Monday, May 6, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
DAYDREAMING
There was a distance in
her eyes
Like she was far away.
As if her mind had drifted
off...
And gone a different way.
The solomn twist upon her
lips
Determined was her
thought.
And only she will ever
know...
The end for which she
sought.
The wind a whisp upon her
hair
Her dark and distant eyes.
It gives her beauty well
beyond...
This childs dainty size.
We'll never know just
where she went
Or what she may have
dreamed.
We only know her
innocence...
Was closer than it seemed.
A moment in time with
Abigail Joy
By Clint Gardner 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Flashing Lights - Christmas Poem 2012
FLASHING LIGHTS!
Behold as Christmas morning breaks,
The silence of the night;
We see the proof of what was done...
In the glow of flashing lights.
The Officer who stood his watch,
In spite of winter's white.
He bravely stopped a burglary...
In the glow of flashing lights.
The Fireman puts out the flames,
Of the fire orange and bright.
Thankful he had saved a life...
In the glow of flashing lights.
Working oh so fervantly,
To beat the patients plight.
The Paramedics saved a life...
In the glow of flashing lights.
The Jailer locked the outer doors,
The inmates tucked in tight.
Who knows how many more will see...
The glow of flashing lights.
The Hospitals are staffed tonight,
The Nurses dressed in white.
Taking care of those brought in...
In the glow of flashing lights.
The Records Clerks and LE techs
Keep the stats and info right.
For all the convicts who were caught...
In the glow of flashing lights.
It all begins in Dungeon walls.
Locked up and out of sight.
Where nine one one calls all begin...
As little flashing lights.
Then Dispatchers will take the calls,
Determine need and site.
Then send out help to those in need...
With a glow of flashing lights.
So thanks to all this Christmas Eve,
Who work to do what's right.
You make the world a safer place...
With your bright and flashing lights!
Merry Christmas 2012!
Poem by Clint Gardner
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Little Girl I Once Knew
I guess the time has finally come.
The child is no more.
And soon the daughter that we raised...
Will waltz right out our door!
Our daughter with the chocolate face
Is now going out on dates.
And though it is a fact of life...
It's something Daddy hates.
Dad doesn't want to hear the news,
How Gracie got a kiss.
The days of Daddy being King...
Twill soon be sorely missed.
The little girl who loped down halls
Pretending she was horse;
Once sat around and played with
dolls...
But now she's changed her course!
Soon she'll register to vote.
Drive to college every day.
Poor Dad can only sit and watch...
While his daughter drifts away!
But just so everyone is clear
She will be
greatly
missed.
The
reasons why – I'm proud to say...
Are
too numerous to list!
And
though I wish her all the best.
Inside
I' m sad and glad.
I'm
glad she gets to start her life...
But
sad for poor old Dad.
'Cause
daughters love to gain their freedom,
But
Dads just miss and worry.
So
'bout his daughter's leaving home...
This
Dad is in no hurry.
'Cause
Dad will cherish all the times
She
offered him a hug.
And
the good old times
they often shared...
Will
on his heart strings tug.
Forgive
me if I act upset,
And
seem a little blue.
But
I've lost the sweetest thing in life...
“The
Little Girl that I Once Knew”!
Clint
Gardner 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
BUD
The oldest of the Coulson clan
Born to James and Flo.
'Twas Kansas where it all began...
Where Scott would learn and grow.
Soon he had a little sister
They named her Eva Mae.
From Holton to Topeka High...
They lived and worked and played.
Norma was Scott's youngest sister
Boy could that girl sing!
Her birth the final piece to form...
The Coulson Family ring.
Scott then joined the military
A Sailor in the Navy.
A ships mate on a Battleship...
He sailed the stormy sea.
He served his Country strong and proud
In the midst of blood and war.
Surviving what was infamy...
That day at Pearl Harbor.
Earlene became his life long love
They raised two kids together;
Then grand kids came and life was fine...
Like Cali's sunny weather.
Love, and war, and auto-parts
Was the life of Scotty Coulson.
