Meet Natsumi Kawashima, a homely fifth grader with a craving for curves of her own. One day, after eating a packet of mysterious pink nuts, her wish comes true and she is transformed into a beautiful, sexy woman! Now endowed with a mind for recess and a body for supermodel glitz and glamour, will Natsumi's newfound adulthood and sudden fawning admirers lead to happiness or heartbreak?

American Poetry Pure & Simple

By Dolly M. Gorham

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Dolly M. Gorham
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-4901-9

Contents

Preface.......................................................................viiAcknowledgement...............................................................ixChange in Time................................................................1Money Doesn't Make Our Life Happy It Just Makes It Easier.....................3Touched.......................................................................5Our Country's Land............................................................7A Father; A Veteran of War....................................................8The Day I Met My Father.......................................................11The Man You Are...............................................................13The Eyes of a Child...........................................................15Speak Kindly..................................................................17A Heart.......................................................................19Grandma's Inspiration.........................................................21Friends.......................................................................23A New Girl in Town............................................................25Easter........................................................................27Halloween.....................................................................29An American Holiday "Thanksgiving"............................................31Christmas.....................................................................33Merry Christmas...............................................................35New Year......................................................................37Our Mother....................................................................41Mother........................................................................43Marriage......................................................................45Sisters.......................................................................47Think Positive................................................................49A Conversation................................................................51Divorce.......................................................................53Chocolate.....................................................................55Patience......................................................................57Tradition.....................................................................59Autism........................................................................61Death.........................................................................63Life..........................................................................65Lines for an Airplane Ride....................................................66In-Law........................................................................69Internet Dating...............................................................71If You "Are" What You Eat.....................................................73About the Author..............................................................75

Chapter One

        Change in Time


    Our roles change as the times pass
      No idea so many titles would appear
    Maybe starting out as a small girl from Mass
      Ending as a grandma in a state no where near

    A daughter, a sister, an auntie, that's not all
      A mom, a grandma & a wife
    Never realizing how temporary; these titles would fall
      Losing titles is just part of life

    It's like a clock with its hands as they constantly pass
      Tick tock as the time & minutes go by
    The clock's face is one that never wrinkles; Alas!
      Unlike most humans' that wrinkle; Oh my!

    Unprepared how we are to the change in time
      Our gears constantly change in speed
    The gears tend to slow with a life so sublime
      Then speed up for a change or a need

    Time stops for no-one as an old poet said
      So true toward the change in time
    Since we are out of control & then maybe dead
      Love life; smile always; it's never a crime


    Money Doesn't Make Our Life Happy
            It Just Makes It Easier

    Money runs our lives as we let it
      We can choose this path each day
    Just as the sun rises or the candle is lit
      Our paths will continue as it may

    This continues until we start to wake
      To the realization of a life so sleazy
    Money can't make us happy; that's fake
      It only makes our material life easy

    Once we start down a new path with less money
      We start to see that there is much we don't need
    So use GPS & continue alone or with a honey
      We will experience a new life; just plant the seed

    So we cut our cards & our own hair
      Eat at home & drink less famous coffee
    Just a few more things to cut as we fare
      Our new path; a new life; let's be free

    If all could understand, it's not a unique path
      Just one that is spiritual & so full
    No one would be sad; burdened; or feel wrath
      It's just a new path; enjoy; feel the pull


        Touched

    People look differently at the meaning of "Touched"
      Is it a tangible hold; Feel with fingers; Clutched?
    It means so much more to me than just that
      It is to be moved, perceived or come into contact

    It can be physical or spiritual; Depending on the view
      It can be to hug, hold hands or just to stand by you
    The spiritual is faceted & more in depth by far
      It affects each differently, no matter who you are

    Any meaning of "Touched" can feel so true
      A book, song or look, it's all about you
    It travels through time for all eternity
      Staying stagnant or moving on to the next city

    I pray each day that more humans will try
      To touch, be touched so their hearts will fly
    Anyone can start this small, but great, endeavor
      Their energy; their spirit; Will live on forever


        Our Country's Land

    Our country's land changes as we build an overpass
      No idea so many houses or roads would appear
    At first a rural place with vastness over the pass
      Now a metropolitan area; Animals must fear

    A cow, bull, buck, & buffalo; that's not all
      Mooing & grazing should be a scene in our life
    Never realizing how temporary; the hills will all fall
      Losing vastness is part of our country's land strife

    May it be sheep, horses or cows, they all feel the lash
      Herded down streets as cars pass with their haze
    The animal's fate is controlled by man's need for cash
      They are the road-kill of the roads as they blaze

    Unprepared for the change in our country's land
      The speed of change heeds to our country's lead
    The movements of the animals disappear with sand
      But linger by untouched rivers; woods; pasture to feed

    Change stops for no animal as the politics tread
      So true toward the change of our country's land
    Since we are not in control & pretty much just led
      Change this; Protect life; Speak-out; Lend a hand!


