My Old Friend

Once again we are friends,
we pick up where we were ending.
Our future lies within our hands
of joy and all pretending.
Our time apart- it always mends
we pick up where we were ending.
The two weeks past- not an end,
but only a beginning,
our time apart- it always mends.
Remember when our biggest happenings
were apple trees and picket fence,
it was only a beginning.
The fun we've shared,
togethers adventures so grand
were those of apple trees and picket fence.
Once again together we stand,
once again we are friends,
togethers adventures so grand,
our future lies within our hands.
-Maja Olson
February 3, 2009

Jocko

Like a bird bobbs in the ocean,
as the waves toss and toil,
though he's always in constant motion,
Jocko is all worth while.
His scales like bark
and his horns like branches,
a fallen tree makes a mark
on a child's imaginations.
We all climb on
for he fits twelve kids,
of Jocko we are so fond-
our dragon kin.
Jocko bobbs up and down
like a bird in the sea,
as we ride all around-
dragon riders are we.
-Maja Olson
February 3, 2009

Viper

Bloodshot eyes, they gaze at me.
The viper has found his prey.
The unkown figure is all I see,
I know what he's done today.
He wails an awful hiss
then stammers out of view.
All I want is a goodnight kiss
and ask, papa, what has come of you.
All the viper tastes is his venom,
What supplies his unfairness.
When mama says, just stay clear of him-
he's obviously not with us.
I cry myself to sleep that night
and pray for God to come,
to help my viper win his fight,
to help him find his home.
-Maja Olson
February 3, 2009

Unite

We the people must unite
and learn what it means to live,
and we the people must learn to fight
to fight for what we can give.
We are all one people
sharing this planet,
we cannot be blameful
but must choose a gambit.
One in which will change our direction
and save our blissful lands.
All that is needed is a little action,
so come, lend us your hand.
We shall learn what it means to live.
We will all learn to fight.
We as a people will learn to give.
We as the world will unite.
-Maja Olson
February 3, 2009

This Dry Bone

Across the road I gaze in fear,
What has come of my former home.
Only to think its been not a year
When I arrived at this dry bone.
All the many weeds-they hiss
The pond run out of waves
I still remember the frog I kissed
Then was told to behave.
Yet only two, I still remember
the clarity and joy of the Bend.
The soil stained with darkened ember
and swollen pebbles on end.
I feel someday I will return
to the dry bone left here,
and I'll try to refuse the hardened burn
of tears I will not bear.
-Maja Olson
February 3, 2009

The Carousel

From a tinny box with the usual schmaltz
Comes the bittersweet tune of Musetta's Waltz.
Around and around the Carousel turns
And carries to ears who, remembering, yearn
For the giddy laughter of a starry-eyed girl
As she sat on a horse trimmed in ribbons that curled
A marv'lous steed with expression untame
And jewels on its browband, gold tassels and reins.
Now a tear trickles down a long-wrinkled cheek
The horses lilt softly, their eyes seem to speak
As lovers tarry hours, riding hand-in-hand,
Beside babes held steady by parents who stand,
'Till Carousel slows and Music winds to a fin -
Some get on, some get off, and again it begins.

-Siri Hammond