A beloved Husband, Brother, Dad...
And example for his Son.
It all began so long ago,
29th of late November.
The life he lived – a loyal one...
It's one we'll long remember.
The Coulson men who made us proud
Like James and Clint and Scott.
They'll always be remembered well...
By the one's -- who've not forgot.
We'll not forget the love he shared
Nor his service to his Country.
For the memories of the man called Bud...
Live on in Coulson history!
Scott Coulson Sr 1918-2012
Norma was Scott's youngest sister
Boy could that girl sing!
Her birth the final piece to form...
The Coulson Family ring.
Scott then joined the military
A Sailor in the Navy.
A ships mate on a Battleship...
He sailed the stormy sea.
He served his Country strong and proud
In the midst of blood and war.
Surviving what was infamy...
That day at Pearl Harbor.
Earlene became his life long love
They raised two kids together;
Then grand kids came and life was fine...
Like Cali's sunny weather.
Love, and war, and auto-parts
Was the life of Scotty Coulson.
A beloved Husband, Brother, Dad...
And example for his Son.
It all began so long ago,
29th of late November.
The life he lived – a loyal one...
It's one we'll long remember.
The Coulson men who made us proud
Like James and Clint and Scott.
They'll always be remembered well...
By the one's -- who've not forgot.
We'll not forget the love he shared
Nor his service to his Country.
For the memories of the man called Bud...
Live on in Coulson history!
Scott Coulson Sr 1918-2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Happy Anniversary Rose
Today will mark a special day:
The day I married Rose.
What better day to post a bit...
Of my romantic prose.
Tis true that twelve long years ago
I said the words “I do”.
And should I have the chance again...
Those vows --would I renew!
For Rose has brought me happiness
And joy within my heart.
I pray our love will never spend...
A moment far apart.
The Judge said I could kiss the bride:
You can love her all your life.
That day began a lifelong love...
With Rose, my precious wife!
To run my hand across her skin
Still thrills my heart today.
Just as it did so long ago...
At the alter where we prayed.
I pledged to her undying love
“From this point ever hence”.
Then said I'd be her faithful love...
And have been ever since.
And though the times were sometimes tough
We stayed through thick and thin.
And we promise now – no matter what...
That we'd do it all again.
Love you Honey
Clint Gardner 2012
The day I married Rose.
What better day to post a bit...
Of my romantic prose.
Tis true that twelve long years ago
I said the words “I do”.
And should I have the chance again...
Those vows --would I renew!
For Rose has brought me happiness
And joy within my heart.
I pray our love will never spend...
A moment far apart.
The Judge said I could kiss the bride:
You can love her all your life.
That day began a lifelong love...
With Rose, my precious wife!
To run my hand across her skin
Still thrills my heart today.
Just as it did so long ago...
At the alter where we prayed.
I pledged to her undying love
“From this point ever hence”.
Then said I'd be her faithful love...
And have been ever since.
And though the times were sometimes tough
We stayed through thick and thin.
And we promise now – no matter what...
That we'd do it all again.
Love you Honey
Clint Gardner 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
In Memory
Kami Simmonds
Cancer took a life today
Cancer took a life today
She was way too young to die
She leaves behind two grieving girls
It makes me want to cry
A loving husband held her hand
He was with her all the way
There was no doubt for all who watched
It was his saddest day
A perfect match the day they met
Love lasted through the years
It isn't fair that such a love
Has ended now in tears
The children now must look ahead
Their family incomplete
Look forward to a future time
When Mom again they'll meet
In Heaven she will wait for them
Watch over them with love
She wants for them to know that she's...
At peace with God above.
And to her loving husband now
A thank-you she extends
For he has proven -- without doubt
His love will never end.
For now, know that she rests in peace
Now free of all her pain
She's waiting for that glorious day
When they'll all meet again.
Devoted wife and loving Mom
Twas a joy to be a part...
Of our life with you and now you'll
live
Forever in our hearts.