        A Father; A Veteran of War

    It's Father's Day without "Dad"; maybe nine or ten
      He's remembered by who & what he's been
    He has been gone & missed for quite a few years
      He was a great man who deserves many cheers

    Born in the early part of the nineteenth century
      The "Great Depression" was arriving with its fury
    His parents were born in the late eighteen century
      One of twelve children with futures a bit blurry

    Charles Kenneth Gorham was the name all knew
      He was known as "Kenny" to most; "Charlie" by few
    His name given by Milton H. & Grace (Bond) Gorham
      What title he was called, depended on what forum

    He was born November 1st, 1922; on "All Saint's Day"
      His date of birth reflects his heart most will say
    Born in a house, which today does not exist
      Full of honesty; valor; one not to raise a fist

    His young days were silly; rambunctious with others
      He was a daredevil. Not as much as his brothers
    Riding motor scooters down hills without any hands
      Joining the CCC's; off to work government lands

    The CCC's, called the Civilian Conservation Core
      He wished all of his kids had a chance to serve for
    A time & a job that he was just so proud of
      An experience he talked about with great love

    He was a cute young man with not enough weight
      He ate & was healthy but to be thin was his fate
    In order to meet the weight required by the core
      That day he drank water; more water; then more

    He served the Navy, with brothers & best friend
      World War II broke out; worried how it would end
    His brothers & friend, sent on ships to distant places
      His letters eased his & his friend's mom's faces

    His ship pulled out of "Pearl Harbor" just days before
      Struggled to find out if anyone he knew was ashore
    The island & people were demolished by bombs
      Devastation; His letters helped update the moms

    His brothers & friend
      all made it back
      to shore
    Then home to their
      little town; all
      veterans of war
    Instilled in his kids,
      remember wars
      & their reasons
    His memory will
      live on; today
      & through all
      seasons


        The Day I Met My Father

    Today I wake & I am thirty-seven
      I am a woman, a mother, & a wife
    My path to this point was not always heaven
      But now, it is my choice, my pleasure & my life

    My roles to this point are colorful, I'll say
      Experiencing happiness, sadness; Oh, some drama
    Somewhat living in a reality show or a play
      Always surrounded by love, the lord & my mamma

    This day is so special beyond any whim
      I've dreamed of this day for so long
    In my mind there was always a thought of "Him"
      That "Him" whom I would want to belong

    I hope my "Him" really feels the same
      A "Him" that I can call "DAD"
    A "DAD" who I can hug & bring to life with a name
      A father, a man; One I really wanted to know I had

    Pinch me! Pinch me! I'm not sure how to feel
      First a hug, maybe tears, & questions, is he mine?
    A real dad is arriving into my life today
      I know the lord will make this day just fine


        The Man You Are

    Just a boy from my graduating class
      Not young, with time continuing to pass
    He is true to himself. He inspires me
      He is one of a kind. You must agree

    One of three boys in a great family tree
      He's the replica of his father, you will see
    A Harley rider & country boy to the core
      A heart that is good & kind; Trust that for sure

    He makes his momma proud; He's good
      He treats a woman the way he should
    Time has passed, since our paths crossed
      He's a dad & a grandpa; nothing glossed

    Once a boy; Now a man; Not much has changed
      A bit gray with girth; not one to be exchanged
    He is always a true friend & cares about life
      He has endured more than his share of strife

    Not much to be said about this country boy
      What you see is what you get; He's not coy
    Be proud when he considers you to be good
      It's a title that matters & one that should

    He keeps a lot to himself; Sharing with only a few
      You can try to infiltrate, but he must choose you
    He may live near, but from me it is far
      Pay homage & embrace, "The Man You Are"


        The Eyes of a Child

    Look into the eyes of a child not misled
      So beautiful & innocent for sure
    Untainted by the new world that's ahead
      Not knowing what will be in store

