Winter’s Snow

 

 

Winter’s Snow

 

Who knew that white would fall below,
On virgin branches fresh with snow,
The puffs and fluffs on stand of green,
Of pine tree branches so serene.

 

The sedum stems hold flow’rs quite brown,
So proud in winter with white crown,
As snows on twigs of lilac falls,
Fair catching little cotton balls.

 

Oh, fleecy, feathered, fingered streams,
Fill up my nights with endless dreams,
Of winters captured by the fire,
And, wrapped within my love’s desire.

 

Peter Lowell Paulson
December 31, 2012

Sweet Peace Upon this Stillest Night

Sweet Peace Upon this Stillest Night


Sweet peace upon this stillest night,
A soft clear breeze in pale moonlight,
A brand new year for you and me,
Let’s spend this one in reverie.

Come take my hand; oh, let us go,
And, share what paradise we know,
Crescendo, forte, raise your voice,
Articulate, yes, smile, Rejoice!

This is our time; let’s dance and sing,
The tears we’ve shed our offering,
For loved ones now, and in the past,
They’d wish for us no shadows cast.

Oh, see the dawn’s horizon rise,
A bright young day; a new surprise,
And, in each bud a flower will bring,
The chorus of our brightest spring,


Peter Lowell Paulson
December 29, 2012

Trundle

Tundle

Trundle, trundle, trundle bed,
I need some place to rest my head,
I have this cold, an awful bug,
I’d even lie on a bear rug.

My wife is sick; with crackle cough,
I sneeze and sneeze, my head flies off,
We love to snuggle close and kiss,
I think this is one night we’ll miss.

I don’t want hers; she doesn’t mine,
Across the living room; a line,
A chasm, gorge so steep with rocks,
This man of steel, it sneers; it mocks.

Then, so tonight, I’ll bid adieu,
I’m back to simply courting you,
A prayer for health; a flowered vase,
Next morn I’ll see your loving face.

Peter Lowell Paulson
December 28, 2012

Each Christmas is a Wondrous Thing

Each Christmas is a Wondrous Thing

Each Christmas is a wondrous thing,
To see the children dance and sing,
If rich or poor each parent tries,
To grasp for wonder in their eyes.

I knew a man of low estate,
A new beginning grasped his fate,
His wife and children were his mirth,
Though poor he always knew his worth.

Each child would know that Santa brings,
To school mate friends fine offerings,
The toys of late designer make,
To them some fruits, candies and cake.

The youngest energetic child,
By own admission; he was wild,
And, looking back he’d say, “A brat”,
“I should do this, but I’d do that”.

This Christmas morn to his surprise,
No gift was laid before his eyes,
The other siblings cried as he,
They shared with him most lovingly.

He ran to mother’s swift embrace,
Great tears would stream upon her face,
Those gifts from brother’s; sister’s piles,
Brought family laughter and the smiles.

“Next year will be a better one,”
“We know that you’re a lovely son”,
At seven years a lesson learned,
“I don’t deserve what I’ve not earned.”

I’ve learned that life’s not often fair,
At times I’m selfish, and don’t share,
A second chance forgiveness bring,
Each Christmas such a wondrous thing!


Peter Lowell Paulson
December 27, 2012

Christmas Star

Its Christmas time may Heav’n descend,
So light may shine and darkness end,
Too soon for myrrh and frankincense,
The loss of life and innocence.

The Christ child comes and we prepare,
Yet, family and friends despair,
Why falling tinsel; reddened bow,
Would cause such anguished tears to flow.

A death that is untimely come,
If not to us; it is to some,
Yes, end of life for all is sure,
The evil one, but why the pure?

Our reason for the Christmas day,
A Christ for us to show the way,
The resurrection, not the birth,
Not earthly life; eternal worth!

While we are here protect each one,
From dawn’s pure light to setting sun,
And, hold your loved ones near and far,
 In awe of one bright Christmas star!


Peter Lowell Paulson
December 19, 2012

Once Again

Once Again

 Why is there never “happy” in goodbyes,

The heart just tears in two; although it tries-
To set a strong resolve upon the face,
When you must give that final love’s embrace.

Yet, you’ve received a gift within your heart,

Don’t tarry long on moments when you part,
Each laugh and smile you’ve known will make you grin.
Until you see your loved one once again.

Peter Lowell Paulson

November 9, 2012

By Your Side

By Your Side

New baby boy, just close your eyes,
I’ll sing you soft, sweet lullabies,
Your papa’s here and he will be,
Like me with you eternally.

You’re ours forever; here we go!
With little smiles, and eyes that glow,
But, soon you’ll hold your head upright,
And try to crawl right out of sight.

Yet, we’ll be here both night and day,
To hold you close, and watch you play,
These days we grasp for they will fly,
In time they all seem to whisk by.

“So baby, baby, look at me”,
“This is your Mama, can you see?”
“That through each rise or ebbing tide,”
“I’ll be forever by your side!”

