When did you become a man? Was it the day you decided to walk yourself to class? Leaving your mother behind, as you, still so small, took the long walk down the school corridor. Was it when you began to explore nature? Navigating the woods; catching critters in the creek. Was it when you discovered extreme sports? Performing stunts with your bike; free running over rooftops. Was it when your friends became your tribe? They, knowing your daily story, while I could only catch glimpses. Was it when you started to drive? Finding a passion for cars. Was it when you met your girlfriend? Spending every free moment in her company. Was it when you started working? Discovering a bit of financial freedom. Was it when you left home? Running an independent household. Was it when you became a dad? Producing a magnificent child of your own. When did you become a man? I just don’t know. As I look at the wonderful man standing before me, I only see my child.
When It’s There
When it’s there, it’s there. It clicks into place, A piece of a puzzle, Connecting a whole. A cognizant moment; An inexplicable bond; A strong attraction; An insistent pull. It cannot be forced; It cannot be avoided; It just happens, And you know it is there.
Imagination
A little imagination can go a long way; We find it in stories and use it in play. A leap in the air and with wings we do fly; We soar over treetops and swoop through the sky. A dive underwater sprouts fins on our backs; We swim past the mermaids; avoid shark attacks. A walk in the forest no longer ourselves, As we turn into fairies or dragons or elves. But imagination is not just for fantasy; As it turns us into the best we can be.
Me In The Tree
My feet are planted firmly on the ground, As my toes drive deep into the damp earth; A sturdy foundation for my erect torso. Standing tall, my arms spread wide; My fingers stretch toward the sky sprouting leaves. My eyes stare as two woodpecker holes. I wait and I watch. For hundreds of years, I drop seeds from my branches; Little seedlings sprout from the ground. My large frame protects them from the weather, But the shadow from my canopy blocks the light, And my seedlings fall back to earth. I watch and I mourn. Night and day, Animals climb over me. They eat from my branches and chew on my bark. They dig out the bugs that bore holes in my trunk. I hold their homes in my strong arms, And protect them from the wind and the rain. I watch and I smile. Time goes on; The city grows around me. People rest under the shade of my branches, And carve their names in my trunk. I hold small children in my arms, As they swing from my branches. I watch and I sigh. Bumped and bruised. The night falls, as men and women Carry their homes on their backs And lie on nearby benches. Their sorrow is palpable; Their need unfathomable. I watch and I weep. For days and days, Torrents of rain pour from the sky. The earth is sodden And my toes lose their grip; My ample weight pulls me down, As I crash to the ground. I watch and I wait. I look to the sky; The clouds part and the sun shines. People come with their machines. They admire my beauty and transform me; Into logs and planks, I become a sturdy shelter; A home to a kind family. I watch and I rest.
Career Day
After attending Career Day at school, Jewel must write about her dream job. This is no easy task. What career will Jewel choose?
Interactive book for Ages 9-12.
Light After Dark
The sky seems so blue, After days of gray. Love is so true, After time away. Endless days alone, Welcome call from your kin. Chilled to the bone, Warm touch on your skin. An event so raw, Grown accustomed with time. What once was a flaw, Becomes something sublime. A looming obstacle, A question mark, Now all seems possible, In the light after dark.
The Puddle
What more is a puddle for I can't resist, can you? My feet leave the ground Determined and bound Really, what can I do? Down with a crash And up goes the splash Ha-ha, isn’t this fun? So, I’m all wet, Haven’t melted yet, I’ll just dry off in the sun!
Boredom
Boredom is such a sorrowful word A pitiful state of being To be avoided at all costs. Inciting meaningless activity And resulting in harmful habits. Yet, boredom can be pivotal A time for reflection To be fully cherished. Inspiring meaningful endeavors And resulting in victory.
Fun Facts About Raccoons
- Raccoons are omnivores and will eat just about anything.
- A male raccoon is called a boar, a female a sow and their young are called kits.
- Raccoons have 5 toes on their front paws that function like dexterous fingers
- A raccoon’s hind legs are longer than their front legs, making raccoons appear to be hunched.
- Raccoons keep themselves clean. They have been witnessed washing their food when a water source is available and digging their own latrines (sometimes in our backyards… ew!).
The Butterfly
I am seen as a pest As I eat from your garden But eating I must So I please beg your pardon. As what you see now Is simply a stage I’ll hang in transition For so many days. And when I emerge With such beauty and power I’ll fly through your garden Pollinating each flower.
JJJ Interactive Books 