12 Thanks of Christmas

 The following are thank you sonnets in response to the 12 days of Christmas gifts that my parents sent to us:

The Partridge's Gift

Upon this festive eve, a gift appeared,
A fragrant token wrapped in holiday cheer.
Its warmth and light, a joy to be revered,
Illuminates the season bright and clear.

Though partridges have flown from pear trees tall,
Your kindness lands within our grateful hearts.
This candle’s glow shall grace both room and hall,
A gift of love, where every glow imparts.

The rhyme of Christmas whispers through the air,
Your thoughtful note a treasure we hold dear.
For every line reveals your tender care,
And fills our home with joy this time of year.

We thank you for this gesture sweet and true,
And send our love and gratitude to you.

Blessings in every Bite

Two doves, sweet symbols of the season’s care,

And turtles, nestled rich in chocolate’s glow,

Arrived to warm our hearts with love’s soft flow,

A gift that proves your thoughtfulness so rare.

Your kindness lingers like the winter air,

A gentle breeze that sets our joy to grow.

Through treats and treasures, all your love does show,

A family bond beyond what words declare.

Each bite reminds us of the love we share,

The peace of home, the laughter that sustains.

A lasting joy no passing time restrains.

These simple gifts hold blessings far more fair,

Your love, more sweet than any feast, we prize,

A gift that never fades, but always ties.

French Hens Reimagined

With cans of soup, a gift of warmth and cheer,

Though hens of France have left the stage today.

Their absence whispers soft, yet still sincere,

For in this broth, their spirit finds its way.

A thoughtful gesture, steeped in love and care,

Arrives with laughter, seasoning the night.

No shipping fees, no feathered friends to bear,

Just simple joy, a culinary delight.

O gift of warmth, thou art a feast divine,

A savory ode to Christmas' embrace.

Through every sip, thy comfort shall entwine,

And bring a smile to light this wintry space.

Though hens may roam in lands beyond our reach,

Their essence lingers in this soupy speech.

Notes of Kindness, Wings of Cheer

Four calling birds flew in with words of cheer,

A chorus sung with love upon the air,

Their melody, a balm to soothe despair,

Reminding us of those we hold most dear.

Your notes of courage echo in my mind,

With every phrase, a torch to light the way,

'You’ve got this!' whispers boldly through the gray,

A steadfast voice, so caring and so kind.

Through simple acts, your love has found its place,

A beacon shining bright through wintry skies,

Your faith in us, like stars that never die,

A warmth that time and distance can’t erase.

In every word, a treasure I have found,

Your gift, a song of love, forever sounds.

Life Savers of Christmas

On Christmas Day, the fifth, your message came,

A thought of love wrapped in a minty hue,

No golden rings, no treasures bright to view,

Yet joy within a humble guise took aim.

Sweet rings, no weight to bear, no gilded chain,

Their laughter laced with peppermint's delight,

No gems, but warmth of hearts so purely bright,

A gift of cheer that none could e’er disdain.

The life we cherish, lightened of its load,

Finds meaning not in wealth, but love’s embrace.

Through simple acts, a brighter path is showed,

Where kindness blooms and brightens every space.

So grateful am I, rings of love I see,

More precious far than gold could ever be.

Eggs of Joy, Hearts of Gold

Upon the sixth day, geese took to the skies,

Their clamor loud, yet leaving quite a prize—

A nest of wonders, where your kindness lies,

Bright chocolate eggs, a feast for merry eyes.

Though geese have flown, their magic lingers near,

A playful note, your thoughtfulness in flight,

Such treasures bring us warmth, a pure delight,

Transforming winter’s chill to Christmas cheer.

We laughed, imagining their swift ascent,

Yet marveled more at what they left behind,

A gesture full of love so well-designed,

Through simple gifts, your hearts so eloquent.

So with this sonnet, let us now convey,

Our heartfelt thanks for joy you sent our way.

A Crown for Every Smile

Though swans were scarce this seventh Christmas night,

Our joy took wing with every popper’s cheer,

As golden crowns on every head drew near,

And laughter turned the dark to festive light.

With thoughtful gifts, your care made spirits bright,

Each trinket sparked a memory held dear,

A harmony of hearts that’s ever clear,

These moments shared will linger in their flight.

A token of your love beyond compare.

Your thoughtful care brought warmth to every soul,

Such merriment shall linger ever whole,

Transforming moments into treasures rare.

To you, we send our thanks, both deep and true,

For all the joy your thoughtfulness did brew.

Raise A Cup of Cheer 

Upon the eighth day, gifts arrive with cheer,

A rhyming verse and treasures wrapped with care.

In spirit, through the barn's imagined air.

Maids-a-milking are absent, yet they appear.

From cows of brown, rich creamy milk does flow,

Transforming now to chocolate's sweet delight.

A warm embrace upon each winter's night.

In our cups we find the joy their gifts bestow.

Oh, busy bees, you labor with such love,

Your thoughtfulness a beacon shining bright.

To fill our hearts with laughter and with light.

A gesture pure, like blessings from above.

Dear parents, may your kindness always shine,

Your gifts a sweeter bond of love divine.

Heart of the Ninth

Upon the ninth, your gift did brightly shine,

A clever twist on ladies dancing round,

No music blared, no pounding steps to sound,

Instead, a treasure meant to intertwine.

Through puzzles, games, and laughter so divine,

Our hearts with joy and gratitude are bound,

An evening’s cheer in family time profound,

A memory made, a spark of Christmastime.

Your gift, a treasure wrapped in love so true.

Speaks of kindness and warmth that starts to appear. A memory that brings us close and near. A bond that thrives, a gift we’ll always view.

To you, dear parents, thanks we humbly send.

Your gift, a joy that will not ever end.

Where Popcorn Leaps, Love Abounds

Though leaping lords have tumbled in the snow,

Their gallant gift remains within our sight,

A simpler joy, yet brimming with delight,

For humble kernels make a splendid show.

The microwave hums its warming glow,

Popcorn ascends in airy, golden flight,

A fleeting magic on this winter night,

Where laughter blooms and merry moments flow.

We'll gather close, a family full of cheer,

With games and stories, hearts and hands entwined.

Your thoughtful gift, with love so well designed,

Each popping sound a treasure we hold dear.

Your thoughtful gift, so simple yet profound,

Brings joy that leaps where love and laughs abound.

A Warming Cheer to Our Family

Your thoughtfulness has warmed our hearts so bright,

Eleven pipers piping joy anew,

A plumber's tribute, clever through and through,

Bringing us cheer this cold December night.

With cocoa rich to chase the frost's harsh bite,

A cup to share, sweet moments to imbue,

Each sip a bond between our merry crew,

Your gifts, like stars, make darkened skies alight.

This journey’s been a treasure, day by day,

Each package filled with laughter, love, and cheer.

We’ve felt your spirit even from afar,

And though the end is near, we hope to stay,

Forever tied by memories so dear,

Your giving hearts our guiding Christmas star.

The Light That Remains

The final gift, a message clear and bright,

A call to pause and ponder deep within,

The birth of Christ, where all our hopes begin,

And by His love, we find our hearts alight.

The drummers fade, their noise is set aside,

Instead, we sit and read by candle’s glow,

To feel the peace His presence will bestow,

And let His love and wisdom be our guide.

In Luke, we find the story of that night,

The humble birth that brought us joy and grace,

A Savior born to lift the human race.

And now we end, but let His light ignite.

And now we end, but let His light shine bright,

A guiding force that leads us through the night.

Christmas Poem 2024

 The Shepherds Still Whisper

(To the tune of "Away in a Manger")

The shepherds once journeyed through darkness and fear,
To find in a manger, a Savior so near.
Their hearts filled with wonder, their tears turned to peace,
For Christ brought a promise that love would not cease.

When loss leaves me broken, and sorrow takes hold,
The story of shepherds brings comfort untold.
They found in the stillness, God’s love shining bright,
A hope everlasting, a dawn in the night.

A loved one might rest in the arms of the King,

Where angels are gathered, His praises to sing.
The shepherds still whisper, “Take heart and draw near,
For Christ is the healer of grief and of fear.”

Though empty my hands, yet I lift them in prayer,
And trust in the promise: God’s love will repair.
Like shepherds, I’ll seek Him; His peace I will find,
For Christ binds the sorrow of heart, soul, and mind.

Whispers of Wonder 

Whispers from above, the angels glide,
With snowy wings they shake and softly fall,
Their descent brings a hush, a quiet thrall,
As stillness blankets all the world outside.

All it takes is a single, flickering flame,
Its quiet glow to pierce the darkened night,
Casting shadows that sway, a dancing light,
Reflecting Christmas pasts, hopes yet untamed.

The season’s story whispers, soft and true,
Of humble hearts and blessings simply found,
In simple gifts, where gratitude abounds,
And light that rises when the dark is due.

Through gentle whispers, hope and peace take flight,
In love’s embrace, we find our guiding light.

Christmas Story 2024

Holiday Harmony - Newfold Style

The clock struck midnight. I awoke to find a tiny figure standing next to me. “I am Lumi, the Newfold Spirit of Holiday Harmony. Come with me, and I’ll show you the flavors that bring us together.”

 Before I could respond, the room vanished.

We landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The streets buzzed with laughter as Lumi introduced me to Asado, a grilled beef with a smokey tenderness. This included pan dulce, a sweet bread speckled with dried fruit and nuts that brings us all together to share in the joy. “Here,” Lumi said, “food is a ritual of love and togetherness.”

We then went to Cebu, Philippines. I was greeted by festive lanterns and the aroma of Lechón, its crispy skin a holiday centerpiece. I tried the Sisig served with chopped pork and chicken liver. Lumi then handed me Puto Bumbong, a purple rice cake topped with coconut and sugar. “This is their way of savoring sweetness after a night of prayer,” Lumi explained.

Next, we found ourselves amidst the lively streets of Mumbai, India. Lumi guided me to a table filled with vibrant dishes. I sampled Undhiyu, a fragrant vegetable medley cooked with aromatic spices, scooped up with soft, warm Chapati bread. Each dish is a labor of love that brings people together.

Suddenly, I was home. The scents of cinnamon and masa swallowed me up. My family laughed as they prepared tamales, stirring champurrado in a steaming pot. “These traditions,” my family said, “remind us of who we are and what we share.”

I sat down, taking a tamale. Lumi’s light faded as a voice lingered. “The spirit of the season isn’t in faraway places. It’s in the love you bring to your own table.”

The journey ended, but the warmth of the holidays had just begun.

Mango Navidad

(2nd story submission)

Years ago, I found myself in Mexico during the holiday season, serving as a missionary. The climate was a far cry from the snowy winters I was accustomed to, with its sweltering heat and occasional cool breezes. Learning Spanish was a constant struggle. There were days when I felt like I was losing my grip on English, unable to find the right words in either language.

One day, while decorating a small tree with makeshift ornaments, a ripe mango fell from above, hitting me square on the head. I slipped on another, sending decorations flying. Neighbors, drawn by the commotion, gathered around. They brought their own holiday traditions, turning my mishap into a lively fiesta. My attempts to explain snow and Santa led to hilarious misunderstandings, but the laughter was infectious.

It was during these moments that my Spanish started to improve. Interacting with my neighbors, I felt something change. You might think it was the mango knocking sense into me, but it was really the connections I made that helped the language become a part of me.
As we shared stories and traditions, I realized the true spirit of Christmas wasn’t about snow or presents, but about joy and togetherness. Surrounded by new friends and falling mangoes, I felt a deep sense of contentment.

Just as I was about to break a festive piñata, another mango fell, narrowly missing me. Everyone burst into laughter, and I knew this would be a Christmas to remember.

Thanksgiving 2024

 Thankful Bonds of Love

Her gentle eyes, like stars, do light my way,
A beacon guiding through both joy and strife,
My children’s laughter fills the air with life,
My granddaughter’s smile transforms the day.

