I enjoy trying to make words rhyme and it makes me smile if I’m present when my poem is read. The poem for Jimmy Carter was probably never seen by him as it was posted on the Carter Center Facebook page. But then, one just never knows, does one.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Quilts I Have Made
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I think that I shall never see
A quilt so lovely made by me
To give to you with love and care
As something to remember Claire.
I don’t have plans just yet to go
But think about it as I sew,
You know each stitch by my machine
Gives happiness to me not often seen.
To me and mine I hope you will
Take care of my happiness that still
Confounds me always in ways unknown
The delight of quilts that I have sewn.
The fabrics old that I have saved
Are favorites, still no less I crave
To purchase beauty by the yard
Unless - I lose my debit card.
So if you have a quilt I’ve made
The favor never needs repaid,
My happiness lies in the fact unknown
That all your love I have been shown.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Olivia
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Olivia is quite a girl.
With long brown hair that has no curl.
She’s talented, pretty and very smart
Unfortunately, she’s known to fart.
She loves to write, she draws, she sews
She leaves a paper trail everywhere she goes.
And so Olivia turns 10 today. A cake, balloons
Just cannot say how much she’s loved each and every day.
So here’s to you our precious one
Your infectious smile outshines the sun.
Happy Birthday to you and many more
Let’s blow this barn and head for the store.
Love, Grandma
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Kathryne
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oh Kathryne, Oh dear Kathryne
What will I write for you?
A poem is not difficult
Because that’s what I do.
You are such a special person
Changing every year
It leads me just to wonder
How I was blessed to have you near.
Your special sense of humor
Reminds me of myself
Along with your chin and attitude
We did not come off the shelf.
You play the flute and love to joke
And always with a flare
Of devilishness you got from me
It’s soooo not hard to compare.
You and I are much alike
Our problems and our cares.
Not to mention loving popcorn
And our fine straight Fleming hair.
So be yourself with pride and joy
Because you are so dear
And make this year a happy one
Remembering I am always here.
Happy Birthday
I Love You,
Aunt Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Neil
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On this day of your sixty-second year,
I made you something different.
Two books of pics of Mom and Dad
As rare as R-12 refrigerant.
I don’t intend to cause you tears
Nor want you to be sad,
I made them so you could get a lift
On a day that was extra bad.
While in your chair with drink in hand
And needing a happy thought,
You can pull these out for a quick short look
At something that can’t be bought.
For a Mom and Dad who both worked hard
To be there just for us
And teach us both how to be so close
And not to fight and fuss.
For this I am so grateful
And I know it’s very rare
To have a loving brother like you
Who I know is always there.
Happy Birthday!
I Love You,
Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Get Well Poem For Anita Carwile
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Saturday call made across the Florida line.
I had to get a good address to avoid a postal fine$$.
I spoke to Ed, he sounded good; his voice was clear and strong.
“That’s great”, he said. “A Band CD? Hurry and send it on!”
I had good news! The music’s back! A Top Ten HIT, I’m told!
Don’t tell Anita, she’ll be surprised and to her shock will hold
A symphonic surprise from her dear duPont friends,
The ones who are REALLY OLD!!
There’ll be cannons, cornets, french horns and flutes.
You’ll hear Jackson and Zelt, Space and Gresham to boot!
But Ed said, “Calm down, Claire. Anita’s not here.”
“She’s been at the hospital - our very worst fear.”
I couldn’t believe it, such a terrible thought.
How could our bassoon player have been hit by a truck?
Is she mending? She is. Is she smiling? She would.
Thank goodness her care and her doctors are good.
I could tell in Ed’s voice he was feeling so blessed.
First for Anita and then he confessed
Their family was special, very close, very strong.
They all loved Anita, a great wife, friend and Mom.
So what could I do, a stranger to her?
Me a young 7th grader, those years just a blur.
I remember Anita from Spring Concerts at Pru!
I was passing out programs, because I was new.
All the girls wore their formals for concerts in Spring.
Something pastel -no uniform- A BEAUTIFUL THING!
The girls looked so lovely, and handsome was Swor
I hoped one day I would wear one - it not falling to the floor!
So that’s how I remember Anita - tall with her bassoon.
I’m giving her this poem wishing her please GET WELL SOON.
I want her to keep smiling and work at getting strong,
Anita, I’m hoping that your progress is coming right along..
We only have in common our years in the band.
We’re spread around the country, so we can’t hold your hand,
Just think of me as one of many old friends dear and true
And keep close this poem ‘till you’re back good as new!
Claire King – dupont Band ‘64-65
Jacksonville, FL
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Julie Ann Greer
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I once met a girl named Julie
Who was a really great roommate, truly.
She was kind and sincere and always a dear
A good friend in that long ago year.
