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Coloring Page
Amelia Bindon, Age 10
Ariana Williams, Age 8
Nicholas Tulip, Age 6
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Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) Charitable Foundation Alaska Animal Advocates www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173 Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska. In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed. We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675 Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which a Safe and Caring place for ladies, without homes, to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs. We also offer different community assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Denali Family Services
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291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to school-age children and teens, we need your talents and skills. We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment. For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org.
www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community/round-up meacontact@mea.coop 907-761-9300 Since 2011, the MEA Charitable Foundation has given grants to fund projects impacting libraries, playgrounds, seniors, veterans, recycling, at-risk youth, and much more. In 2019, MEA Charitable Foundation reached over $1,000,000 in contributions to the community with Operation RoundUp® Program! Organizational grants are capped at $10,000. Please remember to check our website for requirements and submit your completed application — including financials! For meeting and reviewing grants, MEACF operates on a quarterly cycle.
Mat-Su Health Foundation healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit healthymatsu.org to learn about
scholarship and funding opportunities.
Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411 Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income. We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of
Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
Valley Arts Alliance www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types—painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Valley Charities, Inc. www.valleycharities.org Valley Charities, Inc. has proudly served the Mat-Su Valley Community for over sixty years. Our purpose continues to be “Connecting those who need help with the help they need” specifically and directly within the Mat-Su Valley. We provided community services through our turn-A-leaf thrift store, medical equipment loans, Housing and Safety Grant Programs. We have expanded our services and partnerships to reach additional families in the Mat-Su needing support beyond clothing vouchers and Medical Equipment loans when an unexpected crisis arises.
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 RECYCLING: Be part of the solution. DROP OFF: The community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the Central Landfill. Follow the smells. NEW HOURS: Drive through drop-off open Tues – Fri 9:30 - 5:00 and Sat 8:00 to 5:00. Recycle cardboard, aluminum cans, magazines, this newspaper and more. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! ONLINE: Visit our website for more details, follow us on FaceBook and Instagram. To learn more, visit our classroom. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community!
Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006 To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues. Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.
Wasilla Homeless-Committee www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907-5212949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/wasillahomelesscommitteepage
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Events
Poetry & Prose Contributed by Robert Lyons
Contributed by Amy Pettit, Alaska Farmland Trust 5th Annual Drink Beers, Save Farms Summer Concert! 6/20/2020 - 7PM Alaska Farmland Trust Paridise Alaska 16105 E Outer Springer LP. Palmer
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Alaska Farmland Trust is pleased to announce that the 5th Annual Drink Beer, Save Farms Summer Concert featuring The Ken Peltier Band will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Paradise Alaska in Palmer. This outdoor, family-friendly event is the largest
fundraiser of the year for Alaska Farmland Trust, and due to limitations brought on by COVID-19, may be our only opportunity in 2020 to raise the resources needed to fulfill our mission of farmland protection. The social media reach for our 2019 event was over 25,000 people, and we anticipate increased engagement this year. Title, Partner and Supporting Sponsors are needed. Please contact Amy Pettit at amypettit@akfarmland.com or (907) 355-2706 for more information.
It displeases me the lack of context A mess of ideas and theories What's that term? 30000 feet. Anthropology, combined with history Some stats and math , but really? Skeptic of science we must be, Its purpose is tied to a search Its destination unknown So science is grown, a pretty little plant Theology must not be overlooked Much is in the Holy Books A scientist even must admit It would be improper to omit Thousands of years of intellect The best a man can agreeably get
Is a view that's completely holistic Beneficial a toolbox that is completely full Obstruction lies in the minds of fools Our search here on earth is not to believe Faith requires your senses to leave The path to truth is your personal relationship A dangerous journey, a rolling ship But as you navigate closer to the gate You will see, what a huge mistake Stems from following the wake of untruth Destruction’s ghouls convincing you To follow them over the rim Beginning again a grim dilemma Which one, a sin or a schema? The methods sway as statistics say The coin flip lands either way.
