Monday, September 9, 2013
Thursday, June 10, 2010
06/10/2000
It was a cold winters night and all was still
I can see it clearly but it seems to be a dream
I’m out with the kids with good time to kill
In my head are deafening screams
I volunteered to drive as I only drank a few
Or in truth could it have been three
Who’s counting were just out for a good time
If only these sounds in my head would leave me
It’s beginning to get real hazy and cold
The streets seem to be turning to ice
But I am a good driver a teen in full control
I’m known as a friend to be trusted and bright
I believe we had the last beer around nine or ten
Who really cares were just out for fun
This were having as our drinks we begin to blend
Oh! My God what’s that blurred figure before me
It’s a mother and child crossing the street
Please help me I’m so dizzy I can’t see
To even put on the brake with my feet
But it’s to late they are gone from sight
Dam! All I can hear is their deathly screams
Who do they think they are out at this time of the night?
Maybe this is just a foolish bad dream
Well things are quite now my friends are back with me
But tell me Lord why from their lips are there no sounds
I now lay at peace with these flowers circling free
As they lower my casket into the ground
Wait! in the corner above my grave
I see a young father staring at me
Why does he look with such hatred in his eyes
I was just out with guys for a good time I’ve craved
IS THIS WHAT LIES AHEAD IN HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Chaplain's Prayer
By Peter A. Todd 05/30/2010
We unite in spirit and prayer to reflect the past
In memory of many thoughts and deeds
Of those who have sacrificed their love that will last
Until the appointed time of this mortal life we leave
Time we must realize in but a brittle thread in space
That we are blessed by our Savior to share
With the growth in nature and God’s grace
And our earthly bodies to nurture and wear
Memories of friends and veteran’s cast in our hearts
Of these years of war and its raging pain
The reflection of their courage never to part
To be with us all in our journey of life that remains
Upon placing these wreaths at their graves
We give praise to our forgiving Lord of their love
The heroism of soldier’s and citizen’s who gave
Abide with our Creator in his many Mansions above
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friendship
By Peter A. Todd
Shared happiness of times and concern
Secrets that each would never tell others
New lessons in Life’s path for each to learn
Trusting each other like sister’s or brother’s
Knowing that borrowed items will come back
Or a timely call to check on each their welfare
Keeping each other on the right track
A friendship filled with love and care
Soul Mates through trials and tribulations
Asking for the protection of each in prayer
True friends are the gifts of our father of creation
On this level of time in troubles to be there
Letting each others mistakes of the day die with the past
Treasuring time before the sands of the new tide
For before you know it the scythe is cast
And the friendship is lost in the blink of an eye
Friday, May 28, 2010
" Taps "
By Peter A. Todd 05/29/2010
Petertoddpoet.com
In gentle fields of green and rolling white
We pay homage to those who reside with God
Soldier of today and the past who fought the fight
Now their bodies interned to earth’s sod
With the sound of the Taps filling the air
Within the echo of the winds of time
The mourners weep and children stare
Seeking answers to their questions to find
Why must it be that we to loose so many we’ve loved
From the Demon’s treacherous acts of war
This reaching thought cut by the sound of taps
As above us the American eagle soars
Our Nations flags lowered to half staff
With its colors of red white and blue
Red represents the blood our soldiers shed
Just as the Son of God shed for all of you
Memorial Week End
Although its really not just three days but everyday we must honor those who have passed on .May the rest in Eternal Peace
Memorial Week End
By Peter A. Todd 05/28/2010
Petertoddpoet.com
Three days to reflect on memories past
Of loved ones ascended to heaven above
Bringing to our eyes hidden tears
By the fond memories of those we loved
But, like the tears, the rain must fall
So new flowers will begin to grow
Above the clouds, stands a rainbow for all
With all its colors within fresh sunlight’s glow
Times to remember the women and men
Who fought to keep our country free?
To seek acquaintances with old and new friends
In saluting with pride, those who died for liberty
And as the sun sets in the West
May we all take heed to a time-spent dream
That unto every man and woman we’ll do our best
To put an end to the fighting and torment of
Death and its painful screams
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
R.I.P Officer Pete Hickey
First and foremost he was a true Family man.
He may have worn a uniform of blue
Pete. was in fact the guy with a plan
That bought laughter and happiness to you
A pretty good Taxi driver from what I understand
The officer always called to break up a fight
Yet ! again Pete always had the right plan
In bringing peace on a troubled night
To tell you the truth one could never complain
The way that he chose to protect and serve
He treated all those he met on the level and plain
With only kindly thought out words
Pete was also an avid writer
Who always was positive in what he wrote
He was also known as a Policeman that inspired
The respect and mentorship to all in the wisdom he spoke
It is said that the words are stronger than the sword
This was true in all Pete had to say with his pen
For his kind thoughts of all he met
Will never to their memories end
So Pete you left us with the smile on your face
The memory of laughter and tears
Truly Pete your thoughts we will always embrace
The journey we have left through our
Friday, May 21, 2010
Tears of Hope
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
I cry for the children who reach out in vain
For words of endearment they once gained
Were they not little precious bundles of joy?
