Carol Barker-Bettencourt

South Paris, Maine

She has loved poetry since the age of two. Her father read his own poetry to her. During her youth her Aunt Net often read children poems to her and her cousin Doreen. She loved teaching younger children swimming and horseback riding. Her favorite poets where Long-fellow and Robbie Burns! She married her childhood sweetheart and had four beautiful daughters. Each child has her own artistic talents, through song, dance and art. Along with the love of pets, Carol has had many of her poems published along with photos and biographies in local newspapers. She has written three children books with illustrations! Currently done several water color paintings. Some coincide with her poems. She welcomes letters from other artists and the public. She says, "Poetry comes from the soul."

The White Owl

He came in the winter, sailing out of the sky, with massive
wings, a white snow owl
He perched upon a bird house, then cocked his head and
gave a scowl
For a death had occurred of Nana, a very treasured
woman;
As we watched this beautiful bird, one could not help
thinking he was a omen.
After awhile, the owl set out on its journey, as it sailed above the trees
One wanted to get down on their knees.
It looked like an angel saying good-bye
When the white wings started to blend in with the sky.

Many Shades Of Green

Spring is a new beginning, giving to the
many shades of green:
Starting out regrowth and new birth in
between,
Many appear through shoots or buds, peeking
up from the earth,
Another year of new birth.
Summer, nature flourishes in growth,
while reaching for the sun,
In it's peak of beauty of the many shades
of nature.
For yet their change is not done.
Fall, nature changes into deeper colors,
and sheds her leaves,
Seed and pollen are carried by the breeze,
Landing in the cradle of mother earth.
Blending with the soil, to create and show
natures worth;
Winter nurtures and stores, while underground,
covered with a blanket of snow,
Waiting for the warmth of spring, for the seeds
to grow.

Stoney Brook

We would walk a well
worn path among the trees.

While listening to chirping birds
and humming bees.

To a setting of enclosed large
rocks with a small water
falls over a pool.

Frolicking under the falls
until we were cool.

Swimming to our hearts
content in the enclosed pool.

On many hot summer days
we would spend hours here
under a cloudless sky.

After we would lie out on
the rocks to dry.

A running brook that joins
the Little Androscogin River,

Nature at it's best God
being the giver.