Arts Contributed by Carmen Summerfield During these stressful times, we need to substitute pleasure for pain, and laughter for anguish. But with all the bad news, where do we start? I was speaking to some of our Valley Arts Alliance members recently about this, and wondering how we can inject some humor into our lives. Hillary Saffran suggested this idea, and I quote her… “So many things happening in our society and all over the globe is definitely no laughing matter. But laughter has so many health benefits, and I want to add as much light and laughter as I can to this world. “When things get so dire you can feel everyone's stress level go up enormously, which is why I think of humor as the valve to relieve a lot of that built up stress. “There have been so many YouTube videos and humorous memes that have popped up during this pandemic, as so many people are being forced to live in ways that they have not been used to previously.” Hillary is a true comedienne. Besides performing comedy for several years in several
Valley Arts Alliance productions, she had been in an improv group in Denver. She remarked, “Improv always makes me laugh!” So the Valley Arts Alliance decided to act on Hillary’s advice and guidance, and canvas our members for budding comedians (and I’ve found that everyone can be funny, if they try). Our goal is to form some type of improv group, to perform short skits for our Valley Arts Alliance members.
Members helping members have fun! We hope to perform an improv session every month or so at our meetings. We’ll keep it small, and only for our members, so we can always maintain “social distances”. After all, we want to make this as comfortable and enjoyable for everyone as possible. So consider this idea for your group - even a family grouping can have fun and make others laugh. It’s time to inject some laughter back into our lives!
THE FLYING CHEF HOSTS KEVIN MCCABE FOR ALASKA STATE HOUSE 6/19/2020 - 6PM Vote Kevin McCabe Gazebo Behild The Reagan Building 3161 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event, Donations Welcome - (907) 203-7832 www.kevinjmccabe.com ALASKA HEALTH FAIR BLOOD DRAW (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) 6/24/2020 - 8AM Alaska Health Fair Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost Varies - (907) 278-0234 www.alaskahealthfair.org PALMER MUSEUM GARDEN & ART FAIRE 7/11/2020 - 10AM Palmer Museum of History & Art Downtown Palmer FREE Admission www.palmergardenandart.org
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Contributed by Ailis Vann Palmer Museum Garden & Art Faire 7/11/2020 - 10AM Downtown Palmer FREE Admission From the museum’s showcase garden to the Palmer quad, join us Saturday July 11th to celebrate Midsummer in Palmer! In the historic town center, the Palmer Museum Garden and Art Faire brings together master gardeners, dozens of local artisans, food trucks and live music. The faire has a 13-year history, and this year marks the first that the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce will host the event. While we strive to celebrate our local artists and businesses year-round, this Palmer staple offers the chance to expose dozens of artists, musicians and agricultural geniuses to locals and visitors alike.
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For the garden enthusiast, we have a day for you! Stop by booths hosted by the Mat-Su Master Gardeners, Aurora Gardens and Wasilla Lights Farm for all the latest and greatest in Valley gardeners. Get your hands dirty with workshops led by the UAF Experiment Farm, the Cook Inlet Bonsai Study Group and more! Top it off by taking a stroll through Palmer’s showcase garden in full bloom, facilitated by the
wonders of gardener Alicia Greene. For the art savant, you will be spoiled for choices! From glass blowing to pottery to watercolor, we have more than twenty art vendors and workshops scattered throughout the faire. Watch live renaissance painting by Palmer’s own Barbara Hunt, and check out the museum’s Artist of the Week in their temporary gallery. For the family fairegoer, face painting, live music and delicious food vendors are at your disposal. Help us chalk the library sidewalk, explore over 50 vendors worth of fun, and enjoy the beauty of Palmer in the full throes of summer! As you enjoy our lovely faire, take a moment to enjoy our lovely town as well! Cast an eye to the vibrant businesses of Palmer’s downtown, who welcome visitors and locals alike every day year-round. Take a stroll across the tracks down Alaska Street and soak in the pride and hard work of a vested community. The faire is free to the public, and open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, July 11th, 2020. For more info, visit our website www.palmergardenandart.org or check out our Facebook page @Midsummer Garden and Art Faire.