Now it seems in their presence they annoy
Mothers and Fathers drifting apart
From the solemn vows they pledged of the hearts
Slaps and curses have replaced the caress
From the daily routine of creative stress
We cry for the love to return to these souls
So the future of these children they can nurture and mold
That they may reach out for the enrichments of life
Having pride in themselves by choosing the path that is right
I pray dear Lord that you wipe away the tears
Of these adults and children who have lived in fear
Let the power of your love abide in their hearts
As this journey free of violence embarks
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Shoe Shine Boy
By Peter A. Todd 05/19/2010
Walking the streets all the day long
Whistling the happiest of songs
Tapping the windows as he strolled on past
With imprints of his knuckles not long to last
On bended knees as he polishes a shoe
Holding to his talents and convictions true
Snapping the rag as that shoe began to shine
With the beat of the Chaganooga in perfect time
A tap on the leg for the next shoe to the step
Another satisfied customer you can be sure to bet
A friendly handshake as he shakes the customers hand
Truly this God given day was the Masters plan
Traveling on to his next steps in time
Eager to make that next nickle or dime
This is my reflection of the boy with holes in his pants
Its the image of my youth from a second chance
My Gloucester by birth and my imprints made
From the miracles of my Faith through sadness saved
The words from my inherited heart of blood and soul
A spirit of my mother's prayers to treasure like gold
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Celebrate Gloucester
By Peter A. Todd 04/29/2010
We celebrate Gloucester for its Heritage and views
Such as the Fisherman's Statue and Fisherman's wife
The heritage of our forefathers proudly renewed
By the workers of our waterfront through days and nights
We celebrate within the soul of what was and will be
Such as Jerry's Tavern and now Latitude 43
We join in hope and faith the steps now taken
Of the voters that proudly took a stand
To elect Leadership that has given us new inspirations
On moving forward to a once forbidden land
We celebrate our Artist's , Sculptures and new visions
In putting our Beloved Gloucester back on the right trail
For through Gloucester Pride we will receive fruition
So that all the hopes in dreams of our children will prevail
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Circle’s
Circle's
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Sitting in this encircled abode
I bare witness to others and their quests
The way they carry life's heavy load
Trying to live at being their best
Worried faces of what is to become
Of their life in future days
Searching their hearts for questions won
Yet! Not a thank you in their words to say
The answers they seek is not of man
It is only found from the wisdom of faith
For this circle is but of the Master's plan
His blessings on us so vast and great
Give praise to your Savior every day
It is through his blood we have our being
Give thanks to Jesus when you pray
By this you will see all greatness revealing
Cat of Nine Tails
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
With eyes wide open and deep in thought
I reflect upon the stinging pain in my back
Asking myself why my mind was wrought
Of such whippings for which I did not ask
Each time I felt the stabbing pain
I would think of the mother I did not know
Of the loving kindness of my protective sister
Who in my dreams covered me from each blow?
I asked myself back in my younger days
Why I was taken away in such haste
Then I recalled what strangers would say
That I was lying in my own waste
So dear Lord the sands of Time have past
The faith I have in you has let my body heal
Looking back these many years passed
The answers of my crying heart has been revealed
Hands
Hands
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Hands
These hands have done many things
But now tire early each night
Held babies to comfort and sing
Taught my children everything right
I slaved through my labors each day
To feed my family I loved so much
Hold my hands this I now pray
They will not break at your touch
These hands have held many of a child
To guide and protect from harm
Encircled on my finger for a long while
Is the wedding ring I will always charm?
Each turning of the calendars page
Has made them thin to the bone
My child were they not God made
To whom we all must someday atone
Please my child; hold them as I have you
I will dry my eyes of tears
My child I know through God its true
That in my heart and soul I treasure you dear
Night Fright
It was the evening of New Years and all through my home
You could hear a pin drop as my son answered the phone
It's the police my son said, as he passed it to his mother's hand
Soon Dad will be home won't that be just grand.
For they had been waiting all night for me to come home
I was just out with the guys just getting stoned
How was I to know they would be of anguished fright?
As they sat with their dreaded fears all through night.
They came to the hospital to see for themselves
It seems because of an accident I was not in Good health
I was in a coma and having bad dreams
Oh dear God if you just take away the screams
The ringing my ears as if time had no end
A deathly message to my mind it does send
Why didn't I listen to my family of love?
