Norma Payne Van Buren, Missouri

Norma has been writing poetry since she was inspired by her English teacher in Decatur, IL. She got her B.S. degree at Northwestern University, and her Master's Degree at the University of Illinois. She is retired after 33 years of teaching, spending her last 11 years as a guidance teacher in a small Ozark school. While teaching, Norma received recognition from Who's Who in the World of Women for distinguished achievement, Outstanding American, and a Leader of American Secondary Education in 1971, Who's Who in Missouri Education; Personalities of the Mid-West 1977-1978, Who's Who in Child Development 1986. She served in the American Red Cross during World War II, receiving a certificate from President Truman for her services. Since retiring, she has been active in writing Golf News for her local paper.

Night Reverie The Quarter-Moon hung high in the sky -- As the light of Day fades slowly from sight. The Silhouette of Trees cast shadows of Ghosts -- A beautiful serene feeling for my Soul. The fireflies awakened to the flutter of leaves As a gentle wind swayed to and fro. A noiseless world -- my night reverie -- With fireflies lighting the darkness for me. A Miracle Revealed Looking from my window A Miracle I chanced to see -- Fog lifting from the River Transformed the barren Trees. The Sun slipped out above them From a gray and clouded sky -- A winter wonderland developed Right before my eyes -- Coming to my feeder Were birds of many kinds Making colors of the rainbow -- This sight just blew my mind. An Eagle joined my picture He was looking for some fish The beauty of this Winter Morn Was a Nature Lover's Wish.

The Current River Responds The winds came up in the middle of the night -- Then came the storm with its lightening so bright. We heard the never ending pounding of the rain As it hit the rooftops and window panes Daylight broke but the rain was not through It rained quite hard for another day plus two. The current river turned muddy as the water did rise -- And everyone worried, hoping it wouldn't get high -- Everything mobile was moved as the water did creep -- It was said the river might rise another ten feet-- Then during the night, as quick as it had grown -- The River dropped down, as Old Timers had known. Next Morning -- it was Muddy but back in its banks -- It will soon be Clear, and we'll all give Thanks. What is a Home? Home is the place where someone cares. Home is the place where everyone shares -- Home is the place where we all want to be -- Home is the place that lets one feel free! When we are young, we like to roam -- But when we are lonely -- we think of home. When we are old -- and not quite so spry We enjoy the comforts our homes do supply. But, as we look back over the years The feelings of Our Homes -- has conquered our fears.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Norma Payne. All rights reserved.