In memory of Kami Simmonds who passed away at her home October 2nd, 2012; while her husband tenderly held her hand.
Clint Gardner 2012
Older Posts are comforting too
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Why? by Doctor Jack Hyles
Always has been one of my
favorite's...and seems appropriate now
I was in Mansfield. Ohio, sitting on a platform about to speak. The Pastor of the church where I was speaking leaned over and whispered to me that there was a certain lady in the back whose husband had cancer. He asked me to pray for her and for him. After the service, several people came by to express their burdens and heartaches and divulge the loads they carried. I went to my room and thought of the many people in my own church who carry similar loads. My mind settled on one particular one who just a few days before had looked through tears toward me to ask, "Why, Pastor, why?" These meditations caused me to sit in my motel room one Labor Day afternoon and pen the following lines:
I have sat beside a tiny crib,
And watched a baby die,
As parents slowly turned toward me,
To ask, "Oh, Pastor, why?"
I have held the youthful husband's head,
And felt death's heave and sigh.
A widow looked through tears and said,
"Dear Pastor, tell me why?"
I have seen a gold-star mother weep,
And hold a picture nigh
Her lonely breast, and softly ask,
"Why? Pastor, why, oh, why?"
I have walked away from babyland,
Where still-born babies lie.
A mother stretches empty arms,
And asks me, "Pastor, why?"
I have watched my drunken Father leave
Our home, and say "good-bye,"
While looking into Mother's face
I asked, "Please tell me why?"
I have heard the white-tipped tapping cane,
Which leads a blinded eye.
And then a darkened, lonely voice
Cries, Preacher, show me why."
I have caught a fiancee's burning tears,
And heard her lonely cry.
She held an unused wedding gown,
And shouted, "Pastor, why?"
I have heard the cancer patient say,
" 'Tis gain for me to die;"
Then look into his daughter's face,
And mutely whisper, "Why?"
I have seen a father take his life,
A widow stands nearby;
As little children say, "Dear Mom,
The Preacher'll tell us why."
I've seen my mother stand beside
Two tiny graves and cry.
And though she's never let me know,
I knew she wondered, "Why?"
I've heard an orphan faintly say,
Who gazed into the sky,
"Tho Mom and Dad have gone away,
My Preacher will know why."
I tiptoed to my Father's throne,
So timid and so shy,
To say, "Dear God, some of Your own
Are wanting to know why."
I heard him say so tenderly,
"Their eyes I'll gladly dry,
Tho they must look through faith today,
Tomorrow they'll know why."
"If now they find the reasons that
Their hopes have gone awry,
In Heaven, they will miss the joy
Of hearing Me tell why."
And so I've found it pleases Him
When I can testify,
"I'll trust my God to do what's best,
And wait to find out why."
I was in Mansfield. Ohio, sitting on a platform about to speak. The Pastor of the church where I was speaking leaned over and whispered to me that there was a certain lady in the back whose husband had cancer. He asked me to pray for her and for him. After the service, several people came by to express their burdens and heartaches and divulge the loads they carried. I went to my room and thought of the many people in my own church who carry similar loads. My mind settled on one particular one who just a few days before had looked through tears toward me to ask, "Why, Pastor, why?" These meditations caused me to sit in my motel room one Labor Day afternoon and pen the following lines:
I have sat beside a tiny crib,
And watched a baby die,
As parents slowly turned toward me,
To ask, "Oh, Pastor, why?"
I have held the youthful husband's head,
And felt death's heave and sigh.
A widow looked through tears and said,
"Dear Pastor, tell me why?"
I have seen a gold-star mother weep,
And hold a picture nigh
Her lonely breast, and softly ask,
"Why? Pastor, why, oh, why?"
I have walked away from babyland,
Where still-born babies lie.
A mother stretches empty arms,
And asks me, "Pastor, why?"
I have watched my drunken Father leave
Our home, and say "good-bye,"
While looking into Mother's face
I asked, "Please tell me why?"
I have heard the white-tipped tapping cane,
Which leads a blinded eye.
