Excerpt for Laila - A Special Lady by Susan Pepper, available in its entirety at Smashwords

One Spring Day


The flowers bloomed out for awhile

One day when it was very mild

But then, alas, that night there came

Low temperatures and freezing rain


They held their petals to toward the sky

Then they wondered, why oh why

Did they feel so very pooped

As their hung their heads and drooped


The poor things did not have a chance

No overcoats nor woolen pants

They could not stand that kind of weather

They just laid down and died together


Mother Nature has a funny way

Just let them bloom out for a day

Letting us think it was spring

Then she had to do her thing


Made all the pretty flowers die

Brought a teardrop to our eye

Yet we look back upon that day

When everything was bright and gay


Then we look ahead and smile

We know that in a little while

The sun will shine then warm rain

Will bring the flowers back again


The Horses


Trot, trot, trot down the road

Come the horses three

Racing, as their riders goad

Them on to victory


Tired and sweating, running fast

Each one doing his best

The race is over at long last

And all the horses rest

Little Pigs


Two Little pigs in a pen

Rolling in the mud

Grunting and snorting when you go in

To give them some food


Fat and lazy, just like me

Relaxing all day through

Doing nothing but getting dirty

Not at all like you


Little Rabbits


The little rabbits jump and jump

In the fields today

The little doggies like to romp

And scare the birds away


The little kittens play hide and seek

In the grass so green

The biddies with their cheep, cheep, cheep

Are a sight to be seen


To My Grandchildren


Dearest kids, we're proud of you

Your report cards were a whiz

We knew already how you could do

But it is good to hear of this


Three smart children, that you are

Your minds are open wide

What you are learning over there

You will keep stored up inside


There will be good to learn and bad

So just you keep in mind

Do not follow every fad

Cling to the better kind


Study what is right to do

Stick to it every day

Let not others mislead you

Just do your own right way


There are many good things

To look forward to

So what your future brings

Is entirely up to you


This world is not the easiest place

To live and grow up in

But you won't fall upon your face

If you refrain from sin


Disprove what many adults say

That youth is for the birds

Let your lights shine along the way

Make them eat their words


Show them, make them see

That you can climb so far

Prove to them how youth can be

How very smart you are


There will be happiness in your hearts

As you grow and mature

When you do not depart

From all things good and pure


You know Granddaddy and I

Think you are very smart

You are the apple of our eye

And special in our heart


We love you,

Grandma


Report Card Time


The day has come, at last it's here

The one you have dreaded all the year

Report card time, good or bad

You must show it to mom and dad


Your grades, in each of your studies

You will compare with your buddies

An A in reading, a B in art,

That isn't too bad for a start


The music grade is not so bad

The science and math grades make you glad

You wonder why you dreaded this day

On conduct you also get an A


You run home in a hurry

Because you do not have a worry

Your report card is very good

Your mom and dad knew you could


They are very proud of you

For doing as they knew you'd do

Wherever you go, it is our guess

That you will always do your best


To Michael


I came down and took your bed

And yet you did not care

But love to me you gave instead

You seemed to want me there


Just living over the little while

I spent there with you

Brings to my heart a smile

Thinking of the things you'd do


I can still see you there

Can still hear you call

“Here comes a nut in his underwear”

You helped me have a ball


Just keep on being the boy you are

A loveable little lad

Thank you so much for your share

In the perfect week I had


To Robin


The week I spent with you

Was perfect as could be

Although I always knew

Just what you meant to me


In this week you got closer still

To this heart filled with love

For you, Michael and Karen I feel

Like thanking the Lord above


You are wonderful grandchildren three

I adore you every one

Let me take this opportunity

To thank you for much fun


Stay the sweet thing you are

So loving, happy and smart

Just know, honey, that we care

You are forever in our heart.


To Karen


Little, loveable, dainty and sweet

A doll from your head to your feet

Pretty blond hair and eyes of blue

This picture I have now of you


Oh that I were there again

To watch you playing with your friends

To hold you in my arms again

To watch you pout, and then a grin


Thank you dear, for being yourself

Part-time angel, part-time elf

Thank you for helping to make my stay

Just so perfect in every way


Little One


Little one, little one

What do you do?

Play outdoors and have fun

While we dream of you?


Are you talking; are you growing?

