And our men are back at work
The quiet takes us over
As we busily do our work.
When the kids are back in school
We buzz each other up
When we begin to lose our cool
We hold each other up.
We share the good and bad
And totally understand
Discuss the new fads
And give a helping hand.
We discuss our kids and husbands
Console and encourage
Reveal fears and personal plans
And never mention our ages.
We arrange our busy weeks
With times for crafts and shopping
Luncheons and coffee breaks
And just plain talking.
When our busy week is through
Chores and time to be alone
Comes another weekend zoo
And then our duties done--
Another Monday Morning
It's the same old thing
Every Monday Morning
The phone begins to ring.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
CHRISTMAS
I just discovered Christmas!
It's more than gifts and lights
Trees and sweet delights
It's more than wreaths and bells
Mistlttoe and super sales.
It's more than dinners and drinks
More than diamonds and minks
It starts with gentle thoughts on Christmas cards
Being understanding when it's very hard.
It's doing special things for those you care about
Giving help to those who've done without
Writing a note, giving a call
It's doing a favor or making a doll.
It's knowing you love and showing it too
Cheerful words for someone who is blue
It's hugs and kisses, handshakes and grins
Magical feelings up to the rim.
I just discovered Christmas
Through the kindness of you.
Copyright 2002 by Margaraet I. Walker
UPS AND DOWNS
Life has it's crazy ups and downs
We cannot deny this truth
Friendships too have ups and downs
Before they bear good fruit.
Sometimes I feel sorry for myself
Doubt mutuality in our friendship
Demand time with you for myself
Force affection until you flip.
Sometimes I become enraged
Feel you don't care at all
Find your attention elsewhere engaged
Yet, I run when you fall.
At least I say I'm sorry
Lay aside grudges and remorse
Know love can't be in a hurry.
Forgive my ups...and downs (of course).
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
THANK YOU GOD
Thank you God for all you created
For the sun, moon and flowers
For the seas, land and animals..and
Thank you for laws
And for raising your steeples
But most of all, for people..and
Thank you for happiness
For children, kittens and colors
For stars, music and puppies,and..
Thank you for ideas
We followed to the letter
To make our lives better,and..
Thank you for freedom
Soft winds and butterflies
Spring and opened eyes, and..
Thank you for love
For all of our friendships
Kind words from our lips, and..
Thank you for hope
For your natural progress
Answers to problems we address, yes...
Thank you God for all you created.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
FALL IS FALLING
Yes, Fall is falling upon us again
Mothers praise quiet when school begins
Nature gives constancy by colors of leaves
Children complain of darkness early in eve.
Air conditioners off -furnace filters in
Swimming pools closed and soccer begins
It's hard to recall the anticipation of summer
Vacation plans, a walk on the beach I savored.
The Fall cleaning ritual begins
Thoughts of apples, Halloween and football games
And when thoughts turn to hot chocolate
Thanksgiving and Christmas lists --wait!
The shades of Fall are lowering
To let winter creep in.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
A FATHER IS BORN
by Harry Walker
On January Tenth,Nineteen-Seventy One,
Is when my life had really begun
All my sorrow turned to joy,
My wife gave birth to our sweet baby boy!
A child is born, naked and warm
And I've earned a chance to be reborn.
My life had been spent inside a bottle,
Racing to oblivion with a wide open throttle
But the love of God was brought with him
And I was saved by a boy named Tim!
A child is born, naked and warm
And I've earned a chance to be reborn.
Now, no words can ever express
The happiness brought by his caress
The last six years have been filled with joy,
All because of our sweet baby boy!
A child is born, naked and warm
And I've earned a chance to be reborn.
Now, I can't ask for anything more
With my wife and son, I could never be poor
Since January Tenth, Nineteen-Seventy-One,
I'm the richest man alive because of our son!
A child is born naked and warm
And I've earned a chance to
be reborn!!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
A BIRTHDAY CARD
Consider this to be
From everyone who ever loved you
And failed to say so.
From everyone you've helped
Everyone whose days you've made brighter
Everyone you've given your smile to.
Thank you for being such a beautiful person
For standing up for fairness and equal concern
We appreciate you!
We can't begin to measure up to you
Therefore we bow down to you
We love you!