Peter Lowell Paulson
December 6, 2012

Oh Mark This Time – Sonnet XXI

Oh Mark This Time – Sonnet XXI


Oh mark this time, please mark this time,
This nation, and this planet here,
We want a life so sweet; sublime,
To kiss each day as oh, so dear,
This is our goal, and fondest bent,
To use the gold from others’ work,
And, worry not on how it’s spent,
All labor in our own we shirk,
Come on! Pick up a broom and sweep!
Machines are broke; then have some pride,
To move yourself; no, don’t you weep,
When you’re alone you’re on your side,
With energy you see the sun,
And, now you can protect each one!


Peter Lowell Paulson
December 3, 2012

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day

Pumpkins, autumn leaves adorn,
Woolen socks and sweaters worn,
Cats entwined around you sit,
Logs within the fireplace lit.

A time remembered; parent’s home,
As toward the hearth your heart would roam,
Cares just seemed to melt away,
At rest upon Thanksgiving Day.

And now we gather, shop and store,
To bake the pies and rolls once more,
This treasured time is oh, so near,
Of holding close your family dear.

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 21, 2012

Anticipation

Anticipation

Mere days before grandchild is born,
Soon ‘til be a birthday morn,
Excitement in our heart we keep,
Grandma finds it hard to sleep!

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 17, 2012

Pursuit of Happiness – Sonnet XXI

Pursuit of Happiness – Sonnet XXI


Are we a nation torn anew?
Such hateful taunts we all abhor,
A colored map of red and blue,
Defining now our civil war?
With later ads of violence,
Could we not sense or obviate,
True want of work or recompense,
How can we steer our ship of state?
It’s time to look at those we love,
Across this deep divided sea,
Yes, look for guidance up above!
A family we wish to be,
To work, and strive through all duress,
In our pursuit of happiness.


Peter Lowell Paulson
November 13, 2012

S'mores

 

 

S’mores

  

Marshmallows on fingered fire,
Brown there skin toward our desire,
Thin chocolate that’s sure to please,
And, ‘tween two squares of Graham we squeeze.
 

Mooshy, smooshy; warmed just right,
The chocolate melts; we take a bite,
Munchy, crunchy; soft and sweet,
Fantastical this oozy treat!
 

Who thought of this; who took the dare?
Creating this campfire fare-
Was genius, and we all adore,
That you would name this treat “S’more”!

 

 

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 5, 2012

I'll Be With You

I’ll Be With You


I’ve walked by surf on golden sand,
I’ve kissed your lips; I’ve held your hand,
I don’t want surf and sand, and sea,
How grand are these; I just want thee.


We’ve seen the fluttering golden leaf,
Together viewed the fall relief,
The mums so red in autumn new,
I don’t want these; I just want you.


In spring the purple crocus ope’s,
As passion builds within our hopes,
I don’t want roses sprite with dew,
Nor daffodils; I just want you.


I know one day that death will part,
What bittersweet the lonely heart,
Then give me all; for when I view,
I’ll be with you; I’ll be with you!


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 29, 2012

One Clear Voice Sonnet XX

One Clear Voice_ Sonnet XX


Such cold and blue and blackened sky,
How bright your stars; your planets spin,
I reach so far to touch; I try-
To understand the depth within,
There’s love and fear, and joy and doubt,
Your universe so hot and cold,
I hear discordant chords about,
Your melody is hard to hold,
And, yet your choir has one choice,
To practice with the notes we’re giv’n,
We all can sing with one clear voice,
To finish one pure anthem driv’n,
We know that love’s within Your scheme,
Until our end; our final dream.


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 27, 2012

My Cold

My Cold


Oh yuck! I have a cold,
It’s getting very old,
Ten thousand tissues by the bed,
My nose it runs; the nostrils red,
I cough, and cough; my voice is hoarse,
I sound just like a frog, of course,
No intellect; each thought it dims,
As through the inward fog it swims,
This little virus has its ways,
To hold me in its dull malaise,
I have one goal to fight it off,
This runny nose, and raspy cough,
I know I will be well someday,
Until I do I have to say,
Oh yuck, I have a cold,
It’s getting very old!


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 25, 2012

Autumnal Breeze

Autumnal Breeze


Waft, oh waft, autumnal breeze,
Bring greyer skies and crimson trees,
The fields are weaved with golden sedge,
A carpet drawn toward winter’s edge.


October reigns, its thunders roll,
It quiets body, mind and soul,
And, for a while all troubles cease,
A somnolent and somber peace.


E’en though the day is warmer now,
The fallen leaves and barren bough,
Remind us still to gather in,
For soon the winter fires begin.


