Through the years, I would venture to say that I have composed hundreds of poems, letters, and sayings. The recipients have been family, friends, fellow employees, periodicals, and more. I have won a few prizes, even had a few poems published. But my greatest satisfaction has been the joy my poems have brought to many people. Here are a few of my writings, the others are scattered and hopefully not forgotten.
Anne
March 1999
They tell me, even as a child
I used imagination wild
To regale folks with stories bold
Perhaps of pirates and their gold
By eighth grade when my daddy died
I had to face the hurt inside
And so I wrote about his deeds
Which seemed to help to fill my needs
By high school, it just seemed the time
To always write things out in rhyme
So each time the occasion rose
Someone got my touch of prose
For birthdays, weddings; an affair
They'd read my writings everywhere
If organizations needed a skit
I'd create one in just a bit
No salaries earned, it was just fun
I jotted words down by the ton!
As a woman, mother of four
I wrote of tales, which they'd adore
And as they grew, so did my words
Spinning rainbows, bees and birds
Describing vividly with delight
The things that made them laugh all night
Well time flies by or so it seems
I've had my fantasies and dreams
There's so much left to do and see
But this year I'll be seventy
So as the circle came around
I've dreamt of being Paris bound
To see it's sights with pad in hand
And verse the beauty of the land
Create my scenes with flowing words
For my nest of loving birds
And as they grow, they'll show with pride
A book with my sweet poems inside
A family heirloom done by me
To last for all eternity.
Anne
1997
Count your blessings everyone, as you hear the evening news
If you thought life's a failure then you'll surely change your views
A plane crash in a corn field, two children in a lake
How blessed we should feel with each daily breath we take
Mixed up men who beat their wives, and possibly do killing
Hold on to your values for the tragedies are chilling
Cling together as a group, make every day worth living
Love, respect and honor - then you'll know the joy of giving
Sanka Coffee poetry contest, second place winner, 1997
My life has had its ups and downs
I've dined with greats and laughed with clowns
But through it all I reached my peak
And found that I was quite unique
I helped raise foster children
And had four of my own at hand
They then blessed me with six more
The grandest grandkids I adore
We all do good and volunteer
And try to share our joys each year
Yes, I'm an original and would love to see
Others to share and love like me
April 1994
We were six women who faithfully came to Vegas twice a year for
twenty years. We had enough dreams, stories, and experiences to sustain
us until we returned. They called us "Ida Koole and the Gang." I was
the only one to make the move here seven years ago, but kept up with
them and looked forward to their visits.
Nothing lasts forever. Our leader, Ida, will be put to rest this week.
Her daughter told me that two decks of cards and a poker chip will be
placed somewhere in the casket; how apropos!
Ida always felt that coming to Vegas was heavenly. Pull that big lever kiddo.
I'll miss you.
July 19, 1973
I first doubled numbers when I was 11
And thought at that time boys were angels from heaven
The next double age was my year 22
When I was already a mother of two
Eleven years laster I hit 33
I had three big kids and really felt free
So now I am going to double once more
Today is the day that I am 44
Four children are mine and I'm wiser in ways
I've lived at least half my life, good and bad days
I'll cast off misfortunes and smile, for sake's alive
I still want to be around at age 55!
(and 66, 77, 88, 99 and -----)
~ See POETRY INDEX below for more of Anne's poems and stories ~
Anne
