They are written or Printed
with A DARK MARKER PEN
AND LATER TYPED
by a RelATIVE or FRIEND!
I APPROACHed iT with fun — from The Beginning Till it was done. If iT didn'T "MAKE IT" THAT WAS OKEY — I would Just "Cut-it-up" for A small Card ANOTHER DAY. MANY "ART Shows" were PART of The DAY — But we ALWAYS KNEW There were ALWAYS "MORE LooKERs" Then "BuyERs" THAT DAY!
She first wrote “My Watercolor Painting” and struck out the middle word. This page carries two poems; the margin lists who was getting copies: Olivia, Charlotte and one more name.
HOW CAN I Fill UP A PAGE of POETRY THAT RHYMES? (OR DOESN'T RHYME? BY PRINTING IT BIG SOME of THE TIMES OH — YES!
She marked the word “BY” as added later.
I'M Surrounded by 100 Poems I've written IN The LAST 5 YEARS — SOME Bring LAughTER oTher BRING TEARS A fEW oThers — SHARE MY fEARS! They are written or Printed wiTh A DARK MARKER PEN AND LATER TYPED by a RelATIVE or FRIEND! I AM From The "PASt GENERATION" I didn'T "Keep up with" the "LATESt CREATIONS" BuT I KNOW "I'M OK" ANY WAY!! I'm heaLtY — NoT WEALTY — BUT WISE AND CAN LooK At "MY WORLD" with a PLEASANT SIGH! "SO BE IT"
Will I do Something about Them, before I rest? I've collected papers for 70 years — "JusT sAVE Them" — IT The Voice of my Mother — I HEAR — MY Piles have "ONE Room School House Papers + H.S. Newspaper clipping of our fun Capers There are college papers + NOTES gaLore AND That's JusT Till I was 24 So The NexT 60 years of Papers MighT be a BORE! So I'll move onTo ReTiremenT AGE whe I could Teach PainTing, write PoeTry — HAVE fun + Be AMAZED! NOW You See INSTEAD of GOING Through MY PiLES of PAAPERS WHAT DID I DO? I WROTE A POEM ABOut MY PAPERS SO I CouLD SHARE IT WITH You.
She began the title “Piles of Poetry,” struck out the second word and printed “Papers” above it.
The past doesn't last The past goes fast. When you ask — my answer is behind a mask. Instead of asking me — just tell me what you see — Then I can just smile — and be glad you visited me for awhile
Low vision in old age has 2 advantages We can't see our wrinkled skin or The hair on our chin!
As I look out my apartment window at age 86 I know my mind is sometimes "in a mix" Then I smile and try to use humor so that other "old folks" won't start a rumor— Even if they did—it would be okay because maybe the one hearing — also — has a memory "out of the way" also with limited eye sight I have an excuse — for my "plight" So — as I evaluate my present mental state I try to use humor instead of hate — Yes — Yes — Yes — Because later I might be a mess/mess/mess So for tonight this writing is done and I will admit "Writing it was fun!! fun! fun!"
In the margin, in blue pen: “P.S. — I found these for You AFTER I SEALED ENVELOPES so I opened EDGE. Love Honey”
I found a pill in my pocket What is it for? a cold – or a pain or a strain I can't remember anymore – or is it for Birth control? No No No!!! I don't need that anymore! Now I remember what the PILL Is for My Memory! Take one at a time!! "Remember" NO MORE!
ARE THOSE BIRDS Chirping or Burping? ARE THOSE COWS Mooing or Booing? ARE those DOGS Barking or MARKING? ARE THOSE CATS Hissing or Pissing? If This is how I EXPLAIN ANIMALS How WouLD I TRY To ExPLAIN PEOPLE!
The last two lines are printed over an earlier attempt she scribbled out. In the left margin: “P.S. I Laughed ouT Loud — awhile.”
There was a young maiden named MARIE – Who wanted to learn how to climb a tree So she watched her brother do it before. And knew she could practice so she would not fall She watched where she could carefully step From one branch to the next this was before the time of the text My brother watched me as I learned to climb the tree And I learned from him that a boy can aim at a tree trunk and pee!
Underneath, in marker: “Could/Should I Publish This? It was ‘SO Much’ fun To write.”
When son Jim was age six it was getting close to his birthday and I was in a fix — driving the other kids here & there, also working part time and meals for 5 to prepare. I had an idea I knew was great — to prevent me from having to bake a cake I took Jim to the Pepperidge Farm Outlet Store. And said "Pick out one or more." With a smile on his face and a skip in his step he pointed to a cake that would fill him with pep. "3 Layer Chocolate Cake" was his pick for the day. I payed for it quick and we sped away. So now 50 years later when Jim's family says "What kind of birthday cake would you like?" He just smiles and says "3 Layer Chocolate Pepperidge" — and hugs them all with his might!