From parents’ hands, the roots of life entwine,
Grandparents’ wisdom lingers, time won’t erase,
In-laws extend the family’s warm embrace,
Each bond a gift, a treasure so divine.

These ties reflect the love of God above,
From temples where His sacrifice is shown,
Through service, faith, and all-consuming love,
We learn we’re never meant to walk alone.

Eternal bonds of gratitude we weave,
Through love and faith, forever I believe.

Thankful Actions in Faith

The Word of God, a beacon pure and bright,
It lights my path through shadows of despair,
In Christ, my soul finds solace, love, and care,
His temple stands, a refuge in the night.

Forgiveness flows, a gift of grace divine,
Through sacrifice, the Lamb has paid the cost,
Each burden lifted, every sin now lost,
His mercy shows the breadth of love’s design.

In service, we reflect His perfect way,
Extending hands to heal, to lift, to share,
Through simple acts, His boundless love we bear,
A living gospel woven day by day.

Eternal truth, through faith and work combined,
In Christ, both peace and purpose are enshrined.

Congrat Happy Couple

Congratulations to the Happy Couple

A journey starts on this joyous day,

Two hearts unite as one, so true.

Hand in hand, love lights the way,

A future bright for both of you.

With vows exchanged beneath the sky,

You promise to cherish, come what may.

Through every tear and joyful sigh,

Your love will never drift away.

May laughter fill your every year,

And kindness guide you on your way.

Together, conquer every fear,

And share each night and every day.

As life unfolds, let love be near,

To bless your hearts and keep them dear.

ApostleTalk October 2024

 Sonnet poems based upon the #ApostleTalks of October 2024 General Conference.  It is your challenge to figure out which Apostle spoke for each poem.

"Through Trials, Hope Remains"

In trials, hope through Christ shall ever reign,
A light amidst the shadows of our night.
His promises will guide us toward the light,
And turn our fears to joy, dispelling pain.

His love invites our hearts to rise again,
In faith, we see the darkness take to flight.
With steady steps, we trust in what is right,
His grace upholds when doubt and sorrows wane.

Through storms, our souls in Him shall find their peace,
For Christ, our anchor, stills the raging sea.
His words bring comfort, setting spirits free,
And in His truth, our fears and tears release.

In hope, we stand, unshaken in His care,
Our faith in Christ, a light beyond compare.

"Follow the Gospel Glow"

Embrace the gospel, let it fill your soul,

Commit to Christ, His light to always seek,

In following commandments, grow less weak,

Align your heart with God, and you'll be whole.

Seek revelation, hear the prophets' call,

Let Christ-like love define your every deed,

Let faith and charity become your creed,

Hold fast to truth when doubts and fears enthrall.

Prioritize your journey towards the Son,

With every step, let His example guide,

His teachings will forever be your tide,

Until your mortal race is fully run.

So trust in Him, your Savior and your friend,

In steadfast faith, press onward to the end.

"The Need to Follow Him"

To follow Christ is more than mere belief,

In every action, let His love abide.

Through prayer and service, let our hearts confide,

For in His teachings lies our true relief.

Though trials come and doubts may pierce the night, 

We stand with faith against the raging storm.

In Christ, our lives can find their truest form,

For He will guide us with His purest light.

The joy of discipleship, a sacred gift,

With peace and purpose found in every choice,

As we, His hands, spread forth His loving voice,

Our spirits rise, and burdens start to lift. 

So let us strive to walk in His embrace,

And share the light of Christ in every place. 

"Love Embraced"

In whispered prayers, we seek a tranquil heart

To lay aside our burdens, doubts, and fears,

Embrace the light that guides through shadowed years,

And in this quest for peace, we find our part.

Let not our hearts with anger's fire be led,

For love can heal what strife has torn apart. 

In unity, we rise, where grace imparts,

A strength to walk where kindness gently tread.

Oh, let us bridge the chasms wide and deep,

With Christ's pure love, our spirits intertwined, 

Together bound, a sacred path defined,

Forgiveness blooms, where once the thorns did creep.

In harmony, we strive, our voices sing,

For in this bond of peace, new hope takes wing.

