Christmas at the Orphanage
But if they'd give us toys and twice the stuff most
parents splurge on the average kid, orphans, I submit, need more than enough;
in fact, stacks wrapped with our names nearly hid
the tree: these sparkling allotments yearly
guaranteed a lack of--what?--family?--
I knew exactly what it was I missed as we were lined up number rank and file:
to share my pals' tearing open their piles
meant sealing the self, the child that wanted
to scream at all You stole those gifts from me;
whose birthday is worth such words? The wish-lists
they'd made us write out in May lay granted
against starred branches. I said I'm sorry.
poem by Bill Knott
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Related quotes
The boy and the apple tree
Once there was a boy who used to play under an apple tree
He played so happily that it was a joy to see
As he grew old, he got bore of playing alone
Toys and gadgets he desired to be his own
So, under the apple tree the boy muttered
‘Tree can you give me toys I now desire? ’
‘Toys I don’t have, my boy, ’ the tree replied
‘But my fruits you can sell to get your toys.’
So the boy took the fruits and went away
The tree waited for his return day after day
Many years had passed and the boy got older
He married a girl to be his wife and lover
The adult boy now needing a new house for his family
Went to the tree and asked for its advice earnestly
The tree glad to see him once again said
‘My branches will be sufficient to make your nest.’
To these words the adult boy listened
And took all the branches away with him
With these he constructed a house for his family
Where he lived for several years happily
One day, the boy now a fully mature adult thought
‘It will be wise to travel around and sail the sea across’
So, he went to the now old apple tree and asked
‘Tree, can you tell me, a boat, where I can get? ’
The tree which was happy to see him again sighed and said
‘Though I am old, my stem you may take if you want’
On hearing this, the guy cut the tree down
And made a large boat, which was fine and strong
Many years had passed and the guy now became an old man
Tired from his adventures across the sea and land
He went and saw the apple tree once again
Which was now but a stump nobody would want
The old stump on seeing the old man cried
‘My old boy what can I do for you this time’
The old man on hearing this softly replied
‘I just want to lean against you till the end of my life.’
poem by Henry Chen
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Our Family Tree
We class ourselves as branches
on our family tree,
each person has a branch
and each branch has its branches
growing out of it.
Let’s go back to the beginning,
who would be the base
of our family tree.
In being logical,
we take the first names
in our written history
and those first two names
have to be Adam and Eve.
Now if they are the base
from which all families grow.
That makes everyone
on earth one big family,
and that makes everyone we talk to
part of our big family tree.
7 March 2008
poem by David Harris
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My heart beat
It all seems like today
Ages have passed by…
My heart missed a beat
When I first saw you
When you stretched out your hand
When you spoke to me first
When you said you look good
When you stood talking for hours
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I met you
When we started dating
When we went on shopping
When we spent time in each other’s company
When we were in each other’s arms
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I wanted to say something
When you found that life was miserable
When you thought I should live with you
When you enjoyed my company
When you proposed to me
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I felt your love
When we first had a talk
When we had a long walk
When we never heard the waves on the shore
When we knew we loved each other
My heart missed a leap
My heart missed a leap
When I lost words
When you found them for me
When you touched me first
When you blew in my ears
When you kissed me first
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I saw the ring
When we decided
When we finalized things
When we knew everything was fine
When we heard the revolt
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I saw you parents
When you said your mother’s decision
When you were thinking twice
When you wanted to satisfy both
When your thoughts wavered
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I understood you
When we decided to go ahead
When we said this is the right time
When we told our friends
When we held hands
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I became your wife
When you were all to myself
When you said you love me lots
When you and your mother accepted me
When you became my world
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I knew a life in me
When we realized the fact
When we understood our culmination’s fruit
When we were to be too proud
When we heard a heart in me
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I first heard them cry
When you saw with sparkling eyes our babies
When you said they resemble me
When you said I am now a proud father of two
When you said I love you for this
My heart missed a beat
My heat missed a beat
When I heard them call me mom
When we were proud parents
When we shared happy moments
When we saw them grow
When we heard good things about them
My heart missed a beat
My heart missed a beat
When I knew it was time for marriages again
When you said just both of us now
When you saw me with love
When you said you look young still
When you whispered I love you
My heart missed a beat
You are a part of me
Even in our ripe old age
My heart beats only for you from day one
The day yours stop so will mine stop
For my heart beats only for you…
It all seems like today
Ages have passed by…
poem by Leena Bose
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Sharing Of Christmas
There is a Christmas story that I must tell
Of a family who were known quite well.
