Charles J. Vallo Murphysboro, Illinois

My father was from Palermo, Italy. He arrived in the United States when he was 12 years old and went to the St. Andrews School. He also worked in the coal mines after grade school graduation. Later on he started a grocery business, which carried general merchandise. He was the agent for the Cunard Line, selling tours from the United States to Italy and vice versa. My education was four years of High School and Business courses. I operated the store for 25 years, and then sold it. I was the Tax Assessor, then a Supervisor. I worked for the State of Illinois for 8 years.

The Hummingbird Just watch them as they dart up and down They are so very smart and alert Although they are very small and short Watch them as they cheer your heart They come around each and every year I love to see their every move The feeling they give to one is great Most of the time they are never late You know that they come each and every spring They dart about home every summer What a great thrill to see them dart They leave a rainbow in your very heart What a thrill to wake up in the morning Knowing that they will charm you again As you take care of them each and every day They leave you with the feeling of cheer.

America the USA The greatest of them all One that will never fail Try to give it your best It will always be above the rest When you go across the lands You know you are in good hands As you travel along the way Everyone wants to say hello Every mile you travel will be great The scenery will be amazing All the different birds will be singing What a joy it is to be on your way Every day has different weather You will enjoy the great change Everyone will agree with you today Even if you have a long delay

When You Wish Upon a Star Just make your wish with a favorite star Be happy every day as you are Do not extend your ways very far As you know that heaven is not very far Our daily life is like a big star Just be very happy every day as you are Do not let your very heart be on fire It is time to make your wish upon a star When you wish for a star to shine Just hope it is not a very long time As you know life is a very fine line You will be there in your good time All our wishes will never be true So do not be sorry when it is blue Our life is built under a great star Carry a rainbow in your heart to be smart.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Charles J. Vallo. All rights reserved.