The Poetry and Short Stories of Rose Marie Rideout The Writing Forum’s Writer of the Month - July 2010 AUTHOR’S BIO: I am a mother of five children and now have ten grandchildren. I’m married to my best friend in the world. He has always been there to encourage me to write my poetry, short stories and songs. I love to write and have since I was a child. As a child I thought I would one day grow up to be a well known poet or songwriter, who knows, it is never too late. I have always found I could display my emotions through my words, my love and my ambition to be the best I can be. My words are something I would like to leave my family with, when I am long gone and hopefully it will add to their life, making them realize that life can be as wonderful as you make it, all you have to do is BELIEVE in yourself. I believe in my heart and soul that when people read what I have written, they too will feel the message I am giving, and hopefully make a difference in their lives. I am encouraged by others, I love to listen and maybe I have often helped others through their problems. I love people and feel that no one should have to live their lives with overloaded bagage, get rid of it and start enjoying life. I am not one for big words for I have always wanted to know that when someone reads my poetry they don't have to question them. PUBLICATION: My novel, "The Steel Chains of Love", and information about it, are available at my space at Authors Den by clicking here. You can visit my pages at Authors Den by clicking here. To read my essays published here at The Writing Forum, please click here. I also have a Christmas essay, and a Christmas short story here at the site. Please click on the links below to access them: 2011 Christmas Essay 2011 Christmas Short Story My Email: rosemarideout@yahoo.ca                      POETRY BY ROSE MARIE RIDEOUT Click on the button in front of any poem title in the list below to be linked to that poem:   When I Sit and Wonder   Until Tomorrow   The Many Changes   Just a Piece of Paper   All is Gone   If I Could Dream   One Fine Day   I’ll be Waiting Here   My Memory   When You Walk Alone   A Sailors Heart   Rest Little One   A Photo of You   A Soldier of the Sea   A Stranger by the Shore   One Life, One Day at a Time   I Will Love You Till Death Do Us Part   What Would We Do   Rocking in the Rolling of Your Heart - Song/Poem   Don’t Let Hatred Take Over   Decorated with Love   BELIEVE   Worn Hands Of Yesterday   Who’s in That Mirror   What Once Was   A List To Live By   A Walk Down Memory Lane   An Old Entrance To The Past   You Silently Slip Away   What Am I Living For (If Not For You)   We Long To Make A Difference In Our World   Teardrops and Heartaches   When I Sit and Wonder © May 7, 2012 By Rose Marie Rideout I sit here by my window, Thoughts of you hidden in my heart. I hold back the tears I hide, as I have from the start. When I sit and wonder, Why you had chosen me, I feel the joy of love and life, Like a breeze upon the sea. No one ever held me in their arms, the way you hold me dear. No one has taken the time to show me, The way you show you care. No one can embrace me in their heart and their soul, No one can fill the void Taking me out of the cold. You feed me warmth and tenderness, You loved me from the start. You stripped me of my innocence, and stole away my heart.   Until Tomorrow © January 26, 2012 By Rose Marie Rideout Keeping in touch with the thoughts of today, Never letting them wander away, Glorious dreams, all coming true, Thoughts of tomorrow, a love ever true. Until tomorrow, may you be free, Of all in your life, causing anxiety. Until tomorrow, may you be proud, Holding your head high in the clouds. Keeping in touch, with your dream of today, Never letting your thoughts wander away. Until tomorrow may you be free, Of all life has offered, meant for us to see. The sparkle of stars, high in the sky, The swirling of clouds, make us wonder why, Miracles and dreams often come true, All things are possible, the strength comes from you.   The Many Changes © October 5, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Soon it will be Frost where there’s rain, Cool dark evenings, Causing winter blue pain. White capped leaves, Glitter all around, Covering the greenery, Once seen on the ground. Right now there’s a beauty, Of changing colours to see, Upon the Green given beauty, A gift plain to see. Crispiness upon each step, Of the silence we once took, Where creatures were alive, In each cranny and crook. All will be covered with a blanket Soon snow covered ground, Little frosted crystals, All over the green grounds.   