Betty J. Stevenson

Chatham, Ontario, Canada

I lived, worked and married in the same rural area of Merlin (near Chatham), Ontario, Canada. I worked as a secretary and married a farmer nearby. I had six children and now have nine grandchildren. For forty years, I have written poetry of the events of my life. All poems were stored in my memory drawer. I collected them together after the death of my husband and published a book called ÒMemory LaneÓ for the family. Soon it was put in libraries, churches, newspapers and even the name of a street. I wrote childrenÕs stories too; like the one below about my grandson Trevor. Memories are forever.

A Minor League Hockey Game

They line up behind the boards
Waiting for that whistle blow
They are like young professionals
They know thatÕs when they go.

You should see those little guys
When the hockey game begins
Determined they will be the one
To get the score to win.

The whistle blows loud and shrill
They spring into action once more
The coaches open up the gates
And out on the ice they pour.

Glistening steel blinds your eyes
Their sticks are poised and ready
For when that puck drops on the ice
TheyÕre cool and quick and steady.

They really have to practice
Every play not quite the same
And all their parents watching
Are sure glad that they came.

They take turns playing centre
Forward and defense
They keep the game exciting
And keep everyone in suspense.

ItÕs up to them to remember
The coaches strategy and advice
They all get in formation
As someone shoots it down the ice.

Everyone is standing in the bleachers
When the red light comes on
The whistle blows and they all know
The game must go on.

Parents proudly watch their kids
As they maneuver around the rest
And fake out the goalie
Who never seems to get a rest.

They can barely see above the boards
As they watch their opponents faces
They fill the arena with excitement
As they line up in their places.

Whoever wins doesnÕt change a thing
They are still the best of friends
Trevor says ÒIÕll see you next weekÓ
They shake hands and the game ends.

The vending machine in the hallway
Spills out coke for everyone
For those little players
ÒA job well doneÓ.