Rhyme & Reason - a reason to rhyme

When infants start to notice  All their surroundings, near, Their parents, extended family, Those, who hold them dear. They tend to copy actions, Most automatically, A smile, a laugh, an action, Their innate response, see. Believe it  or b'lieve it not, That 'copy' trait is seen Even in our four legged friends, D'they have that 'copy Gene'? Recall an instance, years ago, Pet dog of family, Watched me yawn, then he did it too, It was a sight to see.

My father was hard worker, A tradesman, great, was he, In Belfast city centre His work displayed, to see. Aft' working with the company, Some private calls he'd make, Sunday was the only day That he would get a break. If he came home aft' supper, Reheated, was, his meal,  A quick scan of the paper, Soon snoozing, 'twas his deal. However, not a deep sleep, Once 'sawn wood' we did hear,  The T.V. channel, changed, was, He made it VERY clear. "Hey, I was watching that" soon heard, 'Were sleeping', we, him, told,  "I was only 'resting my eyes' " To US, he was out cold.

My mother, in her sixties  A cardiac arrest Did suffer, just a mild one, She had many-a-test, She ended up in hospital, 'Wired-up' to heart machine, Which monitored its function, Can be a scary scene. Remained there for a few weeks Under the doctor's care, It really was a blessing That she did make it, there. She did return to homestead, When full recov'ry made "I'm not going, 'til I'm '84' " To 'self', that promise, laid. Knowing it's genetic SHOULD make me, wary, be, Though I've a little secret, That does take care of me. So while in my genetics, No worries, I confess, Too many folk have told me that..... ........ I'm totally 'heart-less'

 Working in a nursing home Right here in Kitchener, Retirement area, my domain, Night duty, I'd be there. Oft'times, aft working day shift  Out in community, My schedule did allow the time, Those various  shifts to see. Was in "Retirement" area, Though oft' short handed were, In area of  'nursing home', Some of us, would work there. Two reasons, give a hand to staff, Also, to build up hours, Many had to work two jobs To keep their homes and cars. Now management, (ne'er did our job) New ruling, he'd edict, That solely ONE area Could work, without conflict. Thus, many of us 'carers' Lost hours, to make ends meet, So second job essential, To keep us on our feet. Aft' working in community, To nursing home, would drive, To keep food on the table A must, to keep alive. Whene'er I reached the placement, Informed I was, by staff,  "You have to work in nursing care", I really had to laugh. Informed them that 'head honcho' F...

 It's been predicted, eons past, That come the latter days, People will search out others Whose similar viewpoint, plays . Whether truth or lying, It's what they want to hear, It gives them 'feel good' factor From stranger, friend or peer. The place where I'm residing, Retirement home, no less, Some folk act, like they have power, They think they're 'it', I guess. Just recently, one res'dent, Too young to be ' inmate ' He acts as if he OWNS the place, Makes some of us irate. He thinks he has some special jobs, That won't be carried through 'less he gets to perform them all Gives him something to do. At 4.00p.m. late summer time  It still is very light, He started pulling down the blinds, As if 'twas early night. Aft' chastising him openly, Nurse did agree with me The blinds, he raised back up again, So everyone could see. Soon aft., at nearby table, 'Twas heard, my name, mentioned, His table mates, condemning  MY actions, ...

"Army insects" scampering, O'er pavement, dirt or soil,  Their world is just a garden, Where they do all their toil. They march quick, all directions, No atlas, map, cell phone, They have an innate radar, To keep them, where they're goin'. For sustenance they're searching, Their tiny bodies, feed, No superstores in their world, To supply all they need. Beyond the realms of universe, We too, like scurrying ants, Scamper here and thither  To provide for our wants. We're seen by the Creator, He knows each of us well, Why, He knows all our 'ins and outs', Created, every cell.

 Many moons ago, late teen years, 'Youth group' leader, now passed, An elder in my church, then, His cancer, took him, fast. Good friend to eldest brother, Knew ALL our fam-il-y,  One day before my birthday, Those Heaven's Gates, he'd see. Unbeknownst to me, years earlier, My parents, he had told, "Your Colin has the 'Gift of Helps' He'd seen that gift unfold. Our church choir, I had joined it At seventeen years old, Didn't know what part I'd sing there, "Sound like a bass", was told. So when I'd joined the choir there, Sat 'tween two men, one blind, Th'other, he'd suffered a Stroke, In middle, you'd, me, find. Back then, I still had seizures, Though with them, took the role, Of caring for those members, It seemed I'd found my goal. The blind guy, I would lead in, Remind which hymn, was due, Th'other, hymn book open, T'whatever hymn was due. Aft' career in caring over, It came eas'ly to me, I STI...