And on this special day
We wish you the best in life
Since that is what you give to it.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SYMPATHIZE
Please be kind, my friends
To people like yourselves
Some are on the mend
Some don't know themselves.
Find time to give a hand
Give someone your smile
Spread joy around the land
Try and go the extra mile.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
LET YOUR PEN FLY
Write if you must
Let your pen fly
It may be a bust
But you've got to try.
Shut out the sky
Forget about dust
Let your pen fly
Write if you must.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
LEAVES
by Timothy Walker
Fall is a great time of year
Outside, the crisp, clean air fills one's lungs.
The animals and plants get ready for winter.
The sky turns black with hundreds of birds flying south.
The ground is solid and firm, coated with frost.
The crunchy leaves fall from the trees and cover the ground.
As you walk, the leaves crunch beneath your feet.
The leaf is like an old well that has no water.
It is spotted like a person with chickenpox.
It's edges are curled like fingers grasping for life.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
DANDALIONS
Weeds are a frame of mind
an attitude, a classification
To kill little yellow flowers
we dig, spray, and swear
We turn up noses at neighbors
who refuse to join the cause
We serve idle threats
to the wind for blowing seeds
They are God's wildflowers
spreading news of spring
They are stubborn and contrary
by the Creator's hand
If rabbits had money
We'd all be millionaires
End the battle -
Let dandalions live!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
TRAVELING ALL-STARS
This game tells the tale
If they lose, it's over
If they win, one last game
Under the lights.
Players warming up
Tobacco passed around
Umpires costumed like crabs
They sometimes act like.
Parents in lawn chairs
Crowded into the stingy shade
Pray for an end to the season
Win or Lose,
"PLAY BALL"
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SUMMER BY THE POOL
Four red hot summers
Study, take a dip
Study, take a dip
Same faces, a little older
Children becoming adults
"Volleyball at 4 o'clock"
Study, take a dip
Socialites have a luncheon
Chit-chat with friends
"Snack bar is closing"
Statistics, take a dip
Degree almost finished
Season almost over
Write poetry, take a dip.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
MR RIGHT
Sister,
You asked me long ago
When I would find Mr. Right
I wasn't in the market then
But I knew what he was like.
Boys came in and out of my life,
Like changing seasons
Most of it was fun
Doing what was expected
Kissing, proms, exchanging rings.
Then, young men selfishly looking for wives,
To prove themselves
Pounded on my door
None of them were Mr. Right
I wanted something more.
Someone swept me off my feet
Wined and dined me
Made promises he couldn't keep
Mr. Wrong - I wanted a friend
Have you found Mr. Right, dear sister?
Or is he an illusive dream?
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
COLOR HER GONE
Walking the great halls
of our Alma Mater
I thought I heard your voice
a hundred times
Calling out my name
ever so gently.
I thought I saw you
turning every corner
Sitting on every bench
walking through the tunnel.
Seeing you was only
wishful thinking
Friends tell me that you have
colored me
gone.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
NICHIREN SOSHU
Nichiren Buddism looks upon time not as linear,
But circular-every point in time encompases all others.
I am what I am because of what I've been.
I will be what I will be because of what I am.
The concept applied to society, makes life a cumulative process-social evolution of the "collective conscience".
Behold the "collective conscience":
Man dragging woman by the hair
Forcing her to submit to his desires.
Man competing in the hunt, showing off his prize.
Man giving food to his woman, a bribe
to trap her like an animal.
Fighting with stones, spears and arrows.
Men taking and fighting-fighting and taking.
Woman building a nest in which to suckle her infant.
woman keeping the fire, gathering, fishing.
Naked babies, pure and sane
before the world transforms them.
Eskimos catching seals through the ice, feast on raw flesh, savor drinking blood.
Shepherds lovingly tending the flock
they'll later eat, stealing wool coats for when the savage winds blow across the unprotected plains.
Fighting with muskets, rifles and cannonballs.
Men taking and fighting - fighting and taking.
Farmers giving credibility to the eternal pecking order.
Men working in factories renew
their sense of superiority.
Women looking prissy, tend to
children, crafts, household duties, socializing, volunteerism.
Wars, fighting with bombs, tanks, machine guns, aircraft carriers, poison gas.