And then a darkened, lonely voice
Cries, Preacher, show me why."
I have caught a fiancee's burning tears,
And heard her lonely cry.
She held an unused wedding gown,
And shouted, "Pastor, why?"
I have heard the cancer patient say,
" 'Tis gain for me to die;"
Then look into his daughter's face,
And mutely whisper, "Why?"
I have seen a father take his life,
A widow stands nearby;
As little children say, "Dear Mom,
The Preacher'll tell us why."
I've seen my mother stand beside
Two tiny graves and cry.
And though she's never let me know,
I knew she wondered, "Why?"
I've heard an orphan faintly say,
Who gazed into the sky,
"Tho Mom and Dad have gone away,
My Preacher will know why."
I tiptoed to my Father's throne,
So timid and so shy,
To say, "Dear God, some of Your own
Are wanting to know why."
I heard him say so tenderly,
"Their eyes I'll gladly dry,
Tho they must look through faith today,
Tomorrow they'll know why."
"If now they find the reasons that
Their hopes have gone awry,
In Heaven, they will miss the joy
Of hearing Me tell why."
And so I've found it pleases Him
When I can testify,
"I'll trust my God to do what's best,
And wait to find out why."
Monday, September 24, 2012
BESIDE HER ALL THE WAY
A tragic event a friend of mine is enduring. Too sad for words, but I tried to write a poem anyway. My sympathy to the Simmonds family.
The doctor said she wouldn't see
The leaves fall from the trees.
That cancer soon would take its toll...
Before this winter's freeze,
How does one prepare himself
For a battle he can't win?
And how does someone face the loss...
Of a love that's always been?
In the stillness of their long shared
bed
He tossed and turned and wept.
Beside him laid his one true love...
Where she has always slept.
He listens as she gently breathes
The oxygen of life.
And wonders how he'll carry on...
Without his precious wife.
He laid there in the dark a while
Afraid to close his eyes
For fear if he should fall asleep...
That his love would say good-bye!
Yet he cannot stay awake forever
He knows life soon will end.
And he wonders if the day will come...
When his heart might one day mend?
He fears that he'll not have the strength,
When the final hour is near.
To softly whisper in her ear...
Those final words she'll hear:
He fears that he'll not have the strength,
When the final hour is near.
To softly whisper in her ear...
Those final words she'll hear:
“Goodbye my Love, I'll miss you
always,
Now we'll never be apart.
For the memory of you and me...
Is locked within my heart.”
Clint Gardner 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Future's Fate
Election days are quite important
Our future's now at stake.
But after several months of this...
My head begins to ache!
It's “I hate this, and that's a lie”
“It's time for someone new.”
It's said that neither candidate...
Has even got a clue!
I'm sick of all this squabbling
This rhetoric must cease.
I long for just a little bit...
Of electoral peace!
The Facebook pages come alive
With postings for the eye.
And later we will all find out...
That most were just a lie!
Republicans and Democrats
All fishing for your votes.
While Elephant and Donkey art...
Turns voters into goats!
They've turned a process made to give
The country it's best choice.
Into a three ring circus act...
Where everyone has voice.
I think I'll wait and listen for
The candidates debate.
To then decide what vote I'll cast...
To determine future's fate.
It won't be based on Tweet or Post
Or a catchy TV ad.
To base my future on a rant...
Would actually... be quite sad.
I'll do what I percieve is best
For the red and white and blue.
I'll disregard the poppycock...
America.....What say you?
A non-political poem by Clinton Gardner 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Jagger Does Facebook
I must admit I was perplexed
Last night while surfing Facebook,
Cuz the spotted face before me eyes
Caused me to take a relook!
I couldn't help but wonder then,
How such a thing could be?
So I leaned in for a closer peek...
To verify you see!
And there he was, tongue hanging out,
Long snout as clear as day.
His friend request in front of me...
There was little I could say.
I quietly accepted it,
There's no way of course I wouldn't.
Though something deep inside of me...
Thought -- perhaps maybe I shouldn't.
Could Jagger somehow really be...