They never had much in their lives.
They did not have any wealth or fame
But they was loved just the same.
Two little children, a boy and a girl
But they were worth more than
any diamonds or pearls.
This family shared a bond which
You very rarely see, and they had hearts
Which were made in heaven
And with a smile on their faces 24/7.
Many times they were seen with
their clothes torn and tattered
But for the ones that knew them
That did not matter.
The little that they had they shared with others
For it was something that they did see
That they weren’t the only ones living in poverty.
They would attend mass every week
For comfort and guidance they did seek.
They prayed for the blessings from above
From the father that they loved.
It seemed like every week they had food to spare
And with the less fortunate they would share.
Then for the holidays he received bad news
Either his hours cut or his job he’d lose.
He took the cut and retightened his belt
This was a heartache like he had never felt.
Neighbors heard of his plight
and the word spread like torrential rains
Upon the neighborhood streets.
That he was in dire need, without gifts
For his family or even food to eat.
He awoke on Christmas day and took
Out the meager gifts that he was able to buy
And under the tree he put them to lie.
His wife and kids awoke and they shared
The birth of our savior, who was
lying under the tree in his manger.
When they heard a knock on their door.
He opened the door and a loud scream
Pierced his ears.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR”.
All the neighborhood was at his door
With all sorts of gifts and presents galore.
“This is for all the times that you helped
Others, when they were in need
And because of your generosity you planted a seed.
You taught us how we should live
And that it doesn’t take much to give.”
“This has become a tradition that they now share.”
poem by Louis Rams
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The Greatest Gift
When Christmas shopping is done,
wrapped gifts lie ‘neith a tree
sparkling bright with tinsel and light
for everyone to see.
Each gift has been selected
with thoughtfulness and care.
Toys and such will mean so much
like all the gifts we bear.
But let us keep within our heart
the much greater gift than these.
One from above, with God's great love
should bring us to our knees.
A gift of birth to all on Earth.
A gift that's far from small.
To everyone, He gave His Son…
The greatest gift of all.
poem by Ron Tranmer
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Happy Birthday My Dear Brother
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother!
May you be my brother
Every time I am born.
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother
You are my Hero,
and my inspiration
You have made me proud Sister
in the entire Universe.
May you keep making me prouder.
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother
You have given me the courage,
to dream the most impossible,
and given me the strength,
to fight the greatest disasters,
and win the battle of my Life.
May all the Sisters have a brother like you.
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother
You have granted me the opportunity,
to leave the hell,
and live in the heaven,
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother
You stole your dreams,
To fulfill your families need.
Yet you reached the top of your aim.
Your victory is a lesson for the ones who,
Give up on their dreams.
Happy Birthday to you! !
Happy Birthday Brother
You have given a little Girl,
a beautiful life,
Without you,
Which might have been just a dream.