Men taking and fighting - fighting and taking.
Technological breakthroughs revamp life and careers.
The age characterized by pollution and sapping the environment.
Sophisticated man rapes, steals, abuses children and batters wives.
White collar crime, discrimination, incest, unfair misuse of power.
Women and blacks fighting to own themselves.
Children, without hope, threatened by
depletion of resources and annihilation by nuclear weapons, commit suicide.
Men taking and fighting - fighting and taking
I hear the thunder in the distance
I see primitive man in the modern age
engaged in destruction.
Men taking and fighting - fighting and taking.
I am, but will I be?
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
STARS
Timothy Walker
There they are
Standing out in the darkness.
Giving off their own little touch of warmth.
Shining brightly against the black of night.
Then quickly the clouds set in.
And the stars fade away
Then, one peeks out, a glittering speck
Among the sea of black.
Copyright 2002Margaret I. Walker
WHAT IS BLUE?
Timothy Walker
Blue is a mood
A symbol-
Of sweet baby boys
The color of skies
And my mother's eyes
Blue brings to mind
Rhythm and blues
Blue denim jeans
Cute little smurfs
And riding on surfs.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
GOOD AND BAD
Wise men will agree
Nothing is all bad
Open your eyes and see
Everyday is happy and sad.
Having common problems
Brings people together
And learning to solve them
Makes everything better.
Changing our priorities
Adjusting to the sting
Makes us appreciate simple things
We can enjoy in the Spring.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
A NEW PRAYER
Dear God, you are so good to us
Healing our bodies and troubled minds
Pushing, pulling, and tenderly guiding us
Teaching us to leave the past behind.
Giving us new knowledge and hope
To make our lives longer and better
Teaching us how to adjust and cope
Making every single life matter.
Take away our doubts and fears
Let us intimately know you
Help us progress with the years
Appropriately changing our social views.
Show us how to compromise
How to love and share
Open up our droopy eyes
And make us really care.
Turn us all into Christians
With compassion and wisdom
Take our energies away from guns
And let Your Kingdom Come.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
CELEBRATE LIFE
Come celebrate life with me
Celebrate yours and mine
Without you I couldn't be
Stay till the end of time.
Breathe your life on me, hon
And I'll breath mine on you
Let's make everything fun
Our hearts will be like new.
Come celebrate life with me
Run and play in the sand
Walk, talk and laugh with me
Come and hold my hand.
Watch the little children run
Listen to songs of love
Feel the warmth of the sun
Pray for the flight of the dove.
Please come celebrate life
Taste this kiss I give
Please be my wife
Let's really really live.
When our numbers begin to grow
It's our joyful belief
They too will surely know
How to celebrate life.
Come celebrate life with me
Come celebrate life.
Come celebrate life with me
Come and be my wife.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year Darling
Let's start a new life
Before day is dawning
Let's end all strife.
Let's start all over
Discard what is old
Please be my lover
You're more precious than gold.
I just realized
What's important to me
Love opened my eyes
Now I can see.
I've been born again
By your sweet embrace
Tears fell like rain
Down my unworthy face.
Please forgive me honey
For times I've been selfish
It really seems funny
You fulfill my every wish.
Thank God I can smell
The sweet scents of you
And my hands can feel
The softness of you.
And my ears can hear
Tender sounds you make
And your lips are so near
With mine, yours I can taste.
And my eyes can see
The sparkle in yours.
Happy New Year darling
Happy New Year!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentines's Day is a time to remember
Those we love and hold so dear
Who've been sometimes forgotten
During the span of the year.
It's a time to appreciate
Those who mean the most
We often take for granted
Because we live so close.
It's a Thanksgiving in February
For people instead of things
A time to think of love
And bonds held by rings.
A time to renew committments
To young and old alike
To friends, relatives and lovers
Whether they're black or white.
It's a Christmas in February
Time for special favors
Thoughts we share
Candy of many flavors.
It's New Years in February
With lots of new promises
Fantasies and dreams come true
By simply saying "yes".
A celebration for lovers
Comes merrily on it's way
And combines many others
Happy Valentine's Day!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
TRY ME
When you're feeling blue
Don't know what to do
Or you're feeling low
Your future unknown.
