verses versus verses

and the snail goes to...

The title suggests a competition (I just liked the homophone!), but our first verse-writing give-away was really a way for my readers to have an outlet to express their Inner Poet! Heartfelt, genuine, ethereal, clever, brilliant, inspiring, poignant, personal, funny, bold, and expressive. Thank you to the FOUR who submitted a verse for me to post on this fine Saturday morning -- we all win as we are graced by your creative striving, but alas, only ONE receives the syrendell snail.

The snail is given to Diana. Congratulations! You can find Diana on her blogsite My Artemis Moon. Here is Diana's verse entry:

My dearest little one

so fiercely growing

willing yourself your brother's equal

and yet the years between you remain.

Constantly striving to reach out beyond

the footsteps that have gone before you

There will come a time

when you forge out on new paths

spaces and places where none before trod

but for now feel the joy and the wonder of childhood

our love here will hold you and carry you on

till it's time for your own paths

and destiny's journey

and your love here from family

will light the path home.

Beautiful, wonderful all, here are the other verses.

From Hallie, she wrote about her verse entry titled Summer Rain, "I originally wrote this for MY best friend but now often think back to it when I see my daughter with her best friend...ironically playing in the rain!"

I remember hot summer rains

When I played with my very best friend

Under umbrellas and pretended

We were sisters

We played dolls on her porch

And it rained all around us

So puddles grew great

Just waiting to be jumped in

We had our favorite lunch

Of macaroni and cheese

And we pretended we were in

The nicest restaurant ever

When we grew tired of our game

We took our socks and shoes off

And ran around in the rain

Still wishing we were sisters!

From Angela (and Ruth and Bea), she writes, "I love my children - a quick poem about my three little ones and how they've been instructing me in savoring the moment and learning to be silly once again."

I see in you

the parts of me I had let fade away

but am rediscovering, rekindling -

drawing back to myself -

by being in your presence.

Mothering you

is a second chance -

to see things as you see them -

to find joy in simple moments.

"Oh, and my 6 year-old Ruth's contribution - she chose to write a poem about her sister, Bea, who is 4."

Bea is sweet

Bea is kind

Bea is more gentle

than anyone you can find.

"Okay, and now Bea says she wants to make up a poem about Ruth."

Ruth is nice

Ruth is sweet

She's sweeter than a sugar beet.

From Suzane, her verse titled The Unfolding, is about Rudolf Steiner, "his philosophy speaks to us as parents and I could not think of anyone who has made such a difference to our living. My verse is about how my life with my children has grown through the Waldorf way."

As the Seasons of learning unfold before me,
I am taken by its splendor.
As I am guided through my human life,
I awaken to the needs of my children.

Rudolf Steiner spiritually inspired by masterful thinking
has taken hold of my mind.
Like the dawn awakens my soul from slumber.
Something wonderful has begun.

I am Like a watered seed
emerging towards the light.
I have been given a tool, a treasure to share.
I must use it wisely.

To see my boy when ready,
with burning desire to read
is warming.
I am glad we waited.

Little hands that touch and mould
exploring with nature.
Fingers that paint and fiddle with instruments.
The gift of a picture and heavenly music.

Minds that expand , knowledge yet untold.
No limits to learning here with my fold.
Knowledge has given power to the learner here.
Our philosophy a road worth the travel.

To Hallie, Angela, and Suzane, who did not receive the give-away snail, I am offering a syrendell snail at a 20% discount from the listed price on the Syrendell.Etsy shop. To all the verse entrants, again Thank You!