Do you wear a happy smile?

We are asking so we'll be knowing

That you're happy all the while


There's much loving, there's much pining

For you in our hearts

But we cannot go on whining

Because we are apart


So we'll think of the time to come

When we see you again

In the meantime, just have fun

And keep that winning grin


We love you very, very much

Regardless of what you do

On you we have a great big crush

'Cause there's just one like you


Little Man


Little man, little man

How are you today?

I know you're doing the best you can

In your work and play


Grandson, so sweet, so dear

With a personality all your own

That darling smile and face so fair

Would melt a heart of stone


As the many days go by

Since you left us here

We think of you and almost cry

That's how much we care


Of you we are very proud

You are a very special lad

You'd stand out in any crowd

Think I and your grandad


We love you very much, you bet

You're the apple of our eye

No matter how big you get

You'll be as sweet as apple pie


Hoppy's Secret


There was something which made me laugh

As I walked through the garden path

Old Hoppy Toad so big and round

Was hop, hop, hopping on the ground


He stopped awhile to rest his back

He winked at me, and that's a fact

I could not help but wonder then

Just where that hoppy toad had been


Had he spent the winter in the cold

Or buried himself down in a hole

Or maybe in the grasses deep

To rest himself and then to sleep


Just where do you think he'd stay

Every night and every day?

Maybe in the basement warm

Doing no one a bit of harm


Or maybe like a little mouse

Creeping silently in the house

Do you suppose he did stay there,

Maybe in Grandad's favorite chair?


Is that why he winked so bold?

The secret he had could not be told

As he hopped around and played

Only he knew where he'd stayed


To My Son


Honey, there is just no way

To tell you how much we care

Nor how many times a day

We wish to be with you there


I know not if my prayers

Are ever even heard

Nor buckets of my tears

Will do you any good


But there are others here

Who are praying for you too

So God will keep you in His care

And stay right there with you


As unworthy as I feel

When I pray to Him above

I know that He can heal

And will heal you, my love


He knows how good you are

How proud we are of you

Just how we want you near

To do what we can do


Though this cannot be

We especially thank him for

Your wonderful family

And friends who can be there


We love them every one

How much they cannot know

For helping you, our son,

When things for you are low


We send each of you our love

And our good wishes too

We pray to Him above

To bring happiness and health to you.


We feel that over here

We cannot do our part

Please know, our dearest dear

You are in our minds and hearts.

To a Co-worker


Nancy dear you should know

We hate of see you go

You have been an inspiration to us all

Getting to know you has been fun

You have been there for everyone

But we understand that you must heed the call


We wish for you the best

Because you deserve no less

Than good health, wealth and future happiness

Through joy, sadness or strife

You will make the most of life

Therefore your life will be a great success


With you there will go

Much love from us, you know

And a prayer that you will stay just as you are

Smiling, friendly, kind and true

Doing your best in what you do

With these good traits you will travel far


May we say as you depart

Always keep Christ in your heart

May you serve him well each hour of every day

So to you we say God speed

May He furnish what you need

May He guide you each step you take along life's way


This Boy


This boy is full of life and fun

It is hard to know what he will do

One minute he has a joke or pun

The next he is mad at you


He handles snakes and lowly things

The things we would not dare

He catches birds with broken wings

And gives them tender care


He keeps his pockets very full

Of rocks and screws and nails

He even dives down in the pool

To catch some slimy snails


He hates to bathe or comb his hair

When he goes out to play

There are so many treasures there

For him to find today


He just might find a dog that's lost

Or a squirrel with a bushy tail

Or a spider web covered with frost

Or an old, rusty water pail


Or a lot of colored string

A red wagon without wheels

Or the first flower of the spring

Growing wild in the fields


He may come home with a leaky hose

Or a piece of old clay pipe

With dirt and mud upon his clothes

Where he had chased a kite


Each day is an adventure new

As he goes forth to explore

Each things he finds is a clue

As to where to look for more


His heart is as big as it can be

He is loving, kind and good

This grandson means so much to me

I would not change him if I could

My Grandchildren


Another weekend has gone by

Here we sit and wonder why

You have to be so far away

We cannot see you every day


Pretty Robin, full of fun

And you are not the only one

There's handsome Michael, little man

Having fun where e'er you can


Beautiful Karen with eyes so blue

Wearing a smile whatever you do

Because you love us, we're proud too

Because we adore each one of you.


