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!

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.

Life takes us through many changes like the seasons of each year,
Some so unforgettable we sometimes shed a tear.
I remember when I was a little girl, it seems not long ago,
My mother would shelter me in her arms,
A feeling I thought I'd never outgrow.
Maybe I really haven't because hidden inside of me,
There's still that need to hold her,
Though are chances are few and far between.
We live our lives looking back on memories of the past,
Ones we often cherish, for time moves along so fast.
I remember my teenage years, rebellious as they were,
Though I'd made many mistakes I could always count on her.
Oh the times I'd hurt her with the hateful things I'd say,
I hope she knows how sorry I am and how much I love her today.
As children we don't realize how words can break a heart,
Leave scars that last a lifetime and tear two lives apart.
Though forgiveness isn't easy, we've found it through the years,
My mother and I are closer than ever,
Our love has washed away the tears.
So let me tell you that I love you mom, in this message that I send,
Though time is ever changing, I'll always remember when.

Once upon a time many years ago,
an angel was sent to the earth to let all God's people know,
that love and only love is the key to all life's sorrows,
opening doors once closed, promising brighter tomorrows.
The angel traveled the globe to spread the wonderful news,
but people wouldn't listen and the angel was confused.
In the heavenly land she came from, this message was quite clear,
there is no sadness there, anger, pain or fear.
All of this is promised to those who do believe, a savior who is Christ the Lord
shed his blood to set us free.
When the angel went back up to heaven to tell God we didn't listen,
she noticed on her back her tiny wings were missing.
She cried, "Oh heavenly Father, I did my very best, but people on earth have their free will,
I sadly must confess."
Only moments later from her shoulders hung with love
were wings of solid gold, a gift from God above.
God knew his little angel did all that she could do,
to show the world what matters most, this rest is up to you.

It's our free will that will cause us to stumble, but if we do God's will we shall fly!