Joseph R. Tomaino

Monroeville, Pennsylvania, USA

I have been writing poetry and composing music since I completed my tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps after World War II.My wife, children, relatives and friends are my inspiration. I have added music to some of my poems and even had them recorded.My interest in poetry began in high school when I read Joyce Kilmer's poem, "Trees" which was also put to music. The poem "Trees" was found on his body when he was killed in battle during World War I.All that I am, all that I do, I owe to my wife, the love of my life, "Mary."

My Love Gift

Although you deserve much more than this
I sealed the box with my love and a kiss.
This gift may leave you very fast
But my love for you will last and last.
This may be only a very small token
But words of love are often spoken.
You will always be my beautiful bride
Who held my hand and stood by my side.
As we made our vows to stay together
As long as we live forever and ever.
Some loves may come and some may go
But our love will continue to grow and grow.
The time has come to see with your eyes
If you really like this little surprise.
I don't profess to be a poet
As you can see these words show it.
These words of love are all very true
For they come from the heart from me to you.

Tiny,The Christmas Angel

Come gather around me my children dear,
For there is a story I want you to hear.
It's all about God who is near and afar,
Who made an Angel into a star.
A long time ago in the heavens above
There were many angels all full of love.
All angels have beautiful long, wavy hair
And wings that carry them through the air.
When combing and brushing their hair and wings
Their halos stood out like bright golden rings.
The honor to be with the King of all men
Would soon be chosen from one of them.
The tiniest angel, the smallest of all
Kept praying that God would give Tiny the call.
The good Lord listened and heard Tiny's plea
And called to the little one, "Come here to me."
The little one flew very fast through the sky
As teardrops streamed out of Tiny's eyes.
The trail Tiny left was very clear
That the Wise Men knew they had nothing to fear.
It was then Tiny knew, Tiny's prayers had come true.
Tiny was the star and the light that shone so bright
When Jesus was born
On that first Christmas night.
So you see, dear children
God is not very far
By praying to him
You too could be a star.