A dog with computer savvy?
The visual inside my head...
Seemed twisted and uncanny!
I immediately tried to clear...
My mind of the sight within it.
Of Jagger mounted on a chair...
Encrypting data tidbits.
But the images inside my head:
Just wouldn't seem to shake!
My newest Facebook friend it seems...
Is somewhat of a fake!
He usually sits and lays around,
But now he sits and types??
There has to be a mastermind...
Behind this Facebook hype!
A puppet master sits above
This masquerade no doubt!
I wonder who the first 'twill be...
To root this mystery out?
Though Jagger be a clever dog,
This has to be a joke!
'Cause I don't want to be the one...
That Jagger first will Poke!
Imagine the embarrassment...
To challenge him in Scrabble;
Then lose to him decisively,
In a wordy K9 battle!
And just suppose he makes a post,
With a photo...near a hydrant,
Sharing what is on his mind...
Though hardly post compliant!
What would you all be thinking then?
When Jagger hikes his leg?
Perhaps the world's ready NOT
For a K9 spouting megs!
So I'll leave you to contemplate
This jump to cyberspace!
Be glad his breath will not transmit...
While staring at his face!!
And if his nose...gets really close...
To the screen...well, just beware:
He may just start to sniff you out...
Much closer than you'll care!
And just when you're in need of help,
You'll desperately plead and weep.
Instead of help – you'll only find...
That Jagger's fast asleep.
2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Donna Rae
Eva Gardner
Don Gardner
Art Gardner
Vondell Gardner
James Coulson
Florence Coulson
Clinton Coulson
Matt Gardner
Lisa Gardner
Toby Snow
Joni Snow
Lola Arthur
Niema Deines
James Hartman
Jerry Joki
And my older sister I never knew:
DONNA RAE
I never got to meet my older sister Donna Rae. She died of pneumonia when she was 2 months old. I was thinking about all the memories we might have made had she lived to be an adult. So I wrote a little poem about it.
Together Mom and Dad gave birth
To children numbering six.
Seems... I was second from the last
In our Gardner family mix.
After me came sister Beth,
The baby of the lot.
The oldest being brother Jim,
First son my Father got.
After Jim came Carole Kay,
My second oldest kin.
Then out in Colorado came
The sister we call Lynn.
So that makes five I listed here
The kids of Eva Mae;
But there’s one more I never knew…
Her name was Donna Rae.
Her birthday came in February
Of nineteen fifty-four.
But two months after life began…
Poor Donna was no more.
I never got to see her face,
Or feel her baby skin.
But I know Mom has got the chance…
To see her once again.
I wonder how it might have been
If she still lived today.
And all the memories we’d have made…
With our sister Donna Rae.
But history cannot now be changed
There is no past review.
So dreams are all I’ll ever have…
Of the Sis I Never Knew.
Donna Rae Gardner 1954-1954
Friday, March 9, 2012
O WICKED COOKIE!
O Wicked Cookie
I despise thee with Great desire
I long for your sweetness
In my dreams thou shalt retire!
Silently, secretly, you speak my name
Tho you're locked beyond the door
From your secluded resting place
You entreat me: “Come eat more!”
For this plague that is upon me
I blame the Maiden Scouts
For their beauty I cannot resist
Of this…there is no doubt.
Oh to taste the sweet Samoa’s
To crunch the Do-si-doe
I hear them calling to me now
I’m sure my heart will go.
Their plenty screams: 'that I resist'
The treats for just a while
I mustn’t yield to the call
Of Savannah’s entreating Smile!
I hide them far beyond my sight
Avoiding sweet temptation
But soon I’m standing at the door
Starved…with desperation.
I beg for Thin Mint satisfaction
The crunch that so DeLites
I Tag-a-Long…a pathetic slave
In search of wafer bites!
A Shortbread cookie leads to twelve
Twelve cookies I’ve consumed
The diet I was striving for…
So quickly met its doom.
So...to you Maidens making coin
I Shout-Out…Thanks-a-Lot!