Just a Piece of Paper © September 3, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout So many years ago today, The papers came to say, She now belongs to your heart, Feel free to take her away. Where’ve the past twenty-six years gone, I look at her, still my child, Yet a woman in figure, Seems it’s been such a long while. Just a piece of paper to make you mine, The most important day, I remember the tears and smiles, The day you came our way. Precious moments over the years, More happy memories and yes even some tears, Always pride when we looked your way, With just a piece of paper that never went astray. You’ve showed us a new life, The many giggles, the ups and downs But Honey life was so worth each and every second, Imagine, Just a piece of paper, that’s all it took.   All is Gone By Rose Marie Rideout © August 16, 2011 When the day seems cold and lonely, And not a soul close by, Do you have that empty feeling, That sorta makes you cry. And when the wind is standing still, Your day seems to be wrong, You feel so all out of sorts, Does it mean that all is gone. Lonely times in silence, The sky no longer blue, The rain is still, no rainbow view, All there is, is you. The grass seems brown and dry, The flowers have gone astray, Does it mean that all is gone, If only for a day.   If I Could Dream © July 10, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout If I could wish for anything, For anything to come true, I tell you my darling, If I could dream, it would be of you. Just holding you & Kissing you, So all my dreams could come true, If I could have anything in the world, I’d make my dreams of you come true. Every little corner I look in, Holds a memory dear of you, Every time I turn around, All I see are memories of me & you, If I could dream anything , If I could make them all come true, The only thing I’d want dear, Is if I could dream of you.   One Fine Day ©June 27, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Where are we going in this world all alone, Dark and dreary, so afraid, If we can’t turn to home. Our family and our friends are each one of you, The Bible teaches us, Jesus said this to be true. We condemn and criticise until the very end of the day. But there’s only one Judge, Who’ll show us the way. So I play Bingo and buy a lotto card Is it a crime if I win. Jesus celebrated with music and wine, Was that a great sin. I’m tired of manmade rules, I help all that I can, I’m one of God’s children, I’m a true loving Christian.   I’ll be Waiting Here ©May 21,2011 By Rose Marie Rideout As I rest upon that deserted shore, I hold true to the promise I made, Knowing deep within my heart, Your love I would persuade. The silver shone down on the deep blue sea, A cast on the sweet memory I gave to you, You’ll need wait no more, For my love is pure and  ever true. You can travel father with your heart, To win the love upon this land, To where I rest awaiting you, Forever, my strength and man. For you feel I’m like no other, Then a creature of the sea, Know that I rest upon the shore, Your love, your own sweet memory.   My Memory ©May 22,2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Like a breath of fresh air, Like the wind that blows free, Like a vision of pure beauty, A precious gift to plainly see. A piece of my heart, I give as you flee, Away from my heart. Just one from my memory. Share with me honesty, Share with me your all, Whisper to me gently, Let me hear your call. Tell me precious truth only, Share with me so I may be free, Away from hurt of  a broken heart, Why steal my memory.   When You Walk Alone ©April 5, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Lonely feelings come over you Lost as you find your way, No one to talk to, So far away from all, Tears begin to fall on your cheeks, It’s a longer distance to home. You think about the love, The friendship once held, You think about the chats in trust, The times you’ve spent together, Knowing inside you’d never change a thing, Even though you walk alone. Love is a gift never forgotten, There is always a truth within it, Though it may cause a broken heart, Though it may cause fallen tears, The only distance in the walk home, Is the love and thoughts while you walk alone.   A Sailors Heart ©January 27, 2007 By Rose Marie Rideout The waves washed over the deck, As the moon shines down from above, The waters so dark yet it glistens, Fills the sailor's heart full of love. The love for the strong waters, The depts. of the sea below, The feel of the ship as it’s swaying, As the waves move the ship to and fro. Hear the voice of the still waters calling, More beauty has never been found, The love in the sailor's heart for the water, No beauty laid still on the ground. The waters, he hears it calling, He longs for his trip out to sea, He awaits his evenings, with its beauty, And the feeling that he is now free. The music he hears as the waves sway, The moon as it glistens below, The feeling the sailor holds in his heart, As the waves sway the ship to and fro.   