No, it's not even the flag they fought to save
On battlefields long ago,
Or the one that flies o're Washington
In the rain and sleet and snow.

All these flags are glorious
And were banners for the brave.
No, the prettiest flag I ever saw
Was on my father's grave.

On Ohio's first day of winter
I thought I'd see some snow,
Instead the sun was shining
And on a walk I'd go.

On Ohio's first day of spring,
I thought I'd see a daffodil,
Instead I saw some snow
And sleds zooming down the hill.

Seasons exchanging places
Has happened in the past,
Sad looks on children's faces
This spring break when winter lasts.

Frigid landscape welcoming Easter
Early equinox this year,
Forget the holiday's frivolity,
Behold His word and hear.

For what does it matter the weather
When souls are born again?
And Jesus rises from the dead
To redeem the sins of men.

-- Submitted by Floriana Hall from Akron, OH

The old truck shuddered in the wintry wind
As it struggled through the snow,
A young couple huddled inside
Knowing where they must go.

Cardboard covered where glass should be,
And the door was wired shut,
The young driver struggled hard
To stay in the icy ruts.

"We'll be there soon, I promise, Maria,"
He said to the woman beside.
"I know José, it must be so,"
As she prayed for the life inside.

But the old truck skidded off the road,
And crashed in the snow piled high,
A piercing pain crossed Maria's face,
And she began to cry.

"I cannot wait, he will be born
On this bitter winter night!"
And José held her close to keep her warm,
While praying with all his might.

Voices were heard and light pierced the snow,
As men dug out the old wreck,
The door was pulled off and they reached inside,
Bringing hope of a life turned back.

"There's a baby here!" one man shouted,
As the others ran to his side,
"Let's get 'em warm and see this child
Born on this Christmas tide."

José and Maria and their newborn son,
Were brought to a home with a fire,
As the men stood close by they all felt,
This Child was their hearts' desire.

-- Submitted by Norm Rourke from Beggs, OK

-- Submitted by Samantha Wagner from Richmond, VA

Whispers of love,
Soft, rustling sounds like pirouetting leaves
Falling on listening, responsive ears,
Arouse feelings of love and desire.
Tender words of endearment,
Eternal private secrets
Dripping like chocolate syrup,
As sweet as sugar candy,
Unlock treasures of the heart
With a verbal key.
Romantic sonnets, quiet words
Once spoken, never to be forgotten --
Total surrender.

-- Submitted by Floriana Hall from Akron, OH

There's pumpkin pie, turkey and gravy
And cranberry jam for a treat, maybe.

It's a time of constant chatter and feasting
Togetherness, and feelings of love never ceasing.

Thanksgiving's unlike Halloween or Christmas
It has a rare sense of sincerity with no rushing or business.

There's no unwrapping of paper, squeals of joy
As the little ones gaze at their brand new toy.

During Thanksgiving, we're not giving gifts
We're giving thanks to our freedom and those Pilgrims on ships.

So here's to our rights, our freedom and love
Here's to the life and the stars far above.

So happy Thanksgiving to one and all
And remember to always stand strong, never fall!

-- Submitted by Emily Patka from Albany, NY

I'm dreaming of a new body
With every chocolate I unwrap.
But I can't stop eating.
I can't stop cheating.
There's just too many Christmas snacks.

My nightmare is a pot belly
With every Christmas treat I take.
But I can't stop feasting,
My size increasing.
When I stand on the scales, they'll break.

Yes, I'm dreaming of a trim waistline.
So take that Chex mix from my face.
May my buns be smaller and flat
And may half my body lose its fat.

-- Submitted by Andrea Dietrich from Pleasant Grove, Utah

Auld Lang Syne and good champagne
Would never sound nor taste as sweet
As that first night when I met you.
When I saw you I was complete.
We spent that New Year's Eve like others,
A night of laughter, hope and cheer.
You never seemed to mind my staring
But laughed a hearty laugh so clear
And garrish that it made me chuckle
And giggle like a little child.
You never seemed so perfect as
That night when we both laughed and smiled.
I remember what you said that night
When you with laughter said good-bye,
And then you left not long thereafter.
And now no matter how I try,
When I hear the same old song
Without your laughter keeping beat,
I sing the slow and doleful verse
And sip champagne that's bittersweet.

-- Submitted by Mark Haefele from Denver, CO