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 13, 2012

Sleepless Night

Sleepless Night


Dead of night and raindrops falling,
Small tap, tap, tapping,
Upon the wooden porch,
Upon the grass, pavement and trees,
 Arrhythmic cadence,
Unique only to rainfall,
Past midnight now,
Crickets are still partying,
Out in the sticks, and their bush-league taverns,
Cricket jazz until the sun comes up,
Sleepless night,
And, yet,
I am blanketed by the sweet sound of rain,
There is rhythm, and romance,
A resonance,
One set from as far back as rocking in your mother’s arms,
Perhaps it is the reason for sleeplessness tonight,
I don’t want to miss it,
Not one drop.


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 6, 2012

Allergies

Allergies


We’ve all been there when friends disclose,
Their hack and cough, and dripping nose,
“I feel so bad; you have a cold”,
“Just allergies,” is what you’re told.


A week goes by; you’re now in bed,
A runny nose; a cough you dread,
Oh my, oh my, and golly gee,
You must have caught their “allergy!”


Peter Lowell Paulson
October 2, 2012

Us

Us

Yes, I baited,
You were jaded,
Timid; dated,
Boundaries faded,
Falling; fated,
Parents rated,
They related,
Now we waited,
How we waited?
Marriage mated,
Consecrated,
Recreated,
And, Elated!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 28, 2012

By Your Side

By Your Side
(Inspired by a movie, “Letters to God”)


For happiness in life,
Sometimes bereft by strife,
You lose your biggest fan,
Most time one of your clan.


Acknowledge there is death,
Inhale and take a breath,
Their life meant liberty,
And, now you are set free.


What was it in your friend,
They held unto the end,
Perhaps that inner grace,
An always happy face.


Oh, now to you they’ve turned,
And say, “What have you learned?”
Young bird you’ve left the nest,
It’s time I take my rest.


I’ll watch you; so in love,
In heaven up above,
So get on; make your move,
And, I will e’re approve.


Make someone laugh or smile,
Be gracious with your style,
Instill the good within,
And, that will make me grin.


Each day I’m with you still,
Keep talking if you will,
I promise I’ll abide,
And, be right by your side.


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 26, 2012

Harvest Time

Harvest Time


Yellow, golds, and greens,
The bean fields turn,
Ready,
Steady themselves for the harvest,
Cold frosted air settles over the landscape,
Sharp stubble of cornstalk,
Stark portents,
A cavalcade of events to come,
Trees yet green,
Show little hints of red within,
Like a man in his thirties,
Sporting a bit of gray here and there,
Sun bright; Day Cold,
An oxymoron?
Not now,
Not at harvest time,
Time to gather,
Time to thresh,
Time to rejoice in abundance,
As this earth provides,
We are thankful,
We are blessed,
For gifts given beyond measure,
In beauty and bounty,
And, bound forever in the explicable joy,
Of life!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 24, 2012

Thanks for the Memories

Thanks for the Memories
(Farewell Party for Nancy Evans a children’s leader of music, and more as an accompanist for local community choirs, and an inspiration for generations to come for the joy of music, and in her heart, Christian Music)
(To the tune “Thanks for the Memory”)


Thanks for the memories,
A treasure hunt you made,
We sang we danced we stayed,
Was much more fun than X-box
Or Nintendo that we played,
Exciting is was.


Thanks for the memories,
You gave us instruments,
We learned in increments,
You smiled so wide; we felt your pride
We played with confidence,
How lucky we were.


(Refrain)
You were in love with our children,
You with your bounce and big grin,
God and His kingdom had a big win,
You walk in our doors,
We called you ours.


Thanks for the memories,
You put us in a mood,
For restaurants and food,
The recipe our Bible
And its loving attitude,
How savory it was.


Thanks for the memories,
You really set a pace,
For rocket ships in space,
An out of world experience
Toward our Jesus’ loving face,
How precious you are.


(Refrain)
You were in love with our children,
You with your bounce and big grin,
God and His kingdom had a big win,
You walk in our doors,
We called you ours.


Thanks for the memories,
For everything you are,
Each child to you a star,
You showered them with God’s love
And to be the best by far,
We love you so much!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 21, 2012

My First Steps

My First Steps


My first steps I took today,
“Are you walking?”, mother cried,
I just looked and walked away,
My mother smiled, and then she sighed.


I was a preemie; born to soon,
I struggled; struggled night to dawn,
My Mom and Dad o’er me would swoon,
The three of us would carry on.


My head too big for body now,
A tiny hole within my heart,
Some fluid in my brain somehow,
And this, my parents, their first start.


Yes, these my parents, oh so grand,
They did not flinch one little bit,
I am their son; by me they’d stand,
They’d pull me though with tougher grit.


And, step by step I would advance,
My family loved me through it all,
This is my lot; my happenstance,
But, progress no one could forestall.


I’m steppin’ now; I’m steppin’ out,
I’ve proved that prayer, and grace above,
Can come in time with one’s devout,
True witness to His wondrous love!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 19, 2012

Ever Since the Age of Two

Ever Since the Age of Two
(To Standard Rock Music)


Ever since the age of two,
I was lookin’ for a girl like you,
And, when I turned the age of three,
I was searchin’ for you and me.


