"Happy Hobbler", draft no. 4

Nothing could ever match the thrill

Of having my son lead us around the Hill,

Landing a White House West Wing tour

And poking my praying head through the Oval Office door.

Daughters of the Revolution gave me hope

My progeny might land on their rolls,

Taught me of Phillis Wheatley, The Revolution's Poet Laureate

A fellow wordsmith, despite her bound chariot [or enslavement?].

Snuck morsels of Calder and Mary Cassatt

Between back spasms and ice pack stops,

Even got to the National Cathedral

For carillon hymns and vibes medieval.

My knee made me a tad slow pokey

But I ordered correctly my DeSalles gnocchi

The metro was smooth; the weather sultry

The company cool; the expenses paltry.

Glad to see the newlyweds at their intern best

Before they head off to their grad school nest.

Power Couple, draft no. 2

(For Calvin, I wrote this just before your wedding, but sending it now):

I know she takes your breath away

But I do not ask your love to stay

I'd rather you fall out of love

Learn the cadence from above

Of loving someone for the ways

They aren't who you thought they had to be

I'd rather you love unto holiness

Hers, yours, the kind only found

By Christ's example, power, and fellowship

This is your bread, your calling, a mystery

You will amass a large school debt

(And one day pay that off)

But I would rather you know the constant debt of

Outdoing the "I do" one breath at a time

May your highs and your disillusionments

Draw you deeper into communion with Christ

A deeper well that nourishes you into 

A swaddling kind of love

Your signal is getting stronger, your melody is ringing true

How wonderful to be sure of this:

You will not die with your song still inside you, 

You are singing it every day

At the top of your lungs. 

Love, 

Mom

Luxury Ride, draft no. 5

Wiper's drone in rain

Recalls secure childhood naps

My dad at the wheel

Good Things Come, draft no. 4

 For Calvin and Tori on their wedding day, May 26, 2026:

You’ve dated and grown

You’ve prayed; you’ve flown

Now the waiting part is done

Now the two have become one

This is the time you’ve dreamed of

This is the dawning of your love

Good has come to those who wait

What a fitting pair you make!

May each sunrise be better still

As you seek to do God’s will.

 

Love Mom/Mom Hunt

 

For: Marin and Julie, draft no. 3

Come with me for a wagon ride

Up and down on Peonies Drive

The pink peonies have started their show--

Let’s celebrate with dolls in tow!

Dodging rain drops, thunderclaps

Wearing tissue papered hats

There’s lavender lemonade and cake—more! More!

Learning about lupine from Miss Rumphius’ lore

One doll’s hat (almost) lost

One girl’s stroller cris and crossed

Some new friends were surely made--

Won’t you join me for next year’s Peony Parade?

Wedding Poem for Andrew and Caroline Romano, draft no. 1

So much love

So much devotion

May your love's flame 

Be the sort

Not put out by oceans

"Many waters cannot quench love." - Song of Songs 8:9

Wedding Rally with Steph and Lally, draft no. 8

 

4/20/26

For Nat and Steph, rough draft #8:

 

Wedding Rally with Steph and Lally

Chauffeured in style near and far

Bumper to bumper or fast as NASCAR

Robbin wedding to enjoy

Earplugs or coats to employ

Couldn’t leave until Marley was found

(Not even roused by vacuuming sounds)

Dreamer Diner breakfast virgins

Potty dreamer sibling reunions

Stops in Essex, pickleball classes

Northport shops, library craft packets

Dresses to decide

Gas pump rules to defy

The birds were chirping, the trees were blooming

The rain was circling, the cars were zooming

Even got to see Jeff, Rudy, Jill, and Dad.

So grateful to have been hosted by the Grillo fam.