About him

His laugh was memorable

He shared so often

His words came from old sayings

He knew so many

His shoulders were very wide

He held me up high

His life was filled with good times

He let me join in

His rules were always obeyed

He kept me quite close

His love knew no boundaries

He knew that I knew

His family always came first

He made sure of it

His friends knew his true friendship

He laughed with them too

His spirit is still with me

He is in my heart

His love and laughter lives on

He was a great Dad

@2009 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

MALIGNED

A woman showed up at my door today
Headed right for the mirror in the hall
Folks had said that I would see her at some point
But, I didn’t recognize her at all

She seemed fairly rushed as she past right by me
Then, she leaped through the glass of reflection
Stunned as I was, I just had to take a look
Yet unable to make the connection

She had changed to an old lady in gray
And, smiled to reveal her missing front teeth
I stared as she laughed while grabbing her wig
To show her flowing brown hair underneath

Her face was smooth and her eyes shown quite bright
I rubbed my own since I could not believe!
Was she a grandmother from long ago?
Who was she really trying to deceive?

Checking her look was all that she wanted
It was then that I learned she was not kind
She stopped quick and stared me down like a cat
It was indeed my face she had maligned

@2009 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied onto the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

This Is Not A Political Poem

While this is not a political poem
It is about elections
Most of us have quite a few in our past
And, some were true perfection

I’ll not argue over the right and wrong
About our next president
He makes a lot of folks very happy
Not all.. ‘tis evident!

Some will remember a young Kennedy
Others will think of Harry
Mention Nixon, Johnson or Reagan
Some will become quite wary

I guess what I’m really trying to say
Without stirring up trouble
A new president is about to start
So, let’s not burst a bubble

Whether you have a fit or tell a joke
He’s the President we’ve got
So, please my dear fellow Americans
Let’s have no panties in knots!

@2009 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be reproduced on the world wide web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

When Regency Mall was COOL!

It was billed as heaven
Back in sixty-seven
When a new mall opened its doors

All our favorites were there
Sitting there in a square
We could park and shop and adore

People climbed in their cars
From close by and afar
To check out this new shopping place

Ladies with gloves and hats
Had to be “where it’s at”
This new mall got a grand embrace

Yet, the story is told
They were there for the cold
Air conditioning was sublime

They had none back at home
They were now free to roam
This “cool” didn’t cost them a dime

Back in sixty-seven
It was shopping heaven
Worth skipping class at the high school

When we first heard of Malls
Wow, did we have a ball!
Back when Regency Mall was “cool!”

@2009 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poems on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

BUTTERSCOTCH LIFESAVERS

It was our little secret
Those Butterscotch Lifesavers
He’d give me that slight wink
And, I would always know

Sitting there together
The shine of his brand new suit
As he reached in his pocket
For those rings of sweet joy

He loved to call me “Shug”
I loved it more than he did
Called himself “Dear Ol’ Dad”
He made me laugh a lot

When asked about birthday hints
Or, Christmas present hints
His answer was always the same
“After-shave lotion, I reckon”

I see his huge grin in a picture
I feel his big arms around me
I can still hear his voice
Long since gone from my side

Years don’t take away love
Or, the tears I still cry
The time we had together
Gets thought about so much

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other written form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

CHRISTY

It’s not that difficult to hear your laugh

Or, remember your winning ways

I was right there in the palm of your hand

Watching you take on the whole world

It IS difficult to put in these lines

All that you were to so many

Your family, your friends and your co-workers

Remember the spark that you were

The work you did at Channel 4 lives on

Foundations were formed in your name

It would embarrass you and please you

To know that people remember

Mention your name and a smile will appear

As memories and stories are told

Like the World’s Largest Zucchini contest

Or, the great Bridge games over lunch

Raising money for others was your life

Good-naturedness was a prized gift

Your family and friends will never forget

Your days were well spent, my dear friend

Scarlets Rhymes @2008 - The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Sixteenth Birthday

The old home movie jittered a bit sometimes

But, you could see her walk in the room

The birthday girl in all of her finery

Thinking she owned the world and she did

Three-inch pointy-toed heels and a dark pink dress

Not a hair out of place on her head

The brightness of the film made her likeness fade

But, she had left her impression

Spoiled by two parents who loved her more than life

She was smug and still shy all at once

It was her birthday and she was sweet sixteen

No one ever looked better, she thought

The film flutters again and we see her face

Smiling at her adoring family

This sixteen-year old girl was so very lucky

Everyone understood her so well

It’s quite an experience to see yourself

The way you were and how you acted

Funny, I don’t even remember the pink dress

Just the huge curlers for that hairdo

I sit and watch this film over and over

Wondering about the day and times

Crying over the parents who looked so grand

I’m that girl again .. and, still .. sixteen

@Copyright Scarlet Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be copied and used on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Economy is bad. . or, is it?

The economy is in a tailspin
Or, maybe it’s not so bad
This recession is really quite normal
Or, the worst we’ve ever had

I should buy stock while the price is so low
Or, sit on my mattress filled green
Plan now to spend less for the holidays
Or, order online like a queen!

I should take out a loan to buy a new house
But, no one will give me a loan
I shouldn’t fret ‘cause the gas price is down
But, it would be wise to stay home

Maybe I read too much in all of this
Or, perhaps I don’t read enough
Maybe I should trust all the pundits
Or, are they’re just calling my bluff?

Spend cash! It’s great for the economy!
Are there any lessons offered?
Go out for dinner to a fancy place
Stay home and micro some Stouffers

There are lots of boarded up factories
Coffee shops wherever you go
Where drones stand in line for over an hour
Paying big bucks for all that “joe”

Some say wait until we get a new Prez
Some say it doesn’t quite matter
Actually, I’m not sure what I should think
I’m leaning towards the latter

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced onto the World Wide Web without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

AFTERNOONS WITH A HIPPIE

She wore a long skirt down to her ankles
I don’t recall her wearing shoes
She spoke of some man who loved a seagull
I had a parakeet named Spot

She kept hard candies in small crystal bowls
Offering me one everyday
When I tasted it, I cringed on green peas
No.. the taste was just like broccoli

She spoke of a green witch near New York City
Where the drummer’s beat was different
I thought of my next Halloween costume
As a witch I would be in black

She made tea from bark and leaves off of trees
Mama called her a flower child
And, said I shouldn’t eat or drink with her
I thought of my own tea party

To me she was just a strange old lady
Who was kind of weird and stuff
Folks said she’s a barren hippie
I thought she was from Chicago

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced onto the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Purple Sweatshirt

I fell in love in a purple sweatshirt

When my life began to take flight

Trips to the beach and my favorite rock songs

Made everything really alright

I wore that shirt til it wasn’t purple

I could never throw it away

Not really thinking a lot about it

Or, all the lives that it portrayed

It was there when I needed it to be

I wore it for chores and to bed

Kind of like a habit I couldn’t break

My life spinning around each thread

Maybe it’s time to clean out my closet

Yet one last wearing wouldn’t hurt

The ups and downs of my life it has seen

Not bad for a tattered old shirt

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this site cannot be posted on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Write Myself An Email

sung to the tune of

I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter with apologies to lyricist Joe Young

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself an email

And, make believe it came from my bank!

I’m gonna write words oh so fine

Saying I hope that I don’t mind

That an error just discovered

Means my car loan will be covered!

I’m gonna grin and say

I hope that makes my day now

I’ll close with thanks for being me

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself an email

And, make believe it came from my bank

One more time!!!!

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself an email

And, make believe it came from my bank

I’m gonna write words oh so fine

Saying I hope that I don’t mind

That an error just discovered

Means my car loan will be covered

I’m gonna grin and say

I hope that makes my day now

I’ll close with thanks for being me

Oh yeah…..

I’m gonna sit right down and write myself an email

And, make believe it came from ….

Think I’ll include the home loan..

Make believe it came from …. my bank!

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the world wide web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

A Flatlander's Happy Point

For a flatlander, this was my Mt. Everest
To climb a Smokey Mountain trail
Seen many times in the bright light of day
Carefully walking now at dusk

Reaching towards the spot called Happy Point
Where many a hiker had been
Looking down on the valley of fresh fog
Expertly painted clouds below

With flashlights in hand on a night mission
Happy Point was a step away
When over the mountain a bright light peeped
A rush to find the perfect spot

The full moon rose in all of its glory
Breathing stopped atop Happy Point
A name perfectly conceived and given
A place that will always be so

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - All poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied and reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Pop's Tampa Nuggets

It was not in the best of shape as he
Retrieved it from the desk drawer
Yet when he opened the box to show me
All that he had saved – he grinned

Bands were in the Tampa Nugget box he
Held firm with both his hands
Cigar bands from dozens of cigars he
Smoked over the days and years

He handed me a new catalog of great
Items that he could receive
All he had to do was mail in some of
Those bands to Tampa Nugget

As I child, I thought how lucky it was
To be Pop and get free gifts
I even offered to start smoking them
So that I could win something

Pop patted me on the head and told me
To get on outside and play
But, I lingered long enough to get a
Good look at that catalog

I think about that old box of cigar
Bands every once in awhile
Wondering what Pop bought over the years as
It got too full to close

The real truth is - Pop was a lot like
That ol’ box of cigar bands
Wishes and dreams were right there at his finger
Tips to do with as he pleased

Just maybe that box was filled with more than
I realized way back then
Shared grins and whispers with his granddaughter
Could have kept it more than full

@2008 Scarlet Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this site cannot be copied and duplicated on the World Wide Web without the written permission of the arthor/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

MAKING CENTS OF NO MONEY

I rubbed two dollars together
Trying to make some cents
Clearly this was not the best way
For my time to be spent

I stretched a twenty-dollar bill
Until it snapped in two
Does that mean I now have two tens?
Please help me hear won’t you?

