Judith Kittredge at

Veterans

 

I don't know you.

I have never met you.

When I lie gently

in my bed at night

you cross my mind

as I cuddle in my bubble

of security and delight.

 

I drift off without fear.

I awaken without fear.

I dress eagerly

in the new day's light.

You cross my mind

upon my chair in morning prayer,

thanking God for all that's right.

 

You are one in a million.

You are a hundred million.

You can be so young,

just a mama's child.

You can be so old.

Be you afraid or be you brave,

through Heaven's gate you all have filed.

 

Earth holds your blood.

Sea holds your blood.

Your loved ones

hold you in their tears.

You gave the gift

of recurring peace, of oppression ceased,

ephemeral freedom from our fears.

 

When the time comes,

when the blight comes,

you take your duty

to your soul and bone.

You give your effort

forever caring, forever sharing

the quest for quiet life and home.

 

I don't know you.

I have never met you,

but at night,

when I so gently repose

you cross my mind.

Since it seems that all sweet dreams

somehow to you, are ever owed.

 

JK    October 2005

 

 

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 Families

 

Families come in many forms,

and many configurations,

from the closeness of Mom and Dad,

to the bonds of Christian nations.

 

All families, though often unique,

have certain traits the same.

They strengthen you when you’re weak.

They forgive you in your shame.

 

Sharing always in good and bad,

be it success, glory, or blame,

they soothe you when you’re sad,

and stand proud, should you find fame.

 

Your allegiances are clear,

responsibilities well defined,

trust and love are always near,

assuring you peace of mind.

 

Aunt, uncle, sister, mother,

fellow Christian, next door neighbor,

father, cousin, friend, brother,

are one family through our Savior.

 

 

JK 1996

 

 

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Father’s Day

 

You are my angel sent from God,

To guide me through this life,

To start me out strong and sure,

Helping me to succeed and endure.

 

Your judgments were never harsh,

Your patience parallels sanctity,

Your example is ever present,

Your demeanor always pleasant.

 

To have been given such a gift…

Your encouragement that surrounds me,

Your love that defines infinity,

I thank our caring Divinity.

 

For to have been so richly blessed,

With a father such as you

Gives me heaven at a glance,

You were not made mine by chance.

 

 

JK 2002

 

 

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