Poems by Kathy J. Parenteau

I took a walk in the city today
to try to pass the time away.
Saw lots of people walking too.
Stepped right in a pile of doggy doo.
I thought for a moment just what could be done
to clean up the streets of doggie dung.
Maybe I'll invent something really super,
even finer than a pooper scooper.
A port a potty for our four legged friends
on every street corner where every road bends.
Then I'll become famous for this awesome invention.
At the monthly town meetings my name will be mentioned.
They'll throw a big party and dance in the streets
because never again will there be poop on our feet!

Amidst the desert sands dawnings just begun,
            battle rages on, bombing veils the rising sun.
           A boy not yet a man holds a picture to his heart
            of loved ones not forgotten though oceans keep them apart.
           Called to serve his country, land of freedom home of brave,
             risking his existence for the lives that he may save.
           Concealing his dismay he holds his head up high,
              his arms embrace a trusted friend watching him slowly die.
           A boy he is no more, on that day there stood a man,
              his heart filled with rage, his mind fights to understand.
           Raised to be a man of God, taught thou shalt not kill,
              now placed upon the battlefield where there tis his only will.
           Resting beneath the sunset, wounded he dreams of home,
              lying on the desert's floor a soldier died alone.

Stand tall, oh mighty oak, for all the world to see.
Your strength and undying beauty forever amazes me.
Though storm clouds hover above you,
Your branches span the sky
In search of the radiant sunlight you
Count on to survive.
When the winds are high and restless and
You lose a limb or two,
It only makes you stronger.
We could learn so much from you.
Though generations have come and gone
And brought about such change,
Quietly you've watched them all,
Yet still remained the same.
I only pray God gives to me
The strength he's given you
To face each day with hope,
Whether skies are black or blue.
Life on earth is truly a gift.
Every moment we must treasure.
It's the simple things we take for granted
That become our ultimate pleasures.