I pinched a penny hard and fast
It hurt my fingers sew!
Maybe blood out of a turnip
Would be the way to go

Confusion over money now
How do I keep me sum?
Bills for gas that won’t ever last
Has turned my wallet numb

I think I’ll take up gardening
Grow rows of dollar weed
Then, no matter what else happens
I got my mouth to feed

@2008 Copyright Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied onto the world wide web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

We'll Be Servin' Vittles

A small print ad in an urban paper
Announced a rural wedding
“Frank and Jane are marrying Friday night
Then, we’ll be serving vittles”

I smiled at the thought of Jed Clampett’s grin
As Grannie served possum stew
“It always tastes better the second day”
I can hear Jeb’s “eee-dawgies!”

Vittles is a word most folks don’t know
Except as “tender” cat food
But, to turn one down who offers vittles
Would be considered quite rude

From black-eyed peas to biscuits with honey
Throw in a ham hock or two
Fried chicken, corn bread and sweet potatoes
And, a table just for cakes!

Vittles warms your stomach and hugs your heart
Those in the know will sure grin
Watching you earn your vittles “braggin’ rights”
As you become one of them

Pull up a chair with Jed Clampett and me
There’s always room for one more
You’ll hear the stories of home-style cooking
That serves up much more than food

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE WIVES CEMETERY

Wandering down an old moss covered pathway
The trees bring the murmurs of the sea
Stories that are lost and yet linger on
Spoken in breezes and rustling leaves

Widows who were really never sure if they were
Wait on for their captain’s sweet return
To tell of the pirates and his near death
While his lover, the sea, calls him home

Weeks and months and the years of their whole lives
Shrouded in a sea of wonderment
No news ever came, was he lost at sea?
Or, were the seas’ charms stronger than hers?

The stories of all captains are buried here
Made up, expounded or tall dark truths
The wives wait on for word at the next high tide
Buried together yet all alone

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this blog cannot be duplicated on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

I'M A QUARTER

I’m a quarter and I’m a nothing
I use to be a big deal.. way back when
When I bought five people a soda pop
When I paid for a gallon of gas

Ah, life was good all those years ago
I would be a part of everything
“Got a quarter?” and, there I would be
People were always calling my name

‘Course, those were the ‘good ol’ days, weren’t they?
When me and my pals were popular
We paid a toll and bought a paper
And, we were much better than those dimes!

Now, I’m not good for much any more
I’m forced to hang out with other coins
No longer the independent one
Just part of a jingle of some change

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poems on this Blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

POOR PAULETTE

Here’s the sad story of poor Paulette
Who was never really proud
If anyone looked twice at her
She would simply cry out loud

Sad about her poor pitiful life
And, if that isn’t enough
When her daddy wasn’t noticin’
She would sneak a pinch of snuff

She never had any friends at all
Who could put up with her mess?
Sobbin’ day and night for weeks
‘Cause she hated her new dress

She had herself a Pity Party
Invited a few from town
Cried as she made pimento cheese
I’m telling ya that girl was down

No one was there by three o’clock
Paulette had herself a fit
Pity Party’s are made for one
Poor Paulette didn’t know … that

@2008 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the world wide web or another other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecrek.com

THIS IS WHY I WRITE

To share my own thoughts of now
To tell of way back when
To even write of nothing
Fills my own special need

To touch someone with my words
To make them smile or cry
To help them find their own words
Makes my writing worthwhile

To send thoughts that encourage
To remind them of love
To race toward memories
After reading my rhyme

To reach their inner feelings
To make the thought shine through
To find a note that I did
Oh! This is why I write

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures
on this blog cannot bereproduced on the World Wide Web or any
other published form without the written permission of the
writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Empty Building

The eerie echoes of voices long since gone
Bounce around like the flash of fame
Once filled with minds who worked themselves to death
The notion of winning the game

Floor after floor of the nine to five’ers
Thought they’d be here until they died
Filled with joy that they brought home the dollars
Refueling their family’s pride

It has been said that the walls do have ears
Too bad they can no longer speak
No words of what was or what might have been
When the future turned to the bleak

A chill in this tall, human-less building
With the For Sale sign on the door
Tells the story as loud as you can hear
The world has changed forever more

@Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this site cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Flim-Flam Man

He says all the right things and makes you smile
He's looking for help with hat in hand
Talks up the fact that he knows a few things
Asks for aid where others would not

Such lengthy conversations he offers up
It's tough not to appreciate his thoughts
He's done his homework as some would say
Knows the right heart-strings to tug gently

Who to trust in this ever-changing world?
Just because he said it's true, is it?
He even mentions a name that you know
A town and a road. He's good.

A door is opened and the deal is done
He gets what he wants and more
Scratching deep into the annals of time
Twisting words and making his own

Gone to take on the next grand prospect
With new words and dirty deeds
The smile of the strange will kill again
As he gathers his fool collection

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this site cannot be copied and placed on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Blur of Impressions

You don’t require much of me at all
I don’t need a brain
In fact, it’s perfectly acceptable
If I don’t even move

No searches deep into my morals
Just show up, you say
Then, I must feast on your banquet
Telling those who ask

You, in turn, leave your brand
Slogans of evil or fun
That will stick in my head so much
That I sing them often

Believing that what I say is true
Yet never thinking
I repeat because I heard it
You told me everything

There in that colorful box in my room
You spread society
I learn, repeat and come back for more
I have no useful brain

When will I ever wake up to find
There is a way to stop
I will move and be myself again

I can turn the TV off

@Copyright 2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and poetry on this page cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.net

Moonshine On The Dashboard

It’s not homemade in a still
It’s doesn’t have a kick
You’ll be wise to watch it, though
‘Cause it’ll be gone quick

It’ll take your breath away
When ya let it seep in
You’ll talk about it for days
And, bore all of your friends

Ya gotta git up early
I’m talkin’ before dawn
I’d hate to see ya miss it
Sunrise, it’ll be gone

Climb into your car real slow
And, watch it all begin
Ah! Moonshine on the dashboard
My celestial best friend!

@2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this site cannot be copied and used on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE LOVE AND THE LOSS

They are so easy to love and adore
Time spent together is grand
Watching every movement that they make
Helps you become a big fan

As time rolls along you see the bad times
But, that doesn’t change a thing
The fun they have every single day
Keeps your life on the upswing

Oh, there will be days when you can’t stand them
You try not to yell at all
But, it seems they do better when you yell
My my.. how love does enthrall

Then, one night, comes the ultimate test
Lives may never be the same
The love, the hate, the wonder of it all
When your team loses the game

@Copyright 2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on the blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

LET ME

Let me write better in this new year
Let me create a few smiles
Let me know that what I try to do
Reaches out over the miles

Let me find the gathering of words
Let me know how to say it
Let me send out the best of my best
So that my friends can weigh it

Let me improve just a little bit
Let me improve even more
Let me step up to a new challenge
It’s a small wish I implore

Let me attack this resolution
Let me be proud in the end
Let me write as I’m sure that I can
May this be a new year’s trend

@Copyright 2008 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this blog cannot be copied and used on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhmyecreek.com

Mama's Fruit Cake

Mama made her fruit cake before Thanksgiving
Wrapped it in cheesecloth tight
Poured a shot of Four Roses whiskey over it
Just about every other night

There was more cooking from that liquor
Blending flavors inside the cake
Mama might forget to buy a present
That cake she would always make

All of her friends couldn’t wait to taste it
They knew it was awfully good
But, this cake was for the family’s Christmas
And, somehow they understood

Grandpa tried to get an early sample
Mama spied him from the hall
She shut the lid on the fruit cake tin
Grandpa got nothing at all

Finally, the big day had arrived
We’d get to taste this cake
Dad faked a drum roll on the counter
“Just cut it for goodness sake!”

Mama got out the plates and the forks
Proud Four Roses filled the air
She started to cut as we all watched
I heard a band play, I swear!

The taste of that cake lives on with me
A Christmas memory, you see
No, not many folks care for fruit cake
But, it is pure love to me

@Copyright 2007 Scarlets Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied onto the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

A FLORIDA CHRISTMAS

I have never driven in snow
Or, held a snow shovel
If I had to do either
I’d be in big trouble

Not to mention all new clothes
Hmmm.. maybe that’s not bad
I would have to start from scratch
And, get rid of all I had

I’m a native Floridian
And, I like it down here
We don’t get stuck in the ice
Well, there was that one year!

I sit inside where it’s cool
Thanks to that big AC
And, call up my yankee friends
Don’t you wish you were me?

Dream of your white Christmas’s
I’ll watch the palm trees sway
As I sit outside smiling
On this warm Christmas Day

@Copyright 2007 Scarlets Rhymes The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

I Found Her In A Scrapbook

Dusty and overstuffed with memories
I carried it to the table
Carefully I opened it to her whole life
As a young girl so much in love

The theatre tickets and the receipts
Times that she cherished so much
Crushed corsages from a special evening
Ribbons with tears stains of her joy

She loved a man who was in the Army
I found some of his letters too
Page after page of what was so special
Match books and black and white pictures

Gorgeous in her form fitting dress and heels
She was the beauty that he loved
And, he was the one she always counted on
To make her laugh and hold her hand

There in overstuffed pages she lives on
Sharing her fun and hearts desire
The telegram saying he mailed her the ring
The pictures from the honeymoon

I smile through my own tears of sad and joy
What a treasure this book does hold
I found her in those old scrapbook pages
Well before I was ever born

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this Blog cannot be copied and placed on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

My Thanksgiving Quandary

It’s not that I’m not thankful because I am
It’s not that I don’t like yams because I do
It’s not that I hate three-day weeks because I don’t
Here’s the quandary I’m facing here today

If you ask someone to explain Thanksgiving
They mention the pilgrims and how corn is maize
And, how their mother use to make the best stuffing,
The family gathering around and lots to eat

Food is the explanation for Thanksgiving
Whether it’s turkey or goose or ham or all three
Someone knows the best recipe to cook it
And, the best side dishes in the world for it

A holiday to celebrate overeating
We already do that every single day
We take a big holiday and change its name
Turkey Day is a day to celebrate food

I seem to remember when I was fifth grade
We dressed up like pilgrims and Indians
Yes, we called them that back then because who knew?
And, we sat down at a table and gave thanks

There was not a lot of food on this table
Some corn and berries and a bright orange pumpkin
Times were tough back then and they didn’t have food
They gave thanks for being alive and able

Think about it .. for being able… able to live
I think we’ve gotten away from that first meal
We should think about what we are thankful for
Not whether three meats and six vegetables are enough

@Copyright 2007 The above poem and all poetry and photos on this blog cannot be duplicated on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Skillets and Their Uses

Not much can be said about skillets
That hasn’t already been said
They are good for fryin’ up chicken
And, can cook up a great cornbread.