And have no fear for yonder cookies…
For in my house…twill not rot!
Clint Gardner 2012
I despise thee with Great desire
I long for your sweetness
In my dreams thou shalt retire!
Silently, secretly, you speak my name
Tho you're locked beyond the door
From your secluded resting place
You entreat me: “Come eat more!”
For this plague that is upon me
I blame the Maiden Scouts
For their beauty I cannot resist
Of this…there is no doubt.
Oh to taste the sweet Samoa’s
To crunch the Do-si-doe
I hear them calling to me now
I’m sure my heart will go.
Their plenty screams: 'that I resist'
The treats for just a while
I mustn’t yield to the call
Of Savannah’s entreating Smile!
I hide them far beyond my sight
Avoiding sweet temptation
But soon I’m standing at the door
Starved…with desperation.
I beg for Thin Mint satisfaction
The crunch that so DeLites
I Tag-a-Long…a pathetic slave
In search of wafer bites!
A Shortbread cookie leads to twelve
Twelve cookies I’ve consumed
The diet I was striving for…
So quickly met its doom.
So...to you Maidens making coin
I Shout-Out…Thanks-a-Lot!
And have no fear for yonder cookies…
For in my house…twill not rot!
Clint Gardner 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
January 8,2012
He gave his life to Law Enforcement,
Keeping criminals at bay.
A man of great integrity...
Our brother died today.
A guide who loved to fish and hunt,
To the moose he'd point the way.
A mighty man to all he knew...
A hunter died today.
A faithful friend to all he knew,
By your side through calm or fray.
An honest and a trusting man...
Our friend has died today.
A deputy in uniform,
It was justice he portrayed.
A man of strength and servitude...
A Sheriff died today.
Working hard to help the kids,
Get them headed the right way.
A resource officer for many years...
A Detective died today.
In the summer he was in the hills,
On the dirtbike he would stay.
He kept the country safe for all...
Foothill One has died today.
A loving hubby to the end,
A gentleman all the way.
A broken heart he leaves behind...
A husband died today.
A loving Father to his son,
An example all his days.
Forever missed by those he loved...
A father died today.
The Sheriff's Office cried today,
Our soldier's gone away.
Ada Forty-one-zero-seven...
A Deputy died today.
We will miss the man we knew,
'Twas too soon to go away!
Our brother,may you rest in peace...
Jim Femrite died today.
January 8, 2012
In memory of Jim Femrite. Written by Clint Gardner
Keeping criminals at bay.
A man of great integrity...
Our brother died today.
A guide who loved to fish and hunt,
To the moose he'd point the way.
A mighty man to all he knew...
A hunter died today.
A faithful friend to all he knew,
By your side through calm or fray.
An honest and a trusting man...
Our friend has died today.
A deputy in uniform,
It was justice he portrayed.
A man of strength and servitude...
A Sheriff died today.
Working hard to help the kids,
Get them headed the right way.
A resource officer for many years...
A Detective died today.
In the summer he was in the hills,
On the dirtbike he would stay.
He kept the country safe for all...
Foothill One has died today.
A loving hubby to the end,
A gentleman all the way.
A broken heart he leaves behind...
A husband died today.
A loving Father to his son,
An example all his days.
Forever missed by those he loved...
A father died today.
The Sheriff's Office cried today,
Our soldier's gone away.
Ada Forty-one-zero-seven...
A Deputy died today.
We will miss the man we knew,
'Twas too soon to go away!
Our brother,may you rest in peace...
Jim Femrite died today.
January 8, 2012
In memory of Jim Femrite. Written by Clint Gardner
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Me and My Kleenex Box
Me and My Kleenex Box
Well,
Now I’ve went and done it.
I caught myself a cold.
It seems a wad of tissues now
Is all I ever hold.
I cough.
I sneeze.
I blow my nose.
All day as well as night.
This war on mucus has become…
A never ending fight!
Its medicines,
And vials of goop,
Then off to see the doc.
A pain inside my throbbing head…
And a voice that does not talk.