Then I came to the age of four,
Where’s the girl that I’d adore,
Little boy at only five,
Dreams of you keep me alive.


Finally at age eighteen,
Cutest girl I’d ever seen,
All it took was one fine dance,
You and me in our romance.


You and me now in history,
Finest love that ever be,
Ever since the age of two,
I was searchin’ for a love like you!


Come on baby put your hand in mine,
We’ll be dancin’ ‘til we’re ninety-nine,
Thank the Lord for a love so true,
I’m so in love with you!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 18, 2012

Baby Sitting Our Grandson

My two-year old grandson,
Breaks my heart,
No, melts my heart,
Heart strings are pulled,
Now that’s for sure,
Get to baby sit tonight!
In truth, Grandpa sits,
And, Grandma cares for,
I sitting on the back porch,
Grandma fairly runs when the doorbell rings,
To greet everyone,
And, I can hear my toddler yell,
“Papa!”, “Papa!”
My heart swells,
I think it is filling up,
With little tears of happiness,
Then all of a sudden,
“Titty!”, “Titty!”
(His word for “Kitty”),
Grandma is tickled to her core,
“Papa”, first,
“Titty”, second,
“Mam-ma” is always third,
In his little world.
Now little hands pound on the glass of the porch door,
I turn to see him,
Smile to little smiling face,
“Papa!”, “Papa!”
Yes, it is my heart breaking,
A little,
He won’t always be two,
Time to get the toy box out,
Time to play, Grandpa,
Time to play!


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 13, 2012

Muggy Days

Muggy days, oh, muggy days,
A morning moon viewed through a haze,
As on the east horizon’s strand,
A dawning sun; its crimson band.


Peter Lowell Paulson
September 4, 2012

Best Friends

 

 

Best Friends

 

How could it be that friends like we,
Would find such fine camaraderie,
Such chance or fate, or falderal,
A love of sport, and a golf ball.

 

 

Yes, five plus twenty years we’ve spent,
Through rain and heat on grasses bent-
To find a ball under a hedge,
Or splash one from the water’s edge.

 

 

Now though the years we’ve found our drive,
Our game, our chips, our putts derive-
A daggered knife to win a bet,
With handicaps and counted net.

 

 

Most knees and elbows; shoulders well,
No ling’ring aches or joints that swell,
With no excuses one and all,
Just shut your mouth and hit the ball.

 

 

And in the nights the bars and drinks,
Few snippets of what each man thinks,
We talk of kids, our lovely wife,
Some business and our family life.

 

 

Wee morning hours; bed finally,
Some dreams are drawn toward dawning tee,
Yet, every year the story ends,
We’ve found the best in these best friends.

 

 

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 1, 2012

Remembering Our Father - Sonnet XVIII

 

 

Remembering Our Father – Sonnet XVIII

 

 

Remembering our father’s birth,
He’d wish his sons to take and wield,
His mantle forth so far afield,
The love he shared, and all his mirth,
Each day he walked upon this earth,
So many tears and grief revealed.
His final days, his lips now sealed,
And, we so felt his mighty worth,
Now, heartaches they will slowly fade,
Replaced by memories; true joys,
The tents you pitched; the games you played,
Deep love revealed when we were boys,
Oh, how can we but e’er repay,
Be more like him each passing day!

 

 

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 27, 2012
Our Father James Lloyd Paulson
Born August 27, 1925
Died September 19, 2009

Bare Feet on a Cold Morn


I don’t think I’ve ever been this quite aware,
Of my morning routine when my feet are bare,
If you wake when I do ‘fore sun is quite up.
The house is quite still you’ve not had your first cup.


The family is sleeping still silent in bed,
The house is not lighted; toward kitchen you head,
You feel every bump in the carpet of twill,
Your feet reach the tile; awake with a chill.


Now out for the paper you test all ten toes,
And onto the porch where the cooler wind blows,
You walk around searching ‘til paper you find,
But, the chill on the feet it now clutters your mind.


Back in for the java; you spy with a grin,
Instead of a drink I might put my toes in,
With fall on the rise, I’ll not cry, I’ll not pout,
Just back to the closet; my slippers are out.


Peter Lowell Paulson
August 20, 2012

The Harvest

Wither’ng wheat upon the field,
And corn so dry it cannot yield,
The drought it swallows food so dear,
For every creature far and near.


Yet these fair days with coolest breeze,
The north wind blows; it brings such ease,
To romp within the park with sass,
On somber, sullen golden grass.


The trees they hold our future now,
They’ve been around and show us how,
To prosper in these dire times,
They spread their roots in drier climes.


The message is, “There’s no despair!”,
Go deeper for the water’s there,
It’s time to settle in and grow,
To grasp each one you love and know.


For soon the harvest moon will come,
Why worry where our food comes from,
The stalk, the kernel, water, seed,
It's Heaven bears our every need.