Hattie Jo used her skillet different
Hittin’ Clyde up side of the head
If he stepped outta line he caught it
Clyde sometimes wishes he was dead

Hattie Jo don’t put up with a lot
Clyde never really understands
He goes out drinkin’ with all the guys
Hattie Jo sits with her fry pan!

You’d think after all the hittin’ years
Clyde’s mind would have been made right
Yet every week he does the same thing
Booze and poker on Saturday night

Now, don’t go thinkin’ bad about her
Hattie Jo sure loves her man Clyde
But, if he ain’t there to eat chicken
Clyde’s head is what else that gets fried

@2007 Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poem on this Blog cannot be duplicated on the world wide web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at Scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SOMEBODY'S DEAD IN THERE

Out back of Johnny Enfinger’s house
His Daddy kept an old shed
Word was we should never go inside
Or we would find somebody dead

No one ever had to tell me twice
I was nearly scared to death
Just hearin’ him tell me to stay out
Dragged me down to my last breath

But, of course, someone took that dare
Thinkin’ there was nuthin’ to it
The Carmichael boys, Seth and Jake
Decided they would do it

The very next night they went out
And, found the old thing was locked
Seth went to the truck for a tool
Leaving Jake to face the shock

Jake peeked through a dirty window
And, shined his flashlight in
Human bones stacked up in short piles
Wiped his face from that grin

Seth came back but Jake wasn’t there
Folks heard Seth’s scream for miles
The flashlight’s beam from inside the shed
Held fast on a new bone pile

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this blog cannot be copied and reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission from the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

RADIO COUNTRY CLUB

I found them with a spin of my radio dial
They were waiting with songs for me!
Jack Mock, Dusty Dan, Dale, Alan Sands, Jim Shirah
And, of course, Honest John Ferree

 They played music in a Radio Country Club
With a swimming pool for the fans
I first heard Elvis, The Supremes and Buddy Holly
When I became a Big Ape fan

 I bought records because I knew all the words
That the In-Men taught me so well
Collected their surveys and grabbed ‘Tenna Toppers
And, screamed when I heard the Ape Yell!

 They even brought the Beatles to sing in my town
     Folks still talk about that day
 Hurricane Dora had just brought her winds right past us
    But, we heard the Beatles play!

 I think about those days when radio was fun
And, the DJs were so cool!
And, how I fell in love with all of those rock stars
When I got home from high school

It was with a spin of the dial when I found them
I've cherished them all these years
To all the alumni of W A P E
I thank you with both my ears!


@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this Blog
may not be duplicated on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the
written permission of the writer/creator at Scarlet@RhymeCreek.net

PINWHEEL PROMISES

Through squinting eyes I see the blades
As I wake from a sound sleep
A big beautiful ceiling fan spins around
Pushing the warm air to cool

The blades become more and more blurred
Widening with each fine turn
Pinwheels from my childhood take shape
As I drift to and from sleep

Standing in my backyard with no shoes
That skinny stick in my hand
With a colorful spinning pinwheel
That only moves because of me

I blow and watch the colors blend
And, again to see how fast
Enraptured in the moment of bliss
Not a care in the world

Pinwheel promises of perfect days
Where life goes on forever
Time was only when the sand man called
Not thought of on a sunny day

I’ll look for that pinwheel tomorrow
When squinting eyes awaken
That little girl with the promises
I’d like to see it all again

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this Blog cannot be duplicated and used on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creater at Scarlet@rhymecreek.com

MINNOWS IN THE ROAD RUTS

Standing knee deep in the flooded water
We were about one-hundred yards away
It seemed so strange that the frame of the pond
Had now become the size of this flood

There were fish in there but now they’re out here
Swimming free thinking their house had grown
Then, we realized that they would all soon die
As the flooding seeped into the ground

So, we herded the fish just like cowboys
Rounding up strays and heading home
The fish raced ahead just like children do
Wanting to be first back in the pond

But, where was the pond it had no borders
The fish played tag as they darted about
Our roundup was useless and we knew it
The new home for the fish was a death trap

Days later, when the water was gone
We walked the dirt road to the pond
Surprisingly water filled the road ruts
And, minnows were swimming around

We quickly gathered water filled buckets
And, scooped up handfuls of minnows
Heavy arms carried the buckets safely
Back to the pond where they were born

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

OF ALL THE GALL!

The girls loved to talk about Charlene
She brought it all on herself
The way she giggled passin’ the boys
Just might make you puke yourself

When Charlene showed up at the party
You could say that topped it all
Especially since she was on the arm of
Her unmitigated gall

No invitation was ever sent
She felt she didn’t need it
‘Course the look she got from all the girls
Could bend a Dewalt blade bit

Of all the gall to waltz right in
Thinking she was hot stuff
The fellas all stared like big horned owls
It was time to call her bluff

Your invitation arrived, Charlene!
I’m so glad to see you here!
I hope you remembered, dear Charlene
I asked for SIX cases of beer

@Copyright 2007 - Scarlet's Rhymes The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE WATER LILY'S SMILE

A very nice water lily sitting in a pond
I thought I’d take a picture
Zooming in very tight to see it close
I captured it right there

Days went by and I never looked at it
Still sitting in my camera
Soon forgotten and blended with other ones
Pictures to see some time soon

Time on my hands helped me remember it
I wondered about the pic
So I put the cable into the computer
And, watched as the pictures moved

There before me was such awesome beauty
No picture .. a grand painting!
Streaks of watercolors bathed over it
The lily was brought to life!

How did I take such an amazing shot?
I’m no great photographer
Perhaps Mother Nature knows cameras
And, the water lily’s smile

@2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all pictures and poetry on this Blog cannot be copied and produced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creater at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

REACH FOR YOUR QUILL

Writing with a quill pen by candlelight
Seems so simple and romantic
The thoughts a mind can dream about
Finding their way to paper

Drenching the pen quickly in the ink well
To grab those ideas in flight
Watching as the paper drinks up the thoughts
Nestling them in paper fiber

One would guess things weren’t so complicated
The world spun slower then as well
Folks grew or shot or trapped all their food
The job was to exist each day

Race forward to now and what do you see?
Fast food, fast cars and cell phones
No paper, no pen and complicated days
Breath in and reach for your quill

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all other poems and pictures on this Blog cannot be copied and posted on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

DIPPITY DOO'D

My Mama rolled my hair every night
Those wire-y things with brushes
The ones that stuck holes in my head
As I tossed and turned finding less pain

Then, the big plastic rollers were there
As big as beer cans for poofyness
I felt like I was actually sitting up
When I tried to lie down in my bed

A soaking wet head full of rollers
Hoping that everything would dry
Be perfectly gorgeous in the morning
With no evidence of anything but pretty

Daddy said he couldn’t look at me
He said I looked like I was tuning in
Some radio station in Savannah
Men.. even Daddy’s .. what do they know?

Along came a glass jar of goop
Guaranteed to make things better
Put the goop on the hair and roll it
In the morning, gorgeous hair

I went through a lot of goop in my day=
My hair was always crunchy
But, that was a good thing I figured out
Guys notice when you’re Dippity- Doo’d!

@Copyright 2007 The above and all poetry and pictures on this Blog cannot be duplicated on the World Wide website without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

GREEN EYED LADY

The shop was filled with strange things
Hanging around on the walls
Ornamental and jewelry-esk
Witches brews next to 8 balls

A spider’s web in the corner
Beads hanging from everything
My eyes were unable to blink
A creepy feeling began

She came through the door in the back
Who.. is next.. to speak.. to Portia?
The lump in my throat spoke for me
As I stepped towards her door

I sat down and saw her green eyes
Was she hungry for the money?
Or, was she seeing something there
Something to scare me about

Portia sees a poet with her
I was no longer breathing
A poet with many stories
Will you write poem for Portia?

I – I came here for my future
Can you tell me about it?
Portia knows everything, yes!
You have question for Portia?

Actually.. I have a few
Portia is busy! Speak quickly!
You have twenty-five dollars first?
I gave her the cold hard cash

Portia will not disappoint you
I stared as she told the tale
Then, walked out poorer and richer
Her web still wrapped around me

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The about and all poetry and pictures on this blog are not to be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

I GOT OLD RECENTLY

I never really like to think about my age
I plan on it happening gracefully
Time will simply go about its business as usual
And, click off the days one at a time
So, it was quite unexpected when this happened
Yeah, it’s true.. I got old recently
Some of my high school classmates had gathered
To share stories and remember when
They wrote to say that some pictures were posted
I should take a look when I have the time
I wondered if he attended this gathering
The one who took me to the prom our senior year
The football player with that evil streak
I decided to take a look just for old times sake
And, found all of these old people laughing
Who in the world are they? Do I have the wrong site?
I found his name under a picture
He looked like the star of a TV commercial
Sadly, it’s an oatmeal commercial
Oh yeah, I got very old very fast recently
Knowing Wilford Brimley took me to the prom

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this Blog cannot be duplicated on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.net

LAUNDRY DANCE

Sorting through all of my laundry today
I suddenly realized
There were memories gathering around me
Dancing brilliantly on the clothes

A shirt that needed starch for Grandpa Joe
He wore one almost every day
And, Dad’s short sleeve dress shirt was there too
He loved them in the hot weather

Ah! Mema’s apron is on the pile there
I smell her biscuits cookin’ too
Aunt Mary’s skirt with stitched decorations
As she sits at the piano

My favorite dress of Mama’s comes to call
Chanel Number Five wafts around me
And, I think of that dress and how she looked
On the arm of my Dad that night

There’s that tight pair of jeans from high school days
Boy, did I think I looked good then
A cap and gown times three join in the dance
The “Gentle” cycle for each one

The dance ends on this laundry day
Others will join in the next time
Some needing a little extra scrubbing
While most will waltz in their own style

Oops! Look at that! “DEAR” Aunt Martha’s sweater
Memories of her switch linger on
I think I’ll wash it in the HOT cycle
And, hang it on the line to dry!

