Three Snake Skins

English: Santa Claus with a little girl Esperanto: Patro Kristnasko kaj malgranda knabino Suomi: Joulupukki ja pieni tyttö (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Three Snake Skins

 

I counted my presents under the tree

 

I had been generous but only to me

 

It was Christmas Eve and the night was deep

 

My eyelids grew heavy and I fell asleep.

 

 

 

In a dream I couldn’t believe my eyes

 

The world was in for a surprise

 

Christmas would be different this year

 

The sleigh wouldn’t be pulled by deer.

 

 

 

I needed to be good for goodness sakes

 

For Santa’s sleigh was pulled by snakes

 

Diamondbacks, boas, asps, and kings,

 

Flying through the air without any wings.

 

 

 

Down the rooftop they’d slide until they flopped

 

Slithering and wiggling, down the chimney they dropped!

 

One snake per child who had ever been bad,

 

Two snakes for mom and three for dear dad.

 

 

 

The snakes gathered to map out a plan

 

Something bizarre, something evil and grand.

 

People with possessions who didn’t share

 

Were bitten by serpents that didn’t care.

 

 

 

There was a list and it was checked twice

 

To determine who had been naughty or nice.

 

There weren’t many households left alone

 

For greed had turned many hearts to stone.

 

 

 

I awoke from my dream all drenched and wet

 

I had many memories I wished to forget

 

The beggar on the corner I couldn’t look in the eye

 

The family in my neighborhood I simply passed by.

 

 

 

There were incidents my conscience couldn’t ignore

 

This dream had touched me clear to the core

 

I vowed to give clothes and food to those in need

 

And to be more generous in word and deed.

 

 

 

Under my Christmas tree there were no presents to myself

 

But I cleared a space for gifts to others on a shelf

 

This year I was greedy but I’ll be prepared next year

 

Santa will be generous and my conscience will be clear.

 

 

 

I heard bells jingle as the sleigh took flight

 

And I knew that this would be a normal night

 

Eight tiny reindeer were pulling the sleigh

 

And Rudolph was in front leading the way.

 

 

 

I know this was just one of many dreams

 

You might think I made it worse than it seems

 

But I’ve changed my heart and I’m starting again

 

For under my bed I found three snake skins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Timeline

Timeline

My life can be measured, 

In increments on a line.

Like the man in black I walk that line.

Sometimes it’s three steps forward.

Other times it’s five steps back.

I can’t even stop if I get off track.

Ominous clouds continually threaten.

But my inner peace keeps me focused.

Daily I stay in the present marching on,

I say, “This is where the battles are won.”

Usually I count the moments until

Everything that was confusing becomes clear.

Behind me are my footprints,

Showing me where I blindly

stepped on things I held dear,

But I tromp on in erratic fashion,

Marching to verse that I created

but never got a chance to rehearse.

As I continue my journey,

The world becomes my playground.

I cry, “I want a special friend

Who’ll stay with me until the very end.”

But like children in a park,

Finding the swings are much the same,

They get tired and angry

 and move on to other games.

I want to shout, “I don’t want to keep score.

One playground or another

Will have the one I’m searching for.”

I won’t worry about getting hurt or feeling pain

Because there’s the whole world to gain.

Opportunities abound on this timeline.

I can hate and hurt or love and be kind.

I can encourage others and help them along.

I can do what is right and avoid the wrong.

“What’s this?” you say.

“How can I have fun that way?”

I’ve been there so I nod and look wise.

Misguided fun is only trouble in disguise.

When I look back at my tracks

Do they point the way for others to follow?

Or did I find a mud hole in which to wallow?

If I stayed, all would have been lost.

But I struggled free to avoid the biggest cost.

When my timeline comes to an end,

I want people to say, “Here was a good man,

And always he was a friend”.

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Lucky to Have Christmas

English: A postcard from 1919, with artwork of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

We’re Lucky to Have Christmas

 

Time stood still and my heart stopped,

 

When she announced she was leaving that night.

 

It didn’t sink in that she meant what she said,

 

Until she got on the very next flight.

 

 

 

I think of the time I wasted,

 

Letting it slowly slip through my hands.

 

I could have been loving her,

 

Rather than complaining and giving commands.

 

 

 

She promised she would love me forever.

 

I think she intended it to be true.

 

I said I could survive on my own

 

But deep within my heart I knew.

 

 

 

I could have used time in segments,

 

Dinner for two, flowers, a loving glance,

 

Instead I spent time on my own interests,

 

And time didn’t give a second chance.

 

 

 

It was the season to laugh and be jolly

 

And the time to play in the snow.

 

But it was a sad time for me that year.

 

She wouldn’t be under the mistletoe.

 

 

 

We wouldn’t be watching a parade together,

 

From the very first float to the last.

 

I made many mistakes along the way.

 

And now our parade had gone past.

 

 

 

She talked about having quality time,

 

And times we could just hang out.

 

I insisted she was my very best friend.

 

But I gave her many reasons to doubt.

 

 

 

The Christmas lights in that bar were blurry,

 

The drinks were making me cry.

