Justin P. Malady Watertown, New York

Justin Malady graduated from high school during the Depression years, unprepared for the difficult years ahead. Son of a tradesman father and survivalist mother, he developed a broad imagination with a creative mind. He survived, living a life unrelated to his love of poetry. His endeavors took him through many positions that expanded his creativity. He retired in 1976, accepting poetry as a hobby. Most of his work is a reflection of his life, translated into poetry. Since 1976 he has written and published over 1200 poems in 24 booklets of 50 poems each.

Christmas Memories I'll be home for Christmas To spend that pleasant day When the spirits gather To take my blues away. The memories of youth Reflect a Christmas tree; The meaning of time Comes rushing back to me. The reasons for giving, Receiving gifts for love; The love for our Savior Who looks down from above. He too received those gifts, Appropriate in time, For those who honored Him, The Son of God sublime.

Squirrels in Play Below the beckoning Beech Nut tree The squirrels in pleasure play; Each a member of that kinship Gathering forage while they may. Gregarious in their pleasure As they patter here and there Filling cheeks with beech nuts With a squirrelish flair. Up and down the Beech Nut tree They chase in shadowy delight For pleasure or picking rights They engage in playful fights. They scold and chatter as they play As warning or from fright; One can never humor them They will chase away from sight. Sit and watch them by the hour With their acts all on display; They surely then will humor you In their uninhibited way.

Love is a Robin Love is a robin Nesting in a tree, A tree is a cradle The home of Liberty, Liberty is the justice Earned to be free, Free is the right Of being happy. Happy is a privilege Earned by you and me, Just to watch a robin Nesting in a tree.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Justin P. Malady. All rights reserved.