My daddy is very brave in snow so deep. It came last night when we were asleep. Piles and piles kept coming down. Now I lift each foot high off the ground. Faraway trees are still green and daddy waits for me. (c) 2017 Richard L. Provencher

Little Stevie liked walking with mom. Today he tripped and fell into a hole. He got up and fell into another hole. Mom felt the bump on his head. “You have a lump from a bump.” And they both laughed. (c) 2017 Richard L. Provencher

I wake up to lots of noise. I can hear through my window. The sun is shining so bright. The birds and the sun are my friends. Are they your friends too? (c) 2017 Richard L. Provencher

Baby footprints straddle foam-crested waves as each push of water tests her confidence mama calls… be careful honey don’t fall, statement of mother-love as a warm wave caresses little time to hear her voice of concern. Restless toes grasp Northumberland pebbles. © Richard L. Provencher Published in Canadian Author & Bookman Toronto, Ontario ISSN 0008-2937

I held this life cradled in my hands a gift from God, he came by night. © Richard L. Provencher

Lug a bag of loose bones to the bookstore, so grown-ups can notice those secret shapes my teacher told me when you are young you’ll have weird ideas on what is fun for little boys pickles and pigeons, even roaring lions make my nose nervous, but karate kicks help me. © Richard L. Provencher *

A Child of God Tap-tapping like drum beats from a cautious march, the boy’s pale face follows my steps his cane meandering side to side through the aisle, and I watch hummingbird fingers poke at the shelves. He listens to the crinkle of a spaghetti package chin uplifted, grinning like a monkey mom’s proud ofDisplay

The Milky Way is a sweep of energized rhythm an imaginative journey across the galaxy in a crown of glory: Queen Cassiopeia Aquila the Eagle Northern Cross and the Great Rift– a plethora of guardianship. Author Notes: “Our sky has always intrigued those watching for comets or even UFO’s. Many young people have also becomeDisplay

You’re gone Ace. Barking no longer necessary to harass mail carriers nor strangers standing frightfully still while you munch pant legs dressed in brand-name tags. They’ll miss that mouthful of teeth your frenetic fury black and white pooch wearing one crooked eye. Yes Ace doggone they will. Author Notes: “I often wondered about all thoseDisplay

There’s a liking for the chase young fellow and your dog knows the difference between love and just a friend. You’re his master and he’ll follow you even into salty swells of incoming tide as you wade Atlantic-strides along the shore. Never let him down boy. Author Notes: “When a family lives by the oceanDisplay

A Little Boy Add a little boy some peanut butter sandwiches a few trouser tears — nothing special and the whole world knows him. Author Notes: “There is always something special about a little boy. And in my early days such a joy heading off to fish for trout with a slingshot hanging from aDisplay

A black cat looks for any boy who will walk with him or take him home. “I will,” said Joey MEOW answered the cat. Both wished for a friend and now each has one BIG SMILES. A brown can full of cookies is a reward. Or an orange can be a new wish for doingDisplay

Some folks, it’s said, hear pillow talk As they climb into their bed. Others hear nothing at all As thoughts ramble through their head. Some folks want a fat one Others, one that’s thin. Still others want a fluffy one To sink their head within. The pillow that I chose I know I got itDisplay

A Birch Tree scales the side of the highest hill holding fast with roots not plunging so deep— a standout in a sea of green. From spruce to willow and poplar to a few scattered cedar. I am more than a fist of iron in my demeanor— like a moose in the forest stalwart andDisplay

In 1963-64 I was a senior Scout Leader at this HSR Haliburton Scout Reserve Campground in Ontario. A Jewel Among a forest of green Kennabi kingly rests as tall wind-soaked trees stand whispering still and near his stately shore the water floods6 Below pine-dotted ridges rushing can be audibly heard of dancing water that slap-slapsDisplay

Remembering a week at Kanasuta Cub Camp and a favourite game was King-of-the-Hill. Being King of the hill meant a lot to a ten-year-old shoving others back as they approached and holding your own as they attacked from all directions. Lee gets pushed aside then Ricky and now I’m in trouble as Kenny my bestDisplay

Always smiling and nodding Never will choose a side Well not today As friends battle friends Calling the other names I stand up I rise above I become the strongest player on the field with one word No With the force of one thousand storms I stare into the eyes of my opponent Not backingDisplay

Dory boats bob near ocean’s shore, tethered as goats grazing side by side except these are wooden hulls waiting for tomorrow’s fishing orders now silent as bats in evening’s warm breath. The sun’s last rays provide colourful shades, it’s goodnight-time for friends made today. © 2016 Richard L. Provencher