Instead of looking through
Your drawer of treasures
Little prayers and poems
Please look to me.
I'd love to listen
Bring clearer understanding
Help to sort things out
Erase some of your doubts.
Let me help you to decide
Bear things you can't hide
Put away your little poems
And please, please try me.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
SYNCOPATED WOMAN
I've been a syncopated woman,
From an animated time.
I never understood people
When they were up, I was down
When I was up, they were down
We were always off the beat.
I've been stuck in a stage
Between a child and an adult
Doing the real things
And not really knowing it.
Suddenly, I understand
Things are falling into place
I'm up with my God
And with His people.
Life truly is love
Hope is love waiting
Keep me in time
With my real God!
For,
I've been a syncopated woman
From an animated time.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
THANK YOU FOR BEING MY WIFE
Thank you for being my wife
You're the best thing in my life.
You are a blessing to me
So wonderful and sweet
Perfection in body and soul
And what makes me whole.
I love to come home to you
Hold you when you are blue
Be your life's guide
And lay down by your side.
I love to buy you clothes
Wipe your runny nose
See your tender smile
Sit with you awhile.
What a gift God gave me
When he gave me you
Thank you for being my wife
You're the best thing in my life.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
429 MIAMI STREET
Nestled in a valley not far from here,
Is the town I was born in before WWII.
The War Baby, now estranged from her roots,
Spent half a lifetime walking the quaint little streets of that white-washed village, that stood still in a time warp.
The same people, living in the same houses,
on the same streets, on the same side of town.
Going on into antiquity.
I can invision it now,resting untouched
Since the day I forsaked it to go on with my life.
There is something stable about it, traditions never die.
You can count on things being there, safe and sound.
Like the square in the middle of town where people congregate on Saturday nights, sitting on benches, people-watching.
visiting with friends they've known all their lives.
Glancing up to the left, I can almost see the
old bus statiion
and the old Fort Piqua Hotel,designed like a castle, stubbornly still standing.
Proceeding down main street,
I can picture the old stand-bys:
The Palace Theatre where I watched
"Gone with the Wind" three times, J.C. Penneys, the Brown Co. Dept. Store,an original 5 & dime store in mint condition, Crosley's Drugstore, the Tobacco Shop, and a Woman's Millinary Shop containing hats suitable for an Easter Parade.
Around the corner is a homemade candy store
with a little old man who makes scrumpious cold fudge sundaes.
There is an underground bowling alley
one of a kind, still using pinboys.
On the route to my Grandma's house is a train embankment where I once saw a train derailed.
On around the corner, a poultry house.
Grandma used to pray a chicken would escape.
I watched her one day chop off one's head, hang it by its feet from the steel clothesline, pluck and cook it for dinner.
I wasn't hungry that night.
Two doors down was a railroad yard.
She used to tell me how during the depression,
she walked for miles collecting coal
that had fallen off trains,
to use for fuel.
I'll never forget that house on Miami Street.
Painted white with a picket fence.
The back yard occupied by a garden, grape vines, rheubarb,
raspberry bushes and fruit trees.
And those lucious cherry pies!
Grandma's father had built the house
One hundred years ago,
complete with hand-carved woodwork.
Grandpa and I used to sit
in the swing, on the front porch.
He would tell me about human nature.
With only a 6th grade education,
he was so wise.
I recall the wine cellar and the potatoe bin
The back room where we played hours on end
and where I once ran my hand through
the ringer washing machine.
The old washboard stood in the corner.
The upstairs used for storage was good
for a whole day of exploring.
My Grandfather's words as he
tucked us in bed still ring in my ears:
"Good night, sleep tight,
don't let the bed bugs bite" then to my Grandmother "Good night sweet petunia".
Several times I've thought of returning
Now I know exactly what is wrong
I'm afraid that since my Grandparents are gone
The town has suddenly burst into a
bustling megalopolis.
But, I doubt it
I seriously doubt it.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
PRINCESS ANNE BREWSTER
My Princess, so sweet
I loved her so
She gave me such joy!
She loved to sing and dance
Knew my every mood
And happenstance.
She loved to frolic
And I loved to watch her
She gave me kisses, hugs, & tender licks.
