Writers Corner

65 Years Young

and Counting

For five and sixty years these two

Have lived as man and wife.

They knew their time on earth was due

To share a treasured life.

With service during many wars

The pilot and his bride

Would know just what the fight was for:

The nation was their pride.

In homes that numbered twenty-six

They traveled 'round the world.

With housing only Mom could fix

Her country's flag unfurled.

Then educators each their choice

For more than twenty years.

In math and science lent their voice

To quell their students' fears.

A quarter century since has passed

To lake place they've retired.

Their legacy is sure to last

As six kids have admired.

We'll gather soon to toast this pair

This far-flung Austin tree.

With grandkids added to the share,

It totals fifty-three.

We thank our God above us, too.

His blessings daily send.

This tribute that we pledge anew:

"Our love will never end."

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad.

- John Austin, Harrison

Why Do We Dance

The Holiday Hustle?

It's time to dance the Holiday Hustle - Pray for endurance, patience and muscle

Because once your bottom starts to bustle - You're in for the dance of the year

It's 1, 2, 3 shop and 1, 2, 3 bake - Put up a tree, some pictures you'll take

With them greeting cards you will make - To deliver your Holiday cheer

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, sale after sale - Discount coupons arrive in the mail

From merchants trying real hard not to fail - To kick your spending in gear

Then you shop, return and credit card shift - Trying to find the most perfect gift

For every person's name on your list - As Christmas morning draws near

The Holiday Hustle's a hassle to me - The message we spread isn't what it should be

Pretty wrapped presents, a twinkling tree - And Santa Claus and his reindeer?

I believe when Christmas Season begins - We should count our Blessings, let Jesus in

Christmas without Him is really a sin - It's becoming "the normal," I fear

Now we know Christmas Day will come and go - But with God's Blessings, that isn't so

Please Celebrate Him, it's what Christmas is for - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

- Charmaine Heidt, Rose Lake

Send us your original poems, prose, essays and anecdotes.

The Press Writers Corner features original, creative writing submitted by our readers. We publish the column most Fridays in the North Idaho Life section of the print edition of The Press.

Send your Writers Corner submissions to Maureen Dolan, [email protected].

We prefer email submissions, and ask that you limit the length of your short stories, essays and poems. Please include your hometown with your submission.

You can send hard-copies by mail to Maureen Dolan at The Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.