Rest Little One ©November 22, 2006 By Rose Marie Rideout (Nanny) A Lullaby for my Grandkids Close your eyes our little one, Close your eyes and rest awhile. For you have dreams awaiting you, Special dreams for just a child. Count the star that shine above, See the clouds up in the sky. Just close your eyes and rest awhile, Close your eyes but don't you cry. I can see you as you're sleeping, I hear you breath so loud and clear. Dream sweet dreams our little one, Close your eyes and rest my dear. Count the stars that shine above, See the clouds up in the sky. Just close your eyes and rest awhile, Close your eyes but don't you cry. Always know that someone loves you, More than words can ever say, Close your eyes our little one, As we guide you through each day Close your eyes our little one, Close your eyes and rest awhile. For you have dreams awaiting you, Special dreams for just a child.                                            Rest My Little One   A Photo of You ©May 11, 2007 By Rose Marie Rideout Just a memory, of days gone by, Good thoughts held with joy, A little smile enters my face openly, As I reminisce back to you and me. I open my wallet just to gaze, At the photo of you that I hold, You so happy, standing out in the cold. The winter scene, yet so warm, The comfort we felt that day, Knowing that soon we would part, Soon we'd be gone separate ways. Even today it still breaks my heart. But I'll often look at the photo of you, And bring us back to this day, When we were together as kids, Laughing so hard at play. I'd be lost only for that photo, I hold it so dear to my heart, I still hurt and shed a tear, Of the day we had to part. Things always seem to change, As we grow, time drifts us away, But the memories we hold dear, Will take us back to the day.   A Soldier of the Sea Dedicated to my Brother Bill ©March 24, 2007 By Rose Marie Rideout I watched him as he walked away, Another month out at sea, As tears stroll down my cheeks, Trying not to show that side of me. Although I knew he loved it, for this was his chosen life, I accepted those years ago, When I became his wife. He reminded me of a soldier, a mighty warrior of the sea, A man that stands so proud and tall. For all the world to see. I long for his return, To the land our family and home, My mighty soldier of the sea, Until again he longs to roam He walks with a gentle sway, A give away for sure, That this soldier of the sea, Don't hold a job ashore.   A Stranger by the Seashore Written for my Cuz Felix ©January 22, 2010 Written by: Rose Marie Rideout While walking along the seashore late in the afternoon, I spotted a stranger, playing a gentle sad tune. I watched from a distance, so he wouldn’t see, A stranger watching through tears that stranger was me. I listened to the words, of his sad lonely song, Why he lost his love, what had he done wrong, Why life had set him back time after time, A stranger by the seashore with a face gentle and kind. I could feel the hurt he held deep in his heart As his broken words asked ‘”how did all this heartache start”? I wanted to hold him, it seemed only fair, This stranger should know that someone does care. It was so cold and damp that day as he sat so all alone, I wanted so much to talk to him and invite him to my home. Then I saw him looking off in the distance, all alone, I felt his heart breaking through tears and a slight moan. His hands began to quiver as he tried so hard to strum, His tears flowed like a river as he tried so hard to hum, A stranger by the seashore the hurt that filled his heart, Wondering in his mind, “How did all this heartache start”?   One Life, One Day at a Time ©February 20, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout We have one life to live, how shall we live it, Through kindness and understanding would be great. So many surround us with a heart filled with hate, Do they not realize that one day God above will call them, Do they wonder with a dark empty heart where they’ll go. I am not the greatest person in the world, but I try, I try to be a good, kind and considerate person to all. I try to do what I can for others less fortunate, Not to earn points but because that is who I am. We have to think before unkind words spoken, Before we find we are all alone in the world, Imagine no family to turn to no friends, Just a dark lonely road we have paved through, Ignorance, hurtfulness, lack of love within the heart. I happen to know only one person such as this, I plan to pray for this person so that this person may find their way through the brighter side of life. No one should have to go through days, nights, age, sickness and death ALONE, it is scary, frightful. I don’t feel I have to accept the hurt and ignorance of others, I am a person, a caring person, and I deserve better than that. We have to live our life one day at a time, It can be a short life or a long life, We have the right to live it the best possible way. If we nourish our bodies with the proper nutrients, We have nothing to fear. Search inside your heart and soul and find…. LOVE…TRUST…UNDERSTANDING…CARE… FORGIVNESS…ACCEPTNESS...KINDNESS Then you are walking the right road and playing the right cards dealt you in life. You have no reason to fear the rocky road of Loneliness, sadness, hurt and anger, for you won’t live alone in the darkness of your dark cave.   