Now we'll skip to Marie & what cake she likes. My mother's warm, moist raisin spice. My mother made it "from scratch" — again I did not try to be a match — So I ask a sister who liked to bake — our to please — make she mother's delicious cake — Yes, she said, "I had no complaints!" This story has one more chapter to tell — you can guess what it's about — oh well Jim & Carol's daughter, Christine, loves to bake & cook So went to Johnson & Wales and PSU — to learn enough to write a book —
Her poems were also printed in three books. Where a poem is in more than one of them, it is shown under the earliest book we have a page from. The typeset poems are set here as printed, and a photograph of the page sits beside many of them.
Poems and Prose (2013). Compiled by Olivia Wenner. The pages of this book are set in a different typeface from her later two books.
Will it be hard to write A poem with my grandson? I don’t know – but it could be fun! We think different In our minds – And sometimes the words Are hard to find. So you write your poem And I’ll write mine – Then we’ll read them Out loud to each other And I might say after I hear your poem “I better write another!”
I didn’t write you this week But I knew you were writing to me And sure enough – Your letter came. Distance cannot separate our thoughts And so We can never be separated – As long as we think and care For each other.
Hold your baby in your arms – And he soon wiggles to be free. Hold a coat for your child – And he soon wants to do it himself. Hold your child’s hand while you cross the street – And he says, “Let me go.” Hold the book while he studies his homework – And he’ll say, “You can go – I understand.” Hold the car door while he gets in – Soon he will hold the car keys while you wait. Hold the program at the commencement service – Knowing you no longer have the right to hold him. His life is not your life. He must accept responsibility for his own life. He has given you clues all through life. This day would come. He has his life. You can care and help, but you cannot hold him. You have your life. You must accept change and you must change. You must find other ways to hold on to life – What will you find?
Poetry for You (2017). Compiled by Jeanyne Cole Rankin.
Where am I? – where are you? I am here! You are somewhere in the blue! I feel your presence in my mind, and that’s a good feeling to find You may not need memories as before – but sometime we’ll meet at a new door!
I make lists of things I don’t want to forget. Then I forget I made a list and I forget where I put it. Sometimes I make two lists. Surely, I’ll find one of them. Do people lose lists on their computers?
Asparagus For lunch – Go to the garden For a bunch – Add Milk and butter – And We’ll all munch. Thank you Mom For the Fresh garden Food – That put us all in A Very good mood!
I started To write a Letter But decided a Poem Would be Better
I was never called “Grandmom” So I never felt old! All the grandkids called Me “Honey” Because When Christine was learning To talk – She couldn’t say “Grandmom” But She heard Nelson (Grandpop) Call me “Honey” And all the grandkids Followed till this day - How neat!
If you like Yourself You can like Other People If you are not Afraid of Living. You might not Be afraid Of Dying
If you Like yourself You can like Other people If you are not Afraid of Living – You might not Be afraid of Dying.
We have nothing important but wish we had something important to do. Not true. It’s important in retirement that I can sleep or rest anytime I wish. I remember when my kids were little I always wished I could take a nap. Now my wish has come true. Now that I’m in a retirement home I can take a nap- “anytime” and not feel guilty or have to explain.
What is eternal life? I’ll give myself The benefit Of the doubt – When I get there I’ll find out!
In my mind and On paper I said To Nelson’s spirit – “How do you celebrate The 4th of July in Heaven?” Nelson’s answer – You think you have Great fireworks On earth – We have a view of the Whole universe With all kinds of Light, colors, action. “I’m waiting for you – So we can see them together!”
All I want to do is write poetry that will last instead of cleaning out my papers from the past. But I must clean out while I still have my sight. So I’ll just start sorting with all my might. Maybe !
The past doesn’t last. The past goes fast. When you ask, my answer is behind a mask. Instead of asking me, just tell me what you see. Then I can just smile and be glad you visited me for a while.
A poem a week Would give me 50 a year. A poem a day Would be too many to say. I must write While I can still see And hope to find Someone to use the Computer for me!
I’m living in the past, as long as it will last. When my memory is done, will there be any fun? Just read me this poem or sing me a song, and just linger for a while and make me smile. Thank You!
Sometimes when I get inspired my mind also gets mired. I forget what I was thinking so I just start blinking. Then a new thought appears without any fears. Words must be easy to spell. My spelling classes didn’t always go well. I’ll shuffle words in my mind to find words that will also rhyme. If nothing happens I’ll get a snack To give me energy for a new attack. OR TAKE A NAP!
Spiritual life is forever and eternal Human life is short compared to “forever” We cannot stop human life from stopping Why are we surprised when someone dies? Because we are human Our human minds are limited But our spiritual experiences and beliefs can provide ties forever.
If you are old and living by yourself talk out loud to yourself. Say “okay, what will I do today”. You can answer “maybe nothing” and that’s OK. I’m eighty-four and sometimes a bore. You heard my stories before But you are polite and say “tell me more”. And I do.
