Teresa Macaulay Morrisville, PA

I was born in Trenton, NY, and went to Ewing Township schools. I began having visual problems in my early teens and was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration in 1966; therefore I am legally blind. After my two daughters gave me five beautiful grandchildren, I became inspired when they would ask me to read them stories when they were visiting. I couldn't see to read them stories, so I would make them up. It was clear to me that they loved my stories, so I decided to make a compilation of them in book form to share with other children. They can teach all children love, moral, and of course, nonviolence. I submitted my first poem, "The Little Old Man in The Boot" to I.S.P. and since then I have had 3 more poems published in their books, and 2 others published in other books.

The Little Old Man in the Boot There was an old man who lived in a boot He had no family, he just had a flute He played it all day, and he played it all night, He woke up the neighbors, that just wasn't right. The neighbors, they shut all their windows and doors, They just couldn't stand to hear anymore He was so alone most of his life He never had children, or even a wife. They asked him to leave, and move out of town He's been so many places; he's been all around He decided he better throw out his flute Now he had nothing, just him and his boot. The little old lady who lived in the shoe Had so many children she didn't know what to do She couldn't get her children at night to settle down They missed hearing the old man and his musical sound. I must take a walk to see the old man We must have a talk, he must understand I am the old lady who lives in the shoe The one with all the children; the ones that miss you. The children won't sleep without your sweet sound Please, we don't want you to move out of town I brought you a flute, I know it's not new But the way that you play, I'm sure it will do. Come move your boot down by my shoe, And play your flute, because we love you The old man was so happy, that he started to cry "I finally have a family, oh my, oh my." So the little old lady moved to his boot And the little old man taught them all how to play the flute So they practiced and practiced every day And before long, they formed their own parade. Everyone in town opened their windows and doors So they could hear and see a little bit more Their musical sound gave peace and joy To every adult, little girl and boy.

The Playground I climbed the ladder way to the top Of the sliding board that was so hot. The sun beating down gave me such a frown When I sat on my bottom and slid to the ground. I ran to the swings that went high and low. You must hold on tight I'm sure you know. The seesaw, I know I must have a friend To sit across from me at the other end. We went up and down so very high, I felt I could reach and touch the sky. I must go home now and help Mother cook, And after dinner she reads me a book-- The Non-Violent Stories and Poems book By Teresa Macaulay; you should take look.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Teresa Macaulay. All rights reserved.