"Enlightened Alignment"

In whispers soft, the Spirit speaks to me,

A gentle nudge, a beckoning divine.

With faith, I seek the truth that I may find,

In moments still, His love sets my heart free.

Each step of faith, though small, can light the way,

As promptings guide me through the darkest night.

In trust, I find the strength to share His light,

With every heart, I yearn for Him to stay.

A bond of love, unyielding and so true,

Through trials faced, I’ll listen and obey.

In revelation's grace, I find my way.

Oh, Savior dear, my path be led by You,

In sacred stillness, faith shall ever grow,

As hearts align, His tender mercy flows.

"Hand in Hand with Christ"

In quiet moments, seek His guiding light

As we align our hearts with heaven's will.

In prayer, His wisdom fills the soul, so still,

Transforming shadows into hope so bright.

Through trials faced, we find the strength to stand,

Surrendering our burdens, fears, and doubt,

Embracing grace as Christ’s example shouts,

In His embrace, we learn to understand.

With faith, we rise, united, hand in hand,

Through every storm, His love our hearts will fill.

In choosing Him, our purpose we fulfill,

A promise kept, our lives in His command.

So let us strive, in faith, to seek His way, 

For in His arms, we find our joy each day.

 "A Call to Holiness"

In every heart, a sacred space does dwell 

Where holiness can bloom through daily grace, 

With choices made, we find our rightful place, 

In kindness shared, we weave a sacred shell.

Through prayer and light, our spirits rise and swell,

Each act of love, a gentle, warm embrace, 

Reflecting heaven’s peace in every face. 

In trials faced, His guidance we can tell.

As holy people, let our voices sing, 

In harmony, we strive to spread His light,

To touch the lives of those within our sight.

United in His love, our hearts take wing.

So let us share His love with more than you,

And make our homes a haven, bright and true.

"Anchored in Faith"

In Christ's pure doctrine, we find our true way

Through trials and storms, His light shines so bright.

With faith, we rise, embracing the fight,

In His warm embrace, we choose to stay.

A personal bond, our hearts do entwine,

With hope as our guide, we stand hand in hand,

In moments of doubt, united we stand,

To seek His teachings, our spirits align. 

In every challenge, His love lifts our soul, 

A covenant strong, through joy and through pain.

Our hearts beat as one, in His grace we remain,

With faith as our anchor, we strive for the goal.

Embrace His doctrine, let hope be our song, 

In Christ, we are whole; in Him, we belong.

"His Healing Embrace"

In Christ alone, our Savior, we confide,

His healing grace restores our broken soul,

His love redeems, making the sinner whole,

With every tear, He stands by our side.

Amid our trials, when hope has died,

He lifts us up and makes us whole,

With gentle peace, He takes control,

Guiding our path as a trusted guide.

In faith, we trust the wounds He bore,

The gift of life through His great love,

Our burdens lifted, raised above,

To walk with Him forevermore.

Our hearts, in Christ, will find their stay,

His love, our light, our guide, our way.

"Guiding Light"

In days of light, our hearts remember well

The sacred moments woven deep in time,

Where faith and love in silent prayer align,

Each memory a precious story to tell. 

Through trials faced, His guiding hand we seek,

For in our souls, the echoes of His grace, 

Remind us of our purpose in this place, 

As hope ignites the spirit’s gentle peak. 

With every step, His peace makes spirits meek,

In whispered truths, we find our courage grow,

To follow Him, where’er the path may go, 

As light dispels the shadows that we seek. 

So cherish days when faith and hope entwine, 

And in His light, forever we shall shine. 

"Simple Truths"

The simplest truths of Christ’s love do inspire,

Faith born in hearts that choose His gentle way.

Repentance clears the darkness from our day,

His light within us, a holy fire.

With humble words, the doctrine we convey,

The Spirit’s whisper guiding all we teach.

Though trials come within our soul’s deep reach,

His love and grace will never go astray.

In waters pure, we’re cleansed and find rebirth,

Through Holy Ghost, our hearts are filled with grace.

He lights the path and leads us in our place,

To find our purpose, here upon this earth.