We think of you every day

The things you do, the things you say

You're our grandchildren and as such

We love you very, very much


P.S.


I am really not a poet

When you read this you will know it

I'm feeling sentimental and blue tonight

So these lines I decided to write.


To Linda and “Japee”


What a thrill to hear your voices

Though you're so far away

Oh, that we could have a choice

We'd hear it every day


Most of the time I'm sure we fail

To show how much we care

Right now though I'd like to tell

We think you are a perfect pair


Linda, we hold you very dear

For “Japee” we'd want no other

With you beside him we have no fear

You’re a wonderful wife and mother


“Japee”, be thankful and say a prayer

Of thanks to him above

A family like yours is very rare

A family full of love


Count your blessings one by one

As we are counting too

Your little family, our oldest son,

We're so proud of each of you


Thank you so much for the gift

For birthday and Mother's Day

It really gave me quite a lift

And made my heart feel gay


Just to talk to you two

From way across the miles

Was the best thing you could do

To add to life some smiles


So thanks again for calling me

And making dreams come true

For making my day so happy

May the Lord bless both of you.


To Kathy On Her Wedding Day


This is a big step you are taking

A whole new life you will be making

Enter into it without fear or dread

There is much happiness for you ahead


Work together in one accord

To love one another and serve the Lord

Keep on your face that pretty smile

Make every day you live worthwhile


In each and everything you do

Work together to make dreams come true

Pray that you both shall keep

Faith in each other, constant and deep


Pray that you shall always be

United in love and harmony

Know that our sincerest wish for you

Is for happiness your whole life through


We Love You


Your Grandpa and Grandma too

Think you are all so dear

We want to tell each one of you

Just how much we care


Sometimes it is hard to express

Our feelings, sound and true

So we will ask our God to bless

And please take care of you


As we say our prayers each day

Thank Him for blessings old and new

We always very humbly pray

That He will be there with you


There are so many, many ways

He lets us know He's there

From the things you do, the things you say

We know you are in His care


Thanksgiving Time


I read a poem long ago

Of Thanksgiving at Grandma's house

Where all the family gather, you know,

And wait 'til dinner was done


There was a big fat turkey, cakes and pies

And lots of laughter and fun

Just thinking brings tears to my eyes

It makes me so lonesome


It is impossible for us to do

As they did so long ago

It doesn't help us to feel blue

Or make our spirits low


Even though you're far away

And can't be with us this year

We wish for you a happy day

Because we hold you dear


Anywhere you happen to be

Although we're miles apart

May God bless the whole family

This comes right from the heart.


Happy Thanksgiving!


To Japee


Somehow dear, it is very hard

To send your message on this card

Our innermost thoughts so hard to convey

Trying to tell you how you're loved today


I certainly wonder just how to start

To tell each child of their place in our heart

Each one is special, that you must know,

Our pride in our children continues to grow


We love and respect you, number one son

We are so proud of the good you have done

We do want to help you if ever we can

But what can we do for such a big man?


So big to his family, so big to his friends

Born with a sweetness that never ends

Our thoughts and our prayers are there with you, hon

We love you so dearly, our first-born son


To Linda


Just a little note to say

You are on our minds again today

So without any more ado

Here is what we think of you


From the day you wed our son

With him you have been number one

Would you believe, with me and paw,

You are a number one daughter-in-law?


In our opinion there is no other

Better wife or better mother

If all were like you, there'd be a lot

Less teenage crime and tommyrot


We are thankful for the day

You came into our lives to stay

Anything for you we would do

Because of our great love for you


The Snow


The wind is blowing the snow around

Upon the trees, upon the ground

The white, light flakes are coming fast

Oh boy! We will have a blast.


We grab our sleds and hunt a hill

Once in awhile we take a spill

We jump right up and try again

The snow is prettier than the rain


We ride and play for hours and hours

Down the hill and back again

We can hardly feel the chill

While we are sledding on the hill


Then we hear mamma calling

In we trod, stumbling, falling

She waits with a smile on her face

A cup of hot chocolate in each place


The indoors then feels so snug

We all give her a great big hug

Each of us get sleepy andn still

As we think of our day on the hill


What is Alaska Like?


