Author: xapatotheworld

  • Poem: Leo and Rachel’s Shoe

    This poem is part of a collection inspired by my cousin’s 4 yr old daughter, Rachel.  On my 21st bday, instead of going out to party (which I’m not into anyways), she and I were outside of my grandparent’s house in Pittsburgh catching lightning bugs and playing with a imaginary lion named Leo.  It inspired me to write several pieces about Rachel and this lion.  Rachel has/had a lisp, so I put that into the poems.  They rhyme scheme may seem a little choppy, but I’m hoping to make these into books, and then one stanza will be on each page.  Let me know what you think!

    July 14th, 2005

    Little Rachel didn’t know what to do.
    Her favorite lion was lost
    And with him was her shoe.

    Last night when they were hunting
    For lizards and snakes and such
    He had taken her shoe for squishing
    Spiders and she hadn’t cared that much.

    But this morning, she was worried.
    She would be late for school
    And her mother was hurried!

    Where did he put it? She thought for a moment.
    Under the palm trees of the deserted island?
    Or maybe he had left it in the camping tent,
    Or buried it under the ocean’s sand!

    She ran outside and called his name.
    “Weo!” She shouted and
    Around the corner he came.

    His tail was tucked between his legs.
    “I knew you’d call if I kept your shoe.
    I really want some bacon and eggs.”
    Little Rachel didn’t know what to do!

    She told Leo she had to go to school
    She would play with him later
    And maybe go to the pool.

    So Leo the lion gave her the shoe
    He watched her get on the bus.
    “I’ll be home in a wittle while, too!
    So pwease don’t make a big fuss!”

    Sarah ><>

  • Poem: Mr. Teddy

    This poem is…a very tough one for me to read sometimes.  I wrote it in the perspective of a little girl whose mother had recently died of Aids.  A little girl in Africa was in my mind, and she had a little teddy bear…a little teddy bear which she told everything.  No rhyme scheme, but there is a dialect written into the piece, so I hope you can hear it when you read it.  Thanks!

    July 6th, 2005

    Mr Teddy? Are you awake?
    I’m a little scared and it’s very dark.
    I hope I don’t squeeze you too tight.
    Just tell me if I do, ok?

    Are you getting wet, Mr Teddy?
    I’m sorry. I can’t stop my tears.
    I think I’m more wet than you though.

    You know very well why I’m cryin’.
    You have ears too, you know!
    Yes, you do. They’re sittin’ right on top o’ your head.
    I see them. I do.

    And your eyes can see too.
    You saw them take her away,
    With my favorite blanket over her head.

    I miss my blanket. Momma stitched it for me,
    Just for me, not for you.
    Why would you need a blanket like that?
    I don’t want it back though.

    No, she’s not comin’ back.
    I know a’cause Abby said so.
    Abby wouldn’t lie to me, ‘cept just that once.

    You do too remember, my goodness!
    Remember when the doctor came over.
    Abby said he was for Gramma,
    But he was for Momma.

    Gramma did get sick and she left too.
    Momma said she went to Jesus.
    I guess that’s where Momma is too.

    Last week Momma said Abby would watch me
    And take care of us.
    You better be more careful a’cause
    Abby doesn’t stitch like Momma did.

    You might fall apart a’fore you know it.
    Mr Teddy, please be careful
    So you can stay a long time with me.

    Momma said if I hugged you, you would hug her.
    You must do it when I’m gone
    A’cause I always see you when I’m here
    And Momma’s not here no more.

    I’m tired now and I think I’m out of tears.
    Momma always said I could cry a river.
    Good night, Mr Teddy. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.

    Sarah ><>

  • Poem: Faded Glory

    May 26th, 2005

    This place which You created,
    The earth I call my home,
    Is a beautiful workmanship
    That calls me out to roam.

    Every eyeful I receive
    Brings my thoughts closer to You,
    But it’s all a faded glory
    You’ve told me this is true.

    No matter where I go
    I see it and I know,
    There’s something greater set apart
    For this race of man, dull of heart.
    I hear it in my ears,
    And I feel it in my tears,
    Both we and earth were made for more
    and so this heart of mine implores,

    Take me to the place
    Where Your glory’s clearly seen
    Where my heart is just as rest –
    Yes, I know I’ve never been

    But it’s right where You are
    And my heart won’t hold the scars
    Of the brokenness I felt
    When I left You and fell.

     – Sarah ><>