People often grumble About, how they were raised, Perhaps they may do something grand, End up, not, being praised. They may have had to struggle long And sore, to make ends meet, While coveting their neighbour who Could  re-lax more, raised feet. These same folk, admire jewelry, Without full story known, The work, of how the gems 'became' To make that stone that's glowin' With some great fete accomplished,  A piece of common coal Becomes a precious jewel, That end game, is its goal. So when in life you struggle, While others 'breeze right through' Just think about that "jewel" That's being made, through you. "A diamond is just a piece of coal, that               did well under pressure"

As youngest in the family, A dozen, halved, - all boys, We learned to share together, Both clothing, also toys. Bought good, so 'twould last longer, With solely, one wage earned, My father's mother stayed at home, So that is how he learned. Alas these days, all vestments,  Once, made to last, don't now, A few times on the body, The seams open, somehow. The stitching, loose or broken, Some holes appear, too soon, Some folk know nought 'bout sewing, So garments, gone, like balloon. Just recently, with a friend, A pair of shoes, on sole, Some glue or stitches missing, Beginning of a hole. Some power glue, happened to have, So asked him for the shoe, Restuck the sole to leather, Will do, a year or two. Richard's (Fergus Place) shoe.

One fruit I LOVE for sust'nance, Is long and curved, starts, green. Then changes to a yellow  When, ripe for eating, seen. Acquaintances, I do have, Who, 'when-one' black mark, on skin, Is seen on their banana,  Will throw into the bin. I know this person's mother,  A older gal, retired, So I made a comparison  To make my point desired. Told her, some folk get 'age marks' When older, they become, Though doesn't mean their useless Still have a heart, and some. So when those 'marked' bananas Were ready for her trash, Kept them for me, for eating, It sure saved me, some cash.

As the youngest sibling All six of us dear boys, Many 'hand-me-downs' received  Of clothes, and even toys. When last three, with our parents, A country drive, would go, The two above me, would demand  A seat by the window. So I was stuck in middle, I wasn't giv'n a choice, I yearned to b'able to have one, But couldn't, my say, voice. So 'piggy in the middle' For aye, it seemed, was I, Even at home, on sofa,  To complain, I dare not cry. Now older, with more 'say so' I actually prefer  The mid seat, car or sofa, A sense of safety, there. Encased between two others,  Protection, all around, Shielded by those bodies, 'Security', there, found.

Since youngest son of six, I am, An uncle, at age nine, I  recall many times, my folk Had 'baby sitting' time. The eldest nephew, had toy dog, A 'comforter' for he, His 'Wowie',  with him everywhere, Wherever he would be. Out visiting grandparents With his dear Mum and dad, 'Wowie' would go with him, Thankfully, t'was a fad. As years went by, the 'wowie' To pieces, fell apart, 'Til only one ear, lasting, Still held it, close to heart. So "part of wowie" kept him, Subdued, happy and calm, Something, he could hold to, It eased his sense of qualm. In life, we have a "Comforter" Beside us every hour, Christ, sent to us, THE "Comforter" To us, He is strong tower. Can depend on Him fully, He'll always have your end, With inner voice, call to him, HE's your dependable friend.

 I have this grand conundrum  For you educationalist, One, I know not th'answer to, I'm hoping you'll assist, When something does fall to the ground, Th'item, mentioned, first, The leaf, it did fall from the tree Rain fell, from a cloudburst. However, that rule is not fixed, And this is my query, How do we know how to surmise  Which way the phrase should be? When water drop falls from a tap, For those educationally 'quipped, Is it said that 'One drip dropped', or  Is it 'One drop, dripped'?

 "Ruth's Fashion's" mother's , July 23rd turning 104 2 children, Roger, Cheryl 6 grands, Lily, Cooper, Max, Bo, Luka, Zach  Husband Dusty Curran, wed June 14th '47 London Ontario  Hobbies bowling golf, cards (euchre) acts like she doesn't know what cards to play, then beats others  Drinks Manhattans Attended Egerton Baptist got married there (nee Heathfield) Pet dog Pepe (poodle) She's  be Beautiful & full of love for her family  cherylhawken@hotmail.com The year was 1922 July, the twenty third, Five siblings and their parents, Some newborn tears, they heard. For baby Ruth had just been born, (There would be yet one more,) Quiet solitude, disappeared, Sure, parents ears were sore. Quite soon to school, she had to go, (It is a must, for all) She did excel, nay, blossomed, there, And yes, she had a ball. At twenty five, she married Her beau, Dusty, by name, To him she bore two children, Roger, then Cheryl, came. She loved to bowl, play cards, and gol...

