we gave a cry and all rejoiced for this our birth complete
we are our first steps greeted with open arms
our first word that brought an admiring smile...
trace the years and their memories await anew
a montage, a kaleidoscope, of one's life view
sounds, impressions, of place time and moments sweet
where our dreams and our days come to meet
praise, punishment, joy and pain come to define
a life known as rightly yours, a life lived as mine
and what brings reason to pause this very day
but the wondrous Creation given by Life along its way
a sculpture unveiled and all in AWE and PRAISE
for what each has brought to their ennobled days
and then a painting, a poem, an endearing embrace
upon a time line of memories now they to place
decades of moons have brought mystery and delight
magical be this waxing and waning of Creation's light
and so this heart, this soul, in time's grasp and claim
be held in the spirit and glory of our Creator's name
be it of yesterdays or days yet, and dreams enfold
each new gaze, a breath, a sigh, be this our story told.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