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this Blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

HER WAYS

She’s in my distant memory now
Sometimes it’s hard to picture her
Her looks, her manners, her clothes, her ways
Are all back there in my childhood

And, by the time I was old enough
To have any strong memories
It’s of a lady who was not well
Who was not able to spend time

So, I try to drift back to before
When she took my hand and we walked
Around her yard of tall camellias
And she told me all of their names

I see her churning butter right now
Snapping crowder peas for dinner
Which will get a drop of her pepper sauce
When we gathered at the table

Some Coca-cola mid-afternoon
With a slice of homemade pound cake
She’d spin the stories and the gossip
And, nod her head ‘cause it was true!

Don’t sass me or you’ll git the switch!
Young ladies don’t use such bad words!
You know you’re the best thing in the world!
Come give Mema some sweet sugah!

Images, words, looks.. rush back to me
Time stopped and reverted to her
I CAN see her manners, clothes and ways
Ah, yes, I remember her now.

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The about and all poetry and pictures on this Blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.net

CLUTTERED

The door swung wide as I walked inside
Curious as a dang cat
I wondered why as he caught my eye
Who would put up with all that

A cluttered place with little space
He had little room to walk
I smelled the stink which made me think
He’s watchin’ me like a hawk

I looked around and finally found
A window that was open
I caught by breath scared half to death
I’d die soon I was hopin’

He got up close his breath was gross
And, as he started to speak
I thought it wise I closed my eyes
Then felt my knees go weak

When I woke up there was a cup
Of home brew on the table
I looked around didn’t see the clown
I best go if I’m able

Outta the blue he spit his chew
I gagged at the man so vile
He wiped his face of every trace
Gave me a picket fence smile

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this blog cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

OPHELIA JANE, SO FINE

Ophelia Jane Ogletree was pretty
Her Mama made real sure of it too
She taught her of the finer things in life
Society dinners and high tea
Ophelia Jane was seen at the grand events
Where all eyes turned to her as she walked
Her Mama told her to always smile pretty
Someone with a camera might be near
Mama taught her that Ogletree’s were fine
And, Ogletree girls never perspired
If the slightest of glistening ever happened
She would always have her silk hanky close
Her Mama helped her learn of fine jewelry
Linen and silk from far away lands
A custom made gown for every party
A gorgeous bauble around her neck
Ophelia Jane had her choice of the rich boys
Always choosing a different one too
Her calendar and dance cards were filled up
“The belle of the ball” her Mama bragged
Ophelia Jane dressed for the cotillion
The finest linen wrapped her just so
As she reached the front door where all eyes turned
“Mama! Ah’m-a glis’nin tah hell‘n back!"

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures cannot be copied and used on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS

I’ve heard that life is like a toilet seat
Sometimes it’s up and sometimes it’s down
And, every now and then you get peed on
Sometimes it even gets worse than that!

So, yesterday I decided to count
Thinking of the UP times in my life
And, without going too far back in time
I realized that I had quite a few

Then, I decided to count the DOWN times
I got a little misty for sure
And, I would imagine that most folks would
The DOWN times are known as the tough times

I won’t tell you how I chose all those times
Because my UPs may not be like yours
And, your DOWNs might be a lot different too
You know them much better than I do

So before you get caught with the seat up
At a time when you thought it was down
My advice would be to look around you
And, be happy you have a toilet!
@Copyright Scarlets Rhymes - All poetry and pictures on these pages cannot be duplicated onto the World Wide Web or used in any published form without the written permission of the writer/creater at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Vision At The Old Church

Her services were planned in the old church
Where she grew us as a child
Relatives who once knew her were told
As well as the ones who cared

I walked in the front door before anyone
It was hours ahead of time
I wanted to gather my thoughts and my strength
Before others came drifting by

Reflections on my own childhood appeared
The day I tried to play the organ
Despite the fact that I knew just one song
And, “Moon River” just didn’t work

A cleared throat on the other side of church
Grabbed me back to reality
I looked over and saw someone stand up
And, she headed right toward me

“I’ve been told I look a lot like your Mom”
I tried to stand but I couldn’t
“We are second cousins and weren’t real close”
“But, I know she was a good soul”

I think I smiled and nodded my head at her
“You.. you…you do. You look a lot…”
She said she hoped she didn’t bother me
She wouldn’t be at the service

Then, she walked toward the back of the church
I watched every step that she took
A cousin or a vision or wishful thinking
She disappeared in the bright sun

@Copyright Scarlet Rhymes - Any and all poetry and pictures on these pages cannot be duplicated in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

REV'RIN BOBBY'S BOW'NAFIDE BREW

His hair all shined up with some grease from a pig
Rev'rin Bobby was slick through and through
Black cowboy boots and a vest with long tassels
Damn sure he'd git money outta you!

"Step right up ladies and gentlemen, won't ya?"
"Rev'rin Bobby's got some news tah tell!"
"Right here in this bottle is a bow'nafide brew"
"That'll keep ya from goin' tah HELL!"

Gasps in the crowd made his voice even stronger
"It'll cleanse the body of your sins!"
"Make your mind right.. your morals right.. and more!"
"Repent, friends! Don't let the devil win!"

Leaning forward the crowd was under his spell
"For TWO dollars you can have one of these"
"It'll restore you to the way God first made ya!"
"Step to the back of the wagon, please!'

A few folks out front never moved a muscle
Rev'rin Bobby wasn't givin' up
"It'll shine your hair like mine.. 'n help ya see!"
"Give ya energy of a new pup!"

"That ain't nothin' but mo'lasses" a voice said
Rev'rin Bobby was calm as could be
"Ohhh, what's hap'nin? What's this stuff doin'?"
"It's scarin' the devil outta me!"

Folks ran to the back of Rev'rin Bobby's wagon
Two dollars flappin' from stretched hands
Rev'rin Bobby gave a wink to the doubter
Another town falls thanks to a plan

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - All poems and pictures that appear on these pages cannot be copied and republished on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SNOWETRY DVD PREVIEW!!!

Hi and thanks for stopping by Scarlet's Rhymes!
If you are looking for the Preview of our Snowetry DVD,
you must scroll down this page to the October 7, 2006 entry.
You will see a "TV Set" with Snowetry written in it.
Turn up your speakers and click on it!
And, please leave a comment to let us know
what you think of the awesome SNOWETRY!!

STUD MUFFIN

Walkin’ down the street he holds his head high
Mostly because he is proud
The whole neighborhood can hear him a-comin’
‘Cause he likes to talk real loud

His chin is up and the smoke is curlin’
He is a sight for us all
Never a shirt just some low hangin’ shorts
Wrappin’ around all his gall

He refers to himself as “Stud Muffin”
Claiming five wives of his own
We never thought to ask any questions
Studdy is bad to the bone

Sometimes he sings 60’s songs
Other times he just rambles
His brain remembers another time
This one’s too tough to handle

The day I saw him shavin’ his beard
As he walked and talked and smoked
Made me spit out that gulp of ice tea
Studdy nearly made me choke

I stepped to my front porch to call him
He looked up at me and waved
“Got a kiss for Stud Muffin, Scarlet?”
Studdy had finished his shave

Yammerin’ on as he makes his rounds
He’s hopin’ we all will see
That he is quite the handsome feller
He never proved it to me
@2007 Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - All poems and pictures used on this site cannot not be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

PENNIES ALL OVER THE FLOOR

The key fit the well-worn lock easily for me
As it had hundreds of times before
Passing the dust covered furniture and tables
I noticed pennies all over the floor

Ted Williams’ baseball was still sitting on the shelf
The sterling silver place settings were too
A tea service designed in beautiful pewter
Sat on a table as if it were new

Passing the closet full of memories and laughter
I noticed pennies all over the floor
The small door to the attic caught my attention
I don’t know if it was open before

A cooling drift of wind quickly passed by my ear
As I walked from room to room and cried
His suits were hanging in the closet as always
Her dresses and hats were there by his side

They found nothing of “worth” when they broke the window
And in anger threw pennies on the floor
Priceless love doesn’t get them much at the pawn shop
Invisible fools got what they paid for
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poems and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

I'M NEW AT THIS!

I washed and dried them and they sparkled so much
I was excited to be involved in such
Then pictures were taken from every angle
Nothing was here that could be called “newfangled”
That’s probably a good thing at least I have heard
I’m new at this so I won’t say a word
I wrote about the pictures and talked them up
I could use some help ‘cause I feel like a schlup!
Then, it happened, I clicked on the key SELL IT!

This is gonna fun I can just tell it!
But, deep inside my gut is having it’s say
Dear heavens! Make them buy my stuff on eBay!!

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be reproduced on the World Wide Web or any other published media with out the written permission of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

PICTURES AND WISHES

Pictures from magazines scattered everywhere
Stained with pink lipstick and happy tears
A membership card from the fan club was there
Taped to the mirror on the dresser

Many nights were spent wondering about him
What he liked to do, his favorite food
Maybe he has a place he goes to on a whim
Here’s hoping he doesn’t take HER too!

There was no internet or gossip TV shows
To reveal every little detail
Days were spent waiting on the mailman to come
Bringing a new picture for the wall

Long phone calls on a bright red princess telephone
With a best friend to compare wishes
Each with a subscription to a magazine
Anxious to see next month’s issue

History shows two different sides to this story
They didn’t have much back in those days
No instant news to reveal everything “And, more!”
Down to the very private details

Back then, it was awful to just sit and guess
Of someone you knew little about
How lucky they were to have the wonderment
Of a still picture and a dream date
@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

I WAIT FOR NO ONE

There’s no pitter-patter there
I wait for no one
He visits someone else now
Ah yes, a young one

He brought me lilies and tarts
A sweet for my smile
He was always there for me
I was his dear child

Days ran into all those years
I think of him now
Will he ever come again?
And, take a kind bow?

He has another fancy
I live in ago
I listen at the front door
Yet he never shows

My wishes sit idle here
I long for “Honey”
Not a candy to be found
No Easter Bunny

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all writings and pictures on this Blog cannot be published on the World Wide Web or any other public forum without the written permisson of the writer/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

LOTTERY WINNER !!