Contributed by Nancy Angelini Crawford My goal as an artist is to add peace and beauty to our world, but I recently began to ask myself, “Am I making a difference?” I love landscapes, seascapes and wildlife and there’s nothing wrong with adding beauty and peace to the world through art; but here in my studio full of paintings, I still felt an emptiness. That’s where
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it started. The project I’m working on is called “Portraits of Hope”. It started months ago before the Coronavirus was even a word we were familiar with. I decided to contact Michelle Carney Overstreet who began MY House. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a coffee house, boutique and a place to develop healthy relationships for homeless youth in Wasilla. Her project teaches them how to respect and be
respected, essentials for holding down a job and that there is hope for, and in, each one of them. I’ve been trying to be involved for years, but didn’t find my fit. Finally, I reached out to Michelle and asked her about my idea. She loved it and I am so thankful to be a helping part now. I started my project by sitting with clients one on one. I would listen to their stories… where they came from,
where they are now and what they look forward to in their future. Since COVID, I’ve had to change the way I do this. We’ve used Facebook and phone calls and shared photos. I’ve even painted from photos and a phone call to paint a portrait of a young woman in Kodiak. This young lady has experienced more hardship than most do in a lifetime, but she was one of the most positive and hopeful people I’ve ever talked to. I want these portraits to be more than skin-deep. They all have a story. The beautiful thing is now they can see a positive future; they have hopes and dreams that are attainable. The most common thread was how they all felt like MY House changed their life and how Michelle and the staff have become like family. I want them to know that if painted portraits are primarily for the elite, then they belong. My goal is to paint between 15 and 20 portraits of people who have passed through or been connected with MY House. When they are completed, they’ll be auctioned off. There will be an alternative option for the winning bidder so the model can receive their portrait. “Beauty from Ashes”, Hope Forward, is my centerpiece painting for the show. My plan is to do an auction by the end of summer. A large portion of the proceeds will go to MY House.
To see the portraits completed so far, visit my website at www. AngeliniStudio.com and keep your eyes open for the date and place!
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Be watching for this and give generously in your ability, whether in time or finances to either bid on these portraits or volunteer your gifts for a better tomorrow. I think we can all use a little extra hope today.
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Contributed by Michael B Dillon, BurnHouse Pictures BurnHouse Pictures and Baird Media are very proud to announce the theatrical release of the muchanticipated Alaskan independent thriller, “Peaks & Valleys”. News of the release stems from a rare opportunity offered by Coming Attractions Theatres late last week and will bring the rarely-seen film to screens in Wasilla and Kenai on Friday, June 19, 2020.
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“Wrapped in plastic and thrown from a plane into a rural Alaskan lake would usually mean the end of the story. For Bailey, it's just the beginning. Waking naked, battered and horrifically traumatized, she finds herself trapped in a secluded cabin somewhere in the wilds of Alaska. Her only company, Jack, is a hard nosed man of few words who makes no question of his desire to be left alone. With winter taking its grip on the surrounding wilderness, Bailey must overcome the aftermath of her ordeal and survive long enough to make it home. With Jack as her only aid, she soon suspects that his secrets were never meant to leave the cabin.” “Peaks & Valleys”, directed by Michael Burns and written by Michael B. Dillon, features the awe-inspiring performances of Kevin Bennett and Kitty Mahone. Bennett, a veteran character actor with credits including “Frozen Ground”, expertly brings the grizzled Jack to life through a true love/hate relationship with the audience. Mahone, best known for her work behind the camera with Chad Carpenter’s “Moose” and “Sudsy Slim Rides Again”, offers a riveting performance sure to moisten the driest of eyes in the house.
The filmmakers had been working very hard in securing distribution for the 97-minute feature earlier this year. Plans were then put on an indeterminate hold following the
growing concern of the COVID19 Pandemic and subsequent closing of theatres nationwide in support of quarantine and social distancing efforts.
As tensions are beginning to relax, Coming Attractions Theatres in Alaska opened their doors recently, featuring a slew of theatre favorites in their lineup. With release dates on major films being pushed back to later this summer, a rare opportunity presented itself for “Peaks & Valleys” to be featured as something new for moviegoers in this transitional time. This is very welcome news for director, Michael Burns, and writer, Michael B. Dillon, following an extremely successful world premier of the film at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival last April. The pair traveled along with producer, Steve Silba, and veteran actor, Kevin Bennett, to attend the premier in Dubuque, IA along the shores of the majestic Mississippi River. What happened next was beyond anything the filmmakers could have expected. The week-long event featured 113 films and had never soldout a showing in their 9-year history. ‘Peaks & Valleys’, however, sold out all three of its showings with festival workers scrambling to find more space for an audience eager to see the Alaskan gem. “It was crazy,” says Dillon. “We showed up for the premier and they told us we were too late. When I started arguing that there was still a half-hour until it was scheduled to start, they told us that it was sold out and there was no room. We had to turn away more people from the premier than were able see it. They had to move the second showing minutes before showtime because they had sold out again and the line was still stretching down the stairs and across the lobby. I was in tears watching all of those people so eager to see what we had done.”