Peter Lowell Paulson
August 14, 2012

Reach

Reach

True happiness,
Purest joy,
Comes from reaching beyond ourselves,
Introspection,
Self-reflection,
Short runs,
Dead ends really,
Reach as far as you are able,
Reach out,
Reach up,
In every direction keep reaching,
Smile more,
Laugh more,
Touch someone’s heart today,
Help someone else reach their potential,
When life lacks clarity,
Reach once more,
As far as you are able,
To touch the infinite,
The eternal,
The source of our being,
God.

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 10, 2012
 

A Child's Laughter

A child’s laughter,
Bright and uninhibited,
Untainted by bias or envy,
Spontaneous,
Welling from within,
And bursting forth,
From a source of joy,
Which can no longer be contained,
It transforms,
Every soul is captivated,
Transfixed if only for a moment,
Remembering that childlike happiness,
Within ourselves,
And we are reborn,
Into something better,
Every time!


Peter Lowell Paulson
August 7, 2012

Hotel Ignacio

A Jewel,

St. Louis bound,
Cloistered and protected,
Restored,
Newly drenched in art of every kind,
European utility,
American ingenuity,
Two blocks from the treasure box, Fox,
Had a dream in the room tonight,
Someone said, “Let me show you the Hotel Ignacio”,
One step inside,
The owner said, “It’s not ready,”
“It’s not perfect”,
“It’s not as good as it could be”,
“Come back tomorrow!”
Well, it’s ready!
Come and see,
But, be prepared,
To Enjoy!

Peter Lowell Paulson

August 3, 2012

Olympics at Fifty-Nine

Olympics at Fifty-Nine

I watch Olympic Games this year at fifty-nine years-old,

If you are younger than my time your fortune I’ll have told,

I see young bodies fly in such a way that I could move,

I used to feel such jealousy, yet now I just approve.

In Paris, Rome, or Athens you can see such gorgeous fare,

Of human form in marble, stone upon the canvas bare,

And, at Olympic Games we see that form in natural view,

In lightest cover run and jump and swim at our review.

There is no shame; what glory in that human form we see,

For in that skin we move and breath; in truth live carefree,

For as we age we look to youth; we’re never far too old,

At any stage we all can strive and finish with the gold!

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 31, 2012

Trust in a Life

 

Trust in a life that you’ve wanted,
Trust in a life that you need,
Trust in a life that’s untamed, yet undaunted,
Yes, trust in life when it’s you and it’s me.

Trust in a life that’s unfailing,
Trust in a life that is free,
Trust in a life of smooth waters; fair sailing,
Yes, trust in life when it’s you and it’s me.

Trust in a life where I’ll love you,
Trust in a life, and you’ll see,
Trust in a life where each day’s like brand new,
Yes, trust in a life when it’s you and it’s me!

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 29, 2012

A Hot One

A Hot One

There’s a chill on the morning,
Inexplicable calm and quiet,
Morning bright, yet streetlight burning,
That time between bustling cars,
Before the joggers,
Before the paper hits the porch,
I love this time of day,
A gaggle of geese go honking overhead,
With determination and vigor,
To parts unknown,
They make their way now,
They know,
It’s gonna to be a hot one.

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 28, 2012

Our God

Our God

Sun god,

Earth god,

Pleasure god,

Money god,

People god,

Science god,

Government god,

Universe god,

 God,

In God we trust.

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 27, 2012

Wedding Guest

You’re neither bride or groom this day, nor parents of the same,

Yet you have been invited for you have the family name,

Or you are friends or neighbors; close enough to be the best,

Yes, you have been selected on their day; an honored guest.

The bride she is so busy now with worries of the day,

To gather all her bridesmaids with their hair in disarray,

The groom he rises sleepily with portent and a glower,

With singular true purpose now; be ready on the hour.

But, we the guests are waking now with thoughts of every kind,

Of little ones, or adolescence now are brought to mind,

The picnics and the lake side times, and games out on the lawn,

And, conversations forming them within our mind are drawn.

We cannot stop a drop of time for on and on it goes,

As through the hour glass of life the sand it flows and flows,

But, now a wedding guest are you; a time to reminisce.

And, wish for them life’s blessings, and a day of wedding’s bliss!

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 24, 2012

Courtney and Josh's Wedding Day

Courtney and Josh’s Wedding Day

Our love transforms a chapel today,

Built within a fortress on beautiful bluffs,

By the riverside,

You and I will forge what family has brought to this place in days gone by,

Like the fortress it will be built,

Stone by stone,

And, mortared by commitment,

It will flow like the river of love,

Which brought us to this place.

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 20, 2012

(Note:  Picture of Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel in Minneapolis, MN.  Captain Horatio P. Van Cleve served here.  He eventually was a General in the Union Army during the Civil War.  Fort Snelling was built in the early 1800’s, and was the strongest fortification in the then Northwest Frontier of this nation.  Courtney Van Cleve is the General’s great-great-great granddaughter.  Married today, at the Chapel to Josh Kypke).