For the first time in my life I have a great plan
I know exactly what I will do
I have never won a large some of money
So, I’m happy that I’m lucky too

Those lottery numbers all lined up for me
It was certainly more than a shock
By the time I stopped yelling and screaming
They had heard me around the block

I will be buying clothes for all of the trips
Spending free because there are no rules
Bragging is fun when you win all those millions
However, this is just April Fool!

@Copyright 2007 - Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all writings and pictures on this site cannot be published on the World Wide Web or on any other public form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

The Hunger Sign

The catfish rose to the surface of the water
With wide mouths they begged for some more food
They could see me standing above them on the dock
To ignore them would seem pretty rude

I had my camera with me to take some pictures
Their wants weren’t going to exceed mine
They flipped in the water to make sure I noticed
How could I ignore their hunger sign?

I saw the food was handy so I threw in some
Dozens of mouths fought for every bit
The more they scrambled the more I wanted to feed
But, I also knew that I had to quit

The picture really was the thing I was after
I had the camera on my knee
In one gentle fell swoop I reached for the darn thing
And, then watched as it fell beneath me

The catfish with wide mouths now have my camera
Capturing nice images of me
As I stood and screamed and yelled at the water
My Hunger Sign is what they did see
@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written premission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE FAMILY FROM HELL

Sister married him for his money

Then, she shot him dead

Never served a single day in jail

Bought the judge instead

Brother wheeled and dealed his own empire

A jerk from the start

Someone caught him in his evil ways

That was the best part

Mother married her seventh husband

Just because she could

She’ll get all his money fairly soon

I knew that she would

Granddad left his money to the maid

Who was his lost child

She locked up the house and moved away

Then, she went hog wild

Uncle was such a real fine doctor

Every other day

The rest of the time the nurses ran

When he tried to play!

It’s tough to keep up with all this mess

But, I do it well

Watching four soaps in one afternoon

I may go to hell!

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@!rhymecreek.com

The Town Gossip

Come on ovah heah and letz chew the fat fer awhile

Ah got some pecan pie ‘n sweet tea

We’ll get to the gud stuff dreckly jes plop yoself down

Ah ain’t seen ya in a coon’s age, hun!

Mama wuz tellin’me all ‘bout that Charlene hussy

Buttah sho doan melt in her mouth

Married some yankee from up in Bawston doan ya no?

Ain't one dum enuff in the south

Oh doan git me wrong ah doan mean tah bad mouth her so

Bless her heart she is so homely

But, dang, can’t she fine a farmah with a lotta land

And make him her one and only?

Doan git me stahted on that mess with the Cahlton boys

Ah got the heebie jeebies now!

They both been rode hard and put away wet ah’mthinkin’

Aint gotta bitta sense no how!

Oh did ah tell ya ‘bout whut Miz Clara did jest lastweek?

Bless her heart ah guess she duz try

But, she sho ain’t the brahtest bulb on the Chrismus tree

She fell and skint her knee and cried

Heah’s dat pecan pie ah dun promised to ya, yontney?

Ah hate tah brag but it’s sho gud!

Dat Billy Joe Johnson sho needs killin’ now, doan he?

Pass me yo plate, hun.. if ya wud!

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes -All poems and pictures on this site cannot not be used on the worldwide web or any other published form without the written permission fo the writer and creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE POETRY CONTEST

You’ve been chosen and it’s your lucky day!

You’ve won our latest contest hooray!

You are now among the best of the best

And, here’s how you can out shine the rest

We’ve chosen your poem to go into

A book we’ve created for you

It will have your poem in a nice place

If you send a pic, we’ll show your face!

The book is made of the finest leather

But, still remains light as a feather

You can show your friends and brag about it

You won a contest no doubt about it

Wanna know when you’ll get your poem book?

Bet you’re excited to take a look

Just mail us 60 bucks and we’ll send it

It’s a pretty good scam.. it’n it?

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner of the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@@rhymecreek.com

FRACTURED VALENTINE WISH

Valentine! Oh! Valentine!

I’ve loved you from afar!

Valentine! Oh! Valentine!

I don’t know who you .. is!

Maybe if we got closer

I’m tawkin’ face to face

I could love you from a near

With satin and .. denim!

Valentine! Oh! Valentine!

Do you even know mah name?

Valentine! Oh Valentine!

This is such a damn.. waste

Let’s meet on Wednesday evenin’

I’ll wear somethin’ bright red

You better sho’ up buster

Or, wish that you wuz .. gone!

Valentine! Oh! Valentine!

I’ve loved you from afar

Valentine! Oh! Valentine!

I don’t know who you .. is!

I write in words of sweet love

’Tis a romantic yarn

See ya on Valentine’s Day

Behind farmer Brown’s … house!

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek,com

SPRING IN FEBRUARY

You embarrass me sweet bird of spring!

I have no right to see you!

There’s feet of snow in the northern states

They don’t know what to do!

But, there you sit outside my window

Singing away the chill

While I sit here smiling and thinking

Of Punxsutawney Phil!

Looks like you two know all about it

You hardly need a map

You’re telling those of us in the south

We’ve seen our last cold snap!

It’s February and time for spring?

I’ll take you for your word

For me to argue with you and Phil

Would be very absurd!

Sing on sweet robin out my window

I’m drinking it all in

Wishing everyone could feel the warmth

You share with me my friend!

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the wrtten permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SILVER DOLLARS

The plates sit in their special places
With silverware to the side
Except for a very special one
Which had something dear to hide

The birthday girl sat down in her place
Noticed the turned over plate
Looked at her Dad with a questioned face
He told her she’d have to wait

The whole family sat down and looked
With big faces smiling bright
Dad leaned over and whispered to her
That now the time was just right

She turned over the plate and saw it
The gift from Grandfather Joe
A shiny silver dollar was there
And, her face was all aglow

She jumped up and ran to hug his neck
And, he hugged back as he spoke
“Little girl, hold tight to this dollar”
“And, you will never be broke”

I DO hold tight to this pouch of coins
The years that are measured here
Silver dollars, Joe’s love and advice
Are now so perfectly clear
@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SPLATS YOU RIGHT IN THE EYE!

What do you do when you look straight up

To see all of the clouds roll by

When some damn bird meets you at that look

And, "splats" you right in the eye!

A first thought might be to harm the bird

After all it did have nerve!

Aiming right at you like some planned act

Death might be what it deserves

Your eye starts to hurt as you wipe it

Oh boy what an awful mess!

Your friends nearby start to laugh out loud

It's funny I will confess

Your thoughts then turn to saving the bird

It was fate that made it fly

It just happened to "go" don't you know

While I was searching the sky

Did I learn a lesson on this day?

Oh sure I'll wear my glasses

And, search the sky very carefully

Until that damn bird passes!

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

WHAT HAPPENED SANTA?

The new year is here and I should cheer

But, I can't seem to do it

It might be because dear ol' Santa Claus

Kinda sorta blew it!

I left a note in fact clearly wrote

What I was looking for

He must have read it saw I said it

But, then chose to ignore

I'm really tense because it makes no sense

I was good ALL last year!

Don't know why he simply passed me by

What's up Santa, my dear?

What must I do to prove to you?

Join the U.A.W.?

It's bright red as I clearly said

Where's my BMW??

@Copyright 2007 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Christmas Dishes

She set a fine table every year
Christmas was her favorite
The food tasted of love and comfort
Neighbors would have paid for it

She worked a whole week just baking
The cookies and pies and cakes
Her family was now accustomed
Knowing she’d do what it takes

Time moved on .. the family did too
The Christmas’s came and went
Those special cakes and homemade pies
Were put in boxes and sent

Each year she’d get out those dishes
And put them in their places
Hoping her family would make plans
And she would see their faces

Maybe next year we’ll have the time
It just won’t work for us now
But, please send us those great desserts
We love them so much .. and how!

The next year there were no desserts
She did not set the table
She breathed her last during the spring
Held on while she was able

At Christmas her family gathered
And, opened the china door
Found a note that she had written
It touched them all to the core

Take these dishes and remember
All the food that we did share
The love and comfort I put here
I was happy to prepare

Merry Christmas to you always
Hold tight to these fine dishes
Think of times that were forgotten
And, you’ll fulfill my wishes
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Let’s pop some corn and find some string
And listen at the door for the carolers to sing!

Here’s some fresh cranberries that would go fine
On a thin piece of thread stretch out in a line.

There’s candles of red and candles of green
Lighting the whole house like you’ve never seen!

The tree was cut from that group in the backyard
And choosing the right one was so very hard!

The presents are all wrapped with paper and string
And, the angel on the treetop has angel hair wings.

Homemade paper ornaments and a red bow or two
All cut from colored paper that still looks quite new!

An old fashioned Christmas.. simple in it’s design
But, some how more precious with the passage of time.
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Presents Under My Tree

Quietly as they sit there underneath my tree
I wonder if they know how much they mean to me

Green ribbons on red paper a snowman on the side

And, in the back seat of a car some took a nice long ride

Family brought them along and some of them were sent

Just to make sure I knew now much their love meant

Memories of my childhood rush back in my thoughts now

The times a child remembers while I sit and wonder how

Presents under the tree seem to sparkle as I stare

Wishing I could always look and find them sitting there

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SNOWETRY DVD GREETING CARD

Buy a single or download a 12 pack!

For details and a "preview" of Snowetry,

please scroll down on this Blog just past the Halloween poem.

Thanks! Scarlet
http://rhymecreek.com

Thanksgiving At Grandma's House

Grandma's house was full of people
Around Thanksgiving time
There was more food in that one place
Than I have room to rhyme!

Ol' Tom Turkey was basted well
I think Grandpa was too
Gals were cooking' up a storm
There was so much to do!

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows
Veggies from the garden
The whole house had a strong odor
Oh! I beg your pardon!

The best cornbread dressing ever
With giblet gravy too
You never went away hungry!
When Thanksgiving was through!

Six pies were on the windowsill
Grandma wanted two more
Daddy offered his "expertise"
She pointed to the door

We sat in chairs and on the floor
Anyplace we could find
I was worried about my plate
Not where I sat my 'hind!