I Will Love You Till Death Do Us Part ©March 18,2011 By Rose Marie Rideout I have loved you from the moment I’ve placed my eye on you  I will love you for evermore. You are my every thought,  My dream and all I can endure. I have come to love you and you have come to accept me, Through ups and down more and more. Angry words don’t cross our lips, For we fully understand, There’s a difference with strangers, When one’s a woman the other a man, One tender, one strong, One thinking they are right the other wrong, But I will love you truly, till death do us part. I will understand you dear, You Will always be my number one. You will shelter me through the storms of life, Through the rain you’ll shine warmth and sun. I will be kind and pleasing and you, My knight in shinning armour with a strong heart. For all will improve for two strangers in love, For I will always love you, till death do us part.   What Would We Do ©March 2, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Where will you be tomorrow or I  should one of us leave to go, our separate way? What would you or do I should we not be there, For each other another day? What would become of you or I Should we open our eyes, To a dark dull day? What would happen if all of a sudden, one of us go our separate way? That would mean only one thing, That our Father above, has an important plan for us to do. Together you and I will meet again, When He calls the other home, When our job on earth is through.   Rocking in the Rolling of Your Heart ©February 22, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout In your arms each night I lay, Close to you where I want to stay. I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, Knowing that we’ll never part. Holding on with all our might, The love we hold through each night. I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, Knowing deep within we’ll never part. Chorus: For love surrounds us each and every day, Never fading to darkness, never going astray. Strengthening and shining, as the bright stars above, Nothing can damage, this magical love.. We look into each other’s eyes, We see a love, that’s no surprise. I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, Knowing deep within we’ll never part. We have all the strength, all that it will take To hold on to the love that we make. I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, Knowing deep within we’ll never part. Chorus We look into each other’s eyes, We see a love, that’s no surprise. As I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, As I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart, As I’m rocking in the rolling of your heart.   Don’t Let Hatred Take Over ©Febuary 19,2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Somewhere lost deep in the dark, I’ve misplaced a piece of my heart. For loved ones are passing by, I feel alone with the tears I cry. I wonder where is it they’ve gone, Too young to go, they’ve done no wrong. I lay restless through the night, Afraid of the wrongs and rights. Dear Lord I ask, that you still guide me, With kindness through all eternity. Take me home to heaven above, When my time comes, wrapped in your love. Grant me patience with those left behind, Not granting harm, though they’re unkind. Let them walk the road they have made, Digging deep, their lonely grave. Life is short, live it each day the best, Till God above calls you to rest. Be considerate to all here along your way, Till your turn comes to go away. Feel no hatred, within your soul, For those who are ignorant and cold. Pray they’ll empty hatred from their heart, Before this world they have to part.   Decorated with Love ©January 8,2011 By Rose Marie Rideout Decorated with so many interesting items, Is a little room all quiet yet never alone. Guitars, shelves of books, an art easel, On a desk sits an old fashion phone. In the corner a bag filled so bright, Looks like talent lives in this home. A lady once had several dreams, That one day she would fill her life, Become a mother, have a beautiful home, find the perfect man and become his wife. They would smile and talk all the time, Work together, disagree but never to fight. She never thought of the future, Of what she’d do when the kids are grown, Through the years that lay ahead, As she and her husband are left alone, Watching movies, waiting by the phone. Never silence nor darkness is seen, Sounds from the little room is heard, Clicking on the computer as she types and music sounds echo like words. As she paints she humms her favourite tune, Relaxing as she knits in her little room. Break time has come, time for her tea, Dinner to tend to as she heads up the stairs, Prepares fresh coffee for her husband’s return, She looks at the clock as he soon appears. He looks into her eyes whispers how he loves her, She feels it in her heart as her eyes fill with tears.   