Midsummer Heat

One single wisp,
One feathery, fairy-like wing of cloud hangs,
Abandoned by brothers and sisters,
An orphan in the midsummer swelter,
Staring below at every brown blade
Beckoning, beseeching
For a deluge,
Such distant memory now perhaps a drop will do,
To quench the cracked, and sorrowful earth,
Even crickets cease their otherwise incessant chirping earlier each day,
A squirrel languishes, lying supine in the shadows,
Legs sprawled as if the embrace the cooler earth below,
Birds sing, but do not soar,
And the hope for all is to make it,
One more day,
Each day,
Until the next rainfall!

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 14, 2012

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

With wind on sand and sea on shore,
Your hair blows in your face once more,
A simple toss reveals a smile,
A sideways glance which does beguile.

Your cover-up; some lacy white,
Reveals your body in the light,
Come tempt the inner man in me,
And, holds me in such reverie.

With rapid foot fall on the sand,
Out pacing me with, “I command,”
A backward smile, which draws me in,
With lovely, leggy, lover’s sin.

So with such speed and manliness,
I grab your waist to turn; caress,
And, you but feign demure surprise,
Yet, love and wonder’s in your eyes.

My fumbling hands and fingers trace,
Each strand of hair, to hold your face,
To turn your lips so they meet mine,
As we begin a love divine.


Peter Lowell Paulson
July 17, 2012

How Bright, How Bright can sunlight be?
That which, what warms the soul of me,
I stand alone on summer’s eve,
So undeserved, yet I receive!

Ope’ up, Ope’ up each window; door,
And, let the breeze of summer pour-
Upon your inner sanctum here,
Twill bring you joy; twill bring you cheer!

In three short months the fall wind brays,
Enjoy for now these summer days,
I thank the Lord for eyes to see,
How Bright, How Bright can sunlight be?

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 25, 2012

Always, Forever

My heart will subtly mummer still,
When you breathe softly in in my ear,
I lose control and all self-will,
Evolves to passion so sincere.


The chalk upon our canvas seen,
Quick drawn from moments in mid stride,
Are snapshots of a love serene,
But, not the passion deep inside.


And, still, and still our love burns wild,
Near wildfires on the prairies blaze
The grass consumed; no earth defiled,
Springs forth new love in wondrous phase.


At first the green; then flower shows,
And, soon soft summer meadows sigh,
Just as our love that ever grows,
Always, forever, you and I.


Peter Lowell Paulson
June 25, 2012

Your Beautiful Face

Oh, show us now your lovely face,
Now, this the one to us he’ll grace,
The same wee boy will ask for, “Trees!”
But, what he wants is, “Broccoli, Please!”

No scrape on toe, finger or leg,
But, for a Band-Aid he will beg,
Yes, one the colored, cartooned kind,
And place to wear it he will find.

He makes us laugh; he brings the smiles,
No matter what the daily trials,
How could we have a brighter day?
His baby brother’s on the way!

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 22, 2012

I Saw a Kite in Flight Today

I saw a kite in flight today,
Bright breeze; uplifted, and in play,
Drew breath of heav’n, as up it soared,
True happiness in life restored!

It is the simple thing we yearn,
True joy we as a child will learn,
The sour of life may quickly fade,
With lemons we make lemonade.

But now to make the acrid sweet,
Add honey from a bird’s trill tweet,
Outside with nature gaze and stare,
At every wonder; everywhere.

Just as today I saw a kite,
Blue skies beyond; its colors bright,
And, all small worries felt today,
Each seemed to simply melt away!

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 20, 2012

Penny the One-Fingered Pick Pocket

Penny the one-fingered pick pocket, he,
He’d say don’t feel sorry, not sorry for me,
If you have a donut and walk down my street,
Oh, it will be mine, yes; I’ll have a fine treat.

I'll nab one for breakfast; I'll nab one for lunch,
My favorite choc’late, and cinnamon crunch,
If they’re in a box, or a bakery sack,
I’ll slip in my finger; I’ll have a fine snack.

And, after a dinner of donuts with glaze,

It’s off to the candy store for one more craze,
He’ll say with a laugh, in his eye there’s a glint,
I finish my day with a Life Saver mint.

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 17, 2012

A Life So Kind

How could this wandr’ing wearied choice,
Leap up and steal my inner voice,
God, tear away all bonds of fear,
Please give me peace forever here.


I wish that "sin" or other word,
Would n’er  appear; had ne'er occurred,
So that my life could ever be,
Existing with serenity.


Jump up, jump up, and start to live,
One hour, one day that I can give,
Each step that’s taken up this hill,
Once summit-ed; a vibrant thrill.

So step with me, yes, hand in hand,
This time together, oh, so grand,
And, then some day we both will find,
That life and love have been so kind.

