Maxine Taylor Elkins, West Virginia

Maxine is a retired designer and decorator of parade floats, with awards in artistic designs. Her poems have been published in newspapers, programs, and the National Library of Poetry. Her hobbies are writing poetry and bowling. She is active in fraternal work and is the 1996 West Virginia Fraternalist of the Year.

Inspirations I often think of many things, My mind just seems to soar, It wanders far to distant lands I've never seen before. The towers rise into the air Magnificent and tall. The snow capped mountains even higher To form a living wall. I see the castles on the Rhine Against the hillsides fair. I think of all the people then Who might be living there. At last my mind returns once more To mundane chores that call, I have my inspirations now So, I don't mind at all.

My Children Little shoes along the hall, Finger marks upon the wall, Toys scattered over all My Children Cries of pains, And tears of joy, Tossing, tumbling, little boys My children Sounds of laughter sheer delight Hard to get to bed at night Dirty, grimy, such a sight- My Children Years have passed And now I yearn For the days of their return My Children

Anniversary It seems like only yesterday That our wedding date was set; Although it's been so many years, The memories linger yet. I guess that we've experienced life, In almost every form. We've enjoyed the greatest pleasures And weathered every storm, We've walked together side by side, As we traveled on through life; And I have always felt so proud, That you chose me for your wife. I wouldn't change my life with you, For any other way. We've reached another milestone, dear It's our Golden Wedding Day!"

M All poems Copyright © 1996 Maxine Taylor. All rights reserved.