BELIEVE © January 3, 2011 By Rose Marie Rideout The breath of a New Born, The beautiful song of a bird, Those without a voice, Will never be heard. Travelling the endless road, Lost and alone in the wild, Welcoming long awaited help, As a New Born Child. Ask and you will be heard, An answer will come to you, Remember all things are possible, Believe and it will soon come true. Light your way with truth and trust, Why walk in darkness day after day, Believe that all things are possible, Good things will come your way. BELIEVE and never fail, Trust and you will do fine. All good things will come your way, When God above sees the time. BELIEVE   Worn Hands Of Yesterday © January 18, 2009 Written By: Rose Marie Rideout Worn hands of yesterday, Teaching us to survive a certain way. Hands that once were so strong, To our parents they once belonged. Wrinkled and dry yet still strong, Still filled with warmth, never gone. Hands that once held us close, Letting us know they loved us most, Embracing us each and everyday, Teaching us, always leading the way. Those worn hands wiped out tears, Held us close from all our fears. Still today, they remain the same, Given us so much, we’ve gained. Soon forgotten the love they’ve shared, The ways they’ve shown how they cared. I see those worn hands of yesterday, I feel the love now slowly fade away, I’ll shed tears for those hands once so strong, Forever missing what once belonged.   Who’s in That Mirror © April 24, 2009 Written by: Rose Marie Rideout I looked in the mirror and what did I see, Some other face Staring back at me. It can’t be mine I haven’t aged I’m told, It’s some other stranger, Cause I’m not that old. Look at those wrinkles, Those age spots so clear, If I was looking so young, They wouldn’t be there. What’s that hanging, almost to my waist and that over lapped belly, at my age, is a disgrace. My mind says I’m twenty, My feet want to race, My heart’s slowing down, I only move at one pace. My eyes they see shadows, My body feels pain, I’ll have to slow down to survive, Old age has nothing to gain.   What Once Was © May 12, 2009 Written by: Rose Marie Rideout It seems like only yeterday, when we were really young. Life had filled our heart and souls, with energy and fun. It seems like only yesterday, our hearts were filled with love, But today many years later, it’s as far as the stars up above, Times have changed in many ways, Our age, our looks and life, you have been a husband and dad, me a mother and wife. Nothing remains the same, We can’t turn back to yesterday, For nothing remains the same, Youth soon goes astray, What once was, is long gone. Now washed away through the years, What’s left of what once was , Doesn’t mean that one don’t care. It seems like only yesterday, Many years ago when we were young. When our hearts were filled with love, Energy and fun.   A List To Live By © April 24, 2010 By Rose Marie Rideout Life is like a relationship We're together till the end. We have to make the best of it, No need to pretend. Life isn't always easy, Stop and look around, No matter how we try, Too the poorhouse we are bound. I think I'll make up the rules, Make my life as a game. Making all the right moves, So I don't go insane. I'll take a slip of paper, Make myself a list, What's really important, Nothing can be missed. I have to pay my rent, Heat and lights are a must, Food's a neccessity, My instincts I must trust. I don't REALLY need beer, My smokes are killing me, Just for one month, I'll have only neccessities. I'll take advantage of all nature, To entertain me everyday, I'll watch the waves, walk the beach, Birds sing as animals jump and play. I'll listen to sweet music, I'll read a book and watch live TV, I'll for once make my life's rules, To enjoy life for eternity. I stopped putting the cart before the horse, I bought what was on my grocery list, I paid the bills and accepted life, So my life I wouldn't miss.   