poem by Pratisha Karki
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Happy Birthday Jesus
(Ill open this one for you)
(arranged by reba mcentire)
Now kids hang on just a second before we start
You know theres a reason we are all here in front of grandma and
Grandpas
Christmas tree
And if trevor and e.p. would quit fighting long enough and be real
Quiet
This little song might help ya understand
Long ago in a stable there was a baby being born
His parents were joseph and mary
And josephs big ole heart was torn
Cause he couldnt find a decent place for mary to have her child
But mary said it just seemed just right and she blessed it with her
Smile
Chorus:
Cause what made it special was the baby in her arms
God sent him down to give the world a second chance for you and i
Thats why we have christmas at this time each year
Its the babys birthday party that brings us so much cheer
Now kids the presents that all of you exchange on christmas
Represents the gifts that baby jesus received the night he was born
He got all his presents from three wise men
Who followed a star
And walked a long long way to the stable
So everytime you tear open one of your presents
Think about that baby and say
Happy birthday jesus
Ill open this one for you
Repeat chorus
Ok all together now
Happy birthday jesus
Ill open this one just for you
song performed by by Reba Mcentire
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A Family Christmas Tree
At Christmas families,
gather around a family Christmas tree
to open gifts of love
each has left there for one another.
The tree sparkles
with lights and coloured tinsel,
while on top there sits an angel
to watch over everyone.
Carefully wrapped presents adorn the floor
around the bottom of the tree.
Each has been wrapped
and sealed with a loving kiss,
one for you and one for me.
Then on Christmas morn
as the dawn breaks the sky
the children climb out of their bed
and tiptoe downstairs to the presents,
getting ready to explore.
Before the day is over
there will be shrills of laughter
and joy ringing out
at all they have received
from beneath a family Christmas tree.
poem by David Harris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Happy Birthday Jesus (I'll Open This One For You)
(I'll Open This One For You)
(Arranged by Reba McEntire)
Now kids hang on just a second before we start
You know there's a reason we are all here in front of Grandma and
Grandpa's
Christmas tree
And if Trevor and E.P. would quit fighting long enough and be real
quiet
This little song might help ya understand
Long ago in a stable there was a baby being born
His parents were Joseph and Mary
And Joseph's big ole heart was torn
Cause he couldn't find a decent place for Mary to have her child
But Mary said it just seemed just right and she blessed it with her
smile
Chorus:
Cause what made it special was the baby in her arms
God sent Him down to give the world a second chance for you and I
That's why we have Christmas at this time each year
It's the baby's birthday party that brings us so much cheer
Now kids the presents that all of you exchange on Christmas
Represents the gifts that baby Jesus received the night he was born
He got all his presents from three wise men
Who followed a star
And walked a long long way to the stable
So everytime you tear open one of your presents
Think about that baby and say
Happy birthday Jesus
I'll open this one for you
Repeat Chorus
OK all together now
Happy Birthday Jesus
I'll open this one just for you
song performed by by Reba Mcentire
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Gift Was Given To Me
THE TGIFT WAS GIVEN TO ME
The Gift was given to me
and new worlds within
could be found and made
again and again-
If I wanted the Stars in my words
They would play their Light for me-
If I wanted Darkness
Heavens and Hells have their loss in long songs-
I knew I could write and write
many imaginary and many real things-
But what did it all mean?
I was only one more soul
in a universe where God
has given many many words
amd many many gifts
many clearly greater than mine-
What are all my searchings and singings
for Beauty and Love and Goodness
If God does not need them?
I was given a gift
and it may be I am mocked for my gift-
So I write these words too in fear, in gratitude, in irony.
poem by Shalom Freedman
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A Family Is Like A Tree
A tree is like a family it starts
out very small but it soon begins
to grow and the family too also
grows.
The tree starts out with small branches.
A family ita a child.
as the years go by they have all
grown together.
Soon the tree has been generated with
new branches and too the family expands
not with branches, but generations.
.Their both so much a like in so many
ways., if nurtured and taken care of
they both will grow straight. and tall.
And generate many new branch
and many more generations too
come as the tree grows old
some branches will die and fall off.
When the generations of a family
get old they too will die off.
But both will leave something of
themselves behind.
.
To live on for many generations of
life and many generations of branches..