    Eyes big with joy; sometimes wet with tears
      Little things seem quite immense during this time
    Who can fathom that we went through those years
      Little things for us now; maybe just a twist of lime

    Eyes look to Moms & Dads; their leaders; no vote
      Brothers & sisters, protectors, peers, & guides
    Can we remember any thoughts; even a small note
      Want for a child's eye with the changing of tides

    Each day, year or century; the eyes see much
      Who can possibly predict; Happiness; Joy; Pain
    Eyes of a determinist or randomnist may try such
      That type of prediction is done with naught gain

    "If I knew back then what I know now"; Nope
      Change would happen to our life & mate
    Pandora's Box was left for all eyes to see; Hope
      The key back to the eyes of a child; Faith; Fate


        Speak Kindly

    Speak kindly your words
      As unkind words may hurt
    Unkind words that are said
      Are unkind, mean & curt

    Speak kindly your words
      As the same message is sent
    Unkind words that are said
      Show an unkind sentiment

    Speak kindly your words
      Your actions speak louder
    Unkind words that are said
      Can't make you feel prouder

    Speak kindly your words
      As your spirit shows through
    Unkind words that are said
      May just reflect upon you


        A Heart

    A heart can be true
      If you lead it that way
    It is only "You"
      That can have that say

    A heart can be pure
      If you chose that way
    It is only "You" for sure
      That can; doth pray

    A Heart can be blue
      If you let it be that way
    It is only "You"
      That lets come what may

    A heart is what makes you
      If you want it that way
    It is only "You"
      That makes you Okay


        Grandma's Inspiration

    You grow in grandma's garden like a flower
      All I know is what I see
    You are my grandson & with love I'll shower
      To keep that smile on your face around me

    The rays from the sun
      How bright & full of warmth they are
    Match the energy from your fun
      Which shines & brightens near & far

    The sparkle from the indigo stars above
      How bright they really can shine
    Match the sparkle in your eyes full of love
      They are bright blue, so true, & fine

    How special you are beyond my wish
      Starting out so small, growing smart & fast
    You giggle, smile, & wiggle like a fish
      With your heart, you make each day such a blast

    You communicate with sign language; sounds; motion
      You say, "Grandma" with a huge growl & a smile
    So cute; offering hugs; smiles; kisses with a potion
      With you it's guaranteed love forever & a while

    You are my dear, precious grandson
      One who I truly, truly just love
    You are so special to me & so fun
      My own dancing star from above


        Friends

    A buddy; best friend; mate
      A person whom you can be free
    An acquaintance; co-worker; comrade
      A person to share a coffee

    An ally; pen pal; internet friend
      A person who shares special ties
    A confidant; blood brother; BFF
      A person who cares; no lies

    A girlfriend; wife; mother
      A person to share life's goals
    A boyfriend; husband; father
      A person to raise a toast; Skoal!

    All are friends of different levels
      All are friends of different shades
    All make a life, each day, worth while
      All meant to cross our path; no evades


        A New Girl in Town

    She is the new girl in town
      Beautiful; smiling; no frown
    She has smiling Irish blue eyes
      She brightens up our lives

    She keeps her mom on her toes
      With her beginning eating woes
    She's a "Daddy's" girl
      With flickering eyes a whirl

    She wants to run with her brother
      But is satisfied snuggling with mother
    She's here to live in this world
      Loves grandma; to be twirled

    She is the queen of the roost
      Her personality; quite a boost
    She is such a happy child
      Who tends to get a little riled

    She is filled with impatience
      Blessed by a brother with patience
    She is beautiful; hair of brown
      She is the new girl in town


        Easter

    Easter eggs; jelly beans & marshmallow chicks
      All bring a memory or two of spring
    Baskets are filled with bunnies & grass
      Real grass is growing; hear the birds sing

    Hats; new dresses; white gloves
      Fill all the churches to give worth
    Family feasts & celebrations
      He rose from the dead; rebirth

    New growth; new birth; new life
      Daffodils & tulips pop up in the yard
    Puppies; kittens; new-born babies
      New life is unfolding; words from a bard

    Rituals; sacrifices; pagan goddesses
      Symbols of a spring celebration with feist
    Crosses; lambs & resurrection
      Symbols of Christianity; faith; Christ

(Continues...)

Excerpted from American Poetry Pure & Simpleby Dolly M. Gorham Copyright © 2011 by Dolly M. Gorham. 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.
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