I took her hand as kindness showed through my intentions, she needed love the touch of a mother’s hand laying one upon hers. I did so, and Jesus smiled. © 2016 Richard L. Provencher

Pleione star, brightly shine but do not burn. Hands away, the sun burns hot. Its heat you learn. Pleione, prouder be your flames in outer space. With grace you speak a life that lives on modest pace. Youngest eyes below your sparks surpass the sky. This pride I own be yours, dear star, beloved eye.Display

Simple Pleasures A stroll in the park A few leaves fall Gentle wind blows Trees, sixty feet tall. Lounge on a river bank A worm and a hook A peaceful moment Curled up with a book. Visit an old friend It’s been a while Be spontaneous Go the extra mile. Give a stranger directions You’veDisplay

Morning Blessing May your guardian angel protect and guide you all thru the day, and prevent any harm to ever come your way, This is the blessing I give to my loved one just before You kiss me goodbye and walk out the door. Elizabeth Figueroa

Meant to be Not being sure if I could do it scared me so much. Not knowing if you would love me frightened me. Not even sure if it was really happening gave me nightmares. Not feeling you inside me was so scary. I was so young and so immature but yet so old toDisplay

Knock, Knock, Knock Knock, knock, knock, Guess what? I am here! Your guardian angel You have nothing to fear. I came straight from heaven from God’s bright light to protect you and your family all through the night. So good night and remember that I am here to stay, right next to your bed, afterDisplay

Seasons The gentle egg’s shell breaks open, The chick inside is free, The daffodils lie bright and sunny, Dainty as can be. The boiling sun shines down strongly, The butterflies flit by, The green grasshoppers chirrup loudly, White clouds drift by in a summer sky. The crispy leaf floats to the ground, Golds and rustenDisplay

MY FACE I draw two eyes with my sharp pencil. They can see through the window. Even help me count fingers and toes. “TEN!” They watch you all day. Next I draw a rose that smells a fluffy rose. Here comes my dog with wet fur. “PHEW!” Your baking from the kitchen curls like chimney smoke.Display

Girl’s Best Friend Two weeks early, A lifetime of waiting, A puppy to hold, A friendship worth creating. Arrived in a box, Scared but far from alone, She nibbles at my socks, Not something I condone. She shall be named Hershey, And she shall be mine, As the newest member of the family, She’ll doDisplay

The Gift of Love It’s hard to believe when people don’t see Who is the maker above. It’s clear to me and will always be That He is the sign of love. It’s hard to believe the stars in the sky Are as beautiful as they are. Stop and try to reach as high OrDisplay

From Mother to Daughter Since the first time I met you, I knew I was in love, You are my blessing from God above. You made me smile through all the pain, My health and my love, you helped me to gain. I look at you now through and through, I don’t know what myDisplay

FROM FATHER TO SON I remember the day when you were born, Outside was cold, but I felt warm. I remember when I touched you and you began to cry, I was sort of frightened and I don’t know why. Your eyes were teary, but yet so cute, You were so tiny, I didn’t knowDisplay

Comment on Life Life: you know it takes all kinds of folks Nice, mean, handsome with hopes. Fools like me who some call blundering Curious ones who can’t stop wondering. Where we are now and where will we be Ten years from now—in chains or set free? Will we stop traffic to save a smallDisplay

Before you were born Before you were born…How could I see? That God would send a beautiful baby to me. I guess He knew that right from the start, that your life here with me would have opened my heart. I have to admit the day that you first walked My throat didn’t hurt, IDisplay

Angels at Playtime Morning The angels jump and play all day long, They even have their favorite songs. The angels are joyful all through the day, Cause at night they know its time out for play. So they settle down with one another, Sister to Sister and Brother to Brother. All of a sudden theyDisplay

The Park Sitting on a bench, watching the world pass by, Bees buzz and eagles fly, This park is a special park, the one I call my own, My place of solace, my quiet home, All sorts of characters can be found here, Those who are strangers and those I hold dear, The park isDisplay

JESUS MY FRIEND I have a Friend, a Friend, so very Dear, Jesus, you always wipe away my tears, In life you teach me to walk the right pathways, In trials Jesus never let me go astray. Jesus, You’re so Loving, You’re so Kind, A True Friend like You, is not hard to find, I’llDisplay

GOING HOME I see chickens that cluck, and a waddling duck and growing in the garden there would still be corn to shuck. I hope it’s warm in heaven so my feet aren’t always cold, and I’d like to bring my toys with me even though I’m very old. I want to bring my favoriteDisplay

LULLABY Now that the sun has gone down in the west And the last light is fading in darkening blue; The only sound left in the whole world to hear, Is the sound of the river hushing down to the sea. The games have been finished a long time ago The toys are packed upDisplay