Life Laughter Love

by Rose Hart

Overview

Trials and tribulations sometimes get in the way of life experiences. This book of poetry decribes my experiences in life with love, laughter, joy and tears. Since my father was in the Army, we had the chance to travel the world and see places that some people have only dreamed about. Our travel took us thought the United States, in a car, to Europe on a plane. During my time in Germany, I had the chance to meet a remarkable girl, who took me on a tour of Europe one summer. Following my father's retirement, we had the opportunity to live on a big farm, where we took care of the day to day challenges of dairy life. Follow my life as I take you on a journey that will leave you with a mixture of the emotions I have felt my entire life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781463403683
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	06/23/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	736 KB

About the Author

I was born in Kileen, Texas, at Fort Hood. My father was in the Army most of my life and we traveled throughout the United States and Europe. When I was younger, I wrote several short stories and poetry all the time. My favorite subject in school was English, as it gave me many opportunities to engage in my passion of writing. I had two sons, one of which passed away and eight grandchildren, whom I love dearly. The experiences in my life have given me many stories to share with my readers. I have lived in San Diego, California for the past 16 years and love it here.

Read an Excerpt

Life Laughter Love

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By Rose Hart

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Rose Hart
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4634-0370-6

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Chapter One

My Childhood

Remembering

I remember much of my life, as I was growing up,
I'd like to share it as I drink coffee from my cup.
I was an Army brat as most people would say,
But I wouldn't change my life, not even one day.
It seems like I've been to the ends of the earth,
And I probably have, for all that's its worth.
When I tell my memories to the people I meet,
They say write a book, and don't be discreet.
The stories I tell you, will make you cheer,
You'll feel happy and sad and sometimes feel fear.
So sit down, and get cozy, you'll be here awhile,
I promise you the time you spend will be extremely worthwhile.


Raw Potatoes

I remember when I was little, going to the bin,
outside of the house, dust blowing in the wind.
I would lift the lid gently and look for the best,
then grab a raw potato not sharing with the rest.
I would eat skin and all and not wash it off.
My brothers and sisters, surely would scoff.
Are you crazy they say, eating all of that dirt,
They would call me all names, especially a squirt.
Sometimes I would fool them and an onion I'd get,
And eat it like an apple, not breaking a sweat.


My Family

My Dad in the Army with a family of nine,
We traveled the world and oh, it was fine.
From New York to Texas and states in between,
We rode in the car to places unseen.
All of us kids were born in all places,
two in New York, four at Texas bases.
Then one in Kentucky and two overseas,
I admired my Mom, she did it with ease.
First, there was Bob, Nancy, Jayne and Jim,
Then there was Sara, Thomas and Tim.
Last, but not least, there was Danny and Zoe,
Mom and Dad had enough for a variety show.
Because of Dad's job, one in his field,
We traveled more often, with so little yield.
Wherever we landed, wherever we roamed,
We always had friends, our family and home.
Not a day goes by, that I don't think of the past,
And how happy we were and thought it would last.
But we all grew up and we all moved away,
Without Mom and Dad, our family did stray.
We kind of lost track of each other and time,
We had our own families and worlds of sublime.
Now that I'm older, I need to reach out,
To my brothers and sisters, without any doubt.
Now, I have found them, I'm keeping in touch,
I need them now because I love them so much.
They all need to know how happy I feel,
To have them back in my life, now I've started to heal.


My Sisters

Sisters are best friends they'll always be there,
Sharing whispered secrets, with ribbons in our hair.
My sisters are forever and a love with no end,
The kind and caring people who will always defend.
Do you realize the joy you have brought to my life,
Through the tears and pain, through all of my strife.
You all are my world and I'll be there for you,
There were never sisters so compassionate and true.
Though we are not together as life made us part,
I want you to know you're a big part of my heart.
No matter where or how far you are or what your endeavor,
I may not say it a lot, but I will love you forever.