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Film The stellar response to the film has also led the duo of Burns and Dillon onward into planning the multi-million dollar feature, “Dividends”. Along with Alaskan investors and major players in the motion picture industry, the ambitious Alaskan heist film project gained an enormous amount of steam through the beginning of 2020. “Peaks & Valleys” theatre release also follows the recent completion of a distribution deal for
the award winning film, “Proper Binge”, another project which Burns and Dillon worked together on. The gritty look at alcoholism against the backdrop of the Last Frontier garnered a slew of awards during its festival tour including Best Actor (Bradford Jackson) at the Beverly Hills International Film Festival and Best Feature at the Twin Tiers Film Festival in New York. The film is set to be featured at The Valley Cinema in Wasilla and Kenai
Cinemas in Kenai on Friday June 19th. Depending on the success of the screenings, Coming Attractions Theatres has indicated that they would be willing to extend the run and offer the film in other locations as they become available for hosting guests again. The filmmakers remain very optimistic that this will happen and call on the community for help in furthering the success of this amazing film. “This would never have happened without the stellar community of
Alaska,” says Dillon. “We understand that very well and we also understand how that same community can raise this film even higher. “Peaks & Valleys” has been a real labor of love and we are so very proud of what it’s become. So thanks, Alaska...and we’ll see you at the movies!” More information on “Peaks & Valleys” can be found at www.facebook.com/ peaksandvalleysmovie
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Randi Perlman A pioneering spirit, with a passion deep and true. A thoughtful, always active mind, with the drive to see it through. A heart so full of caring, she’s there for you in need. Encouraging your sharing, a steadfast friend, indeed. A founder of a movement, for the greater good of all. To help an ailing planet by answering the call. To provide a means for resources to be used once and again. Then keep them out of landfills and into recycling bins. From a tiny seed planted in 1998 The movement has sprouted all across our great state. Many partners have joined to show their support, and more and more people are jumping on board THEN: a series of one-stops in lots around town. NOW: a LEED Gold Resource Recovery Park where diversity abounds A place for community, as it states in our name Diverting waste from the landfill and recycling’s our game.
M o l l i e, We can’t thank you enough for holding fast to our Mission. For your dogged persistence in pursuit of your Vision. You will always be known for guiding the ship. As it sailed through new waters on a long, winding trip. We wish you the BEST on life’s next big adventure. You’ll make it count, of that we are quite sure! As you hit your 67th turn ‘round the sun, Know that you’re much loved, and we’ll wish you fun And good health, may it hold you close to the heart… Congratulations! Happy Birthday! Enjoy your new start!
Mollie Boyer is a founding member of Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS), and was its executive director from 1998 through most of 2019, an amazing testament to her persistence, determination, and passionate belief in recycling and all its benefits. She has gifted our community with a living legacy that will be proudly carried on by the staff and board of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that could!
Contributed by Robert Lyons What is holding a man down? An indiscernible frown? A certain part of town? Not hearing the sounds When one is down? A wink and a nod Corruption and fraud? Eggshells to tread When walking your dog? A job lost for your looks? Burning some books? Lies from the experts? Lies from the leaders? Antagonist media deceivers? Elitist monopolist corporate
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Contributed by Coleen Anderson Rain falls from the sky. Sound fills silence. Lights flash in my eyes. A door opens with a smile. He takes my hand, So warm, so right. We keep moving Until our fears are out of sight. The night beckons us with open arms, Yet his world and mine are so far apart. When the stars set and with the sunrise,
Achievers? People who wanna make manna from believers? Opportunistic political moneymakers? The anarchist fakers Public service life takers Prison for minor mistakes Fear of authority Being treated deplorably From grade school to economy Commonly looked down upon? What holds a man down? We do. Again and again. Can't we all be friends? The echo remains. It's been there all along. Get it? Good.