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 11, 2012

The Cup
(Dedicated to Bishop Gregory V. Palmer
Of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference)

The flames upon the cup I see,
Reminds us of Christ’s sovereignty,
And, for His love poured out for all,
Upon the cross we hear Him call.

For each and every one to serve,
Upon the straight path; never swerve,
To share His love to all in need,
With all our being, thought and deed.

Within the cup of simple wood,
The gift of life for which He stood,
And, died so all may truly live,
I pray to you my life to give.

Peter Lowell Paulson
December 9, 2010

Photo is of wooden cup purchased in Sierra Leone in November 2010 while visiting on request of Gregoy V. Palmer at the beginning of the "Imagine No Malaria" initiative.  Being one of two representatives from Illinois (along with two representatives from Texas), to examine the bed net distribution in 3 weeks to 300,000 recipients in the Bo District by 2,700 Sierra Leone villagers, in 3 weeks.  This was all accomplished without the use of ANY electronic media.  Town criers were sent out, after the chiefs decided that this mosquito net distribution would help the community.  The backdrop in the photo is the tunic presented to me by a woman only known as Mother Bea (Beatrice), at a service in a local Sierra Leone church.  These tunics were presented to each of the four voluteers from Illinois and Texas, as we were to go back to help raise 2.3 million dollars in Illinois toward an eventual raising of 75 million dollars to help eradicate malaria forever by the year 2015.

Thirty-Eight Fond Years of Bliss

Thirty-eight fond years of bliss,

Marriage vows; a lover’s kiss,

Pondered now these years in view,

My darling I’m in love with you!

Long ago the stars align,

I am yours and you are mine,

In each other’s arms we swoon,

As we gaze at a lovers’ moon.

How could love feel so brand new?

Hand in hand just me and you,

No greater love, than love like this,

Thirty-eight fond years of bliss!

Peter Lowell Paulson

June 9, 2012

What Glory in a Rainy day

What glory in a rainy day?
Such patt’ring sounds in fond array,
There is no greater joy I feel,
When heaven sends its rain in zeal!

I sit alone with blust’ry wind,
As daily worries do rescind-
Amidst the leaves on each tree top,
A wonder in each fair rain drop.

And, now beseeched by nature here,
Near summertime I do revere-
No man could make this world we find,
This only comes from God's own mind!

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 4, 2012

Bright light upon the fiery rose,

For I mere sit in calm repose,

To see each bloom upon each stem,

And, savor each the crème de crème.

So now each flow-er blooming here,

The Tiger Lily, orange so dear,

Verbena spikes with purple hue,

With cries of, “Here, come hither you!”

Yes, painted daisies dancing there,

Just one by one; they call and stare,

And, whisper, “Why, oh why must we,”

“Be second class to Rosie, thee!”

The Rose she blushed must brighter red,

“I’m from a bush, and where I’m bred,”

“But, I’m a flower; like you the same-“

“We’ll band together; light a flame!”

“In bouquets”, said the Daisy fair,

“We’ll draw attention everywhere”,

“And, in that simply blend will we”,

“Draw joy and complete harmony!”

Peter Lowell Paulson

June 1, 2012

Grandson, At Two

A grandson, two, just makes me smile,

With squeals of laughter all the while-

He runs from chasing Grandpa’s arms,

Each game we play; such cherished charms.

With Grandma now to water flowers,

So fun to do in morning hours,

And with some flowers in little hand,

In cracks of wood each placed to stand.

As he steps back to ponder these,

Admired work; he hums like bees,

With, “H-m-m,” and “H-m-m”,  now smile so wide,

And, Grandma peers with loving pride.

Now Momma swoops him up for bath,

For soon we will be on a path-

Within the Children’s Zoo today,

His Dad and he with small goats play.

 

 

Two toddler’s shoes is disarray,

Upon the floor; he left them lay,

His Grandpa smiles; remembers when,

For now our kids are home again!

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 26, 2012

Look Up!

Look up, up, up,

To sup and savor,

Each billowed cloud,

With sun reflected,

Shouts so proud,

It’s me up here, up in the sky!

Yes, you can touch me with you eye,

And, with me now

You’ll fly away,

Amongst the softest

White and grey,

The bluest, blue,

Between me reigns,

No jewel could capture-

Or sustains

More vibrancy; such majesty,

This is God’s world; His sovereignty!

Peter Lowell Paulson

March 22, 2012

In a World

In a world where everything’s uncertain,

In a world so filled with hurt and pain,
In a world where life may seem a burden,
You brought love soft as gentle rain.


(Refrain)
I love you,
I love you,
I love you more and more each day,
I love you,
I love you,
Forever in my arms to stay.


In this world you’ve filled my days with wonder,
In this world you’ve opened every door,
In this world how could I ever ponder,
You brought love that last’s forever more!