GAYLE GOFF
2008
poem by Gayle Anne Goff
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Give This Child What She Needs
Give this child what she needs
Love
Give this child what she needs
Shelter
Give this child what she needs
Prayers
Give this child what she needs
Some food and water
Give this child what she needs
Good parents
Give this child what she needs
Good manors
Give this child what she needs
A smoke free home
Give this child what she needs
Peace and happiness
Give this child what she needs
To know God
Give this child what she needs
Your guidance
Give this child what she needs
Clothes
Give this child what she needs
Your support
Give this child what she needs
Some family time
Give this child what she needs
A nice bath every day
Give this child what she needs
Some discipline
Give this child what she needs
A warm bed to sleep on
poem by Aldo Kraas
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Got To Give It Up
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Tell my mama and tell my pa
That their fine young son didnt get far
He made it to the end of a bottle
Sitting in a sleazy bar
He tried hard but his spirit broke
He tried until he nearly choked
In the end he lost his
Bottle drinking alcohol
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Tell my brother I tried to write and
Put pen to paper but I was frightened
I couldnt seem to get the words out right
Right quite right
Tell my sister Im sinking slow
Now and again I powder my nose
In the end I lost my bottle
It smashed in a casbah
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive been messing with the heavy stuff
For a time I couldnt get enough
But Im waking up and its wearing off
Junk dont take you far
Tell my mama Im coming home
In my youth Im getting older
And I think its lost control
Mama Im coming home
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
Ive got to give it up Ive got to give it up
That stuff
song performed by by Thin Lizzy
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Celebration Of Jesus' Birthday
Each year when Christmas comes round,
I sometimes wonder if we really understand what its all about.
We are so busy talking about Santa Claus,
and rushing to the shopping malls,
trying to hurry and buy them out,
That we never stop and think
that its Jesus' Birthday,
We are to Celebrate.
This Christmas, when we open our gaily wrapped Christmas Gifts,
with their Ribbons Bows, and Tinsel,
Let us Remember its Jesus' Birthday.
That's why it's Christmas.
Like the wise men with their Gifts, of Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Let us give the wonderful gift of peace and love.
For Jesus, was born as the Saviour, of the world.
When we sit down to our Christmas Dinner.
Let us bow our heads, and pray.
Let us Remember it's a Celebration of Jesus' Birthday.
poem by Helen Click Roberts
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Teen Birth (narrated)
She took the test and found out for sure
So she went to her mother and said:
I have a problem and I don’t know what to do
You had always said that I could confide in you
I made a mistake: and now my stomach is full.
The boy says he’s too young to raise a family
Then he turned his back, and walked away from me.
Well my daughter! There are two options that I see
You give birth and raise it, or give it to a childless family.
Now if you decide to keep it, because of your
Christian upbringing.
Your father and I will help you in all that we can
But you have to put your part, and give a helping hand.
And if you put it up for adoption which will
Be the hardest thing to do.
But whatever your decision we will support you.
Her parents then told her: let the doctors put you to sleep
For if you see the child you will begin to weep.
And if you must stay awake, then close
Your eyes so you don’t see, for a newborn child
Has a hypnotic glance, so turn your back it’s your only chance.
When it was time for her to conceive and she was wheeled
Into the room- her mothers words rang like a bell.
What do you decide and who do you tell?
And when she saw this child come out of her womb
She then felt that it was much too soon.
She turned her eyes away, but recalled that dreadful day
When the boy turned his back. And right then she knew
Exactly what she had to do.
She took the baby in her arms, and looked into its eyes.
The hypnotic glance was there
And with this child- her life she’d share.
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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We're parents first, and once you have kids, everybody knows that you have priority lists. Number one is your family and everything else just kind of finds its place.
quote by Tim McGraw
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Stories Of Hope Series #11 Adopted Child
The child was brought into this world
By an un wanting mother, did not have
any family, no sisters, no brothers.
But was adopted from birth by a woman
Who was seeking a child, and didn’t
Have any of her own for quite awhile.
This child was loved, like he could never know
Because as a mother her love she did show.
