Nelda Hartman 

Cherryville, North Carolina 

Nelda started writing poetry in 1977. From World of Poetry, she received the Golden Poet Award for 1991 plus six award of merit certificates. She is a lifetime member of The International Society of Poets. The Famous Poets Society honored her as a Famous Poet for 1996. Many poems have been published by The National Library of Poetry and Hometown Memories published four short stories and one poem in Cleveland County Tales. Two local papers have published many of her poems, also. She states, "If, through my poems, I can show others the beauty of God's creation and bring to them a smile, then my life is worthwhile." Nelda was elected into The International Poetry Hall of Fame in 1996,1998 and received the Editor's Choice Award from The National Library of Poetry in 1997,1999.  She has also received an Award of Recognition of being a famous poet.  Nelda has also received Famous Poet for 1998 and an Editor's Choice Award for 1999.

Crystal City

I lay dreaming warm and still
protected from winter's chill.
While I slept little did I know
a storm brought sleet and snow
that I would awake to a beautiful dream
it's beauty before seldom seen.
A crystal city before my eyes
from the ground to the sky.
This must be just a glimpse
of how beautiful Heaven will be
with gold as glass and a crystal sea.
My crystal city perhaps today
will melt then drip away.
Heaven's crystal city forever will be,
friend please come to Jesus,
then go with me!

January Morn

Bare branches of each tree
on this chilly January morn
look so cold so forlorn.
Gray skies dip ever so low
left from yesterday's dusting of snow.
Yet in the heart of each tree
waiting for each who wait to see
new life as warm sun and breeze will blow,
like magic, unlock springs sap to flow,
buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow.

Like heart and soul in every man
who let their light grow ever dim
a spark still burns low within
longing to burst forth, to shine again.
Like bare branches on a January morn
don't feel cold don't feel forlorn.
Our Heavenly Father like warm spring sun
like gentle warm wind
when called upon
will make each light burn bright again.

Last Snowflake

It's march and I wonder if you know
where did the last snowflake go?
He packed his fluffy white bag
and caught his best friend
the cold icy north bound wind.
This is how the last snowflake did go
way up north to play with the Eskimo.

Snowflake I love you I truly do
all the joys of summer
can't make me forget you.
I'll go to the children play and run.
I thought you'd be happy if I let you know
that even thought I'm having fun
I'll count each day till you return!