Just what is Alaska like

Besides just being cold?

Is it true there is just night

As I have been told?


Do you ever hear the birdies sing?

Do you see any flowers?

Can you tell Autumn from Spring?

Are there any daylight hours?


Can you see mountains, covered white?

Do you ever have any rain?

Does it fill your heart with delight?

Do you wish you were here again?


Is it hard to walk to school?

Is there a store nearby?

Do you ever see an unfrozen pool,

Or see a blue, blue sky?


Do you ever find it strange

Or wonder why you are there?

Do you really like the change?

Or does everything look bare?


Write and tell me all about it

Please, please enlighten me

For I am just a dumb nitwit

Who doesn't know her geography.


Finding the Lord


The days are long

The nights are cold

There is no song

No hand to hold

No flowers bloom

No birds to sing

No lovely moon

No bells to ring

Just dark despair

Awaiting here

No one to care

Just doubt and fear


The sun does rise

Birds burst into song

This heart of mine

Beats loud and long

The trumpets sound

We are in accord

There is joy around

I have found the Lord

He reaches down

With a hand to hold

The joy I've found

Cannot be told


No coldness here

Nor dark despair

Nor dread, nor fear

Someone does care

Here is my hand

Here is my heart

I am in His band

I am a part

Someone does care

I have a friend

Please join us here

On Him depend


Your sun will shine

Your bells will ring

Your heart, as mine,

Will surely sing

Give Him your hand

Follow it through

Join in his band

He cares for you

Give Him your heart

For guidance pray

It is a start

He will show the way.


This Christmas


It isn't like the ones we had

In the years gone by

Thinking back makes me sad

Now there's only you and I


Our children gone and far away

The home seems empty now

It was so bright and loud and gay

We miss it all somehow


Dad, if I had one Christmas wish

I know what it would be

Just a giant-size candy dish

Under our Christmas tree


With many little hands to take

As much as they could eat

Dad, I think my heart will break

For the sounds of little feet


Dad, though my love for you

Has grown in all our years

At Christmastime I get so blue

And shed a lot of tears


Each year we hope and long and pray

That this will be the one

Our children will surprise us this day

And spend Christmas in our home


But each year they plan other things

They and their children dear

Instead of gifts, why can't they bring

Themselves to be with us this year


They are bringing food and everything

There are all the grandchildren we adore

Dad, doesn't it make your heart sing

To know they are here once more


We have the noise of little feet

And laughter bright and gay

Come dad, our children we shall great

Thank you, good Lord, for this day.

It's Christmas Time


Christmastime is here again

What a beautiful time of year

With berries red and leaves of green

The holly does appear


The fir trees, the mistletoe

The decorated doors

Against the lovely falling snow

Again our spirits soar


These are busy, hectic days

With excitement in the air

It never ceases to amaze

The children sweet and dear


There are carolers here and there

Their voices loud and clear

Ringing in the cold night air

Heard both far and near


Let us always keep in mind

The miracle of that great night

Let us always seek to find

The good things and the right


Take a little time at Christmas

To meditate and pray

To keep in mind that Christmas

Is a holy holiday


A Time for Reminiscing


We reminisce of things gone by

Sometimes we laugh, again we cry

We dwell most on the happy days

The beautiful things, the sun's bright rays


We remember family and old friends

Where love for us never ends

There are other things we can't forget

A favorite toy, a favorite pet


A play we saw, a book we read

A baby crying to be fed

When little sister fell at play

And we helped to kiss her tears away


The very favorite house we had

Our next-door neighbor, the freckled lad

A favorite meal on Friday night

When we completely forgot our diet


A friendly card, a loving note

Shopping for a brand new coat

Walking with Mama, hand in hand

Christmas shopping, oh how grand


Going to church with the family

The good feeling of Christianity

The occasional smile on brother's face

When he played a trick or won a race


The first meal we cooked alone

The words of praise when it was done

A birthday party we had planned

Our first horn lesson with the band


The stern expression Daddy had

When one of us did something bad

The look of pride shining in his eyes

When we were especially nice


The autumn leaves – red, green and gold

The weather changing from warm to cold

The frightening witches and ghosts we'd meet

When we went out to trick-or-treat


The feeling of pure ecstasy

When we trimmed the Christmas tree

The March winds, the April showers

The little buds bursting into flowers


The Fourth of July celebration

Going to the beach for a vacation

The feeling of sadness when summer ends

Going back to school to join our friends


All these things and many more

In our hearts and minds we store

We thank You, Father, and may You bless

The times we have to reminisce.