Full of people and full of food
Grandma liked it that way
I think about those wonderful times
Every Thanksgiving Day!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reporduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

PEANUTS MAKIN' HAY!

Back home where peanuts fill the acres
Of land owned by hard workin' farmers
You'll see it grow through various stages
Until it gets 'round to pickin' time

Ah, but when those peanuts are just new formed
The farmer picks a few that are "green"
He brings them home to boil them up right fast
To make the best treat in the whole world!

Ever eaten a bag of boiled peanuts?
Don't go knockin' it until ya try!
Hot and salty and so delicious
I wish I had some with me right now

This time of the year peanuts are all gone
The fields have hay bales lined up in rows
Remnants of those peanut plants are useful
Feeding cattle through the winter's cold

Gotta love the history of a peanut!
I hope you'll remember it too
They really do "make hay" when the sun shines!
Can that be said of me and you??

@Copyright 2006 Scarle't Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Bubble bubble.. toil and trouble
She stirs her witches brew
Throwing in an "eye of newt"
Or, will she make it two?

Ghosts and goblins gather' round
Scaring everyone they can
Hiding at the top of the stairs
With a candle in each hand!

Trick or treaters wonder what to wear
Will it be something creepy?
Looking for a bag to tote
Never showing they are sleepy!

Halloween night is almost here
What a scary night it will be!
Will you go out and join the fun?
Or, be scared at home.. like ME!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner with the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

SNOWETRY DVD PREVIEW !

Learn more about the Snowetry Videos from Rhyme Creek ! Download all 12 for $5 or get the DVD for $14.95

PUMPKIN PATCH

What a great time of the year!
Harvest time at the pumpkin patch!
All of us are quite the same
Yet none of us ever match!

Everyone comes to see us
And, they walk around just so
To see which one is “perfect”
Then.. off to their house we go!

Sometimes kids draw on us
And, make a funny line
Or, we get a spooky face
When carved up oh so fine!

Sometimes we get made into a pie
For the family’s Sunday dinner
But, anyway you look at it
A pumpkin is a sure winner!

Yes.. follow me to the pumpkin patch
We’ll have lots of fun
You’ll be sure and pick ME out
Because I’m the cutest one!
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

THE FIRST LEAF OF FALL

Mother nature reminds us now
That summer has had her run
The long hot days in bright sunshine
Will fade with the season’s fun

The first leaf of fall reminds us
That there’s a new “show” in town
Featuring all the fall colors
Bright orange, yellow and brown

Autumn is here in its splendor
Breath in the magic she shows
Soon it will be a fond memory
As you put on winter’s clothes.
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

LET'S PRETEND THAT I DON'T CARE

Do I really need to know all that?
All of the sorted details?
I'd be happy in ignorance
Letting sanity prevail

The bad guys are always out there
I will be careful, I swear
No need to broadcast all the plans
Let's pretend that I don't care!

You go do what needs to be done
Update me if there's a need
Knowing every ear is open
I beg you to please take heed

Then, someday we can talk it out
I'll heave a sigh of gladness
When you tell what you did do
To stop off of the madness

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the world wide web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

FEELS LIKE FALL??!

Don't you just hate it this time of the year
When the Yankees start callin' to bend your ear
"Oh, it's so cool here.. it feels like Fall!"
And, you just wish they hadn't called at all?!

I looked at my thermometer right quick
Before I slammed the phone down with a click
Told him our temp was about ninety three
I could hear the laugh he was givin' me!

I said it was "fine" that he thought of Fall
I thanked him kindly for making the call
The fact is it's still summer most places
We're still gettin' suntans on our faces!

He was still laughing when he said goodbye
I'll remember this when winter is nigh
I'll call HIM to tell him it feels like Fall!!
He'll be out shovelin' and won't know that I called!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide web or any other form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

WHAT STYLE IS THIS ? ?

What style is this that I write in prose
Someone smarter surely knows
Does it show my talent the best way
Should I try another way?

Oh, right there! I used the "way" word twice
Oh good grief.. what rhymes with twice?
I doubt I'll ever know all the rules
I'll be the poetry "fool"

There will be no "acting" on my part
I only write from my heart
Well, I use my brain and some fingers
Oh no! What rhymes with fingers?

What style is that that I write in prose
Wait there's an itch on my nose!
I guess it's best that I end this now
Would someone please tell me how??
@Copywrite 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

One... Mississippi...

"One Mississippi" I begin to count
As a thunderstorm gathers 'round about!
"Two Mississippi" as I hold my breath
Each clap of thunder scares me half to death
"Three Mississippi" brings a big loud crash!
Into the closet I quickly dash!
"One Mississippi" as I slam the door
I move around boxes on the dark floor
"Two Mississippi" the rain is pounding
I don't like the way this storm is sounding
"Three Mississippi" I cover my ears
No noise this time.. is it not quite as near?
"Four Mississippi" please let me make five
Come on Mother Nature help me survive
"Five Mississippi" I'm happy to say
Means this thunderstorm is done for the day
One Mississippi use to be child's play
To ease those fears counting the miles away
Ten Mississippi is what I shoot for
Thunderstorms don't scare me much any more!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet'S Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

GRANDMA'S FRONT PORCH

The world comes to your door if ya let it
Is what Grandma use to say to me.
I guess that’s why her front porch was so full
With rocking chairs, big talkers and she.

Anything and everything was brought up
From politics to the preacher and war
She said we’d solve all of the world’s problems
Just by rocking on that wooden floor.

Folks always came a callin’ on Grandma
Her iced tea and pound cake were so fine
They went down as easy as the sunset
Straight west through that big woods fulla pines.

Nowadays folks don’t know about porches
How the world’s problems were once solved there
They’ve passed on as a sweet reflection
With my Grandma and her rocking chair.
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above picture was provided by Graphics By Tiggheart. All poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Purple Hull Peas aka Southern Peas

Purple hull peas take me back a ways
A much different time than nowadays
When you planted a garden for a whole crowd
And getting out of chores was not allowed

You planted and watered, picked and shelled
Stopping only for the dinner bell
If you wanted to eat what was grown
You kept on working without a moan

Back then the “grocery store” was the farm
You worked with your family arm and arm
And, what was grown thru blood, sweat and tears
Had to last the family for the year

After the harvests and the shelling
Came the canning with no rebelling
All went in jars after the water boiled
That was to make sure that nothing spoiled

Then, in the dead of winter, you see
Out came jars filled with purple hull peas
There were beans, corn and some tomatoes too
The pantry was filled with “what we grew”

A garden is seldom grown these days
People spend their time in other ways
But, the truth is those days were sublime
Southern peas, family and canning time
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

Chumuckla

Farmland filled with peanuts and cotton
Machines harvesting on time
It’s so great to visit Chumuckla
When the crops are in their prime!

To walk through the old cemetery
Seeing familiar names there
Wishing I could talk to so many
Hearing stories they might share

Inside Elizabeth Chapel’s walls
I still hear that organ play
Sweet Aunt Mary in her stocking feet
Played hymns while I sat and prayed.

So many memories of Chumuckla
Fill my heart and fill my mind
Made yesterday and all other days
I can feel them intertwine.

I never lived in this special place
How strange it might seem to you
That I write of my private feelings
From a distant point of view.

The commissary’s big candy case
The noise of that cotton gin
Catching a catfish at Aunt Clara’s
I can still see her sweet grin.

Growing up there must have been special
But, I still feel lucky too
I’m part of the Chumuckla “family”
Forever saying Thank You!
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

A ROMAN CANDLE IN MY HAND

Do you remember roman candles?
I use to love them as a kid
Every 4th of July we’d get them
And, set them off like most folks did

Fireworks weren’t illegal way back then
Got them most anywhere you looked
No one thought much about the danger
Some dry matches was all it took

I think about those roman candles
And, realize what life has done
Made me older and somewhat wiser
Perhaps taking away some fun

As the 4th comes around this July
My life might just have a new plan
Stepping out of my older routine
A Roman candle in my hand

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at scarlet@rhymecreek.com

LADY BUG

Are you simply there to decorate the leaf
Showing off all of your orange tones
Or is there much more to you my dear lady bug
Something I really should have known

I’ve heard it said that you spend all of your days
Eating bad bugs in my garden
And I thought you were only a pretty face
I really must beg your pardon

Get back to work my wonderful little friend
The tomatoes and I are smiling
Your secret is safe amongst the plants out there
May the bugs find you beguiling!
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

FADED MEMORIES

Someone use to live there
Making it a loving home
Someone use to plant there
Working the fertile loam

Now there is no love there
The family moved away
Now fields are dry and bare
Crops turned into dry clay

Does someone remember
When this place was grand?
Knowing of Septembers
And, cultivated land?

The house works its mime
Sharing all that it knows
Through the passages of time
Faded memories still glow
Picture/Graphic provided by GraphicsbyTiggheart.com
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Weg or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Thoughts Of Dad

He came by the name quite innocently
His friends all loved to say it
Maybe a taunt or just for some fun
They’d find the “game” and play it!

His middle name brought about this ‘nick’
What’s funny about McGhee?
If you’ve heard an old radio show
It’s simple as it can be!

The radio show doesn’t matter
The nick is the story here
How my Dad became known as “Fibber”
Is only partially clear

I have no way of discovering
The details are what I lack
All I have is his scrapbook picture
The name “Fibber” on the back.

He probably wasn’t a liar
It was all done just for fun
My Dad, the greatest jokester of all
From his friends he was outdone

This Father’s Day brings a new question
From a picture I just found
The answer comes from my memories
And, his love that did abound
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

A ROSE IS A ROSE

Many have written about you
And, tried to tell the tale
Of what makes you strong and mighty
Of what makes you so frail.

Words by the thousands have been said
Even more done in prose
Trying to explain your beauty
The fragrance to the nose

Yet in those explanations
Words turn into such fluff
Perhaps the writer never knew
"A rose IS a rose".... is enough

Picture/Graphic from GraphicsByTiggheart.com @Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site are not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

IF I GOT HIT BY A TRUCK

Do I take my life too casually?