Then maybe I would not hear these screams from above
I was only out with the guys to have a good time
It was not my fault I did not see that double line
We only had a few drinks or was it more
My mind so mixed up my head is so sore
Why is my family and friends seem to be laughing at me
Yet the tears in their eyes I can so plainly see
This is not a time to laugh, I am in pain
It seems to be me that they're all putting the blame on me
The room is getting darker I can just about see
Why is it this morbid cold air now surrounds me?
Open this door can't you see I am not dead
It's just a slight pain I now have in my head
Why won't they listen to my cries and pleads
If only my heart would beat, instead of bleed
At last they have come to set me free
Why are they putting these fancy clothes on me?
The time is passing so fast I can just about see
Why are all my loved ones crying over me?
All I can hear is the screams and their cries
One would think that I had just died
It's morning now I must have fell asleep
Why is this bed they gave me so soft and so deep?
At last he pain is gone and I lie here alone
Beneath myself dug grave and inscriptive stone
Forgive me God I was just one with the guys
If I had not hat those drinks I would be alive
I should have listened to my children when they said
Please don't drink or drive Daddy or soon you will be dead.
A Friend
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
You ask, what is a friend?
It is a person true to their word,
A loving wife with kisses to send
Along with words of love to be heard,
A brother, in whom one can always confide,
A coworker to help work daily tasks,
Always to be at one's side,
Not being paid for favors asked.
A friend includes your father, your mother,
Your sister, and even your daughter or your son,
For under God, we are sisters and brothers
Created by God as a race of one.
Underneath, we are of the same color of blood,
With hearts all shaped the same,
Standing before God to be judged
Of being sent to Heaven, or to the devil's flame.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Gloucester Firefighters Remembered
Gloucester's Firefighters Remembered
By Peter A. Todd
We gather today as families united
In paying tribute to the Firefighters we have lost
We know that in their past they were hero's
Truly the pathway of Heaven they have crossed
We give praise to God that we have been blessed
By the actions and commitments they gave
Our thoughts reach out to those they left behind
As they place their flowers at each grave
As the bugler gives breath at the sound of Taps
Let our hearts reach to their spirit in praise
For the sacrifices of those of their chosen craft
They dedicated their life every earthly day
The sands of the hourglass continue to flow
Just as the memories of Gloucester Firefighters last
It will be represented as each of Gloucester's children grow
That they choose the journey from their mentors of the
Gloucester Firefighting Craft
Little Child
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Little child, walk with me.
Let me show you a gift of thee.
It is our since time's birth,
Heaven's skies and the green earth.
Take my hand, by my side.
Through God's earth, we will stride.
Look to mountains high above.
Watch the rainbows colors of love.
Beaches stretch of golden sand,
Mighty oceans abiding its hand.
Rain showers, making our flowers grow
On this grassy earth, are here below.
Fields of gardens stretched afar
To feed the children, wherever they are,
Mighty springs of nature's taste.
This, my child, we must not waste.
I can go on and on to list our gifts,
But there is one from which spirits will lift,
The gift of Jesus, who died for our sins,
For us to remain on earth and live.
So my child, when you bed down to sleep,
Thank God, above, for these gifts to keep.
Cherish them with all your heart.
From God's blessings, you will never part.
Hand me downs
Hand me downs
By Peter a. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Tracing our years that have passed us by
We can reflect on the hand me downs we wore
Such as the shirts and pants we could not buy
Or the responsibility of doing our chores
Hand me downs of a brother's bike or Father's car
Or the wedding gown from the day that mothers wed
The family pictures we always treasured
Or just the words of loved ones said
Hand me downs that helped us grow
In the wisdom we as children were blessed to share
What we do with our hand me downs is all up to you
We can live in Life's fast lane
Or treasure the hand me downs that guides us true
Hand me downs are the blessings of love
From the hearts of Father's and Mother's
Hand me downs are also of the Circle of Faith
That we hold as God's family of sisters and brothers
Night Fright
It was the evening of New Years
You could hear a pin drop as my son answered the phone
It's the police my son said, as he passed it to his mother's hand
Soon Dad will be home won't that be just grand.
For they had been waiting all night for me to come home
I was just out with the guys just getting stoned
How was I to know they would be of anguished fright?
As they sat with their dreaded fears all through night.
They came to the hospital to see for themselves
It seems because of an accident I was not in Good health
I was in a coma and having bad dreams
Oh dear God if you just take away the screams
The ringing my ears as if time had no end
A deathly message to my mind it does send
Why didn't I listen to my family of love?
Then maybe I would not hear these screams from above
I was only out with the guys to have a good time
It was not my fault I did not see that double line
We only had a few drinks or was it more
My mind so mixed up my head is so sore
Why is my family and friends seem to be laughing at me
Yet the tears in their eyes I can so plainly see
This is not a time to laugh, I am in pain
It seems to be me that they're all putting the blame on me
The room is getting darker I can just about see
Why is it this morbid cold air now surrounds me?