 Sitting in a double room, St. Mary's hospital, Trouble with esophagus  With swallowing, et-al.  A double room, though solely me, It's quiet, so eerily, Though hopefully 'twill continue, A quiet night's rest, for me? Probably no doctor see 'til aft' breakfast, next day, Trust very soon I will get 'fixed' So I'll be on my way...... ......Back to my residence and friends, Then 'out for coffee', drive, Just hours away, - I miss them so, They make me feel alive. So do not take for granted, Those things you do, as 'norm' In just a blink, so much can change, If e'er you are 'off form'.

 I hope that you are happy, Your brother, would be mad, You KNEW that family's antics, Told, by your mom and dad. How they befriended seniors,  With family far, or none, Befriended and manipulated them,  So wealthy would become. In fact 'twas you who ME, informed  Before we even wed, I thought you would be wiser, Believing all 'twas said I never thought they'd sink so low, In their covetous run, But greed and spitefulness excels, Their own relations, shun? Whene'er the money has run dry, Which I alone did earn, You could never keep a job, Quite soon, I did THAT, learn. So when it's gone, you too'ill be cast Aside, forlorn, lonely, And WHEN it does, please do not come A-running back to me. You've had your chance and ruined it Believed your neice's lies, You've made your bed, lie in it, That family, I despise.

M  arching down the aisle with you,  I  dolising smile, C learly, LOVE was in the air, H  ad been, for a while. A  t the alter, Michael stood, E xcitedly, yet calm, L  ove was rampant in his eyes, A n adorising balm. N  ext "Who gives this girl away?" D  ad handed, to your boy, A sweet young girl, now all grown up, U biquitous  with joy, D azzlingly, her upright groom, R  eceived with love and glee, E veryone was 'googly eyed' Y  es, even, your 'daddy'.                                                  Colin Ross 07/07/32

 A letter to my daughter, A memory or two Of th'day when I gave you away, I heard you say "I do". While you were so excited, Your mom and I were glad, Though with anticipation, We had our moments, sad. Reflecting on your childhood, A babe, school days, mid teens, You were a daughter, loving, No rebel, dressed in jeans. The house that day, chaotic, Your mom, bridesmaids and you, Proudly, yet with sadness, I Would hear you say "I DO". You made me a grandfather, Three times, both girl and boy, Your mom and I adored them, They filled our hearts with joy. A special anniversary, You've reached the "Silver Years" This proud, delighted father Is sending you  "Three cheers"                            Composed by Colin Ross Married 07/07/07 Poem due 07/07/2032

To the tune Going Home Just three words, meanings change, D'pending who it's to, Human being, animal, Meanings, - there's a few. There has to be a noun, Person, place or thing, Holiday,  food to eat Creator, praise to sing. Love, it can be amorous, Shared between just two, Or just 'ppreciation for Some deeds, that you do. ^Can also, be a sentiment, Giv'n to friends or pets, Saying it, hearing it, 'Tis the best it gets. Hearing it, gives a boost To th'one to whom it's sent, Be assured, it is free, GIVEN, it's not leant. ^S'if you hear me saying it, Know, 'tis said with care, I 'preciate your 'friendliness', When I can, it share. Say it, then, whene'er you can, It is always due, :You can't say it oft' enough, Th'words are, "I love you": (2nd time slower, go up at th'words)

 While working in a Nursing Home, As P.S.W. I'd try my hand at anything, To show what I could do. At bath day, for the females, Oft' times, when hair, washed,  was,  The bather, she would set their hair, Give resident, a buzz. The bosses mother, there, did live, A male to bathe, was 'NO', Howe'er, the girl who'd set her hair, That day was a 'no show'. The worker, when the bath was done, Forlorn, aft' bath, appeared, I o'erheard her dilemma, And so I volunteered. Assured her that, of my dear mom,  Man' times, had set her hair,  And so, with her,  nothing to lose, She sat upon the chair. Family of the residents, When visiting, that day, Where tot'lly flabbergasted  With my 'coiffeur' display. A few hours later, when 'twas dry, The hairpins, I removed, And then I brushed and styled the hair, She really did approve. The NEXT week, usual girl was there, Though aft' bath had been done,  Brought out the hairpins, comb and brush, ...

         The Circle of Life As "single digit" children, Still not quite fully grown, Until in double digits, Short pants was all we'd own. We YEARNED to wear those long pants, "All 'growed up' " we would be, Perhaps be treated better, Sometimes, kids, they don't see. In second'ry education, It was a 'must' f'rus guys, Not to be seen in short pants, That clothing, we'd despise. Now older, in retirement, When weather's warm or hot, We LONG to put on short pants, To show just what we've got. To get 'bove knee line darker, A little red, then tan, Sunshine has its advantage, Makes for healthier man.