These birthday wishes in fact a day late,
Hope to find that you had a great date
Beginning with a walk in the warm Tampa air
And ending with a poem just for you from Claire.
Your South Georgia Roommate,
Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Goofy Birthday Poem from your friend Claire.
(Sorry about the being old part…it rhymed)
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It’s like it happened yesterday
On a dark, not stormy night
A parking lot in Georgia
Looking for a boy nowhere in sight.
It began a life long friendship
My answer on that night
Was “No, he’s not my brother!”
Thank heaven there was no fight.
I always think of Patti when
I hear Neil Diamond sing
About some “ Red, Red Wine”
And that “Kentucky Woman” thing.
That year was oh so wonderful
That dorm away from home
I recollect some drinking
Quite excessive, truth be known.
One weekend you spent a lifetime
Dying fabric for a play.
A big black mess if I recall
I opted not to stay.
Those days I drove to visit you
The beach seemed really far
I envied your beaded curtains
And the fact you had a car.
You still look the same to me
With that wavy long blond hair.
I’m happy I am still in touch
Old friends these days are rare.
Enough of fifty years ago
My original intent only was
To wish my hippie girlfriend
A birthday and a buzz.
A happy day I hope you have
With weather not too cold.
Just know that I still love you
Even though you’re very OLD.
With Love From Your Friend,
Claire
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Get Well Poem For Jimmie Carter
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dear President Carter,
With pen in hand I am sending to you
A message of love and support,
That you may live in comfort and care
And good news to us you’ll report.
I am saddened to hear of your illness.
There is certainly not an easy path ahead.
I want you to know what you mean to me
These words cannot go unsaid.
The good works and loving deeds that drive you
Will always over shadow your regrets.
You can reflect on one extraordinary life
Having earned my undying respect.
I will close with a wish for close family
And friends that will always be near.
Know that your books and cherished poems
In my heart will remain so dear.
Claire King
Jacksonville, Florida
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Teddy Pruett
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I have a ‘old’ friend named Teddy
Who is strong and smart and ready
To sit down and sew
Or give it a go
Creating always a quilt that’s quite heady!
Her wit is unmatched (from chickens it’s hatched)
She’d have penned her own book it would seem.
A goal she should set to sit down and get
What most likely would take a full ream.
She’s too far away to in person just say
Happy Birthday – have fun on this day.
So instead of a beer to wish her good cheer
I’m sending a poem making clear
That I love you a lot and that’s all I’ve got
Happy Birthday to Teddy, my dear.
Love,
Claire
Quilts I Have Made
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I think that I shall never see
A quilt so lovely made by me
To give to you with love and care
As something to remember Claire.
I don’t have plans just yet to go
But think about it as I sew,
You know each stitch by my machine
Gives happiness to me not often seen.
To me and mine I hope you will
Take care of my happiness that still
Confounds me always in ways unknown
The delight of quilts that I have sewn.
The fabrics old that I have saved
Are favorites, still no less I crave
To purchase beauty by the yard
Unless - I lose my debit card.
So if you have a quilt I’ve made
The favor never needs repaid,
My happiness lies in the fact unknown
That all your love I have been shown.
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Olivia
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Olivia is quite a girl.
With long brown hair that has no curl.
She’s talented, pretty and very smart
Unfortunately, she’s known to fart.
She loves to write, she draws, she sews
She leaves a paper trail everywhere she goes.
And so Olivia turns 10 today. A cake, balloons
Just cannot say how much she’s loved each and every day.
So here’s to you our precious one
Your infectious smile outshines the sun.
Happy Birthday to you and many more
Let’s blow this barn and head for the store.
Love, Grandma
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Kathryne
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oh Kathryne, Oh dear Kathryne
What will I write for you?
A poem is not difficult
Because that’s what I do.
You are such a special person
Changing every year
It leads me just to wonder
How I was blessed to have you near.
Your special sense of humor
Reminds me of myself
Along with your chin and attitude
We did not come off the shelf.
You play the flute and love to joke
And always with a flare
Of devilishness you got from me
It’s soooo not hard to compare.
You and I are much alike
Our problems and our cares.
Not to mention loving popcorn
And our fine straight Fleming hair.
So be yourself with pride and joy
Because you are so dear
And make this year a happy one
Remembering I am always here.
Happy Birthday
I Love You,
Aunt Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Neil
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On this day of your sixty-second year,
I made you something different.
Two books of pics of Mom and Dad
As rare as R-12 refrigerant.
I don’t intend to cause you tears
Nor want you to be sad,
I made them so you could get a lift
On a day that was extra bad.
While in your chair with drink in hand
And needing a happy thought,
You can pull these out for a quick short look
At something that can’t be bought.
For a Mom and Dad who both worked hard
To be there just for us
And teach us both how to be so close
And not to fight and fuss.
