“Writing is praying with me. You know a child would look up at every sentence and say 'And what shall I say next?' That is what I do; I ask Him that at every line He would give me not merely thoughts and power, but also every word, even the very rhymes.”
POEM OF THE MONTH
HE LOOKED LIKE MY MOM
by Jennifer Fenn
the only sounds in the house
were the squeaky wheels
of the hamster and mouse.
I got sent to bed,
whether tired or not.
I soon fell asleep,
or so my mom thought.
I was so wide awake.
Under blankets, I lurked,
until from the living room
came sounds with a jerk.
"He's here!" I thought
as I crept down the hall
to see the real Santa
once and for all.
But in the doorway, I gasped
at a sight so weird!
Santa filling stockings
had no red suit nor beard!
He wore pink pajamas.
His brown eyes were calm.
With his straight brown hair,
he looked like my mom!
Frightened, I tiptoed
down the hall back to bed.
If she heard me, I knew
I'd have something to dread!
If she'd seen me eyeing
the toys and candy galore,
I was so sure she'd take them
right back to the store!
I tossed and I turned
at what I now knew.
Those books about Santa
after all were not true!
I told myself, "Don't cry!"
Things would still be all right.
I'd seen I was getting
my long wished for bike!
JENNIFER FENN’s work has been
published in fourteen different journals, both in print and online including Brevities, Dad's Desk, Song
of the San Joaquin, Faces of the
Goddess, Nomad's Choir, Time of Singing, and National
Catholic Reporter. It has also won prizes in contests, including the
Poetry Matters contest in Georgia. Contact
UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS DAY
(Dedicated to my husband, Bob)
by Susan Marie Davniero
My husband Bob’s birthday
Is nearby Christmas Day
His December 23 birthday
Comes only two days away
Christmas Eve is tomorrow
And yet it is Bob who
follows
The Lord Jesus’ Holy way
Unwrapping Christmas Day
Wishing Bob Happy
Birthday
 |
| My husband, Bob Davniero as a baby birthday
boy Credit: Susan Marie Davniero |
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
~~~~~
BARGAINS
by Floriana Hall
Bargain Days arrive too soon
Shopping frantically for Christmas
Right after Thanksgiving
A madhouse of people grabbing
Sometimes almost fighting
For a certain toy or item
They think someone has to have.
If you want to keep your sanity
Stay away from these crazy days
And shop before them or after
Easier for calmness and laughter.
Cute stockings for kids, already found
Hang around the fireplace,
Decorating outdoors may be a good idea
Before the snow and ice forms.
Lights are enlightening to see
The image of the Christmas tree.
It reminds us of the season
When we have a special reason
To celebrate.
Buying gifts for the unfortunate
And placing them under the tree
In home or Church
Or delivering them in person
Is another way we remember
Love of others as we were told
By the One who was born and lived
The life we observe on Christmas Day.
Shopping, shopping, almost dropping
Like a wet mop dripping
We collapse on the couch
Wrapping, wrapping, bags and bows
The day is here and no one knows
Where the season went -
Parties, teas, and family fun
Will be remembered as time well spent!
FLORIANA HALL was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Ohio in June 1948, and attended Akron University. She is an author and poet of 17 inspirational books, nonfiction and poetry. All of her books are available on Amazon.com. She has five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She is the founder and coordinator of THE POET'S NOOK at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Contact Website Website
~~~~~
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
by Shirley Securro
A Christmas miracle on that day
so long ago and far away
To save us all from our
sins
One life ends; the other
begins
Was made possible through
His birth
Our heavenly Father came
down to earth
To show his love for all
to see
What more could He do
for you and me?
SHIRLEY SECURRO has been published in "Best Poems and Poets of 2005," "Who's Who In International Poetry," "Famous Poets of the Heartland," and more. She was a finalist in a chapbook contest with AMERICA "Let Freedom Reign" OUR SACRIFICES OUR HEROES by Bear House Publishing. She has designed two book covers for other authors and does poetry readings for churches, weddings, funerals, and meetings. Contact
~~~~~
COLLECTED
by Debbie Hilbish
by Debbie Hilbish
Boxes beside boxes of photo albums, contents
old as the beginning of six generations
extending beyond
no twin towers
Faces and places not always well kept or focused
Unrecognizable, even if known, but
for the penned in short notes
Elmer & Leroy at the pond 1934
Estate Auction Today
Furniture antiques collectible things,
what nots and miscellaneous items
piled high on long fold-out tables
Same as they use at church bazaars
and community annual affairs
Shuffled through
examined
pawed at
SOLD
to the highest bidder or given away
at the end of the day
Who’ll open the bid for this handsome
handmade one of a kind cribbage board
Which conjures up no images for the barterers
of Great Uncle Bert
sitting pasty-faced at the kitchen table
surrounded by mismatched chairs and
the lingering smell of cabbage
Gnarled twisted fingers idly caressing the wood
he had shaped into this very cribbage board
How many years ago? Fifty? Sixty?
Who’ll start the bid at five for this
handmade one-of-a-kind cribbage board
Five do I hear fivefivefive now six give me six
total value
equals the end sum of someone’s
lifetime of accumulated perceptible memories
DEBBIE
HILBISH has been writing poetry since she was a young
teen. Her first book of poetry was published in 2007, followed by a published
chapbook in 2010. Debbie has held poetry readings throughout the southwest and
had seminars, sponsored by Arizona and New Mexico libraries, on poetry
appreciation for young adults. She also hosted an eight week author’s fair
at The Reader’s Oasis bookstore in Quartzsite, Arizona from 2008 through 2012.
She is presently directing her energy towards working on her first novel. Contact
~~~~~
COFFEE, DAD AND ME
(In memory of Gerard Fischetti)
by Susan Marie Davniero
I was only five that Christmas morn
When I woke at the crack of dawn
I dash to look under the Christmas tree
To find a Christmas present just for me
It was a tea cup set in blue plastic
Packaging read toy Wedgewood replica
With tea cup and saucer in my hand
To the kitchen in slippers scurrying I ran
I went to pour coffee for Dad and me
He preferred coffee to a pot of tea
Drinking from my cup to my lip
Plastic bitter taste with every sip
Although just the same
Daddy didn’t want to complain
He had good taste and was polite
Even if the coffee he didn’t like
I knew he did it because he loved me
More than he loved any cup of coffee
That one Christmas season
My Dad taught me a lesson
Sometimes good taste would
Not always taste good
 |
My Dad, Gerard Fischetti, Credit: Susan Marie Davniero
|
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
~~~~~
MAKE-BELIEVE
by Nancy Haskett
An only child,
I created other worlds in my house:
closing all doors into the hallway,
making a long, quiet room
where I spread my mother’s soft,
sour-smelling bamboo beach mat,
drank pretend tea from Japanese lacquerware cups,
clicked ivory chopsticks
to eat phantom meals;
or, on rainy nights,
I formed a make-believe camp,
maybe a Conestoga wagon,
holding up top sheet and blanket
with my majorette baton functioning as a tent stake,
a flashlight reflecting off the dimples of cold steel
like sparks
of my imagination
NANCY HASKETT is a retired educator who lives in Modesto, CA. Her poetry has won numerous awards and has been printed in many places such as the collected anthology More than Soil, More than Sky; Stanislaus Connections; National League of American Penwomen website; Long Story Short ezine; Medusa's Kitchen website; Song of the San Joaquin, Iodine Journal, Penumbra and many more. When she's not writing poetry, Nancy enjoys reading, traveling, going to the gym and spending time with three grandchildren! Contact
~~~~~
WOODLAND AND GARLAND
by Floriana Hall
by Floriana Hall
Woodland and garland at this time of year
Enhance the living as winter draws near -
Into the woods they tread through light snow
And ponder at trees and leaves as they go.
One path leads to a cave, one to a lake,
Which way to go a decision to make.
Wind blows foliage remains in a swirl -
To ward of a chill, the boy hugs the girl.
The young and the young of heart smile,
A tender kiss and one more mile
To turn around, to backtrack
Back to home, a comfortable shack.
See the pine trimmed with garland,
Some popcorn, some snacks
As Christmas approaches
It's time to wrap
Presents for other, a gift-giving tree
Some cookies to bake, some TV to see,
Time to relax when the holiday shifts
Into the New Year and icy snow drifts.
Enhance the living as winter draws near -
Into the woods they tread through light snow
And ponder at trees and leaves as they go.
One path leads to a cave, one to a lake,
Which way to go a decision to make.
Wind blows foliage remains in a swirl -
To ward of a chill, the boy hugs the girl.
The young and the young of heart smile,
A tender kiss and one more mile
To turn around, to backtrack
Back to home, a comfortable shack.
See the pine trimmed with garland,
Some popcorn, some snacks
As Christmas approaches
It's time to wrap
Presents for other, a gift-giving tree
Some cookies to bake, some TV to see,
Time to relax when the holiday shifts
Into the New Year and icy snow drifts.
~~~~~
PRE-CHRISTMAS VACATION
by Patricia Crandall
by Patricia Crandall
Bundled inside a crammed vehicle are travelers 3
anticipating light-hearted amusement and camaraderie.
Daily pressures will ease off and not bring forth
his routine, her routine, a child's manacling school.
Escapees, o joy! A fire in the grate.
Popcorn popping, it's never too late
for a melange a trois to be redeemed in a cascade pool.