  The quiet man who works so hard, No grumbling, no woes, You'll often hear him whistling Everywhere he goes, Repairs, removals, touch-ups too, In a flash, they're done, An urgent chore will see him, Walk rapidly, won't run.

As the years are passing I've noticed, traits, a few, That in-nate-ly I'm doing, My father did so, too. He ne'er liked to be 'en retard' For 'ppointments, specified date, "I'd rather be an hour early, Than e'en one minute late" If I've been asked to give a ride At a specific time, I will be ready earlier, To me, late, is a crime. I put myself in their shoes, Them thinking 'will he come?' So earlier, I will be, Five minutes and then some.  What if they did sleep too long, Think, 'my appointment missed?' I'll be there and ready, Leave early, I insist. Ev'n if I'm the one who waits For pickup, at my door, I will be ready earlier, Few minutes, even more. I oft' think of my father, Thank him, that trait, did give, So I could be a blessing, While on this earth, I live. So when I'm needed somewhere, Like dad, I'll be the one, Though 'tis a good thing to proclaim, I AM, my father's son.

Many folk have phobias A fear of this or that, Arachnophobia, spiders,  Chirop-tophobia, - bat Amaxo-phobia is the fear Of riding in a car, Hodo-phobia, that's the fear   Of distance, going too far One I'm pleased, no longer have, Gloso-phobia, bring, The fear of public speaking, Brain freeze, or stammering. Claustrophobia, 'closed in' space, And believe this fact, it's proved, Naturists have "Clothes-trophobia" When coverings, they've removed.

 Oh to be in double figures, Wouldn't feel, I was a child, Be giv'n responsibilities, Would not be acting wild. Oh to be an older guy, Be working, driving car, Pick up girls in Cadillac Now THAT, would have some power. Oh to have some more free time, Family and work, take all, I dreamt, when older I would be, That I would have a ball. Oh to be retired from work, That daily 9-5, Do the things I, want to do, I'd feel I was alive. Oh to be so young again, I miss those, gone, beyond, In reality, looking back 'pon,  Of those days, I was quite fond.

 S pring,  commences longer days  U psetting winters plans,  N o more shovelling , frigid cold  S now, with frostbit hands.  H eat, though still not VERY warm,  I ncreases with each day,  N ight time hours get shorter,  E ventually, out to play.  S ometimes slanderous, hurtful, frank,  P omposity, excels,  I nsulting, harmful, brutal,  T riggering cautious bells.  E mphasizing cruelty  F lippent to the core  U psetting everyone around,  L ibelous, and more.  S pringboard ready, firm and taut,  O ver, head and heels,  M omentum spinning me around  E ventually landing on the ground,  R otating like cartwheels.  S piraling through air, so high,  A ppearing lithe and sprite,  U ltimating back to ground,  L anding, as was planned, upright,  T o rapturous roars, be crowned.

Murphy, in the morning and through                             the decades. A 'Newfie' and 'New Scotian'  Their life paths, they did meet, 'Way back, in the '40's Soon, patter of tiny feet. A daughter, followed by two sons, Then "itchy feet" did get,  So westward they did venture, Ontario, their target. In Hamilton they settled down, "New House - new family" Our Patrick; then came Kathy, Two girls, - and boys? - now three. Young Pat became an 'Altar boy', And to his school, would walk, Then studying 'Radio Broadcasting' He had to "LEARN"? to talk?? ( "How now brown cow" what? what? ) Traffic updates, - summer job, At CHML's studio, First 'full time' job, broadcasting, Way down there, in Simcoe. 'Twas there he had a 'life change', A "NEW LIFE" guaranteed, Paul Fletcher guided him, straight path, Soon grown, that planted seed. With CHYM, followed by FAITH FM, His dulcet t...

"Go to your room", once punishment Is now a tranquil balm, A place of peace and solitude, Of relaxation, calm. A place away from others, Their restlessness and noise, Of silence, and serenity, Where 'solace', one enjoys. A time of soul reflection, To meditate or muse,  Where peaceful comfort lingers,  Where inner thoughts, infuse. Five minutes or a few hours, (The time, it WILL pass fast), The benefits do linger It's usefulness, is vast.

1) Once again, this Generations family Giving assistance, doling out love, Generous-ly helping in a time of need Compassion shown, from above. (Chorus) And once again I thank you, though it.                                                                                     seems, not enough. Your loving care, compassion, when                                                                                               in  times, they get tough, Once again your helping hands Doling out  your kindness and love. 2) Many times, espec...