Never had a need or want for anything in life
Never knew about the mothers struggles or strife.
The child at times would question as to why
he was from a one parent family.
She told him that it was the way she wanted it to be.
She loved this child more than life itself
And in her heart this child would dwell.
Then one day before high school graduation
He had needed papers of when and where
He was born documentation.
He knew his mother kept the important
Papers in a metal box- which was always kept locked.
He found the key to the box, and opened it
Up with care, and with his mother the reason
He would share.
He found an envelope dated 1/29/92
Which was his birth date, that much he knew.
He opened the envelope and saw the heading
“ certificate of birth” on the first paper he took out.
As he opened it up and started to read
Where it said parents names, was blank as can be.
He waited for his mother to get home
And then the papers would be shown.
When she got home he asked her why there was no names?
She put her head down and said: she was to blame.
You see: you was left on the hospital steps
With a note attached to you blanket saying:
“She could not take care of you
And this was the best that she could do.”
Being a nurse in that hospital, I fell in love with you
And I went through the process to adopt you.
I have loved you from the start, and you’ve
Filled my soul and heart.
No one can love you more than I
And I will love you till the day I die.
The tears started rolling down her face
And he kissed her tears away.
He said: you are the only mother I have ever known
And because of you, I have a family.
“ that could never change for me”.
I’m so sorry that I never told you my son
And for any hurt that I may have done.
I just wanted to protect you
That is all I wanted to do.
They both shed their tears, and comforted their fears.
He said: I decided that I would go to the court of records
And change it for all to see, that you are
The only mother for me.
On his birth certificate they attached a stipulation
Which read: this woman became his mother from
The moment that he was found
And this case has become world renown.
Because of the hope she had in her heart
Her and her son got a brand new start.
HOPE IS THE KEY TO SET YOURSELF FREE
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Patriarch
For generations of families by marriage
There are names that are given to children
It’s the names that are coupled to lineage
That builds a tree as the branches begin
Those who carry a family banner
And shoulder the name and the trust
Of courage and knowledge the giver
For all those who follow, a must
As long life will see many seasons
It’s those who are open to more
Pondering whereas, therefore and reasons
To hold a family’s treasured folklore
You, the patriarch of the family
To honor your place in the line
We move with grace and step quickly
As we thrust upward on history’s incline
(2011)
poem by Loren Page
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Witness
i'm standing outside your window, babe
There you are
Another year, another candle's burning
For the party girl
No one even knows that you're there
Happy birthday, no one cares
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Oh no doll, you won't be missed
Keep one eye open while you kiss
Your wishes won't be coming true this year
Now darling, don't you cry
We're gonna teach you everything
You'll learn to get by
Lesson number one,
Homicide... is emotional
Murder's no crime
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Oh no doll, you won't be missed
Keep one eye open while you kiss
Now sticks and stones, baby, break your bones
But the names in here can kill
We'd let you leave, but no one else wants you
Your ransom was not made
Now, you ain't gotta stand up tall
But, now, baby, you must stand up
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Now we've never been so impressed
Keep one eye open while
While you kiss
song performed by by Wallflowers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Witness
i'm standing outside your window, babe
There you are
Another year, another candle's burning
For the party girl
No one even knows that you're there
Happy birthday, no one cares
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Oh no doll, you won't be missed
Keep one eye open while you kiss
Your wishes won't be coming true this year
Now darling, don't you cry
We're gonna teach you everything
You'll learn to get by
Lesson number one,
Homicide... is emotional
Murder's no crime
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Oh no doll, you won't be missed
Keep one eye open while you kiss
Now sticks and stones, baby, break your bones
But the names in here can kill
We'd let you leave, but no one else wants you
Your ransom was not made
Now, you ain't gotta stand up tall
But, now, baby, you must stand up
You come around here
You better bring a witness
Everyone in here's on the guest list
Now we've never been so impressed
Keep one eye open while
While you kiss
song performed by by Wallflowers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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