Voila! Ice-sculpture faces are unfrozen.
April-December days and a golden sun surprise
skiers and snowshoers desiring snowy paths.
Trickles on necks from pine tree baths
tease as melting snow slides down, unchosen.
White grass turns green beneath blue-glass skies.
PATRICIA CRANDALL has
three books in print: a thriller, THE DOG MEN, a historical volume, MELROSE:
THEN AND NOW, and a poetry book, I PASSED THIS WAY. She is currently working on
an adventure/thriller novel and a book of bottle mining adventures. She lives
with her husband on a lake in the Grafton Mountains in upstate New
York. Contact Website
~~~~~
FIREWOOD
by Richard Holleman
Firewood is wood with destiny
its purpose bright with oxygen,
embers of fervent charity.
RICHARD HOLLEMAN is a computer programmer in his early forties although he originally studied English Literature at the University of Oregon. After graduation he married his soul mate who remains with him to this day. He has been published in Awakenings Review (Spring 2011), Midstream (March 1995), and Pacifica (1996). Contact
~~~~~
C OF C MIXER
by Patricia Wellingham-Jones
The small town bank lobby swam
with Christmas decorations and good will
as the Chamber of Commerce
hosted its annual mixer.
Local bigwigs piled through the door,
I was Jenny’s guest. She smiled
at representing Friends of the Library.
Festive attire ranged from sequined knits
to camo suspenders over pot belly and saggy jeans.
I was in black with a red pashmina
flung over my shoulder, Jenny wore turquoise
over charcoal gray.
The hors d’oeuvres formed
a topographical map on the laden tables.
Hills of deviled eggs, swathes of cheese
extruded to flowers, uphill slopes
of olives and celery sticks, sinkholes
in plains of beans and tamale pie.
Idle chat, and a bit of sales pitch,
spread like lichen on stone uniting the crowd,
until the raffle began.
I, with no sweet tooth at all,
found a candy dispenser in my lap,
an item that even re-imaged
had no redeeming feature beyond re-gifting.
Sated with food, smiles stretched tight,
we retreated to the car and headed home,
chuckling at how we kicked off this holiday season.
PATRICIA WELLINGHAM-JONES is a former psychology researcher and writer/editor with poetry widely published in journals, anthologies and Internet magazines. She has a special interest in healing with poems recently in The Widow’s Handbook (Kent State University Press). Chapbooks include Don’t Turn Away: poems about breast cancer, End-Cycle: poems about caregiving, Apple Blossoms at Eye Level, Voices on the Land and Hormone Stew. Contact
~~~~~
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
by Shirley Securro
The magic of Christmas is in the air
I can see and feel it everywhere
The homes, the stores, and in the streets
The baking of cookies with all the treats
The hustle and bustle to get things done
Let's not forget it's about His Son
Born long ago and far away
Came to earth for a while to stay
To teach us all about His love
His grace and forgiveness sent from above
To change our lives to give us hope
To strive with us and help us cope
Without all this how can we live?
To trust, to believe, and forgive?
He lifts us up when we do fall
And fall we will in every way
Invite him in and He will stay
So on His birthday let us pray!
The magic of Christmas keeps us safe
Till we can get to that heavenly place!
Jesus is "The Magic of Christmas"
Happy Birthday Jesus!
SHIRLEY SECURRO has been published
in "Best Poems and Poets of 2005," "Who's Who In
International Poetry," "Famous Poets of the Heartland," and
more. She was a finalist in a chapbook contest with AMERICA "Let Freedom Reign" OUR SACRIFICES OUR HEROES
by Bear House Publishing. She has designed two book covers for other authors
and does poetry readings for churches, weddings, funerals, and meetings. Contact
~~~~~
IN GOD'S HOUSE
by Ginny Cope
In God's House there's a perfect environment,
Captivated by looks, personality, faith.
This is for eternity from this day forward
For richer, for poorer, and in sickness
There is no violence, vulgarity and rage,
Only patience, security, home and trust.
Seeking only comfort, beauty, peace
Streets of Gold and many mansions
Unity and God's Will, love, happiness, grace,
Protection, independence, contentment.
The love of God is wider than any ocean
And much deeper than all the seas
Higher than all the rocky mountains,
And as steadfast as he can be.
We can never earn or work to get it
But in God's House nothing is impossible
Having favor on my life can't be measured,
We read about it in the Bible
Through His Grace to you and me
Hearing the songs of angels as they sing
GINNY COPE was born in Silver Springs, Maryland and she was
raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She is now married and a housewife. Her hobbies
include art, music, singing, writing, poetry, short stories, short plays, and
short screenplays. She has received two awards from the Famous Poets Society in
Talent, Oregon. These include the Editor’s Choice Awards in two anthology
books. She is a VIP Alumni. She plans on continuing writing poetry, short
stories, short plays and short screen plays for journal magazines such as the
Poet’s Market. She has had one other poetry magazine called Write On! Poetry Magazette publish four of her poems
from the Poet’s Market in Fairfield, Utah.
