FRED “TAYSTEE” MEISSINGER, JR.! by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillFebruary 15th, nineteen thirty, just after St. Patrick’s Day –You started working for Taystee, I do not know your pay.The first two years were taken, serving restaurants downtown Flint –When that proved successful, to another area you’re sent.The next nine years will find you, making eighty stops a… Read More FRED “TAYSTEE” MEISSINGER, JR.! by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

FALL IS HERE by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillOrange is the pumpkins –Golden is the hay –Fat are the turkeys –Thanksgivings on the way.The air has a chill now –Jack Frost is in the air –Geese have traveled southward –To make their home elsewhere.Children press their noses –To the window panes –Watching lovely snowflakes –Fill the roads… Read More FALL IS HERE by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

FALL FESTIVAL by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillThe leaves are all a-bustling – they’re preparing for a ball.Some are already newly gowned – in readiness for fall.The hues are Oh! So dazzling – there is copper, bronze and gold.The beauty is breathtaking – as this autumn show unfolds.The stage is very nearly set – there’s a carpet… Read More FALL FESTIVAL by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

ELMWOOD CASINO by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillOur efforts in going were not in vain –The entertainer was Frankie Laine.Jackie and Leon were taken by Nancy –To Elmwood Casino, fine and fancy.Herb and Gayle decided to see the show –All the others were ready to go.Nancy could hardly contain her emotion –She’s long admired Frankie with deep… Read More ELMWOOD CASINO by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

Dear Mom by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillThirty-five years ago you celebrated your first Mother’s Day, Little was known then other than you had been blessed with the greatest miracle God bestows. Life for you has been a task that few will ever really know – for you have raised your family to adulthood and kept them… Read More Dear Mom by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

DEAR JACKIE by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillI thank you for the “pot” so fine –I’m making arrangements with United Air Lines –To fly the route you’re going to take –Then I will proceed to keep you awake.When I’m flying, high above –I’ll send my “waste” your way, with love –If your windshield gets splattered you will… Read More DEAR JACKIE by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

DEAR KIRSTIE by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillDear Kirstie:My, how time has flown, the years slip quickly by –Why, ‘twas just twelve short years ago, you came into our lives.And look at all the things we did, throughout your pre-school years –We played, we traveled untold miles, we spanked and we shed some tears.No one need ask… Read More DEAR KIRSTIE by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

DEAR BABY by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillYou’re a blessing straight from heaven –God heard Mommy and Daddy’s prayers –And sent you baby Kirstie, our sacred love to share.You are such a little darling –From your head down to your toes,With a tiny face as lovely as Spring times fairest Rose.What tiny little hands you have –And… Read More DEAR BABY by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

CONGRATULATIONS by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillWell, look what you, this time have done –Produced a daughter! Not a son!!You’ve spoiled the record I had set –I hadn’t missed a “Baby” prediction yet.And seriously, I’m kinda glad –You got your “lassie” instead of a “lad”.And ‘twas your “strong determination” –To be the master of your “creation”.Gaylia Kenslow… Read More CONGRATULATIONS by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill

ANNIE OUR OWN IRISH ROSE by Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillOur Annie, who has grown tired and old –And whose hair has turned to gray –Was once a lovely, young, Irish lass –She was laughing, young, carefree and gay.Those lines that crease her face and brow –The crinkles around her eyes –Speak much for the way she’s… Read More ANNIE OUR OWN IRISH ROSE by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill