Ode to Libby Mae this Christmas

You’re a sweet one, Libby Mae.
You really are a prize.
You’re as cuddly as a lovey,
You’re as charming as an rose,
Libby Mae.
You’re a ripe tomato with plumpy red fruit.

You’re a beauty, Libby Mae.
Your heart’s so innocent.
Your brain is full of unsaid thoughts,
You’ve got smiles in your soul, Libby Mae.
I would hold you every hour,
Three hundred sixty-five days a year.

You’re a smart one, Libby Mae.
You have laughter in your smile.
You have all the tender goodness of a new born poddle dog,
Libby Mae.
Given the choice between the two of you,
I’d take the lovely Libby Mae.

You’re a cute one, Libby Mae.
You’re a fancy, dancey blonde
Your heart is full of spawkaley jewels,
Your soul is full of joy,
Libby Mae.

The three words that best describe you,
Are as follows, and I quote,
“Star!
Starred!
Starry!”

You’re a toddler Libby Mae.
You’re the queen of fashion shoes,
Your heart swims like fishes with flashy purple stripes.
Libby Mae!

Your soul is an overflowing fountain
Flooded with the most precious
Combination of personality and wit imaginable,
Wrapped up as pleasant Christmas gifts.

You excite me, Libby Mae.
Your purpose is secure.
You’re a funny bunny runny and
You run a runners gait
Libby Mae!

You’re a three flavor sundae,
And frozen yogurt
With pineapple sauce!

Gratefully

Yellow, red, cold, dying; of changing days the signs are clear
Surely a season of reflection, Thanksgiving is here
The world in its ways claim a year of nothing but bad
Bankrupt nations, wars, and occupation; it's natural to be sad

Of personal note, please let me competently say
Tasting success in business and baseball is well underway
Children growing strong and marriage passionately sweet
Challenges at home and maturing faith makes life valuable and complete

Family together loving and healthy.  We all cheer
A spring break in New York City make new memories so dear
Starting Upside and coaching a blessing hands down
Instructing the best this summer down in Tiger Town

Serving in the Queen City new life is carefully seeded
Uptown is the spot where God's call is faithfully heeded
Reminded of His provision and grace overwhelmingly
A full year, so much, so good I offer this gratefully

A Table

(poem written for and enclosed in the birthday card to my wife)

A Table

Standing in a room, stoic and strong
The grains move about like a well written song
Legs four always together and never bending
The top smooth and useful, ever extending

A grand host so many things to do
Place settings for family meals, especially cheese fondue
Clean and clear for Lego pieces piled up
Quiet for family to talk over a steaming cup

A piece of furniture, it holds an esteemed place
The centerpiece of the home, a symbol of grace
Not a spot to stash and store junk waiting to get rid of
But a gathering place for all to receive love, love, love