 

I hadn’t told her how much I loved her,

 

Yet I knew I was a lucky guy.

 

 

 

I was ready to go home and decide what to do.

 

I needed some time to think.

 

I heard a voice calling my name,

 

Then, “Cowboy, can I buy you a drink?”

 

 

 

I’ve never seen a face more beautiful.

 

She had returned and was smiling at me.

 

Now I’m a reformed and loving man.

 

I’m sure that’s the way it should be.

 

 

 

That’s my Christmas story,

 

I hope you take a moment to pause.

 

If she hadn’t returned there wouldn’t be Christmas.

 

If you don’t believe what I told you,

 

Just ask my wife, Mrs. Claus.

 

 

 

 

 

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Learning to Take Charge

Ice cream at Expo 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Learning to Take Charge

 

“I want some ice cream,” the little girl said.

 

“No, it’s late and time for bed.”

 

“Can I watch t.v. for a little while?”

 

“O.k.,” said mom, “because you asked with a smile.”

 

The girl sat on the floor waiting for the news to end.

 

Dad sat down and waited for his program to begin.

 

“Why are you still up?” he asked the apple of his eye.

 

“Mom said I could watch a show or two,

 

But now that you’re here, I guess it’s up to you.”

 

“Could I have ice cream?” the little girl said.

 

“Sure, since you’re up.  Then it’s straight to bed.”

 

Mom returns after a long hot shower.

 

“Why is she up,” mom snaps, “at this late hour?”

 

There is little worse than righteous condemnation,

 

Especially since both contributed to the situation.

 

They go to battle because their rules aren’t applied.

 

The little girl learns to manipulate as time goes by.

 

Their friends choose sides and blame the father or the mother,

 

While the little girl plays one against the other.

 

She’ll be in charge when she becomes a teen,

 

But someday she’ll discover she’s not a real queen.

 

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Nothing More

English: Wind Turbines located outside of Palm Springs, CA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Nothing More

 

Who is that walking past my door?

 

It is the wind and nothing more.

 

For a moment a shadow hesitates,

 

Then it goes on and through the gate.

 

Who is whispering outside this wall?

 

I’m sure if I looked I’d see nothing at all.

 

Is there a person playing a mean trick?

 

Doesn’t he know I could be really sick?

 

I’m holding my breath within this cell.

 

The shadow is back and I know him well.

 

Around this bed my friends gather and talk.

 

They remember how we used to walk.

 

All voices hush as someone passes the door.

 

I thought, It is the wind and nothing more.

 

My friends are leaving with tears in their eyes.

 

I’m puzzled and ask, “What’s the matter, guys?”

 

But they ignore me as they go out the door.

 

One said, “It is the wind and nothing more.”

 

I don’t understand this turn of events.

 

I’ve tried to comprehend but it doesn’t make sense.

 

I turn to my new friend as we go out the door.

 

I ask, “Is it really the wind and nothing more?”

 

“Your friends are mistakenly blaming the wind.

 

But their way of thinking will come to an end.

 

Some will greet me as I enter their room.

 

Others will panic at my voice of doom.

 

You heard me walking past your door.

 

I enter with the wind, but I’m much, much more.

 

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Lucky Indeed

Is it Your Lucky Day (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Lucky Indeed

 

I thought I was a hammer made of steel,

 

But she softened my heart and made me feel,

 

I was a restless knight riding a spirited steed,

 

But she quenched my fires and fulfilled my needs.

 

 

 

Gentle as the mist drifting in from the sea,

 

Uncontrollable as a flooding river, she’s wild and free,

 

Cleansing as the rain, freefalling from the sky,

 

She’s constantly changing; I’m a lucky guy.

 

 

 

Warm as the sunshine splashing across the land,

 

Teasing with kisses, the kind I understand,

 

Calm even in a storm, helping those in need,

 

She’s right there beside me; I’m lucky indeed.

 

 

 

Straight as a road that guides me on my way,

 

She is the love I’ve been seeking until today,

 

Bringing a fire that rages deep inside,

 

I am a lucky man and very satisfied.

 

 

 

 

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Baby Bee’s Night Before Christmas (Children’s Version)

A child wearing a bee costume. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Baby Bee’s Christmas

 

The hive was snug from the lid to the base.

 

The entrance was wide open for Santa, (just in case).

 

All the cracks had been sealed to shut out the cold.

 

Baby Bee was sleeping and good as gold.

 

The queen had inspected each and every frame,

 

Then she lined up her children and addressed them by name.

 

The youngest ones she checked closely and their noses she wiped.

 

“Is everything ready for Christmas?” she piped.

 

“If the decorations are finished, leave on a small light.

 

Santa Bee will be arriving sometime tonight.”

 

She ordered a plate of honey and pollen so Santa could be fed.

 

Then she hugged all her babies and tucked them in bed.

 

All were sleeping soundly when they heard such a clatter.

 

Santa Bee had arrived in the midst of a swarm.

 

His cheeks were all red and he looked very warm.

