Poems by Kathy J. Parenteau

Five more days till Christmas.
Santa and his crew
were working overtime making
children's dreams come true.

Singing carols, whistling tunes,
as the hours ticked away,
except for little Edison,
the elf that went astray.

Instead of making toys
in Santa's assembly line,
he was hanging out with Rudolph
beneath the snow capped pines.

As Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus took
a look around,
they noticed lazy Edison
was nowhere to be found.

They decided they'd had enough;
this elf will surely be fired.
Scratched their heads and
realized another must be hired.

Dasher heard them talking
and thought this can't be so.
Never in elf's history has
someone had to go.

He searched the winter wonderland,
and under the Northern Lights
Edison and Rudolph were
frolicking in flight.

He said, "Come down from there;
your behavior's a disgrace.
Christmas Eve is almost here and
you're about to be replaced."

Edison soon realized his days
of slacking were done,
that there'd be consequences
for goofing off and having fun.

He knew he had no place to go
if Santa didn't let him stay.
His heart began to pound
as Rudolph ran away.

He hurried as fast as he could
to tell Santa he was wrong,
beg him for forgiveness
and show him he belonged.

As the other elves were caroling,
he tried to sneak inside,
but Santa saw him coming out of the
corner of his eye.

He placed his hands upon his hips
and firmly shook his head,
"What shall I do with you,
my elf?" Santa firmly said.

"I see you when you're sleeping.
I know when you're awake.
Did you not read your history book?"
he said for goodness sake!

Santa soon forgave him 'cause
his heart is made of gold,
and Edison became the
hardest worker I am told.

The moral of this story is
we all must do our part,
and jolly old St. Nick has always
had a heart.

Merry Christmas to all of you
on this holiest of days.
May all your dreams come true
as you gather and celebrate.

If I could have just one more day and
wishes did come true,
I'd spend every glorious moment
side by side with you.
Recalling all the years we shared
and memories we made,
how grateful I would be
to have just one more day.
Where the tears I've shed are
not in vain and only fall in bliss.
So many things I'd let you know
about the days you've missed.
I wouldn't have to make pretend
you never went away.
How grateful I would be to
have just one more day.
When that day came to a close
and the sun began to set,
a million times I'd let you know
I never will forget
the heart of gold you left behind
when you entered Heaven's gate.
How grateful I would be to
have just one more day.

If I were to leave this world today, I'd want to be remembered, it's true,
for going that extra mile just to show my love for you.
I'd want for you to be proud of me and know I always tried.
When you hurt, I did, too; your tears I also cried.
I'd want you to be compassionate to never turn away
from someone who might need a hug or encouragement one day.
I'd want you to know I'm sorry if I ever caused you pain.
I hope you learn from my mistakes and
forgive me just the same.
There are no second chances when God
says it's time to go.
We only have today to let our feelings show.
Remember this when you say your prayers and count your blessings tonight,
and treasure every precious moment God gives you in this life.

Are there angels here beside us as we journey life's winding road,
Sent from heaven here to guide us along
future paths unknown?

I saw an angel in my dream with an
iridescent smile,
raven hair, delicate wings and a
warm angelic style.
She bore a sweet resemblance to
someone I used to know,
but the era had lapsed, long since passed, for the winds of time do blow.
She told me of a heavenly land, a
paradise she claimed,
that awaits the souls of everyone who
worships God's name.
She showed me living waters baring
life of endless flow,
unconditional love for our master above
a place where streets are paved in gold.
And when my dream came to an end she
kissed me tenderly,
whispered we'll soon meet again when
God feels it's meant to be.
In the morning I awakened to the
dawning of the day,
with my spirit a glow for I'd been
kissed by a rose,
in this dream I'll cherish till my
dying day.

Yes, angels walk beside us however
unbelievable it seems,
sent from heaven here to guide us
even in our dreams.

If heaven had a window and God granted me a view
of all the beauty it beholds, I'd only look for you.
I'd listen for your laughter that was always music to me.
Your beautiful hair and hazel eyes are what I'd wish most to see.
If I could only view once more the smile that warmed my heart,
I'd treasure that moment as long as I live and we must be apart.
Here on earth I search for you and pray to God for signs,
and every day that passes you're still with me in my mind.
I know you're happy in heaven; you've earned your mansion indeed.
I imagine your kitchen table and you waiting there for me.
I love you and I miss you more than words can say,
and what I wouldn't give just to talk to you today.
I hope that you can hear me and listen to my thoughts,
and wherever this life takes me you know I've not forgotten
that once upon a time I was blessed and loved, it's true,
and if heaven had a window I'd only look for you.