Do I ignore the things that I shouldn't?

Do I walk through each day blissfully?

Just never thinking that I couldn't?

Am I naively thinking I won't die?

Or, simply figure its years away?

And, continue to put off important things

Which are very easy to delay?

What if I got hit by a truck today?

Have I done all I wanted to do?

Or, did I push it aside quietly?

Thinking of all of the time to pursue?

Can I face this reality head on?

Can I get my priorities straight?

Will I have no regrets when that truck comes?

It's a necessity that can't wait.

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

LATE NIGHT PHONE CALL

The phone rang late one night
I picked it up on ring number three
Before I could even say "Hello"
The voice said "You gotta help me!"
"I'm hot and I'm sweaty and I need you!"
"I can't go on this way!"
I was shocked as I sat and listened
Not knowing what to say
I must have stumbled over some words
Because the voice said "Shhhh!"
I waited to hear what was said next
I heard heavy breathing "Whoooosh"
My heart was racing a mile and hour
I said, "What do you want me to do?"
The voice siad "I'm hot .. so hot"
I knew that I had to hang up
This phone call just had to stop!
Then, the voice said in a breathy voice
"Oh baby.. this is more than I can bear!"
I said "Who the hell is this anyway?"
The voice said "Isn't this Jake's Heating and Air???"
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

WAITING

A red haired girl from the Northside
Is how it all began
A great tomboy playing softball
But, did she have a plan?
Was there a man in her future?
Did she have a big dream?
Beating the boys on the ball field
In her eye was a gleam.
Time moved along while she waited
Life was not always kind
Yet this "flower" of the Northside
Kept her nose to the grind.
There were times when she wasn't sure
That her hopes would come true
Then she crossed paths with Ronnie
The gleam in her eye grew.
There is no more "Waiting" for Ferne
The marriage is now here
And the memories I share with her
Are so perfectly clear
Raise your glass to the red haired girl
As I remember "when"
My love and my best to you both
Happy wedding my friend!

Picture/Graphic from "GraphicsByTiggheart.com" @Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web without the written permission of the author.creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

EASTER LILIES IN MAY?

Look at you! Beautiful Easter lilies!

Brightly blooming in my yard!

But, why couldn’t you have bloomed at Easter?

Hey.. would that have been so hard?

I guess Mother Nature had other plans

Saving your beauty for May

That’s fine with me I love having you here

Blossoming in full array

I’ve taken a lot of pictures of you

In case you aren’t here next year

But, I’ll be hoping that you do show up

I won’t care when you appear

Look at you! Beautiful Easter lilies

How lucky I am to see

This most special flower garden in May

Showing off in front of me!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other publ ished form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Remembering Mama

As Mother's Day rolls around this year
I really feel so rotten
Trying to remember early years
That mostly I've forgotten
She knew all of the Glenn Miller songs
And wore Chanel Number Five
Told me all about those good ol' days
Back before I was alive
She could cook and sew like most Mom's did
Teaching me all I could learn
She told me once that I was the best
At getting the toast to burn!
She made a cotton dress for me once
I hated it.. oh my Lord!
Washing and ironing it with spray starch
Made that thing stiff as a board!
Mama had a lot of old sayings
I could barely figure out
I loved to watch her face when she spoke
She was my Mama no doubt!
As Mother's Day rolls around this year
I really feel so rotten
Yet proud of the way she taught me things
Even that dress of cotton

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The about and all poetry and pcitures posted on this site can not be copied or reproduced in any manner on the world wide web or any published form without the wrtten permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Since time began, a girl has guessed
If the man she loves, loves her best
A simple test, a sweet daisy
Keeps this miss, from going crazy
It brings to light, what she must know
With little fuss and not much show
Soon the answer will be settled
As she chooses, all the petals
Does he love me or love me not?
Ask the miss who soon ties the knot!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any other published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Time Caught Up With Me

Time caught up with me today in such a sad way
Reflections of a childhood long since gone
Remembering the sweet innocence of those days
How I naively took it for granted.

The street in front of my house was a huge playground
I can still hear Mama at our door calling me
I didn’t want to come home while I was playing
I’d give my soul to hear her call me now.

Time takes those days away from every one of us
Our precious memories grow more so each day
Homemade ice cream in the backyard with my Daddy
Oh my how he loved to get that first taste

There are times when I remember those days and smile
This day needs to be about my sadness
Those days with my friends and family are now gone
Time caught up with me in such a sad way
@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

When I Wasn't Lookin'

I don’t watch a lot of television these days
It just doesn’t appeal to me too much
Folks runnin’ around tryin’ to out do the other
Where in the world do they come up with such?
Do they think those people really know how to sing?
They certainly are no “idols” of mine!
And, if I wanted to watch people on an island
I think Gilligan would do me just fine
The days of a good sitcom are just about over
Now., “reality” is the new thing
Eating dirt and who knows what for a few dollars
Is suppose to make me keep watching?
The fact is I’m not in their “target demo” now
“Grandma” should be in the kitchen cookin’!
Well, if I got old it’s a big surprise to me!
Musta happened when I wasn’t lookin’!

@Copyright 2006 Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Reflections

Stillness that comes from the night’s last breath
Nothing but the beat of a heart
Grab it before it lingers no more
The secrets of now will impart

Reflections of life as it changes
A ripple from a pebble thrown
The days when life was so fresh and new
Fill hearts and minds with what is known

Look back with the same kind reflections
Hold fast to the passion and pain
You’ll press on with great understanding
Through sunshine and even the rain

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manneron the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Forever Friends

Not because we planned it
Fate has made it so.
We didn’t understand it
All those years ago.

I would picked the flowers
You would pull my hair
Then, we’d sit for hours
Thinking up a dare.

Not knowing what would be
As our lives would change
A life for you and me
It seemed much too strange.

But, now it is so fine
My forever friend
To have your life in mine
Such a perfect blend.
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manneron the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Easter Memories

Memories of Easter from my childhood

Come around to visit every year.

The beautiful flowers in every yard

Makes a special mem’ry I hold dear

The dozens of eggs on the stove to boil

The dyes and wax pencils lined up

I loved searching through all of the cab’nets

To find Mama’s old chipped coffee cups

The hot vinegar and dye were added

The wire ring helped place the eggs just so

A few seconds of watching patiently

Brought forth a bounty of eggs to show

Dad, the Easter Bunny, would take each egg

All over our backyard he would hide

My friends and I would look all over the place

‘Cause the gold one had chok’lit inside!

Remembering Easter in a diff’runt way

So many colors from which to choose

Thoughts of a new dress that my Mama picked out

With brand new white patent leather shoes.
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manneron the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Welcome To My Garden

Accentuated in beauty every step of the way

Meant to bring true solace to those that come by

Linger here and find your time of inner peace

Know the meaning of you and the sun and sky

Why do some flowers seem to last for weeks

While others struggle for a few brief days?

And, why should we stop and smell the roses?

Is there some lesson to be learned today?

Welcome to my garden of inner peace

Once you visit you’ll know why you were sent

A time to reflect on all the beauties

Of your life and how your time was well spent.

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manneron the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

HAPPY SPRING !

There is no better time to smile
Than when spring is here!
The glow seems to go on for miles
As each flower cheers!
Colors and patterns in each yard
Showing off their best
As if it was some greeting card
About this grand fest!
Here’s wishing you a Happy Spring
Smell all the blossoms!
Mother Nature puts on a show
Which is so awesome!
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures
posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner
on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written
permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

The Busy Flower

The bee finds the sweetest of nectars

On a blossom in early spring

Born in the last days of winter’s cold

A present mother nature brings
Representing a warm beginning

With the huge honor of “State Flower”

Makes this blossom so very special

Mother nature did empower
Beauty with a wafting aroma

Fills your eyes and your nose just so

The orange blossom here in Florida

Entertains us with her great show
As part of her amazing three "acts"

Her ripened fruit greets us this fall

Give praise to Florida’s orange blossom

The busiest flower of all

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Kiss Me .. I'm not Irish!

Lots of rhymes have been written
About St. Patrick’s Day!
The Irish in their wisdom
Know just what words to say!

How do I match the rhymin’
The wishes sweetly done
Of pots of gold and rainbows
I’m just not the right one!

It’s not that I don’t like it
I wear a green shirt too
If there’s a green beer for me
I’ll share a toast with you

True, if I could match what’s done
I’d write for you a wish
St. Patrick’s Day IS for all
Kiss me .. I’m NOT Irish!

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!

I called in “sick” today
I deserved some time on my own you see?
I’ve been workin’ so hard
I needed to kick back and just be ME!

I’ll get up late to start
And, will plan on doing nothing at all !
If I go ANY place
It’ll be no further than I can crawl !

No need to put on clothes
My nightgown and housecoat suit me just fine!
And, whatever I do
This day is most importantly ALL mine!

So, sit back and watch me
While I experience a day of bliss
Compared to my REAL life..
It doesn’t get any better than this!
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

The Garden Path

There’s a road ahead of me
That fills me with such wonder
I’ve been told of it’s potential
Like the night sky filled with thunder.

Many people have been led this way
With words of promise and hope
Never giving a second thought
To a horizon they might scope.

Some go along and soon realize
Things aren’t as rosey as they seem
Their faces fill with shock and surprise
Melting away some of their dreams

So, I will choose my steps carefully
But, not in fear or trepidation
Well aware of what lies ahead
When I reach my destination.

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

I'd git a whoopin'

It was right pretty sittin’ on that shelf
So, I picked it up despite myself
Mama had told me never to touch it
But, I decided it just had to be!