~~~~~
CHRISTMAS LOVE 2014
by Floriana Hall
by Floriana Hall
But it is the present that I know,
This amazing miracle takes place each year,
The birth of the Christ child held so dear.
Time to gather mistletoe and holly,
Time to welcome Santa, too, so jolly
His stomach jiggles with laughter
And his presents last one day after.
For babies, that is,
Who go back to pots and pans,
Bang spoons on them
Or drum with tiny hands.
The gifts we give each other
Show our love of family, all brothers
Hugging, kissing, listening
While the Christmas tree is glistening.
Choirs praise with angels’ wings
Heavenly voices in church will sing
The brightest star will shine above,
Christmas is Christ showing worldly love.
FLORIANA HALL was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Ohio in June 1948, and attended Akron University. She is an author and poet of 17 inspirational books, nonfiction and poetry. All of her books are available on Amazon.com. She has five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She is the founder and coordinator of THE POET'S NOOK at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Contact Website Website
~~~~~
A CHRISTMAS TOAST
by C. David Hay
Let's tip a glass to Christmas Past
And times we held so dear,
For now's the time to reminisce
And sip a bit of cheer.
Dwell not on sorrow in our lives
But raise our spirits high;
Though cherished ones may go their way,
Their memories never die.
Give prayer for virtues that we have,
Forgive the ones we lack;
Keep our sight on future goals
And failure at our back.
Make a vow to treasured friends
To always keep in touch -
The things we take for granted
Are the ones that mean so much.
Live our lives as best we can,
That peers may one day say:
We left the world a better place
Because we passed this way.
And times we held so dear,
For now's the time to reminisce
And sip a bit of cheer.
Dwell not on sorrow in our lives
But raise our spirits high;
Though cherished ones may go their way,
Their memories never die.
Give prayer for virtues that we have,
Forgive the ones we lack;
Keep our sight on future goals
And failure at our back.
Make a vow to treasured friends
To always keep in touch -
The things we take for granted
Are the ones that mean so much.
Live our lives as best we can,
That peers may one day say:
We left the world a better place
Because we passed this way.
C. DAVID HAY is a retired dentist residing in Indiana. He is a graduate of Indiana University and IU School of Dentistry. He is the author of five books of poetry. He has been widely published and has had his poetry read on the British Broadcasting Channel. Dr. Hay has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize in Poetry and is recipient of the Ordo Honoris award from Kappa Delta Rho. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IUSD. He is an avid scholar and collector of Native American artifacts. Contact
~~~~~
BON APPETIT TO YESTERYEAR
(In memory of Grandma Bridget Cioffi)
by Susan Marie Davniero
New Year's Eve of the
past
Good old days do not last
Yet memories I can still
taste
Welcome to Grandma's home
Scent of homemade pizza roams
Escaping from kitchen
room
Suddenly it's New Year's
Eve
Midnight pizza pie
is served
Yearly family tradition preserved
Slice of Grandma's years
Fall of nostalgia tears
Bon appétit to
yesteryear
 |
| Grandma and Grandpa Bridget and Joseph Cioffi with granddaughters Susan, Teresa and Laura, Credit: Susan Marie Davniero |
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
Christmas, merry Christmas!
Is it really come again?
With its memories and greetings,
With its joys and with its pain
There's a minor in the carol,
And a shadow in the light,
And a spray of cypress twining
With the holly wreath tonight.
And the hush is never broken
By laughter, light and low,
As we listen in the starlight
To the "bells across the snow."
Christmas, merry Christmas!
'Tis not so very long
Since other voices blended
With the carol and the song!
If we could but hear them singing
As they are singing now,
If we could but see the radiance
Of the crown on each dear brow;
There would be no sigh to smother,
No hidden tear to flow,
As we listen in the starlight
To the "bells across the snow."
O Christmas, merry Christmas!
This never more can be;
We cannot bring again the days
Of our unshadowed glee.
But Christmas, happy Christmas,
Sweet herald of good will,
With holy songs of glory,
Brings holy gladness still.
For peace and hope may brighten,
And patient love may glow,
As we listen in the starlight
To the "bells across the snow."
Read the entire poem at:
For the poet’s biography, see:
Quoted for educational purposes only.
All work the copyright of the respective authors.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
BACK TO
VOTED ONE OF WRITER'S DIGEST'S
101 BEST WEBSITES FOR WRITERS
FOR NINE CONSECUTIVE YEARS!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
