Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Family Reunion (06/05/08)
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TITLE: GIFTS: Precious Jewels, Gems and Golden Nuggets | Previous Challenge Entry
By Helen Dowd
06/08/08 -
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So I just set my thoughts adrift. I let them run, unchecked.
"It's the first time in forty years we've been together. We miss our oldest sister, killed in a car crash, and of course, our parents. To make this reunion special, something we'll all remember, here's a poem for each of you." Middle Sis.
To My Big Sis:
I'd like to take this special time to sit and reminisce
about the happy times I've spent with you, my older sis.
The memories that I have of you are keepsakes in my heart.
Like PRECIOUS JEWELS, they remain, even when we're miles apart.
My mind goes sailing back in time to when I started school.
I used to keep my eyes on you, so I could learn the rules.
And it was like that through the years.... You taught me what to do.
One night you gave your heart to God. The next night, I did too.
I followed you in childhood fun: exploring fields and caves;
our horseback rides on Saturdays; our visits to friends' graves.
You were a good companion, Sis, throughout our growing years.
And pain seemed so much easier, when we could share our tears.
***
To my Beloved Brother:
Reunions are a perfect time to think about each other. . . .
With fondness I recall the fun I had with you, dear brother.
So at this gathering let's recall some things we did together,
like paper routes, or hauling ice, in hot, or stormy weather.
We shared a bike, and sometimes shoes. You were a great companion
with which to climb the neighbour's trees, discover caves and canyons.
The lonely hours I'd baby sit improved, most definitely,
whenever you would come along, and we'd play "Monopoly."
'Though gone now are those childhood days, our memories have no budgets.
We bank them deep within our hearts, like buried, GOLDEN NUGGETS.
In life I've picked the friends I have, but God gave me my brother.
Had He left choosing up to me, I would have picked no other.
***
To my Special Sister:
Some things you won't remember, Sis. Well, so what! Nor do I.
But we have heard the stories, and our elders wouldn't lie.
They say that angels brought you. Yes, that is what they claim.
In a cabin, in a snowstorm, with no doctor's help you came.
They said you came too early, premature and blue,
And had not angels lingered, there wouldn't be a YOU.
I well recall some pleasant times. These days we'd call them, "Cool!"
I'm thinking of the time we shared a room at Bible school.
I like to keep things stationary--always stay the same.
You'd change and rearrange the room. It drove me near insane!
But all in all, we got on well. Those memories: PRECIOUS GEMS.
Some things in life are best forgot. But certainly not them.
But life moved on. You grew mature. We went our separate ways.
'Though memories may linger, our youth we can't replay.
Still sometimes we may reminisce, and sometimes still pretend.
There's one thing that is GENUINE: we're sisters, and we're friends.
***
To Baby Sis:
Our friends we each may pick and choose; a sister is A GIFT.
True! Sisters sometimes disagree, but pure love mends the rift.
With sisters we can reminisce on childhood days of yore.
And talk of times that bring a smile, and be a kid once more.
My mind goes to that August morn, when I was not yet six.
Dad brought us to the bedroom door to show us Baby Sis.
I looked into your wrinkled face. How well do I recall!
"What is it, Daddy?" I exclaimed. I thought you were a doll.
I think of all those games we played: ball, tag, and run-sheep-run.
You joined in with the five of us. You would not be outdone.
Although you were the "little one" and couldn't keep apace,
You never thought of giving up. You'd come in LAST with grace.
I thought about your middle years. You tried hard to excel.
You sang; you learned piano; 'though you could not see well.
You struggled through your teen-age years, without a guiding "MOM."
Your childhood days so soon had passed; an adult you'd become.
A HAPPY LIFE! my Baby Sis. May all your dreams come true.
One of the greatest gifts of life: a sister . . . just like you.
I Love you all. God bless!
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"In life I've picked the friends I have, but God gave me my brother.
Had He left choosing up to me, I would have picked no other."
That brought tears to my eyes because I lost my little brother to Parkinsons disease a few years ago and I would have written that to him.
What a unique and lovely entry! It speaks volumes about the author, it's well-crafted,and reads smoothly as you were careful with your meter and rhyme. You are a master at word carpentry and I would love to see you place high with this one. Kudos!!
You worked hard on those rhymes and it shows, well done.
Lisa