Poems by Bettina Van Vaerenbergh

Five little ducklings in a row, oh how neat!
Paddling in the water with their tiny duckling feet.
Close to mother duck they always, always stay,
Just in case some danger or other comes their way.
They're quack-quacking with tiny duckling beaks
That shut only whenever mother speaks.
And sometimes you can see, it's true, I swear,
How ten little feet suddenly go up in the air!
The ducklings go split, splat, quack, quack,
Diving and munching happily on a yummy snack.
Once in a while, when they expect it the least,
They find a piece of bread, and they have a feast!
With their bellies full, well done is the day’s task…
What more could little ducklings ask?
The sun goes down, it's high time now to sleep
Under mother's safe wings on the river so deep,
Because tomorrow there's a brand new day -
For diving and snacking and quack-quacking away!

Autumn mornings,
Foggy and wet;
Dewy grass -
With diamonds beset.

Autumn leaves,
Yellow and brown;
Dancing and swirling -
Before falling down.

Autumn leaves,
On the ground;
Crackle and crunch -
A wonderful sound.

Autumn walks,
Exploring the woods;
Jumping in puddles -
With rubber boots.

Autumn pumpkins,
Round and heavy;
Carving a face -
We’re Halloween-ready.

Autumn nights,
My feet in fuzzy socks;
A cup of hot cocoa -
Autumn rocks!

A great Light has dawned -
For all mankind tonight.
Over a humble, old stable,
The Christ star shines bright.

Inside, Mary is resting;
Her eyes wide with wonder.
She's got so many questions;
So much to ponder.

Though still a chaste virgin,
She has just given birth.
To her it has happened,
As foretold in God's Word.

In her arms she is cradling
Her little miracle, Jesus;
God’s most precious gift ever -
A Savior, born to redeem us.

He came into this world
To answer His Father’s call.
Mary can hardly fathom
The meaning of it all.

This child, the Messiah,
Israel's long awaited King;
Fruit of the Holy Spirit -
What will His future bring?

On His young shoulders rest
Such high expectations:
He’s to usher in God's Kingdom
And to save all the nations.

As she looks at baby Jesus,
Mary offers a prayer;
To thank the Most High
That she is so well-favored.

Jesus is fast asleep;
He's so innocent and sweet.
She strokes His tiny head,
And tickles His tiny feet.

It makes her smile;
The way He puckers His lips.
Mary wants to hold Him -
Forever like this.

He has His mother's eyes,
Her beautiful baby boy.
Mary's heart fills with love;
She's overwhelmed with joy.

She's just a simple girl,
And those thoughts are deep...
For now, she's content -
Watching the future King sleep.

Silver moon and golden stars
Are watching over us from afar.

While we rest in our beds,
They do their very best instead -

To give us sweet and blissful sleep,
Or help us count one hundred sheep.

All night long they twinkle and shine
To give us dreams that are divine.

They sing a soft lullaby in our ears
To chase away all gloomy fears.

They're having lots of nightly fun,
Until the rising of the sun.

Then they hide themselves away,
And night once more makes room for day.

We have but a short time
On this earth,
So value your life
For what it's really worth.

Your life has purpose.
God sent you on a mission.
To live, to love, to learn -
Is His commission.

The world needs you.
Believe me, it's true!
Some things need doing
That only you can do.

Character matters;
Be your own person,
Your own original self,
Not someone else's version.

Develop your talents;
They are unique.
Use your time well;
Listen only to positive critique.

Go after your dreams.
Be bold. Be brave.
Swim against the stream;
It's more than okay.

The time is now
To find your passion.
Time waits for no one,
So get into action.

To be free of regret
In your old age,
Never ever forget
To fully live today!

When I first held you in my arms,
You were so perfect and so small.
You are a full-grown woman now;
And I am proud, oh how!

I saw you change throughout the years,
With awe and fascination.
To think that you will soon leave home-
It's a strange sensation.

No matter where you may end up,
Close to home or far away,
Know that I will always pray
For your happiness and luck.

I pray your dreams may all come true.
I pray you may be happy.
I pray your heartaches may be few
And your blessings many.

When you need some good advice
Or just a listening ear,
Dad and I will always make time
For your problems to hear.

You are talented, beautiful, and bright;
I know you will do well in life.
You've got what it takes to succeed,
And God will help you when in need.

One last thing I want to say:
No matter your age,
No matter where you go,
No matter what you do,
You are my girl,
And I will always love you!

They say sticks and stones
May break my bones
But mean words never can...

Well, that's not true;
Hurtful words from you
Hurt me in my inner man!

Words that are icky
Can be ever so sticky
And they burn like coal...

While sticks and stones
May break my bones
Mean words break my soul!

Start off with faith and trust in God.
Then add courage; you'll need a lot.
Take a few dreams and lots of inspiration;
Mix them with passion and dedication.

Flavor with a spoonful of optimism,
As well as with sufficient vision.
Throw in some rewarding work,
With satisfaction as a perk.

A pint of perseverance is necessary,
While the amount of patience may vary.
Don't forget an ounce of thankfulness,
And a full cup of love and tenderness.

Add a few quality friends to the mix,
And a pinch of adventure, just for kicks.
Also, you need three cups of good thoughts,
Zested with a million smiles or thereabouts.

Joy and laughter are indispensable,
And a tad of hope, to be sensible.
Throw in heaps of understanding,
Because folks can be demanding.

Season with lots and lots of time,
And some deep questions to ponder.
Then pour over a sense of awe,
And lastly add some childlike wonder.

Top off with family and readiness to forgive;
This is the recipe for a life well-lived!