This morning, icy outdoors, While to the car, was goin' I slipped and fell on pavement, Did break clavicle bone. The pavement was the parking lot Of home, where I abide, Another resident, 'ppointment had, Was giving him a ride. Did drive him to and from it,  A wait of half an hour, The nurse in charge at residence When I got home, in car Did telephone for ambulance She wanted it checked out, To local hospital arrived Bone broken, there is no doubt. So, 'nother 'break' I will have, Is break from driving now,  So glad it wasn't Springtime, Loathe winter driving, anyhow.

THINGS I WOULD HAVE MISSED Was born at home in January, Though, due to being "mad" (I was born "foaming at the mouth") 'Twas Ep'lepsy, I had. So I, to hospital, was rushed, And there, I did remain With mum, 'til I was stabilized Few weeks, then home again. That was the only Grand Mal fit  That ever have, I would, Though aft' first sev'n year life cycle, Returned, in milder mood. Years later, still a youngster, Under  parental care, Some surgery had been offered. To treat that ailment there. My mother had a cousin In nursing field, she'd trained Asked her advice about it, From her knowledge, mum gained. She did advise against it, Mother, informed, by she, "Better Colin being the smart boy, Than handicapped, he be." On average, every fortnight,  (That's fourteen days, to you) A seizure, it would raise its head 'Twas almost aye, on cue. I COULD have gone for six weeks, That happened often too, But then, next day, they would ret...

  If my body was a car, I would ensure it could go far, Would treat it well and daily feed, If ever needed, - engine bleed. I wouldn't leave it out of food, For that is needed, to work good, Would take it for a shower or two, Loves to be clean, like me and you. I'd show it off  to fam'ly, friend, Might ev'n drive THEM, ("around the bend") In country, town land, hill and vale, And trust the engine would not fail. I'd take it, periodically, To a car doctor, him, to see If it was being treated nice, To be left out, in snow and ice. It would be fully 'ppreciated, With proper fuel, keep it fed, To parking lot, I'd let it stay With similar company, part of day.

When children, they are being raised, Instructions, "life", must learn, Some, they catch on quickly, though Each one's a different bairn. The one in question, (fictional), A 'tomboy' rough, was he, ALWAYS into trouble, With others, couldn't agree. Aft punishing 'wrongdoings' The father told the son To hammer spike into a tree For each and every one  Whene'er atonement offered And it was well received, The son, told "Remove the spike", That's all 'twas, he believed. However, MANY years that passed And numerous spikes been used, The tree, it had to be cut down, His 'lesson', soon infused. The bark of tree was stripped away To son's embarrassment, The spike SCARS, STILL were noticed Ev'n aft. those years were spent. The father, calm, reflective, His lesson, had been shown. That deeds, which cannot be undone,  Leave scars, to you, unknown.

    Saint Valentine, the saint for love,     Bestows "amour" like peaceful dove,     All hatred, for one day, dispel,    Upon the mountains, in the dell.      Around mid month, of February,      A day does come around,      When LOVE abounds exceedingly,       Romance can aye, be found.      When lovers' feelings, do not hide,      Their boldness, power receive,      Saint Valentine tries to unite      Those who, on him believe.       The French, they say it is "amour"       When feelings, strong, display,       To  'nother, with whom there's a bond,       This is that special day.       And so those feelings are now sent,       With loving passion too,       My love abounds, the passion strong,       And s...

The hardest, yet most kindest words I've ever had to say, Will live with me 'til my last breath, Remember well, that day. My mother, on hospital bed, Few years since widowed was, Each day, did make a visit, I did it, just because. I had been with her earlier, In fine form she did sound, So glad I returned later on, In writhing pain, was found. Angina, did her, trouble, Few heart attacks, had she, Admitted in to hospital Remaining hours, would see. Sh' arrested in her ward, there, Resuscitation, tried, Alas, it was not working well, That moment, mother died. The nursing staff advised me, "We could do this all night" I had to tell them, "let her go" She'd given up the fight. She sensed that she was "going", A diary, had she, kept, Whene'er I read last entry, My tear filled eyes, they wept. Returning to her homestead, Her diary, there, open, Last entry had me teary eyed, "These two, will get all,.......soon."

                 I oft recall my parents,             Who dwell in Heaven above,           Remember well, with fondness,           When here, they showed such love.               The care that they bestowed upon                 ALL of their children, six,           As tradesman, dad worked wonders,                 A problem? - he'd soon fix.                Out early, in the morning,                  Returning just 'fore bed,                And while exhausted, he was,                  Complaints, were never said.             ...