I love you,
I love you,
I love you more and more each day,
I love you,
I love you,
Forever in my arms to stay.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 22, 2012

True Friendship

Communication between friends, it simply is a must,

But, the true mortar which will bind forever is your trust,

Convicted with great confidence; reliance to the end,

All faith and hope retained in life when you have found a friend.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 20, 2012

Flowering Pots

What billows in our flowering pots,

Geraniums; forget-me-nots,

All vibrant reds in concert themes,

True blues of skies beyond our dreams.

The flower bestows such beauty rare,

Beyond the brush or canvas bare,

What quiet peace I gather here,

Come join me in this atmosphere.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 15, 2012

Mother's Day

Oh, Mother do you see a tear,

In Heaven now no longer here,

The one who loved me from the start,

You loved me so and gave your heart.

My wife, a mother, oh the joys,

Who bore a daughter and two boys,

I’ll give ten thousand kisses to,

For all you are, and all you do.

But, now we’ve seen our children grown,

These four grandsons that we have known,

From baby cups and toddler chairs,

And, crawling slowly up the stairs.

The oldest six, he talks and talks,

Another one just takes off socks,

A quiet grandson slips away,

And, one with drama tries to sway.

Oh mothers, mothers, all are dears,

For putting up with all our tears,

In graciousness we say to thee,

You have our love eternally!

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 13, 2012

Neverland and Beyond

Don’t ever leave your Neverland no matter what you do,

For you can fly with Wendy, Michael, John and Peter too,

Enjoy each fun adventure that you’re go-ing to pursue,

Just be aware of Captain Hook, and all his motley crew.

A golden ticket I will find for Wonka’s factory,

To taste the finest choco-late within this creamery,

Beware of wily Willie as he spins his mystery,

And you will plant the finest, fondest, fairest memory.

Now you may take a journey to the center of the earth,

To find the very origins of this fine planet’s birth,

The answers to some questions you will find that there’s a dearth,

Just shrug them off, and tarry on and you will find your worth!

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 10, 2012

Grand and Glorious Day

What grand and glorious day!

Heard everybody say,

Yes, every person; every friend-

Said, “Wish this one would never end!”

Clear breezes toward an evening fly,

A cloudless blue and brightest sky,

The birds are singing in the air,

The brightest flowers everywhere!

What joy in nature we derive,

How wonderful to be alive,

Hot summer hov'ring round the bend,

I wish this day would never end!

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 7, 2012

Fluffing Pillows

Sometimes dreams will make me weep,
Filled with fear; afraid to sleep,
Where trolls and ogres seem to creep,
And wake me from a restful keep.

Other dreams will bring a smile,

Drawn from larger ‘happy’ file,
Brightest colors mile on mile,
And, filled with laughter all the while.

So when I wake from dream I dread,

I merely change my thoughts, instead-
Of dreaming on; then my lay head,
In fluffed up pillows on my bed.

It is in fluffing up you see,

One pillow, two or perhaps three,
For peaceful sleep; my recipe,
My cloud filled, restful remedy!

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 5, 2012

Snuggle Bunny

I have a little snuggle bunny,

He’s nineteen inches long,

Has sandy hair and dark blue eyes,

Ten fingers, oh so strong.

When his is fed, and clean and dry,

He snuggles in my arms,

He’ll coo and stare; he’ll smile at me,

I’m loving all his charms.

I have a little snuggle bunny,

And, ten months old is he,

He holds his head, and crawls so fast,

With giggles so carefree.

When all is well in his wee world,

He snuggles on my chest,

He lays so close; his breath so sweet,

And, all the world’s at rest.

I have a little snuggle bunny,

Now he is four years old,

With light brown hair, and soft grey eyes,

With father’s will so bold.

Still late at night when stars are hung,

He snuggles tenderly,

And, loves his mommy, oh, so much,

It warms the soul of me.

I have another snuggle bunny,

He is my daughter’s son,

With little hair, and dark blue eyes,

A new life has begun.

So precious is this time once more,

He snuggles with such love,

The bond we share forever sealed,

In Heaven up above.

Peter Lowell Paulson

April 26, 2012

Why War

Dear God, why will we war?
Untouched upon this shore,
Yet, we can see the carnage there,
And human corpses everywhere,
Entwined in masses on the street,
The arms, the hands, the fingers, feet,
Embrace in one but dying breath,
To hold each other until death,
Upon some steps, or hill, a grave,
No one is here to stop or stave,
The brutal force that’s here and now,
It robs me of my life somehow,
Before I had a chance to live,
To work, to play, to love, to give,
Just one request I’ll ask for me,
To treat me with such dignity,
Forgive the ones, who pushed me down,
Please dress me in a decent gown,
And bury me with firm decree,
To end this strife eternally,
Dear God, why will we war?
My hope is, “Nevermore!”

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 3, 2012

Note: I was moved by a still photograph in Ken Burn's "The War".  The most terrible part of any war are the innocents who die in the wake of someone else's ideological mayhem.  That is what tears me up, and gets me to ask, "Why, Dear God, why?"