Poems by Patricia Cisco

Today, December 23rd, another Christmas nears.
I try to keep tradition up while holding back my tears.

I know I have been blessed for all the many years
of love and joy and family and times we had to share.

The presents wrapped, the tree is lit, the wreath upon the door,
but pondering all the Christmases past and tears begin to fall.

This Christmas will be different,
for some very special loved ones have received God's final call.

Then I dry my tears and say a special prayer.
Dear God, my gift to you is that soul I loved so dear.

I thank you for their life and love
I was so blessed to share.

Now all that I can ask of you is to keep them in your care!
I also want to offer you my each and every tear.

Now I promise to make Christmas joy for those I still have here
and put a smile upon their face while we have time to share.

Amen

Winter fights to stay.
Sweet Spring always wins her way.
Flowers bloomed today!

Spring has final say,
Sending Winter on his way.
Her true love is May!

Spring's June wedding day.
White lily and rose bouquet.
Bells ring out today!

The cost of a smile isn't much,
although many people act as such.
We all have our problems of struggle and strife,
but a smile will help in anyone's life.
There are so many troubles in this modern time,
so add in a smile; it won't cost a dime.
Cranky people are easy to find,
but it feels so much better being kind.
Frowning people are everywhere,
but a smiling face is a gift to share!
You just might need that smile someday
when things in your life feel sad and gray.
If there's one thing we all need once in a while,
that is the sight of a beautiful smile!

Damp darkness befalls as gray fog settles in.
Frightening shadows lingering within.

Footsteps echo through the black, eerie night
With scrapings and rustlings, yet nothing in sight.

Misty clouds floating across the dull moon.
Heart stopping feelings of horror and doom.

Howling squeals pierce the smoggy air.
My heart pounding harder in panicky fear.

The faster and faster I try to race,
My shaky, weak legs won't keep up the pace.

A scary, awful blood-curdling scream.
I feel so faint, as if in a dream.

Ghostly eyes glowing in bushes distant,
Getting closer and closer in an instant.

Frozen stiff, I shut my eyes tight,
Holding my breath with all my might.

Then swishing past in the chilly breeze,
Opening one eye, I suddenly breathe.

Finally putting my fears at ease.
Oh, it's just Trick or Treaters on All Hallows' Eve!

Ever since I can remember,
on the fourth Thursday of November,

long before the crack of dawn,
early on that frosty morn,

flurries and leaves in wispy winds,
as our mother's long day begins.

Placing pumpkins beside the front door,
setting the table for twenty or more.

Into her cozy kitchen she goes,
creating tradition as only she knows.

A muffled clanging in our heads
as we still slumber in our beds.

Then, as if by some magical spell,
spicy, sweet scents begin to dispel.

Aromas in the atmosphere rise,
waking our senses and opening our eyes.

Cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, and sage.
Stuffing the turkey, she's setting the stage.

On the stovetop simmering away,
delicious side dishes are at play.

Deep dish apple and pumpkin pie
rest on the windowsill nearby.

Family and friends begin to arrive.
Some a bit tired from the drive.

Children running in and out.
Happy laughter all about.

The smell of turkey sweeping the air.
Thanksgiving time is finally here!

Out of the oven all golden brown,
her turkey is our table's crown!

Dad, with his big wide grin,
slices the turkey nice and thin.

Smiling with her dimples so sweet,
she knows Thanksgiving is complete.

Now we give thanks to the Lord above
for this bountiful blessing made with love.

Many Novembers have come and gone.
We try to carry her memories on,

but the one thing we can never replace
is mom's sweet smiling dimpled face.

Sultry sun on fields and bay,
quiet calm engulfs the day.

Faint troubled rumblings in the sky
foretells a mighty storm is nigh.

Feathered fowl that glide the breeze
quickly fly to nest in trees.

A silent sense of darkness fell,
as clouds began to twirl and swell.

A yellow haze of green and gray
replaces sun and heat of day.

Thunderous cannons roar the sky
with veins of light that pierce the eye.

The day has darkened into night
as Thor and Zeus pursue their might!

Raging winds that bend and sway,
tearing limbs along the way.

Bursting clouds of icy hail;
Nature's sting is quite surreal!

The faded rumblings start to slow,
and sultry sun peaks out to glow, 

Mighty Tempest, come and gone.
Ancient storm gods carry on,
leaving rainbows in the dawn!

Treasures come in so many ways:
the sun that lights the cloudy days,
a rainbow from a summer shower,
a rose that blooms within an hour.
Yes, treasures come in so many ways.

A baby's staring, wandering gaze,
a dolphin's dance on ocean waves.
Yes, treasures come in so many ways.

The heart beats of two souls in love,
a beautiful white and peaceful dove.
Yes, treasures come in so many ways.

A sky full of snowflakes of rarest form,
a cup of cocoa to keep us warm.
Yes, treasures come in so many ways.

A house full of family on holidays.
For these treasures we should give God praise!
Yes, treasures come in so many ways.

I could keep on counting for days and days!