My Brothers

My brothers were tall and oh, so strong.
In their eyes, I could do no wrong.
Bob, Jim and I shared the secrets of life,
and the trouble we got into, cut like a knife.
We tried smoking, drinking and sneaking out of the house,
And when we wanted to be, we were as quiet as a mouse.
Jimmy was there whenever I needed,
And when he helped, I always succeeded.
Jimmy is gone now, but I truly believe
He still watches over me giving relief.
Bob was the shoulder I could always lean on,
And to this day, continues to be strong.
I can call on him when I am feeling blue,
He makes me laugh, he gets me through.
Tom and Tim came when I was much older,
I became their mentor, a rock, their shoulder.
Someone they looked up to, someone who cared,
I was someone to keep secrets they shared.
Danny Joe was the brother that I can't forget,
He went with the Angels before we met.
I know he's in Heaven with Mom and with Dad,
Even though he's a brother we never had.


The Ketchup and
Mustard Caper

It happened when Mom and Dad were out, a cold starless night,
We had someone to watch us, to assure that things were right.
She'd been there before, to watch over us you know,
Her name was Maria Gonzales, and she loved me so.
She brought me new pajamas, such a pretty white and blue,
With slippers, for my feet to match and hair ribbons too.
My brothers were mad, and came up with a plan,
To get back at my fortune as quick as they can.
They had on their holsters and were loaded for bear,
Then they came rushing towards me, that troublesome pair.
They stood in a gunfight stance, like the OK corral,
Little did I know they'd come to squash my morale.
Then came the assault, so fast, swift, and cold,
And when it was over, I was a sight to behold.
I lay there in shock in a pool of orange slime,
My brothers were laughing as they ran from the crime.
My pretty blue pajamas were white, yellow and red.
From the ketchup and mustard they shot over my head.
I cried and I pouted and vowed to pay back,
So, the next day, I put a snake in their sack.
My memories of the caper come back to me often,
And though I was mad, my heart tends to soften.
When I think of the caper, I can't help but giggle,
About how the ketchup and mustard mix made me wiggle.


My Imagination

When I was just a little girl, oh, maybe five or six,
My Dad was just my hero, there's nothing he couldn't fix.
We had a rule in our house, to be inside before the dusk,
Much before the nighttime dew and the scent of nighttime musk.
One night, I sat there waiting at the park and on the swing,
My siblings all had left me, on a night of late time Spring,
My Dad came looking for me, and as he came into the park,
I heard him tell me gently, "come in it's getting dark".
I remember, oh so clearly, I told my Dad, "Oh no,
I can't come in, I'm waiting for my people, don't you know.
My Dad looked quite puzzled as he asked me to explain,
"My people are from outer space and they're coming here again.
They left me here so long ago and now they want me back,
They said they'd be here tonight and I didn't have to pack.
The only reason I know that I'm from outer space,
I felt the I had antennas on my head, above my face.
If you want, I'll try to show you, the antennas that I hold".
My Dad just laughed and played along and said it's getting cold.
"Your people called before I left, to come and bring you home,
They said that they can't make it, they need to Roam.
They said that they'll call when they're back again this way,
They seemed to be very busy, so I guess you'll have to stay".
So my Dad and my went back home and when we got inside,
I heard him tell my mother, their laughter could not hide.
My Dad said "The story she told, she told with animation,
I don't know about that girl and her vivid imagination.


The Snapping Turtle

We were ready for school, one bright day of winter.
Jim came out of the house, like an Olympic sprinter.
He ran like the wind to the edge of the drive,
And we stood there to wait for our bus to arrive.
All of a sudden my brother squealed with delight,
He pointed and laughed as we ran toward the sight.
A big snapping turtle lay in the snow and the dirt,
My big brother Bob said, "You're going to get hurt."
The turtle was huge, 'bout three foot around,
Jimmy and I, both grabbed a stick from the ground.
We poked at the turtle, trying to get him to move,
Because of our egos, we had something to prove.
My brother, Jim's stick was two inches thick,
The turtle bit it in half, so smooth and so quick.
My stick was much smaller and I was afraid,
That all I'd get from Mom was a little first aid.
As I backed away with my stick in my hand,
My brother stepped closer and made his last stand.
The turtle moved toward him so swiftly, with grace,
A look of sheer terror came over his face.
My brother backed away, as our school bus arrived.
And my brother was happy that he had survived.