Endure in faith, through life’s eternal test,

In Christ alone, our weary hearts find rest.

"Strength in the Roots"

In faith's deep roots, our strength begins to grow,

Not swayed by winds or fleeting worldly ties,

For Christ, our anchor, lifts us to the skies,

The light that guides through trials here below.

We falter not when doubts begin to show,

But focus on His love that never dies,

And plant our hearts where true belief lies,

So branches strong with steadfast grace may flow.

Let not distractions dim our vision clear,

For in His grace, our doubts are set aside,

Our testimony rooted, like the tide.

In Christ, our hearts are free from every fear.

In Him, our branches flourish, pure and free,

A testimony strong, for all to see.

"The Light We Hold"

In darkness deep, let our bright spirits glow, 

With acts of love, we lift the weary soul.

Embrace His light, in unity we stroll, 

For kindness shared will help our faith to grow.

When trials come, we stand together near, 

With Christ as guide, our burdens we will bear. 

In every heart, let hope and peace declare, 

A world transformed by love, a mission clear. 

So shine your light, let all the faithful see,

The joy in serving, love that conquers strife.

Together strong, we’ll honor sacred life.

In every deed, His presence will be free.

 

Hold high the light, let faith and love abide,  

For through our acts, we walk by heaven's side. 

"For in the Word, We Trust"

In sacred texts, our faith finds solid ground,

The words of Christ our hearts and minds do guide,

Through trials faced and doubts we can't abide,

A light within the darkness they have found.

With scripture’s strength, temptations are unbound,

In quiet study, wisdom does reside,

A refuge sure where truth and grace collide,

Where love of God and man is most profound.

Immersed in verses, souls grow ever strong,

Resisting modern fears that shake belief,

With faith renewed, we overcome all grief,

To Christ's own path, we learn to all belong.

The words we cherish, clear and ever true,

Through Christ's pure love, our hope begins anew.

"Prepare for His Return"

In sacred temples, faith shall brightly shine, 

As hearts align with Christ, our guiding light.

We gather Israel, strong in our fight, 

With hope renewed, His love is pure and divine.

Amid distractions, we must seek and find,

The peace that comes from following His way. 

In trials faced, we trust in Him each day, 

For in His arms, all burdens left behind. 

The future holds a promise yet untold, 

With joy we stand, prepared for His return.

Our spirits rise, as hearts begin to learn, 

In faith, united, brave and bold, 

With faith in Him, our burdens He will bear,

In every trial, His love will always care.

 "Touched by Silence"

Perched on the brink, I watch the canyon fall,
A chasm shaped by hands unseen, divine,
Its sculpted cliffs and crevices align,
Like marks pressed deep upon the earth’s raw wall.

As if God’s fingers etched each rugged sprawl,
These valleys trace the touch of grand design,
While here, I sit, so small, a fleeting sign,
Before this masterpiece that holds me thrall.

The silence hums with wings that beat the sky,
Two birds in flight, they dip and twist and sweep.
They drift into the distant canyon deep.
Their fading cries a whispered lullaby.

The breeze upon my brow, so soft and grand,
Reminds me of creation's guiding hand.

"Tocado por el Silencio"

Al borde del abismo, miro caer,

Un vasto cañón tallado por las manos

De un ser divino en gestos tan humanos,

Sus riscos y hendiduras puedo ver.

Como si Dios quisiera aquí imponer

Sus huellas en relieves sobrehumanos,

Yo, tan pequeño, en pensamientos vanos,

Me asombro ante esta obra de su poder.

El silencio vibra con alas en vuelo,

Dos aves giran, se elevan y giran,

Se alejan por el cañón, se retiran,

Sus ecos son un canto en desvelo.

La brisa en mi frente, suave y gentil,

Me recuerda la mano del Creador sutil.

Bound by a Divine Love

 "A Love Bridge from God to All Others"

To love our God with heart, with mind, with might, 
We give our souls to Him, our guiding light,
In every act, His grace and truth unite,
Our purpose clear, our path in Him is right.

From love of God springs charity’s pure flame,
It softens hearts and binds us with its grace,
A love that reaches every time, each place,
And bears the Savior’s kind and holy name.