I had 4 older brothers so boys did not scare or bother me. One day at school recess two boys were chasing me holding a live snake. So I just stopped and said Let me hold it”. Boys called me “Judge”. Why? Did I tell them what to do? Or did they know my Dad was “Justice of the Peace.” Sometimes the boys even called me “Spitfire”. I figured that was a compliment. So much for 7th grade boys!
The opening quotation mark before “Let me hold it” is missing in the printed book.
When you move away but your friends stay you must begin a new day! They have the same place routine and work and home. You are the one who decided to roam. They say they will keep in touch. It lasts awhile but then not too much. So it’s up to you who moved away to continue to call, write, email etc. as long as you have something to say.
I approached it with fun – from the beginning till it was done. If it didn’t “make it” that was okay – I would just “cut it up” for a small card another day. Many “art shows” were part of the day – But we always knew there were always more “lookers” than “buyers” that day!
Art and Poetry (2020). Compiled by Jeanyne Cole Rankin. One of her watercolors is on the cover.
Are those birds chirping or burping? Are those cows mooing or booing? Are those dogs barking or marking? Are those cats hissing or pissing? If this is how I explain animals I better not try to explain people !
Printed beneath the poem: Note from Marie: p.s. “I laughed out loud when I read this out loud.”
I do not always have to be “doing”. I can just sit and think. It seems strange. I’m used to being on the go – constantly meeting the needs of the family. Meeting needs with routine actions Meeting needs with instant decisions Meeting needs that demand all my time. Now they are all gone I have time to think. Do I know how to think after so many years on the run? Or must I call someone else to talk and ask their opinion - Or must I read a book or take someone else’s answer Or must I pay to get the advice of a professional. Maybe, I must, till I gain confidence that I can think on my own. Thinking is a challenge. I now have the time and space. Will I accept the challenge? Or will I fill my life with idle chatter and actions so that I do not have to Think?
When my first child – Mark – turned sixty in July, 2016 I thought “Oh my gosh – I must be old”. Then I thought “No – I feel bold !” I play pool water volleyball with others as old and we don’t even fall Granted – I take many naps and rest and these later years can be a test. I listen to tales of worry and fears of present life with its many tears. I listen without preaching or condemning their way – but try to listen with understanding to help them through another day. So if we are past eighty years, we can still enjoy and endure life with its laughter and tears.
Great!. Just what I needed. I can stay home. Time to relax. The world will continue. Decisions can be made later. Actions will start later. Meeting cancelled. Added unexpected bonus. Unplanned time for myself. I can write overdue letters. I can read. I can sleep. I can talk on the phone. I can sit still and do nothing. Meeting cancelled. We may say we’re sorry. Underneath we’re glad. Meeting cancelled. Great!
“How can a wife run out of milk and bread in the day of freezers and corner stores?” He’s thinking after ten years of marriage she should remember to have these important things. When Nelson asks – “Is there enough bread to have a sandwich? I’ll say “I don’t know – but there are crackers”. At breakfast I would say “I’ll make you a fried egg – without the bread or you can put orange juice on your cereal.” Nelson was interested to see what I would give three kids for breakfast without milk…. Grade 1 - Jim - had ice cream with chocolate syrup. Grade 4 – Karen – had two slices of pineapple from the day before. Junior High School – Mark – “Can I have extra money for the cafeteria?” So much for the importance of a normal breakfast!
Which do you live in? The answer is… all three at the same time? At the present I am reading this but my mind wonders to the future. What must I do next? We cannot predict everything - but we can prepare for change. The future is the next day, week, years. Decisions in the present will cause chain reactions for future happenings. We can ask a teenager if they want to hear an answer from an “old person”. They might say “Oh, I can get my answers from the computer.” Are you living in the Past – Present – Future?.
Poetry can be different today – It doesn’t have to rhyme in any way. But if you like to rhyme - just juggle words in your mind. So I’ll write two lines about the weather – then you can end it so it will be better. “The weather keeps us on our toes – otherwise we fall on our nose” Now you can add two more lines – if it rhymes, “Fine”!
Let the words dance across the page by one step or two steps. Leave enough space to feel the meaning of the “Dance of Words”. The words will be noticed and felt. They will not be lost but will have space for each person to remember and experience “The Dance of Poetry”
Throw some of these poems away, Marie. It might be too much for others to see. It may have meaning for me Is that the way it has to be? We’ll see !
When I die let yourself cry. It may not be for me, but for others you see. Let yourself cry, let yourself sigh. Your body needs relief. Your mind needs peace. The crying may not be for me but for others you see. It’s OK to be free however you may be. Your body, mind and spirit will intertwine. All of this will take time. For others you see have been here before. Let them help you as you open another door. Yes, the others you see can help you relive the past. And help the present to be accepted at last.