Who's In The Hallway?

It was quietly eerie that horrible night,
When sounds from the hallway gave me a fright.
As I stood on the other side of that door,
My brothers were telling me stories of gore.
I remembered their story of a man with no head,
And their stories of people under my bed.
So, when my good brothers decided on fun,
They built up this story of my coming undone.
The story they wove was so vivid, so real,
The person in the hall had a scary appeal.
As I listened intently on all they had said,
The vision of someone appeared in my head.
I knew they were lying, but chose to believe,
The things they were saying, oh, I was naïve.
I just couldn't help it, I crept to the door,
Then stood there behind it, waiting for more.
They continued to taunt me and challenge my wit,
"Open the door", they cried, "Just open it".
So I grasped the door handle in my very small hands,
And braced for the worst, as I met their demands.
My heart beating faster than ever before,
I just closed my eyes and opened the door.
The hand was so big, though it wasn't real
I could see though it, I started to squeal.


The Reunions

Dad's family was huge, from a family of thirteen,
Our family reunions were quite the scene.
We rented Ross Park from year to year,
All gathered together from far and near.
Forty-three first cousins on my Dad's side alone,
Aunts, uncles and grandparents, equal one hundred and one.
We filled up the park with laughter and fun,
From the dawn's early light and past the setting sun.
There were lots of guitars and a banjo or two,
Singing and dancing and a big barbecue.
Dishes to pass and baseball games,
So many people, too many names.
I sure miss those days we had in the park,
That lasted all day and into the dark.
The reunions continue, but everything's changed.
When attending them now, I feel so estranged.
So many have left us for their reunions above,
I'll remember forever with laughter and love.


The Tractor

My brother, Jimmy and I, we thought we were cool,
But one of the days, we thought we'd skip school.
As the bus drove away and we waved it goodbye,
We danced to the barn, our spirits were high.
We found an old tractor that was parked in the rear
With the keys in the starter, just hanging in there.
As we jumped on the tractor heads filled with pride,
We thought we would take it just for a ride.
My brother, the driver, held tight to the wheel,
as I opened the barn door and let out a squeal.
I jumped on the tractor as he drove out the door,
We headed for the field, gas pedal to the floor.
For someone who didn't know how to drive,
My brother did great, I knew I'd survive.
We were having a blast over hills and big bumps,
Through puddles and fields with lots of tree stumps.
Little did we know, that our Mom was aware,
Of our little venture, calling Dad in despair.
The next thing I knew, Jimmy stepped on the brake,
Dad's standing there, we knew our mistake.
Dad said, "Get off and go inside."
We felt so scared, we wanted to hide.
When Dad came in, we were shaking with fear,
And Dad began laughing, his feelings sincere.
Dad went to work, not saying a word,
We couldn't believe what just occurred.