A Walk Down Memory Lane © June 19, 2010 By Rose Marie Rideout Hubby and I went for a ride today, We decided we'd visit yesterday, We never reconized a face, But felt we really knew this place. Oh look, the blackboard's the same, We could hear each child called by name. The teacher wore that same stern smile, That frightened each and every child. We weren't sure if we should stay, So quiet we just slipped away. We found ourselves on familiar ground, With pews and pictures all around. In the corner sat an organ so old, A pot belly stove to shun out the cold. A place for the choir to sing, A rope hung down for the bell to ring. The cook house was next in line, With baked beans, brown bread so fine. We remembered the benches from Pop's old house, Holes in the floorboards, to hide a mouse. A young boy who may have been 9 or 10, Told us the History of all down Memory Lane, He knew the story as though he lived there, Back in the time of the 40 and 50 years.   An Old Entrance To The Past © February 17, 2009 Written by: Rose Marie Rideout Into the past I search alone, Through the old doorways, Of what I once called home. Memories some sad I must say, With things I have to hide, Things I must forever put away. There are few things I cherish there, The love and protection of an Angel, Always willing to keep us from fear. The door is locked, it’s dark and gray, Often making me remember the bad, When my mind starts to stray. A family each with a torn heart, Overcome with hurt from birth, Yet pretected by love from the start. An old entrance into the past, Memories well hidden, of a curse, once was cast. A childhood fear locked away, alone Behind the dark gray door, An old entrance into the past, our home.   You Silently Slip Away © February 9, 2010 Written by Rose Marie Rideout I opened my eyes at half past five You were slowly slipping away, You didn’t want to wake me up, As you left to start your work day. I wanted to get you breakfast, But you sternly said no, You’d rather see me get my rest, And soon you’d have to go. I heard the coffee pot brewing, I could smell the toast you had made, As I lay here just relaxing, Under the covers tucked in my bed. I listened to the shower, Knowing you were all alone, I wished and prayed for your arms, Just tell me today you’ll stay home. You work so hard it seems to me, To give me all that I’d ever ask for, Within a second there was silence, As I heard the click of the door. I know we have all that we’ll need, Now are the things we want each day, So tomorrow will be another repeat, As you silently slip away.   What Am I Living For (If Not For You) © November 20, 2008 By: Rose Marie Rideout I look at you through the corner of my eye, I spread a smile from ear to ear. Many years have passed since our lives begun, Yet for fear of tomorrow, I shed another tear. I look at our old wedding photos, My hands tremble as I continue to view, That age is upon us dear, as I Think, What am I living for, if not for you. Bent over to kiss me gently, As you have done so many times before, Looking into my eyes you still whisper, With a wink, it is me you still adore. You place your hand on my head, And tell me of the beauty you see, That no other can fulfill your happiness, In this bent and broken body, is me. I take a deep breath and my eyes begin to fill, You wipe away the tear before it flows, You ask me if you have made me happy, For it's so important for you to know. Darling through the good and the hard times, I wouldn’t know what to do, You darling, you have made me the happiest, What am I living for, if not for you.   We Long To Make A Difference In Our World © April 09, 2010 By Rose Marie Rideout Like between the pages, My thoughts are widly spread, Not knowing where to turn, Blinded by the tears I shed. The good and the bad, With all the goings on, Why can’t we just accept life, Why let others lead us wrong. We watch the horror on TV, We read it everyday, We hear in on the news, We ask forgivness as we pray. We long to make a difference, To take away the pain, That so many cause the innocent, What is it that they gain. I find it hard to sleep at night, My thoughts are widly spread, As I lay restless through the night, Stretched out on my bed. A shiver crosses over me, A sign of hurt and pain I fear, Knowing someone else is hurting, Because someone doesn’t care. Another child crying, Another scream is in the air, The hurt and pain continues Because someone just doesn’t care.   Teardrops and Heartaches © October 8, 2009 Written by: Rose Marie Rideout Teardrops and Heartaches are a price we often have to pay, When a love we’ve worked hard for, Have up and gone astray. Too often love will wander, down an unknown road, Where danger is well hidden, and the heart sometimes explode. Sometimes it finds it’s way back, But the strength just isn’t there, The love that once was, Is washed away by another tear. Too many harsh thoughts, Unkind words spoken out loud, The love that once was, Is surrounded by a dark cloud. Too many teardrops and heartaches, A terrible price one has to pay, Just because one got lost, When they up and went astray.