I loved her, she loved me
We were stuck on each other.
She trusted me like I was her Mother.
I bathed and trimmed her
And she knew the routine.
It was a pleasure to take care of her.
She was smart, she was fun,
Cute, and always on the run.
She was mine and I was hers.
Friends till the end
My wonderful Schnauzer
Princess Anne Brewster.
1994 - 1999
Copyright 2001 by Margaret I. Walker
PSYCHOPATHS WALK
AMONG US
(Unpleasant but True)
There are psychopaths among you
And you may not know it
They have something missing.
They have no guilt, remorse, or empathy.
They are not always serial killers
But they have something missing.
They lie, cheat and steal
Con, manipulate, use and abuse
Because something is missing.
They have no morals, nor sense of right and wrong
And may sense something is wrong with them
But don't know what is missing.
They are grandiose, egocentric to the core
Get what they want now or throw temper tantrums
Because there is something missing.
Psychopaths have no feelings or sense of fear
Don't know cause & effect or learn from their mistakes
They have something missing.
They are impulsive and delusional
Can charm and beguile us
They are everywhere among us.
They have no friends-are found out in the end
Are bazarre in what they do and say
Something is missing, we try to figure it out.
They put us on roller-coasters, we cannot trust them
They can act like they're normal to get what they want
They are everywhere walking among us.
They are not strangers, but could be:
Your mother/father, husband/wife, or sister/brother
Your lawyer, banker, grocer or the guy next door
Your preacher, your son or daughter, or even your lover.
Psychopaths have no conscience
They prey on us because they are so needy
And then blame the victims - Us
They are born and die evil
WITHOUT ANY SOUL
Copyright 2001 by Margaret I. Walker
FATHER DEAREST
Daddy dearest,
When I first met you, I was but three
Why were you so mean to me?
Why the need to boss and control?
Why so egocentric, I'll never know.
You are prejudiced and perverted,
mean and nasty,
Critical of everyone
With all your attitudes.
You put everyone down
Disregard all feelings,
Insult our intelligence,
Devalue anyone who is not you.
The "Why's" illude me, Daddy
You're really quite dependent
So, my question, Father Dearest, is
Why should we care?
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
BLACK
By Timothy R. Walker
Black is a cat.
Black is a bat.
Black is the color
of a witches hat.
Black is the color of a wall.
Black is one of the colors
in a soccer ball.
Black will sneak.
Black will crawl.
Black is the print
in a newspaper.
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
I LOVE YOU
I love you,
I love you,
You're too good to be true!
I can't wait,
for our date,
time to be with you!
I love you,
I love you,
Hope you love me too!
You're too much,
soft to touch,
if only you knew!
I love you,
I love you,
Please say "I do".
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
A PLACE FOR YOU AND ME
I loved you for such a long, long time.
I tried and tried to touch your heart.
Yet, you always put me down.
Met me with indifference.
Finally, I gave up on you.
Put you right out of my mind.
Then, you called and asked why,
I never, never come around.
You say you really miss me,
you know you need me now,
you're sorry you put me down,
and wish I would come around.
Can I risk my foolish pride?
Have you turn me upside down?
Can I bare the hurt inside,
if you reject me again?
Why does it have to be this way?
Will we ever get it together?
I'm falling, falling again.
You're smile breaks me down.
The hope in me abounds.
I want us to make it, love.
Maybe there really, really is
a place for you and me!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
THANK YOU FOR BEING MY
FRIEND
Thank you for being my friend.
I hope it will never end.
I love you with all my heart.
Even when we're apart.
You are so kind and loyal.
You treat me like a royal.
How can I ever repay you,
except to be there for you, too!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker
GRANDPA THURMAN
Grandpa, I miss you!
Have you gone fishin?
I missed huggin you today
and all those games we played.
I miss swingin on the porch.
I still carry your torch!
Grandpa, I miss you!
Have you gone fishin?
I missed you kissin me today,
the words of wisdom you'd say.
Missed you callin me sweetheart.
You're always in my heart!
Grandpa I miss you!
Have you gone fishin?
If there's fishin in heaven,
I know your catchin
the BIG ONE!!
Copyright 2002 by Margaret I. Walker