We venture towards our demise. Light fills the sky. A new hope is born. My jeans soaked. My shirt torn. Wide eyes chase the eloping stars. As the sun rises, the day becomes ours. We venture once the sun is up. Hiding in a church, our leave is abrupt. Once we said goodbye, our leave is overdue, Finally we head for 5th Avenue.
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Poetry & Prose Photography
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Contributed by Richard Estelle, Palmer Museum of History & Art Over the years, many photographers have captured the view we consider this month. This photo was taken from the western side of John Bugge’s homestead, atop “Bugge’s Hill” where the Peak Inn is located today. Interesting elements made the view popular - the homestead fields and log barn in foreground, the renowned “Matanuska Colony” community buildings in middle ground, and the rugged mountains that anchor the east end of the valley as a backdrop. Commercial photographers, such as Hewitts of Anchorage, found the image made a popular picture postcard for sale to be mailed to folks “back home” or kept in family collections.
water tower is in place and painted. It was erected as a pre-fabricated “kit” sent up from the Seattle Boiler Works and welded together by a three-man local crew in summer of 1936. We can see scaffolding is removed from the school building, indicating that the exterior construction that began in 1935 and extended into 1936 was completed. The train depot (at center) was constructed in 1936 and appears complete. The hospital (at right) was dedicated in May, 1937 and appears complete.
At the same time, numerous tents are still visible, left over from the “Tent City” days of the Colonist’s arrival in 1935. Construction of Koslosky’s new store, which opened in 1945 is not in evidence. Nor is the Valley Hotel, constructed throughout 1947 for a dedication opening in 1948. The hospital burned in spring of 1946. Given the evidence above, we may assume the photo was taken sometime after 1936, perhaps as early as 1937. Knowing the dates of when things happened, and relating that information to what appears
in a photo, allows us to arrange this month’s image among the two dozen similar views in our collection, placing it sometime between summer of 1937 and spring of 1945. Future discovery of when things happened (such as when that hump in the “Wasilla Road” at the right of the photo was flattened out), plus dates identified for those other similar photos, may help confirm a more specific date for this image. By arranging this photo in the proper sequence with others, allows us to better visualize how Palmer has changed and grown over the years.
The Museum collection includes numerous photos similar to this one, taken at different times and different seasons over the years from the same viewpoint. When viewed together, and arranged in the proper sequence, it’s intriguing to see the changes that are evident over time. In that regard, understanding when things occurred—when buildings were constructed and are evident or missing in a photo, for example, is extraordinarily helpful in understanding when an undated photo was taken. MID-JUN 2020
We don’t have a precise date for when this month’s image was captured, but we can see several clues. It’s obvious that summer is well along as snow on the mountains is essentially gone. The
Poetry & Prose But he said, “Do not touch, Who knows who touched it last?� We live in fear today Of other people's things. And tell our three year olds What toys they should not touch. But I just hope that soon, The child who lost this cart, Will see it sitting here And push it proudly home.
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett The bottom of the hill, Our street comes to an end. A trail runs through the woods, A shortcut to the school. Our lot adjoins the woods. My gardens at its edge. It's wet as wet can be, From runoff down the hill. But on a day in March, Trash joined my flower bed. That day the wind waxed fierce, Came whipping down our street. When finally things calmed down, I went out to the trail. Was shocked, amazed and jarred At what that wind had wrought.
Amid the sundry trash, A tiny grocery cart, All faded pink and blue Was sitting there alone. A child could love this cart, Or did some time ago Who cares that now it's gone? It IS just last year's toy. It rolled down to this place, Street ends and trail begins. I'll let it sit and wait, Perhaps the child will come. Then April comes and goes. The kids walk by the cart, But no one claims this toy. It makes me really sad. I see a man and child Come down the street to look.
This cart all pink and blue, Is meant to give one joy. But here it sits alone, So very out of place. So sad to see it here. While no one mourns its loss. Now May has come and gone, The snow has turned to slush. The little cart still waits. June comes and I might take That little cart to place Within my flower bed. I'd fill the basket full With dirt and flower seeds, And watch them as they grow To flowers pink and blue. Then will this little cart Look happy in my yard, Because I took it home And Gave it LOVE Again?
Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum A long day is still short when the dawn is an accomplice to your rebellion.