This love of Christ, so pure, it does not fail,
It moves us to embrace our neighbor’s need,
In every thought, and word, and gentle deed,
His love through us will always now prevail.

So let us love as Christ has loved us first,
With charity, all selfish bounds dispersed.

Campfire Story Submission 2024

 "Listen to your Children"

Gather around, let the flames dance bright. I’ll share a tale to chill you tonight. You may have heard it, but tonight I’ll share—secrets of sorrow that linger in the air.

Listen. You might catch a woman’s cries of pain—her sobs will chill your spine. What could have caused her such sorrow? Did she have something precious that filled her life with light? But now, that light is gone, leaving her lost in grief. Did she betray a dark secret? Did a curse take her joy? Or did she see a nightmare unfold?

No, it’s something much worse…

The villagers feared the wailing woman. She is said to be a mother mourning her lost children. Terror spread as children began to disappear, leaving only their tiny footprints leading into the woods.
Desperate parents searched the forest, their hearts pounding, the woman’s cries growing louder as they ventured deeper. One night, they followed the wails to a clearing, where they found their children sitting in a circle under a twisted, dead tree. Sort of like this one here.

The woman emerged, her eyes hollow with sorrow. “I lost mine. Now, I have yours.”

Blank-eyed, the children stood and followed her into the darkness, entranced by her haunting melody. Desperation gripped the parents as they tried to reach them, but it was too late. Echoing through the night, the woman’s wails faded as she vanished. ‘Yours will be mine forever,’ lingered in the air, a chilling promise as the children followed her into the depths of the forest.

Since then, if you listen near those woods, you might hear children’s cries—forever lost to the wailing woman. Children taken because their parents didn’t listen when they needed them most, trapped in an eternal sorrow.

 She

Upon the lake's still breast, her head did rise,  
A vision draped in mist and morning dew.  
Her soft veil drifts in hues of gray and blue.
With grace, she danced beneath the pale blue skies.

She plays with winds that whispers through her veil,  
A fleeting spirit, light on feet so fair.  
Embraces the peaks with shadows in the air.
At dusk, she rested, as the daylight pale.

Through fog she casts, the world in silence lay,  
Children moving like ghosts through morning’s mist.  
On paths of life, their steps by fear dismissed.
Their laughter stilled, their games now put away.

She weeps, her mantle gathered close once more,  
The wind, her friend, will soon her soul restore.

original written by great grandma Nina Folsom Moss

"She"    (1965) by Nina Folsom Moss

I saw her lift her head from the lake, then, gathering her dripping mantle about her, hesitated a moment before floating upward to play with the wind.

Gracefully swaying, with outstretched arms, more dancing than running, she lifted first one foot and then the other to open the folds of her gray white chiffon shroud into exquisite swirls and eddies. At close of day she rested in the foothills with towering peaks for a background. As I slept, she played her usual prank of spreading a canopy about my home.

To-day -  I can not see my neighbors home, though it be not far away. Through the dimness, a yellow blur of light guides the children to the entry of their home; I miss the shaking of the rug by the mother and the antics and frolic of the family. There is a strange quietness about their coming and going.

Today - spectral images step along the path to school. In twos and threes, with parka hoods drawn close about their faces, they pause at the crossing of the roads and peer into the mist for the arming lights of approaching cars.

With glistening eyes they hurry to reach the safety point beyond. This day they do not stop to test the depth of a pool of water or to build a snow man. They trudge unhesitatingly toward their destination. 

To-day - I stand at the garden gate unnerving  the beauty of the opalescent frost on shrub and tree. A car approaches, cautiously. Where am I? the driver shouts and I learn that he has missed, by tow miles, the proper turn at the junction of the road. As I watch him drive away. I reflect on the ways of man and the many souls who are confused at the junction of the path of life.  Because of the fog which they have created they become lost at the junction. They are late for their appointment with opportunity because they have so willed it. 

To-day - The heavens drip. It is "She" weeping as she gathers her mantle. She knows that the same wind with which she so recently played will blow her over the mountain and far away.