 

Dispensing gifts from his sleigh as he raced through the hive,

 

He was interrupted by a question, “Mr. Santa, can I drive?”

 

The other bees were shocked that Baby Bee would ask.

 

Santa Bee chuckled and let her help with his task.

 

All around the world this magical swarm flew.

 

Bringing sweet gifts to everyone they knew.

 

As they left each hive and while they were still in sight,

 

Baby Bee would shout, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

 

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A Bee’s Night Before Christmas

Cover of Bees (Denver Museum Insect Books)

 

A Bee’s Night Before Christmas

 

It was the night before Christmas

 

And all through the hive

 

Bees were clustered together

 

Keeping warm and alive.

 

 

 

Three pairs of stockings

 

Were glued up for each bee

 

In the hopes that Santa

 

Would put gifts under a tree.

 

 

 

Each young bee was snuggled

 

Way deep in her cell

 

Dreaming of a honey flow

 

That the older bees knew well.

 

 

 

The queen was in her chamber

 

Guard bees sleeping close by

 

All of them as excited about Christmas

 

As a swarm on the fly.

 

 

 

The night was clear

 

The new moon was bright

 

Everyone knew for certain

 

Santa would be there that night.

 

 

 

When up on the roof

 

There rose such a clatter

 

The queen went with the guards

 

To see what was the matter.

 

 

 

On the roof they could see

 

A sleigh full of toys

 

Most of them for workers

 

Only one or two for the boys.

 

 

 

Eight bumblebees had been pulling

 

They made it look hard

 

Would Santa have the time

 

To reach each bee yard?

 

 

 

The driver’s face was red

 

From the cold (I suppose)

 

And icicles hung down

 

From the tip of her nose.

 

 

 

Her eyes were coal black

 

Her mouth made for smiles

 

She looked a little weary

 

She had traveled for miles.

 

 

 

Her coat was real thick

 

Made to keep her warm

 

Her wings were slightly tattered

 

From a late summer swarm.

 

 

 

She was quick as she placed gifts

 

Near where each bee lay

 

Then she pulled a beautiful tree

 

From off of her sleigh.

 

 

 

With a wink she said,

 

“These bumblebees are tired.

 

I’m looking for workers

 

Who want to be hired.”

 

 

 

Six volunteers jumped up

 

(they refused any money)

 

So she promised they’d receive

 

Extra stores of honey.

 

 

 

They darted out of the hive

 

And while they were in sight

 

Santa Bee buzzed, “A golden Christmas to all,

 

And to all a good night!”

 

 

 

Over almond orchards and clover

 

They flew on their way

 

They finished their task

 

Before Christmas Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Son, Listen to My Words of Wisdom (Part 2)

wisdom with toast (Photo credit: Leonard John Matthews)

 

My Son, Listen to My Words of Wisdom (Part 2)

 

My son, the time for choosing friends is ripe,

 

First, you can tell a tiger by its stripes.

 

A friend can fool you when he growls or talks.

 

You can discover more by the path he walks.

 

Others will know you by the friends you choose.

 

If you don’t pick winners, someday you’ll lose.

 

If a friend observes danger but pretends he’s blind,

 

You would be wise if another friend you’d find.

 

A friend will always tell what is true,

 

Even when the truth might hurt you.

 

A friend is there to watch your back,

 

And he will reason with you if wisdom you lack.

 

A friend will help when there’s nothing to gain.

 

A friend will listen and share your pain.

 

He’ll be there always even unto death.

 

But a fair weather friend has wasted your breath.

 

If he doesn’t want you to be better, he’s not a true friend.

 

Like a drowning swimmer, he’ll pull you down at the end.

 

Someone who always flatters you has a concealed goal.

 

He’s shallow and self-serving and playing a role.

 

Beware if he’s not loyal all the way through.

 

He’ll sell you out and then desert you.

 

A friend is there all life to share.

 

So choose wisely, son, a true friend is rare.

 

My son, as for girls, your future is bright.

 

You’ll find contentment if you treat one right.

 

A girl needs thoughts of love to fill her day.

 

If she has love she has less reason to stray.

 

A girl’s world is different from the one you know.

 

Relationships and emotions help her bloom and grow.

 

Look in her eyes each and every day.

 

Her feelings are important. Listen to what she has to say.

 

Don’t be afraid to show a little romance.

 

Hold her in the moonlight and laugh and dance.

 

Your thoughts will remain positive, son,

 

If you count your blessings one by one.

 

Tell her she’s beautiful and just what you need,

 

Then it’s like dancing and you’ll have to lead.

 

Don’t look for things she might do wrong.

 

Mention what she does right. Then move along.

 

There will be days when your cup is half full.

 

Choose to be positive and life won’t get dull.

 

Surprise her with flowers, whether picked or bought.

 

Keep your romance smoldering and the flames hot.

 

Kiss her each night before you sleep.

 

A kiss will remind her your love is deep.

 

Whisper sweet words as you hold her near.

 

And the wisest of all, son, always be sincere.

 

 

 

 

 

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