Van Dee Garner

Chattanooga, Tennessee

I was nominated for Marquis Who's Who in the south and southwest, 1996. I was nominated and elected for Who's Who in Poetry, Cambridge, England, 1996. I was also nominated and elected for 500 Leaders of Influence in the twentieth century, 1996 by American Biographical Institute, Inc., Raleigh, N.C. I was born in Sherwood Tennessee, January 25, 1933. I graduated from St. Andrews School, Sewanee, Tennessee, 1952. I have been published in many poetry compilations, including The National Library of Poetry, American Poetry Association, World of Poetry, Jean's Journal and other publications. I also have had three books of poetry published. I won the Delaware Heritage "Bill of Rights" award in prose and poetry, 1992. I was selected for Colonel Aide-de-Camp, Governor's Staff, State of Tennessee, 1989.

It's Christmas Time Again

It's Christmas time again;
Leaves have turned down,
Fallen to the ground;
glistening icicles hang
from the eves; the wintry
Magic of snow has covered
frostbitten flowers.
Expectant hearts dream by
Dancing firelog flames.
It's Christmas time again!

Decorations

Multicolored streamer, decorate the
Rough linings of intuition heralding
New beginnings where savage thoughts
Are surreptitiously hidden and life's
Dim facade is temporarily camouflaged

The joy, the excitement, the thrill
Of the party's moment transcends
Tell tale emotions and capitalizes
On the now experience.

Excess energy is spent and when the
Party is over, streamers are removed
Unveiling the true nature of introspective
Conscience, sad, alone, ever awaiting
Tomorrow's blend of gaiety when
Decorative streamers are hung once again!

Poetry

Poetry,
The shorthand to a goal,
Portraying life's innumerable
Roles;
Its brief, tangible lines
Capture novels of the mind
Where intrigue and mystifying
Reason dwell...
Poetry,
The mind's greatest reward,
Lifting spirits where
Boredom is stored;
Each phrase carefully penned,
Equalizing foe and friend
As the poet's vision is
Tested by the tale...
Poetry,
And up thrusting oceanic swell,
Embodying one's creativity
In fresh horizons.