Poems by Kathy J. Parenteau

I have a special locket that rests above my heart,
it holds your beautiful pictures while we must be apart.
It's my hope that you're still with me no matter come what may,
so I know that I can talk to you every single day.
When I walk into a storm you're watching over there,
guiding me to sunny skies with tender loving care.
I'll never have to be alone you're always next to me,
you show me love in different ways the eyes could never see.
Your spirit fills my soul with love beyond any explanation,
with pride I'll wear it every day in total admiration.
Of the woman who changed my life and patiently awaits,
arms wide open to welcome me when I reach heaven's gates.
It's never really good bye if in your heart you do believe,
a mother's love is endless, and never ever leaves.

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.

Mama told me a story a long, long time ago, not like any that I'd ever heard,
all about a little girl mama used to know, how I remember every word.
Seems like a lifetime ago, though I remember it so well.
It was a Christmas Eve I'll never forget as far as I can tell.
We were sitting at the kitchen table, it was only my mother and me.
I was dreaming of Christmas morning and all the presents under the tree.
Dad wasn't doing that well and money was scarce that year.
Mama found a way of telling me without me shedding one tear.
She told me a story of a little girl and a Christmas long ago,
who came from far away, a place where it rarely snowed.
Santa was just a dream to her, but she believed so much inside,
that Christmas was going to be special, so she knelt by her bed and she cried.
"Lord, let Santa remember me if not just this one time.
I promise I won't ask for much, maybe a dolly I can call all mine."
She closed her prayer and thanked the Lord for all that she received.
She knew that Santa would really come if only she believed.
She wrote a letter to Santa, unfamiliar to most girls and boys.
Though her list was long and full, on it there were no toys.
Only things we take for granted, like new shoes or underpants,
hair bows for her sisters and gloves to warm her brothers' hands.
At the bottom of her list she asked, if it not be too much,
for a brand new baby doll she could hold and love and touch.
Then Christmas morning came and she looked beneath her tree,
Not a present to be found as far as she could see.
She didn't give up hope as she heard a knocking sound.
When she opened up her door, a great big box she found.
She called out to her mother and dad, brothers and sisters too,
She said, "My prayers were answered, there's something in here for all of you."
Her daddy got brand new boots, her mother new underpants, her sisters got beautiful hair bows, her brothers warm gloves for their hands.
Buried deep beneath the box was a brand new baby doll and a note that said, "Merry Christmas, I love you one and all."
I'll never forget that story because much to my surprise,
I saw the true meaning of Christmas shining in my mother's eyes.
For those of you who are wondering, as if you didn't know,
The little girl in Mama's story was my mother long ago.

This poem is about a childhood memory I will never forget. God bless all the mothers in this world, and may all your Christmases be ones to remember.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Once upon a time an angel held my hand.
She wiped away my tears and helped me understand
Our time on Earth is brief; there are lessons to be learned.
Each precious day God gives us, another page is turned.
Every chapter full of memories, times of joy and tears,
Triumphs and defeats, through every passing year.
She loved us unconditionally, always by our side.
When no one else would listen, in her we could confide.
With gentle words of wisdom, she led us on our way,
Down the paths of righteousness if ever we did stray.
She saw the light in everyone and gave with no regrets,
Always from her heart, let's not forget.
Angels come in many forms; for me it was my mother.
With love I cannot say in words there'll never be another.
Every day I turn the page, in my heart will ever remain
Everything she taught me as I stroll down memory lane.
Thank you, God, for giving me the most priceless of all treasures.
Help my, Lord, to keep alive her memory here forever.
I pray that I can someday be everything she hoped I would,
That she's smiling down from heaven knowing she did good.
As we gather here today, there's no ending to her story.
Another chapter has begun, full of grace and glory.
God's called her to his heavenly home, part of his great plan.
Although it may be hard, we all must understand.
Faith is what is hoped for, things we cannot see.
Heaven is promised to all of us if only we believe.