When I was a little girl, having grown weary from braiding countless tall blades of grass,
I lay staring at clear blue sky, listening, repeating verses you set to tune and strummed.  
It was morn of your twenty something birthday, who, but you, knew I was gifted in song?
Uncle, you heard a girl echo your words, then called me over, asking me to sing with you.  

I was thinking of you as I sang one of the songs you wrote so long ago, seems a lifetime.
I think and remember all the good times and when you'd say, "Come on little bit, get it!"
That while you were strumming your guitar and showing me some of your how to's.  
Miss you much, musically gifted with meeting of minds, best guitar walker in the place.

At studio, had memories of you and the happy times and, of what you meant to me,
closed my eyes a few times while running songs with guitarist, sighed, he wasn't you.  
I wondered during session, if anyone but you, would've recognize in me what you saw.
May you rest in peace and wish you had the chance to realize how gifted you were.

I will forever treasure the smart, strong, inovative, loving, caring,(I could go on and on),
men in my life who set examples, giving me knowledge needed to pass on to my sons.
Loved you so much! You were a fellow musician, my protector, my guru, my friend.  
I still grieve your loss and celebrate your life and fact that you always found humor in life.

Retailers hope to net profits with the overlapping of holiday seasons.
Thanksgiving is yet to be history; but, out comes the Christmas trimmings.
No big surprise seeing holiday reminders arriving and filling mail box,
comes with pre-season, this early blitz of commercials on tv now the net.

Early arrival of holiday brings bell ringers standing between shopper's exit,
a failure to repeat and repeat donations, brings looks of extreme displeasure.
Each and every time you enter or exit discount, drug, and many retail stores,
shoppers face not only bell ringers; but, 365 days donate at register requests.

Most can't equal billion dollar give aways by Bill and Melinda Gates' circle.
Most work extremely hard and donate but also choose to live on budgets.
I donate and have nothing against charities; but, how much should one give?
Retailers, putting shoppers on the spot, asking for donations upon check out?

Never a pinch penny when it comes to sharing when there's an "actual" need,
generosity is always a personal choice, I let guilt not be my companion in giving.
Multiple donations to canister's of amnesiac holiday bell ringers? Wont happen!
Nothing against legit charities; but, giving until you're broke, you "will" be needy.

From American shores bordering the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic and beyond,
I'm very proud to join the tribute and celebration of Veterans both dead and alive.
You've served this country, our friends and neighbors, both domestic and abroad,
giving so much of yourselves without selfish thought or huge financial rewards.
Joining the salute of "all" Veterans and no words could ever hope to convey gratitude
felt by me and all who appreciate and honor your sacrifice and a job so well done.

Up early as usually but this time with a mission to complete Halloween Costumes.
Not a pain free day most definitely, but have kids who rely on me to be a good mom.

Everyone has haters; the two faced, "your girls" wanting your guy or envy clothes style,
or randoms you never met, desiring your life, home or new car bought with hard work.

Most days what's posted on sites about me makes not a bit of difference in my world,
I ignore and move on with my life, know haters have nothing better to do than gossip.

No news is good news and nothing from my usual "Town Criers" saying "Guess What?"
One day got messages in text, "You have been labeled Babylon's ***** by Craiglisters!"

Not a "lol" nor "Roflmao" situation. Thinking, What in the world? and How in the world?
Me, Ms. Abstaining and they, who love assuming and posting drama without thought.

Their world; small town America and believers of truth in "all" internet rumors and media,
not willing to give benefit of doubt, once minds, so limited in thought, have been made up.

E-mail inquiries from potential employers I never met from destinations far far away,
asking and informing that person with such low morals shall never be part of their world.

Drama finds me and neither welcome nor do I seek it out, way too emotionally draining,
believer in live and let live, authored "Celibacy" poem to stop jokes made to my kids.

Who knew that trying for your dreams could bring forth bringers or illogical pure hatred?
Who knew that emotions of my children whom I love, would be affected by narrow minds?

After family conference and with full support, by the way, had to explain "*****" to son,
this mom carries on and still on second journey pursuing dreams and making realities.

If I give up dreams it will never be because someone posted bold faced lies on open forum,
it will be because I choose to do it with good reasons and those reasons are mine alone.

Pitfalls? Have been numerous. Will? Strong and still determined to see this through to end.
Tomorrow isn't promised and hear my dad say, "Daughter, go forth and let haters be fuel!"

Proud to be celibate and writing "not" from a place called "be ashamed".  
Touchy subject and taboo to most, this discussion of abstinence.
For me it's about keeping most intimate physical part of my being,
untouched by man until heart joins in marriage to the one I love.
Not judging lifestyle choices or anyone who makes personal decisions
based upon their own beliefs and what they feel is right for them.
Times I've been in love? Proud to say, I can count on only "one" hand.
My body "is" my temple and all parts to be shared only with my true love.

Early bad memory of writings; teacher accused me of plagiary.
Untruth, but at age eight, was thought words far "too" advanced.
Same holds true with drawings and paintings entered in contests.
"No child her age could create these!" was written to my mother.
"It is our expert opinion that her entries are from someone else."
No interest in turth, but came to me disqualifications; that's life!
With an understanding that you find my words a great read,
your imitations are flattering, but they're not your life or truths.
Writing for me comes easy, been that way seems all my life,
always something happening that inspires just the right words.
Wont ramble on and hoping you will remove and not repeat.

I never let what that teacher said or the people who refused to believe
that I could create art stop me from being who I was born to be.

Vous serez toujours dans mon coeur.
Vous serez egalement mon port dans la tempete.
Essayant de ne pas faire trop d'erreurs,
si je le fais, sourire, t'aime mon ami.