For this I am so grateful
And I know it’s very rare
To have a loving brother like you
Who I know is always there.
Happy Birthday!
I Love You,
Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Get Well Poem For Anita Carwile
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Saturday call made across the Florida line.
I had to get a good address to avoid a postal fine$$.
I spoke to Ed, he sounded good; his voice was clear and strong.
“That’s great”, he said. “A Band CD? Hurry and send it on!”
I had good news! The music’s back! A Top Ten HIT, I’m told!
Don’t tell Anita, she’ll be surprised and to her shock will hold
A symphonic surprise from her dear duPont friends,
The ones who are REALLY OLD!!
There’ll be cannons, cornets, french horns and flutes.
You’ll hear Jackson and Zelt, Space and Gresham to boot!
But Ed said, “Calm down, Claire. Anita’s not here.”
“She’s been at the hospital - our very worst fear.”
I couldn’t believe it, such a terrible thought.
How could our bassoon player have been hit by a truck?
Is she mending? She is. Is she smiling? She would.
Thank goodness her care and her doctors are good.
I could tell in Ed’s voice he was feeling so blessed.
First for Anita and then he confessed
Their family was special, very close, very strong.
They all loved Anita, a great wife, friend and Mom.
So what could I do, a stranger to her?
Me a young 7th grader, those years just a blur.
I remember Anita from Spring Concerts at Pru!
I was passing out programs, because I was new.
All the girls wore their formals for concerts in Spring.
Something pastel -no uniform- A BEAUTIFUL THING!
The girls looked so lovely, and handsome was Swor
I hoped one day I would wear one - it not falling to the floor!
So that’s how I remember Anita - tall with her bassoon.
I’m giving her this poem wishing her please GET WELL SOON.
I want her to keep smiling and work at getting strong,
Anita, I’m hoping that your progress is coming right along..
We only have in common our years in the band.
We’re spread around the country, so we can’t hold your hand,
Just think of me as one of many old friends dear and true
And keep close this poem ‘till you’re back good as new!
Claire King – dupont Band ‘64-65
Jacksonville, FL
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Julie Ann Greer
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I once met a girl named Julie
Who was a really great roommate, truly.
She was kind and sincere and always a dear
A good friend in that long ago year.
These birthday wishes in fact a day late,
Hope to find that you had a great date
Beginning with a walk in the warm Tampa air
And ending with a poem just for you from Claire.
Your South Georgia Roommate,
Claire
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Goofy Birthday Poem from your friend Claire.
(Sorry about the being old part…it rhymed)
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It’s like it happened yesterday
On a dark, not stormy night
A parking lot in Georgia
Looking for a boy nowhere in sight.
It began a life long friendship
My answer on that night
Was “No, he’s not my brother!”
Thank heaven there was no fight.
I always think of Patti when
I hear Neil Diamond sing
About some “ Red, Red Wine”
And that “Kentucky Woman” thing.
That year was oh so wonderful
That dorm away from home
I recollect some drinking
Quite excessive, truth be known.
One weekend you spent a lifetime
Dying fabric for a play.
A big black mess if I recall
I opted not to stay.
Those days I drove to visit you
The beach seemed really far
I envied your beaded curtains
And the fact you had a car.
You still look the same to me
With that wavy long blond hair.
I’m happy I am still in touch
Old friends these days are rare.
Enough of fifty years ago
My original intent only was
To wish my hippie girlfriend
A birthday and a buzz.
A happy day I hope you have
With weather not too cold.
Just know that I still love you
Even though you’re very OLD.
With Love From Your Friend,
Claire
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Get Well Poem For Jimmie Carter
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dear President Carter,
With pen in hand I am sending to you
A message of love and support,
That you may live in comfort and care
And good news to us you’ll report.
I am saddened to hear of your illness.
There is certainly not an easy path ahead.
I want you to know what you mean to me
These words cannot go unsaid.
The good works and loving deeds that drive you
Will always over shadow your regrets.
You can reflect on one extraordinary life
Having earned my undying respect.
I will close with a wish for close family
And friends that will always be near.
Know that your books and cherished poems
In my heart will remain so dear.
Claire King
Jacksonville, Florida
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Birthday Poem for Teddy Pruett
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I have a ‘old’ friend named Teddy
Who is strong and smart and ready
To sit down and sew
Or give it a go
Creating always a quilt that’s quite heady!
Her wit is unmatched (from chickens it’s hatched)
She’d have penned her own book it would seem.
A goal she should set to sit down and get
What most likely would take a full ream.
She’s too far away to in person just say
Happy Birthday – have fun on this day.
So instead of a beer to wish her good cheer
I’m sending a poem making clear
That I love you a lot and that’s all I’ve got
Happy Birthday to Teddy, my dear.
Love,
Claire
The Fillmore Floral
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