I’m sick and tired of breathing not.
And feeling ‘Oh so Blah’.
Where grabbing Kleenex from the box…
Has turned my nosy raw!
I toss.
I turn.
I cough.
I gag.
I sneeze and then I gasp.
It seems a good night’s restful sleep…
Is something of the past.
I cough.
I hack.
I feel like crap.
It’s like some voodoo hex.
I guess I’ll sit and feel like heck…
Just me and my box of Kleenex.
Clint Gardner 2011
Well,
Now I’ve went and done it.
I caught myself a cold.
It seems a wad of tissues now
Is all I ever hold.
I cough.
I sneeze.
I blow my nose.
All day as well as night.
This war on mucus has become…
A never ending fight!
Its medicines,
And vials of goop,
Then off to see the doc.
A pain inside my throbbing head…
And a voice that does not talk.
I’m sick and tired of breathing not.
And feeling ‘Oh so Blah’.
Where grabbing Kleenex from the box…
Has turned my nosy raw!
I toss.
I turn.
I cough.
I gag.
I sneeze and then I gasp.
It seems a good night’s restful sleep…
Is something of the past.
I cough.
I hack.
I feel like crap.
It’s like some voodoo hex.
I guess I’ll sit and feel like heck…
Just me and my box of Kleenex.
Clint Gardner 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
ETCH
The year was 1920.
December twenty four.
The little town of Holton…
Where Eva Mae was born.
That Kansas town was just the start
Of mother’s too short life.
‘Twas there she met a boy named Don…
She’d one day be his wife.
Her High School graduation came;
Topeka was the place.
Then off she went to tackle life…
A smile lit her face.
She married Don in 44
Then off he went to war.
When Jim was born they had no clue…
That there would be five more.
Carole, Lynn, and Donna Rae,
Then Clint and finally Beth.
The places and the years flew by…
There was little time for rest.
California, Idaho, and back to Colorado…
Their moving never done!
They even had a homestead cabin…
Up high on Douglas Mountain.
Now Eva Mae could cook and sew,
She loved her children always!
She struggled hard and never quit…
Till each of them was raised.
Eva loved her husband Don
He always called her ‘Etch’.
Something that she loved to do…
Was sit for hours and sketch.
And though my Dad left Mom behind.
Her love for him lived on.
She loved the man for all her life…
Long after he was gone.
I can’t begin to scratch the surface,
When praising Eva Mae.
A thousand poems or accolades…
Her love would not repay.
She never got to be retired,
She passed away too soon.
I think of all the times I missed…
Her sing, ‘O Mister Moon’.
And if she was alive today,
I know just what I’d do:
I wish I could walk up to her…
And whisper “I love you”!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Clint Gardner 2011
December twenty four.
The little town of Holton…
Where Eva Mae was born.
That Kansas town was just the start
Of mother’s too short life.
‘Twas there she met a boy named Don…
She’d one day be his wife.
Her High School graduation came;
Topeka was the place.
Then off she went to tackle life…
A smile lit her face.
She married Don in 44
Then off he went to war.
When Jim was born they had no clue…
That there would be five more.
Carole, Lynn, and Donna Rae,
Then Clint and finally Beth.
The places and the years flew by…
There was little time for rest.
California, Idaho, and back to Colorado…
Their moving never done!
They even had a homestead cabin…
Up high on Douglas Mountain.
Now Eva Mae could cook and sew,
She loved her children always!
She struggled hard and never quit…
Till each of them was raised.
Eva loved her husband Don
He always called her ‘Etch’.
Something that she loved to do…
Was sit for hours and sketch.
And though my Dad left Mom behind.
Her love for him lived on.
She loved the man for all her life…
Long after he was gone.
I can’t begin to scratch the surface,
When praising Eva Mae.
A thousand poems or accolades…
Her love would not repay.
She never got to be retired,
She passed away too soon.
I think of all the times I missed…
Her sing, ‘O Mister Moon’.
