Poems by Kathy J. Parenteau

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.