Before I knew it there was a loud crash
I looked at the floor and there in a flash
Was Mama and me starin’ at the mess
That was when I knew I’d git a whoopin’

“What did I tell you?” she looked straight at me
“Never to touch it” came right out of me
“Go git me a switch” those dreaded five words
Echoed through my brain as I walked outside

This wasn’t the first nor would it be last
But I knew better than to talk some sass
She had made it clear time and time a’gin
If I don’t do right I’d git a whoopin’

Whoopin’s ain’t allowed nowadays they say
Treat ‘em with kindness .. let’m have their way
It appears to me if they could feel it
The hurt of that switch would make a mind right

Could you imagine if with just one look
The kids nowadays would know all it took
To make Mama mad is what you don’t do
Gittin’ a whoopin’ just might be the cure

As I reflect back on those early days
And, how Mama was so set in her ways
I remember it and think of her love
Glad she taught me why I’d git a whoopin’

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Walk With Me

Each day becomes more precious to me
As my life passes along
Knowing I’ll have you to walk with me
Makes me feel so very strong
The bad times may outweigh the good times
If only for a short while
We’ll take everything one at a time
Handling it all in style

Walk with me as we discover things
What lies just over the hill
Will be an exciting adventure
Because you walk with me still

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted

on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner

on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission

of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Leap Year Theory

I have a theory about Leap Year
It came to me just today
When I noticed that again this year
We are short by just one day
I've been told of some odd theories
This helps us to catch the sun?
I know that there IS a good reason
I really don't know which one
My theory is quite simple
Has nothing to do with fact
I'm looking at who started it
I'm convinced it was a pact!
It was all begun by a woman
Who was born on two two nine
When someone said a day has to go
She said "By all means, take mine!"
She gets to skip three of her birthdays
And, cleverly remains young
This lady deserves a round of applause
A hero who is unsung!
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner
on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

So Beautiful!

Painted with the thoughts of spring

So beautiful and so bright

Seeking refuge from the cold

In the warmth of the light.

How precious each petal can be
Like each day in a life

Hoping to remain this way

With no struggle or strife.

But, flowers fade and life goes on

And, we take them as we can

Remembering how the petals looked

So beautiful and so grand.

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Maxie & Dusty - A Dog's Life

Hey, a dog's life can get pretty rough!

It's not all 'walks in the park' for me!

I tell you my days can get really tough

There's a lot to do.. don't you see?

I'm the first one up at dawn's early light

To get the family ready for the day!

They would never, ever get it done right

If they didn't have me in the way!

I must stand guard and watch the home

While the family goes outside

I'm not really sure where they roam

I don't always go for the ride.

Then, when they come back, it's up to me

To jump and bark and pant

To let them know how much they missed me

Ignore them? No, I can't!

Oh and there's the exercise they get

When taking me for a walk

I wonder if they appreciate me yet

Hmmm.. I sure wish I could talk!

And, as the day ends and they all go to bed

I walk around and stand guard

And, think of the last time I was fed

You see a dog's life IS really hard!

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Snowetry -Days End

This old rodeo cowboy in the hills of NJ was putting the horses away when the cameraman wandered by. It is a classic scene. The snow scenes in the "Snowetry" series are in a "relaxation" video available from Buzz Creek and other national sources. It is scenes from this "SNOWFALL SERENADE" that are finding new purpose in the "SNOWETRY" videos containing the words and wonder of M J Trenkler. A DVD with 12 of Scarlett's "Snowetry" poems is available. visit Rhyme Creek.

The Essence of a woman

Sweet in her thoughtful daily life
Proud of family she loves
Strong when her day comes crashing down
Beautiful in long white gloves

The essence of a woman lives
In so many different ways
Kindness, passion, wisdom and fear
Can be seen in just one gaze

The true essence of a woman
May never be known by men
The mystery will keep them intrigued
While the woman decides when
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

There's A Chill In The Air

Colder than you can ever imagine
The wind cuts through you like a knife
And, the stark imagines out the window
Could make a memory in your life.

The pond looks like a sheet of glass
Lying in the framework of the snow
Catching glimpses of the snowflakes
Is it a picture that you should know?.

Winter.. in all of it’s powerful glory
Puts on a big show this time of year
And, makes all of us stop and wonder
Was our life really spent with no fear?

There’s a chill in the air this night
And, it could help you realize
That the story out the window
Is a reflection from your eyes.
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on
this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web
or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !

A pack of pretty greetin’ cards
Is what I remember best
Some covered with lotsa glitter
Out shinin’ all of the rest!

Red hearts in all shapes and sizes
Each printed with sweet little rhymes
Askin’ the ones that received ‘em
If they’d be my Valentine!

It was fun to give mine out first
And, hide in the back to see
When they read those pretty cards
What they would say about me!

I always got a lotta cards too
My friends were so sweet back then
Delightin’ me with what they said
And, signing their names in PEN!

Valentine’s Day was so much fun
When I was near eight or nine.
Each one brings a smile to my face
Those Valentine days of mine!

Now I have a new group of friends
Who mean all the world to me
And as they read these words I write
I’ll be watching quietly.

I hope they’ll think of big red hearts
And, remember those sweet rhymes
Knowing it’s from MY heart I ask
“Won’t YOU be my Valentine???”
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Memories of the ol' wood shed

Grandpa loved his ol' wood shed
And, spent many a day there.
He worked on that ol' tractor
And, whistled without a care.

He smelled of hay and pipe tobacco
And, I loved to be by his side.
He said if I fed all of the horses
He would take me for a ride.

Grandpa worked hard in his day
Loved his family and that shed
When I would visit in the summer
His stories would fill up my head!

Such memories of the ol' wood shed
Tucked back out of the way
Where Grandpa made me feel special
I remember it like yesterday.
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site
can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any
published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

THINK SPRING!

When winter seems to drag on
And, the snow stacks high
Think Spring!

When you have your thick coat on
And, snow fills the sky
Think Spring!

When the cold blast hits your face
And, you cannot speak
Think Spring!

But, when you fall on your butt
And, you say “What tha?”
Think Florida!!!
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Yester Years

Was it twenty years or maybe more
Life moves along so fast
Remembering all those precious times
We thought would always last

A time when all the days were care free
Yet we didn’t know it then
It’s only with time that those days shine
Looking back at them again.

Oh happy times from those days of yore
Makes the yearning heart reach out
Knowing those feelings and all the years
Makes us glad to think about

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site

can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form

without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

SNOWETRY - GLiding With Geese

This is a great new project!
I have always found a lot of inspiration to write poetry when I'm able to see some beautiful scenery. In the Snowetry series, there are poems which I have written and recorded. Each of them is illustrated by some truly magnificent winter scenes from ME3TV and Buzz Creek. Here is one of the Snowetry videos. You can see more of them at our new store at RHYME CREEK at LULU. These are WMV files you can buy and download for repeated sending to friends. All of the footage in our snowfall video was shot in Sussex County, New Jersey. Space Farms Zoo was the location for the Bison and most of the wild animals.

The Night That I Got Shot

What a wonderful, exciting night
A play at our high school
Lots of auditions then rehearsals
Everyone felt so cool

It began as everyone had planned it
The scenery looked so real
The actors started the show in style
Knowing this was a big deal

Charlie forgot an important line
Sarah whispered it to him
Frank forgot to open the curtain
Things started to look grim

All in all the play was quite a hit
The crowd gave an ovation
Our little group was very proud
We caused such a sensation

Back in the hall behind the stage
Randy walked up with a gun
I thought he was kidding around
He even said this is all such fun

I said that gun is only a prop
It doesn’t really work
He looked at the gun and then at me
His face had such a smirk

How fast he put that gun to my throat
A second passed no more
And, when he pulled that trigger
I found myself on the floor

My ears were ringing from the noise
I could no longer hear
The gun was real yet fired a blank
What did I have to fear?

People quickly gathered around me
I couldn’t hear them at all
Randy dropped the gun and ran
I was propped up against the wall

My hearing came back in a little while
The burns on my neck healed
It could have been the end of it all
I learned how that might feel

I don’t remember the name of the play
I really don’t recall a lot
I only remember Randy and that gun
And, the night that I got shot
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site
can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Webor any any
published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Horseback Ride

HORSEBACK RIDE

The freedom of a horseback ride
impressed me as a child..
Considering most of the rest of
my life was really quite mild.

To climb on top of a wonderful "beast"
and let the breeze just flow..
Helped me touch that freedom
that I might not ever know.

Of course, as a child I simply thought
it was great to be able to ride..
Not really giving much thought to
the pleasure I felt deep inside.

I was just at my Granddaddy's farm
enjoying some wonderful fun..
It wasn't until many years later..
that I knew what that ride had done.

Could I ride real fast and hang on tight
and not fall to the ground?
I think I might just "dare"..
since my Mama wasn't around!

It was so high up on that chestnut horse
I felt like I was a queen..
Looking out upon my family
and hoping to be "seen"!

As I look back on those days and try
to remember what my life was then..
I think of the special times in the country..
on a horse.. up high.. with a grin.

Precious days.. precious people..
precious pictures.. precious times..
The freedom of a horseback ride..
made this "little girl" feel so fine!

@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Writing explained

What does it take to write a line
And, have it make some sense
How do I make them fall in line
And, not sound quite so dense
Do I create for days on end
Struggling with the rhyming
Or, do I write real fast and SEND
No thought of the timing?
People will ask me from to time
To explain what all I do
How do I go from rhyme to rhyme
And, still make sense to you?
After spending some time in thought
I’ve come to realize
It’s not the writing that I was taught
It’s the reading in your eyes.
@Copyright Scarlet's Rhymes - The above and all poetry and pictures posted on this site can not to be copied or reproduced in any manner on the World Wide Web or any any published form without the written permission of the author/creator at mjktjax@yahoo.com

Hi and welcome to Scarlet's Rhymes!

I'm new to the blogging world. So bear with me while I try to figure things out!I plan on sharing a lot of poetry and pictures here. And, who knows what else might strike my fancy! :-)



Sunrise at Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
An inspiring picture for any writer !












A DAY AT THE BEACH

Ahhh.. another day at the beach
A perfect one indeed.
The beauty just beyond my reach
Yet I find what I need.

The pier reaches out to touch the shore
And, it makes me feel so grand
I’ll want to linger even more
If we walk there hand in hand.

Fishermen sit and watch the waves
Do they ever catch a thing?
Or, is it time alone they crave?
To listen to the seagulls sing!

Take my hand let’s see what’s there
For you and I to see..
Will we lose all of our cares..
As we walk by the sea?

Just like life .. a walk on the shore
Will offer you many different things.
The sand.. the wind.. the waves .. much more
Just listen to hear your heart sing!