My Book of Memories
I have a book of memories
of pages sweet and clear.
Of the days and nights I've spent
with those I love so dear.

First, here's a page of little boys
bringing many tears and joys.
Sister comes to change the scene
and it's books and babysitting in between.

Now some have made good marks in school
and learned to live the Golden Rule.
May they strive to be of service to others,
just as all true sisters and brothers.

Can't and Can
"Can't" lives in a house of gloom
with dark pictures hanging in every room.
The cobwebs hang from the ceilings there
and all the shelves are empty and bare.

Yes, "Can" lives in a garden fair
where there is beauty beyond compare.
The birds are singing a happy song
and flowers are blooming from dawn to dawn.

The sky is the ceiling,
the Earth is the floor...
how could anyone ask
for more?

Who will you choose as your friend...
and in whose place will you your days spend...
in the house of "Can't" or the world of "Can"?
Each choice determines the kind of man.

My Neighbors
I can see here now as she approached the door
And greeted me in days of yore.
She was wearing a print dress and apron neat
And spoke in a voice so tender and sweet.

She would ask me in to sit a spell
And all the news we would tell.
She would never slander or tell a lie
And was always considerate of everyone nigh.

Her house was always cozy and neat
And for cleanliness she couldn't be beat.
The beds were made in sheets so white
And the windows covered with curtains bright.

The fire upon the hearth was aglow,
With flickers dancing to and fro.
Made you feel a welcome there
Of the old-fashioned love of this pair.

The little cookstove on the kitchen side
Where, hardly ever the fire die,
Was already ready to cook a meal
That to any king would appeal.

The kettle sang a merry song
And no sorry could last for long.
For this was a house where love dwelt.
The lasting kind that could be felt.

Lord, help me to have such a home
Where ever upon this earth I may roam.
Til someone someday may say
She helped me to find a better way.

Lillie Waldrop Pannell is the deceased and still extraordinary mother of writer and social worker Dave Waldrop, an ACR contributor and supporter, both of whose poetry appears in the soft-cover book am I, PPS Publishing, 2005. It, along with Dave's CD Freedom may be ordered through him on-line or by snailmail at P. O. Box 122, Webster NC 28788.