Competition


Darling, your poem was delightful

As cute as it could be

Though I find it quite frightful

To have competition in the family


Happy New Year to each of you

May each day bring happinness

May you do the things you want to do

Including cleaning up that mess


May you each stay as you are

As loveable as you can be

Because you we adore

You are an ideal family


May this year bring to you wealth

In all of life's best things

May you all enjoy good health

And have all a good year brings


May the Lord take good care of you

And keep you in His care

We've asked Him to look after you

For us while you are there


We just want to say again

What in your hearts you know

The separations still bring pain

Because we love you so


To My Co-Workers


Wear a smile with your uniform

Let your light shine through

A lot of tact, a little charm

Can do so much for you


Start each day with a prayer

Just do the best you can

Give each patient tender, loving care

As you lend a helping hand


Do unto them as you would have them do

Circumstances could be reversed

You never know when it could be you

So put the patient first


Always look to God above

As you go about each daily chore

Show compassion, kindness and love

They could not ask for more


Together we can meet the needs

Of all the patients in our care

With kindly thoughts and kindly deeds

We can have a good new year.


My Horse


Ribbons, ribbons everywhere

We won them, you and I

The many victories we share

Have raised our spirits high


You run, then you jump awhile

And put on quite a show

I sit upon your back and smile

The word from here is go.


The crowds who watch are very tense

As other crowds have been

But we are under no suspense

We know who is going to win


I love you, dear horse of mine

You have made me very proud

The two of us together shine

In this horse show crowd


Someday you will get old

Then you can't jump nor run

You won't be left out in the cold

We'll still have lots of fun


I'll give you sugar every day

And an apple now and then

I'll sweep your stall and feed you hay

And keep your coat so clean


Then you and I will reminisce

Then maybe you'll feel blue

On your nose I'll plant a kiss

'Cause, horsey, I love you.


Get Involved


Show that you care

That you are concerned

Be alert, be aware

There are things to be learned


Keep an open mind

For new and better ways

You will surely find

More interesting days


Widen your vision

Add to knowledge and skill

Let growth in wisdom

Never stand still


This learning will be for

More interesting living

As you open each door

You will also be giving


Make a resolution

To show that you care

A perfect solution

To grow and to share


There are roads untraveled

Problems unsolved

There are puzzles unraveled

Go on, get involved.


Hope


When nothing seems right

And we are down in the dumps

We feel we look a fright

As we take all the bumps


When clouds hover over

When our whole day seems wrong

The blooms leave the clover

The birds lose their song


When the green grass turns brown

We lose sight of our goal

Our morale goes down

The warm days turn cold


When our spirits are low

No one seems to care

Life seems full of woe

We are deep in despair


When our day seems dreary

Everything is out of place

We are very weary

Of the whole human race


We can look up above

We can talk with the Lord

He will show us His love

As He has said in His Word


We can kneel down and pray

We can tell our Lord all

He will show us the way

He will not let us fall


Lift our eyes up above

Be humble, say a prayer

Just give Him our love

Let Him know that we care


Our sun then will shine

The grass will turn green

The day will be fine

It will change the whole scene


There will be a song in our heart

A smile on our face

We will feel a great part

Of His wonderful grace


As our faith we renew

When we talk with this friend

Our troubles seem few

As His love does descend


Our reward will be great

All hate He will destroy

So why should we wait

To have a heart full of joy


Is it not worth our while

To take time to pray

To turn a frown to a smile

On a wonderful day


Special Lady


The world is full of people

But there are just a few

Who dedicate their lives

To others, like you do


Your heart is full of love

And you are always there

To help in time of need

To show how much you care


Your hands are always busy

Doing work for those who can't

Your unselfishness and kindness

Are truly Heaven-sent


Your lips – never complaining -

Give encouragement to all

Each loved one knows you'll hurry

To help them when they call


A truly special lady

To relatives and friends

Someone they can count on

Whose compassion never ends


You give your time so gladly

There's no way to measure your worth

You've earned your place in Heaven

By your good works here on earth



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