Here's one I wrote several years ago for a friend whose daughter was getting married: THERESA SMILED "Johnny, look! Theresa stood! Watch out! Don't let her fall!" My memories drift to years gone by, such moments I recall! That tiny hand that turned to green from pennies clutched so tight, your Dad gives to your husband now, on this, your wedding night. Throughout your years of growing, I've seen this day draw near and felt such mixed emotions, apprehension, joy and fear. At times this seems so final, your leaving me and Dad, yet I know it's but a turning point like others we have had. I pray the Lord will bless you as you're walking down the aisle, "Johnny, look! She took that step! Oh, look, Theresa smiled!" -- by Maggie Conlon Martin (1985) send Maggie email

This next poem I wrote as a gift for my Aunt for Mother's Day. Though my childhood situation of losing my Mother at a young age and my Aunt coming to live with us and help care for us makes this a somewhat personal poem for me, there may be others who visit your page who've experienced a similar situation, and (with maybe a few changes) they could use this poem for a Mother's Day card: AUNT PEGGY'S DAY When I was a little girl and didn't understand, the Lord reached down from heaven and took my mother's hand. "How mean," I thought, "God has to be to take my Mom away; surely He must know that it is almost Mother's Day!" "See, Lord, I bought her stockings and such a pretty card! They told me You were loving, but to me you seem so hard! I promise, God, to be real good; just send her back!" I'd beg. Instead, in all His wisdom, the Lord sent me Aunt Peg. Because you chose to stand by me, because you chose to care, because you chose to hear His call to always be right there; because you made my nightmares pass-- you turned my life around; I am no longer lost, Aunt Peg-- because of you I'm found! I am so thankful to the Lord for sending you my way! God bless you and God love you. Happy AUNT PEGGY'S Day! -- by Maggie Conlon Martin (1985) send Maggie email

This one was written for my siblings: BROTHERS & SISTERS Brothers and sisters, three girls and three boys. Together we'd laugh and we'd play. Sorrows we knew were outweighed by our joys, and we grew--each in our own way. One moved to the east, some ventured out west, one never strayed too far from home (he was the loner, withdrawn from the rest)-- the youngest continues to roam. Brothers and sisters we always will be, though miles may keep us apart. All those who know us can quite plainly see we're brothers and sisters at heart. --by Maggie Conlon Martin (1981) send Maggie email

Written to my oldest daughter: HEATHER It's hard to watch you walk away, please try to understand; it seems like only yesterday I held your tiny hand. First-born, a special joy you've been, and though, at times, a trial, by choice I'd do it all again! Stay here with me awhile. --by Maggie Conlon Martin send Maggie email

I wrote this several years ago for a Black & White Swap and read it at the RoundUp in Fort Worth. I'm glad to share it if you think anyone would be interested in it....it describes what happens to time when you get PA! LOL!!! No Time Anymore No Time Anymore for the things that used to matter, I'm way too busy now, doing things I'd rather! No time to garden, shop for groceries, cook or clean, I'm busy scanning, enhancing & making cards that are keen! Don't remember when I arranged flowers, sewed or decorated, Now I play with graphics, fonts & enhancements for PA unabated! No time to swim at the beach, do graceful dives or sail. I'm way too busy hanging on the mailbox waiting for snail! No time to ski, bowl, play golf or a game of tennis, Aren't there cards to swappers I need to finish? No time to visit the doctor or beauty shop, walk Max or run, I'm all tied up at my 'puter having loads of fun! No time to primp or dress up, party all night or dance, But I'll stay up all night playing given half a chance! I don't have time for work anymore, don't type or file, All the laundry, mail and papers are in a huge pile! No time for all that stuff but I like it you see, Just my family, my PALs, 'puter, fonts, graphics & me! by Gayle Pounds send Gayle email

Shadows slow morning arises from midnight awareness bright shadows of ourselves hidden within the souls of all secrets to keep ideas to give if we dare to share from our heart and soul the part of ourselves we choose to hide from all by Carolyn Hartley Send Carolyn email

I wrote this for my mom a couple of years ago and give it to her for Mothers day Mother she has a soft gentle hand like a petal from a rose but the sting of a thorn when i was wrong She always brings me comfort when i am sad when i long for a special friend she is there then and now when life gets me down shes always there to lift me up to wipe away the tears somehow she always manages to put a smile on my face even when things are tough and i don't feel like smiling She reminds me of when I was little that no matter what was wrong I always came out fighting and would never let anything get me down for long I can tell her anything she will not judge me or abandon me even if she doesn't agree with me she will listen without interruption to what i have to say she will help me with any decision i have to make but she will not make it for me she will advise me and stand beside me no matter what but she will not command me to do it her way nor will she condemn me when i am wrong She is my friend She is my Mother What more can i say by Carolyn Hartley send Carolyn email