Grandpa—Part One

He was the sweetest old man, but not very tall,
and though he lived with us, he was loved by all.
A pure Irishman with twinkling eyes of blue,
He ruled with a stern hand and sense of humor too.
The things I remember, I remember so well,
The practical jokes, the stories he'd tell.
The glass of brew with raw egg every day,
And ketchup on pancakes, he'd have it his way.
I remember one day when we came home from school.
My Mom was still laughing out by the pool.
I asked her "What happened?", she said with a grin,
"I watched him all day, now where to begin?"
"He took out his pocket watch and took it apart,
And put it together, like a great work of art."
"Then I asked quite calmly, if he had the time,
He reached in his pocket and gave me a dime."
So I went in to see him, in his own little room,
To look at his watch and not just assume.
He laughed the deep laugh and reached into his vest,
And brought out his watch, looking its best.
That night at dinner, as we all sat around,
Gramps cleared his throat, then not a sound.
He then asked my Dad if he had the time,
As he took out his watch, acting sublime.
Dad then replied "It's a quarter to six."
Grandpa said, "Well, my watch I did fix
But to tell you, quite frankly, I don't understand,
I've a quarter to something, I'm missing a hand."
"What do you think happened?" Dad asked with dread.
Grandpa replied "I think it was Fred,
You know that boy?" he said with a sob,
We knew he was talking about my brother Bob.


Grandpa—Part Two

Not just my Grandpa, he was my best friend,
He taught me so much, right to the end.
He taught me the jig, the high fling reel,
How to be strong and just how to feel.
I loved just to listen to all he would say,
Telling me stories day after day.
From meeting my Grandma and living his life,
With happiness and love, riches and strife.
He played the harmonica and sang Irish lore,
He was quite lively and hard to ignore.
When he became older, and Dementia set in,
I was the only one that he would let in.
I could take care of his every need,
From washing his face to helping him feed.
It was late in the Spring, as I got off the bus,
Strange cars in the yard, were not there to see us.
A long black hearse stands out in my mind,
He was gone and his spirit, no longer confined.
I've missed him since then, but I know in the end,
That he'll be there to meet me, my best friend.


The Dryer Disaster

My Dad had just called to say we're moving again,
but where we would be going was still uncertain.
So we started packing our household with swiftness and ease,
We've done it before which made it a breeze.
Our laundry room nestled at the top of the stairs,
We tried to move the dryer with blood, sweat and tears.
My mother and I moving it, based at the top,
My brothers at the bottom, to steady and stop.
All of a sudden it hit the wall with a bump,
And I heard mom yell to my brothers, "Just jump."
As the dryer was bouncing from the wall to the railing,
Leaving holes in the wall, I heard my mom wailing.
Then just as we thought it would come to a rest,
It went through our front door with awe and with zest.
Later I listened when Mom called Dad to report,
about the adventure, as dad offered support.
I heard my dad laughing as mom tried to explain
about the dryer disaster and what was to blame.
Dad said with a snort that no one was killed,
And the dryer was something that he could rebuild.


One Summer on a Blanket

Remembering Jimmy, is a blast from the past,
And spending one Summer with him in a cast.
He had broken his femur while playing a game,
the whole summer long was never the same.
My mother and I would carry him outside
Board games and music and nowhere to hide.
I really didn't mind that long summer when
I spent my whole summer with Jimmy, my "twin".


Fire in the Trash House

My brothers, Bob and Jim were playing with matches,
The trash house was wooden and a roof of thatches.
It didn't take long to get out of control,
It burned and sparked like a bin of soft coal
I'll never forget the day of the fire.
I looked through the crack as the flames ventured higher.
A spark flew out and right in my eye,
As the flames grew tall and licked the sky.
Someone had called the nice fire department,
They built a new trash bin, a metal compartment.


Ivory

When I was in fourth grade, I had a great friend.
Her name was Ivory, we were a good blend.
I remember a play we did, of Peter Pan,
We were supposed to be Indians, that's the game plan.
When it was our turn to perform our very small parts,
we knew it was wrong in the heart of our hearts.
We kidnapped poor Wendy and dragged her off stage,
The audience laughing, was all in a rage.
Though the teacher tried her best to show she was mad,
She couldn't help laughing at the fun that we had.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Life Laughter Love by Rose Hart Copyright © 2011 by Rose Hart. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Chapter 1 My Childhood....................1
Chapter 2 Teenage Years....................27
Chapter 3 Adulthood....................39
Chapter 4 The Losses in my Life....................49
Chapter 5 Thoughts From the Heart....................61