And if she was alive today,
I know just what I’d do:
I wish I could walk up to her…
And whisper “I love you”!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Clint Gardner 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Happy Father's Day
JVC
James was always tall and thin
He worked hard all his life.
Florence found his heart one spring…
She soon became his wife.
The only man I ever knew
Who drove a clanking street car.
He played a game of front porch checkers…
Like there was no tomorrow.
He took a million photographs;
Developed each himself!
And though he captured all of us…
He never caught himself.
He tinkered in his little shop;
Made wooden craft galore,
He gave them out to all he knew...
Then started making more.
He watched a zillion baseball games;
Knew all the players by name!
He’d tell you all about their stats
Their name -- and claim to fame.
His yard was quite immaculate.
Built a patio for feasts.
The front yard sidewalk always edged…
The Magnolia leaves -- policed.
And in the back for all the kids
The mighty swing so tall
The grandkids spending all the day
Soaring o're the wall!
His Studebaker in the drive
A pride none can deny.
The day Flo sold it…late in life
Twas the only day he cried.
James V. Coulson, a Kansas man.
Remembered…though long passed!
This Father’s Day we shant forget
The Legacy you cast.
In honor of James Vivian Coulson (1892-1971), my Grandfather
By Clinton Gardner 2011
James was always tall and thin
He worked hard all his life.
Florence found his heart one spring…
She soon became his wife.
The only man I ever knew
Who drove a clanking street car.
He played a game of front porch checkers…
Like there was no tomorrow.
He took a million photographs;
Developed each himself!
And though he captured all of us…
He never caught himself.
He tinkered in his little shop;
Made wooden craft galore,
He gave them out to all he knew...
Then started making more.
He watched a zillion baseball games;
Knew all the players by name!
He’d tell you all about their stats
Their name -- and claim to fame.
His yard was quite immaculate.
Built a patio for feasts.
The front yard sidewalk always edged…
The Magnolia leaves -- policed.
And in the back for all the kids
The mighty swing so tall
The grandkids spending all the day
Soaring o're the wall!
His Studebaker in the drive
A pride none can deny.
The day Flo sold it…late in life
Twas the only day he cried.
James V. Coulson, a Kansas man.
Remembered…though long passed!
This Father’s Day we shant forget
The Legacy you cast.
In honor of James Vivian Coulson (1892-1971), my Grandfather
By Clinton Gardner 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Birthday Poem
My Little Sister
Long ago while just a boy
My sister Beth was born.
And that was when I first began...
'My life with little sister'.
The older siblings sped ahead,
To live their lives abroad
Leaving me...to keep an eye
On Beth, 'My little sister.
Named after a family friend,
Her middle name was Jo...
But she was always known to me
As just 'My little sister'.
For many years...twas just us two
Together with our mom...
Precious times while growing up
With Beth, 'My little sister'.
Eventually, we both grew up,
And went to live our lives;
And though she now has kids her own...
She's still 'My little sister'.
Today she has some grandkids too,
And lives quite far away.
But to me...shes not a 'Grandma Beth'...
She's still just 'Little Sister'.
Today she is a little older...
We'll just say "under 50"
And though we're neither one real young
...she's still 'My Little Sister'.
Love you Beth! Happy Birthday
Long ago while just a boy
My sister Beth was born.
And that was when I first began...
'My life with little sister'.
The older siblings sped ahead,
To live their lives abroad
Leaving me...to keep an eye
On Beth, 'My little sister.
Named after a family friend,
Her middle name was Jo...
But she was always known to me
As just 'My little sister'.
For many years...twas just us two
Together with our mom...
Precious times while growing up
With Beth, 'My little sister'.
Eventually, we both grew up,
And went to live our lives;
And though she now has kids her own...
She's still 'My little sister'.
Today she has some grandkids too,
And lives quite far away.
But to me...shes not a 'Grandma Beth'...
She's still just 'Little Sister'.
Today she is a little older...
We'll just say "under 50"
And though we're neither one real young
...she's still 'My Little Sister'.
Love you Beth! Happy Birthday
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