Open this door can't you see I am not dead
It's just a slight pain I now have in my head
Why won't they listen to my cries and pleads
If only my heart would beat, instead of bleed
At last they have come to set me free
Why are they putting these fancy clothes on me?
The time is passing so fast I can just about see
Why are all my loved ones crying over me?
All I can hear is the screams and their cries
One would think that I had just died
It's morning now I must have fell asleep
Why is this bed they gave me so soft and so deep?
At last he pain is gone and I lie here alone
Beneath myself dug grave and inscriptive stone
Forgive me God I was just one with the guys
If I had not hat those drinks I would be alive
I should have listened to my children when they said
Please don't drink or drive Daddy or soon you will be dead.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gloucester's Firefighters Remembered
We gather today as families united
In paying tribute to the Firefighters we have lost
We know that in their past they were hero's
Truly the pathway of Heaven they have crossed
We give praise to God that we have been blessed
By the actions and commitments they gave
Our thoughts reach out to those they left behind
As they place their flowers at each grave
As the bugler gives breath at the sound of Taps
Let our hearts reach to their spirit in praise
For the sacrifices of those of their chosen craft
They dedicated their life every earthly day
The sands of the hourglass continue to flow
Just as the memories of Gloucester Firefighters last
It will be represented as each of Gloucester's children grow
That they choose the journey from their mentors of the
Gloucester Firefighting Craft
Memorial Day Reflections
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
To some Memorial Day can be a celebration of Life
By gathering to watch Veteran's as they parade
Proudly carrying our flag of red blue and white
With hands over our hearts in salutation and praise
For many it is a time of reflections of the hourglass
Of the treasured moments we were given to share
In the wisdom of those who are with our God
That returns to us in thoughts and prayer
We have not totally lost our beloved
They live in the thoughts and souls of all
We can see them in each new birth of life
As we nurture them to grow big and tall
I know Memorial Day can be sad
But, it is the day that reflects the promise of care
That if we live earth's challenges in our Faith's name
We will receive all the treasures of a new life to share
Our Gloucester
Our Gloucester
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Our Gloucester, she exists in our hearts
Its tales of woe's and seas of gallantry
We could be far away, but of our souls
Our Island we call home will never part
Its heritage more precious than diamonds or gold
The schooners, and draggers and ships at sail
Ten-Pound Island and the mysteries it holds
Our golden sands, changing with the storm tossed gale
Imprints of life erased by each mornings tide
Seagulls with their young gathering to feast
Gloucester made famous by fishermen of the sea
By others who fought for the rights of people like you or me
Our Gloucester of today and its many challenges present
That will be reached by Heritages pride and commitment
Our Gloucester is now to be molded into time
By the symbol of our Fishermen of the sea
It makes us proud of our heritage that on the new quarter
Is the Captain at the wheel and the Leader of Gloucester's Fleet
Priority
Priority
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
Heaven's Gates have opened once more,
To let this mother in we all adore,
A lady of wondrous charm and grace,
Twinkling eyes and smiling face.
Her earthly deeds have no end,
For in her heart love would descend,
Upon all her children big or small,
Working to make life better for all.
Her task on God's earth is done,
Heaven above has chosen her as one,
To prepare a place for us to stay,
When God comes to take us His way.
But until that time does finally come,
We will unite here as a family of one,
To carry on all her desires,
Of which from her teachings we are inspired.
Hand me Downs
We can reflect on the hand me downs we wore
Such as the shirts and pants we could not buy
Or the responsibility of doing our chores
Hand me downs of a brothers bike or Fathers car
Or the wedding gown from the day that mother's wed
The family pictures we always treasured
Or just the words of loved ones said
Hand me downs that helped us grow
In the wisdom we as children were blessed to share
What we do with our hand me downs is all up to you
We can live in Life's fast lane
Or treasure the hand me downs that guides us true
Hand me downs are the blessings of love
From the hearts of Father's and Mother's
Hand me downs are also of the circle of Faith
That we hold as God's family of sisters and brothers
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Shredded but Whole
Shredded but Whole
By Peter A. Todd
Petertoddpoet.com
In skies of blue I wave near water's edge
All torn and cruelly tattered
My staff broken and splintered
The symbol of my honorable duty shattered
I was spit on and lowly cursed
With words of hatred even by the young
Stepped on and kicked just like a ball
By teenagers out for a night of fun
They will never stop me I will wave even more
For I am the flag of Freedom and Glory
Through many treacherous land I have soared
The red of my stripes and each soldier's story
Just as the field of blue and ocean's near
My white representing our countries Faith
The stars of all our great states
Under God's and below his Heaven's gates
My Finnish Heritage
These are my heritage from my grandparents, aunts and uncles and my mother Ida Marie Putaansuu.