AMERICAN SOLDIER I AM

I sleep in fox holes With too little to eat; I stand at my post In cold, heat or sleet; My Dad stood watch in the jungles of Nam A faithful American Soldier---I Am. I'm here by my own choice I'm here day and night--- My Gramps died at Pearl Harbor On that now fateful night. I'm taking my turn for one and all Making sure that Old Glory shall never fall. I'm away from my dear family My own kids and my home, My wife sends me pictures Often I'm afraid and alone. All I ask is that you pray for this son of Uncle Sam A dedicated and faithful American Soldier---I Am. 2012 by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets

FROM GUIDEPOSTS' ANGELS ON EARTH 7-12

ANGELSAURUS REX Eight was an important Birthday, I took my grandson Brennan to the Dollar General to pick something out. "Okay, Pawpy" he said, and ran off to check out the merchandise. A few minutes later, he returned with a toy in tow. Not just any toy---a four-foot-tall stuffed Tyannosaurus Rex. It was bigger than he was. Another customer laughed to see him carry it. "This is what I want, Pawpy!" he said. He loved dinosaurs. "Let me check the price tag" I said. Just as I feared, it was way too much for my fixed income. Brennan picked something less expensive. As we walked out to the car, I heard hurried footsteps behind us. "Stop!" It was the customer from the store. She was carrying the T-Rex. "Happy birthday" she said and handed to a grinning almost eight year old. Brennan hugged his new T-Rex all the way home and I was thankful that Angels aren't extinct. Douglas Raymond Rose Grand Prairie, Texas

A BAND OF BROTHERS (Father's Day, 2012)

We're a Band of Rose Brothers With strong bonds of steel-- We've roamed earth together With close bonds that are real. We've served God together We answered His great call; ---A true bond of Brothers We've given to Him our all. We came to it most honestly From devoted parental stock Ray and Paul Rose's marriage --- Founded as solid as a Rock. They taught us to be tenacious And with each other to be true; We're a strong Band of Brothers There's nothing together we can't do. We're a dedicated Band of Brothers ---In service to our King of Kings May God bountifully bless His Harvest As more fruit to Him we prayerfully bring. 2012 by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets

WELCOME CARDINAL JACKSON RAYMOND ROSE

WELCOME TO THE WORLD---J R ROSE

Welcome newborn Jackson Raymond Rose--- We've counted all your perfect fingers and toes; You're a Rose classic from feet to perky pink nose ----So Welcome to the world---Jackson Raymond Rose Your coal black hair is most charming Twenty-one inches long from head to toe-- All 9 lbs. l3 oz. of you is awesome -----Welcome to our world---J. Raymond Rose. God's holy hand of Blessing is upon you Jack Your heart with His Holy Spirit is aglow; Look out for Jack---there's no turning back ------Welcome Jackson Raymond Rose Born May 23, 2012 written by proud Grandpa D. Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets

ANNIVERSARY TOAST

(As read by Mona Golabeck on THE ROMANTIC HOURS Classical Music Presentation) My lover is pure perfection Living in her soft, sweet skin; Lying close beside her body---- I love to feel the skin she's in She's warm and smooth and inviting With luscious lips limp to the touch; No wonder the moments pass quickly ----Adoring her so much. Her classic curves are quite contagious ---Cuddling is a loving man's must-- Her magnetic body calls me closer With basic instincts I can always trust. So here's an Anniversary Toast to you Beloved ----

May you always be as charming my dear---- And most of all my delicious darling-- May we always find each other right here. 2012 by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets

MOTHER'S ALWAYS THERE

MOTHER'S ALWAYS THERE (A Mother's Day Memorial to my Mom: Paula Schober Rose) When I needed encouragement Mother was always there--- She always seemed to arrive in time With a big kiss and a prayer. When I was sick and ailing And feeling worse for wear--- I could always count on mother Her limitless love was always there. Although years have gone by now And many challenges have been shared; When I get up to Heaven's Gate--- I know Mother will still be there.

by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets