Sue Raymer Woods Poetry

BACKWARD POET

2009-08-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

This poem was inspired by various critics who suggested I: write sonnets, not rhyme, change my meter and correct my grammar. As my poetry is a definitive personal statement, I resist most suggestions. I refuse to compromise my writing to accommodate the desires of others. I am the ultimate arbiter of my work, and I have innate confidence in my choices regarding it.

BACKWARD POET

I’m a backward poet, and what is worse,
I’m a backward poet who writes inverse.
Although I tried some rearranging
My meter I will not be changing
Ten beats per line, what a boring bummer.
I like to march to a different drummer.
Yes, the Bard’s Sonnets are immortal,
But there’s none I can quote.
“A trip to the moon on gossamer wings”.
Is the line I wish I’d wrote.
Some may not like my beat irregularity
But the person I want to please is ME
Is poetic license only given to those,
Whose poetry is more like prose?
And so I write the way I want.
Not caring if it’s discordant.
Yes, I break the rules as I rhyme away
Sometimes I’ll include a forbidden cliché.
As my poems earn praise at each performance
I will continue my non-conformance.
I’m a backward poet, some think that’s sad.
But a black sheep like me likes being baaaaaaad.

By Sue Raymer Woods
August 6, 2009

IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES and I'M SWEARING OFF OF YOU...AGAIN

2009-05-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back in my Dorothy Parker mode in these poems.

IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES

I finally found the man of my dreams.
But our romance fell apart at its seams
Religious dispute made our love forbidden..,

Because, he thought he was God and I didn’t.

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 2, 2009

I’M SWEARING OFF YOU… AGAIN

It seems the last time didn’t take,
And you’re in every vow I break.
Our love’s over, why pretend?
I’m swearing off you…again.
Each time we make-up,
Just ends in a break up,
I’m through Beginning the Beguine,
So I’m swearing off you…again
I’m determined I will find
A man that won’t be so unkind.
You can’t even be my friend.
I’m swearing off you…again.
I’m no longer gonna fall,
For your promise that you’ll call.
I won’t seek your love in vain.
I’m swearing off you… again.

By Sue Raymer Woods
April 10, 2006
Revised August 19, 2009

LOVE IS LIKE AN INDIAN SUMMER

2009-05-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Those who reside in San Francisco, with its eternal spring climate, do not experience the dramatic Indian summer known in the Northern states and Midwest, where the changing seasons are more distinctive.

LOVE IS LIKE AN INDIAN SUMMER

Love is like an Indian summer, appearing in fall.
And, just like love, it never comes at your beck and call.
It comes unannounced after autumn’s first frost.
As we shiver and mourn for the Love that we lost.
Astonished, we bask in its warming rays,
Totally spellbound in its hypnotic daze.
In its glowing warmth we want to tarry,
But its stay will just be momentary.
Indian summer with its fleeting rapture,
Is so like the Love we couldn’t capture.

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 2, 2009

2008-09-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

I’LL CONTINUE MY RHYMING WAYS and A POET'S PARADOX

2008-09-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

I wrote the following poems after attending a poetry class at OLLI. At the first class, the instructer discouraged rhyming poetry, and said her publisher would not consider publishing rhyming poems. Classmates stated they "didn't want to be understood". I enjoyed the class, and learned new ways to express myself. Also, I was inspired to write the following:

I’LL CONTINUE MY RHYMING WAYS

If rhyming poems are not in fashion.
Then royalty checks I won’t be cashing.
I much prefer the immortality,
Achieved by those who rhyme like me.
Who can say that they don’t know,
A line or two composed by Poe?
T’ would be a shame if we never heard,
Emerson’s “shot heard round the world”.
And though at times she was quite a shocker,
I want to be like Dorothy Parker
Another who rhymes and is regarded highly
Is fellow Hoosier, James Whitcomb Riley.
Hoosiers Hoagy and Cole were not wrong
When they put rhyme in every song.
Most un-rhyming poems, for Heaven’s sakes,
Are simply prose with line breaks.
So, I’ll continue my rhyming ways
As long as my poems earn laughs and praise

By Sue Raymer Woods
July 9, 2008

A POET’S PARADOX

Paradox, say it so you seem sophisticated,
and some fools will think you’re educated.
I love the word, but when I “google” it,
I still don’t know what to do with it.
A mystery in an enigma. HUH?
But,I still don't understand it. DUH!
Some poets when they make no sense at all,
will smugly claim ‘it’s paradoxical”
I don’t understand, please excuse me,
But, I know your plan was to confuse me.
A riddle within a riddle, NOT!
But clearly clarity they forgot.
As Nietzsche advised: you should keep.
From muddying your water so it seems deep.
Though you may find my poem nonsensical,
You should admit it’s comprehensible.
Paradox, an intriguing word of mine,
It's fun to use it in my rhyme.

By Sue Raymer Woods
August 10, 2008, Revised March 22,2009

I NOW SEE TREES

2007-10-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

This poem was inspired from an in class writing assignment at Diane Frank's Auto-Biography class at OLLI.

I NOW SEE TREES

Since knocking gently upon Death’s door
I’m seeing trees like never before
Trees in their glorious shades of green
Are revealing details I’d never seen
I marvel at the variety
Of all the trees that I now see
Trees rising to majestic heights
Are one of earth’s most glorious sights
Trees for shade or any reason
Wearing new clothes for every season
Trees with fruit we all can reach
An apple, pear or juicy peach
And, yes with Kilmer I agree
That poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree

By Sue Raymer Woods
October 10, 2007

OUR CIRCLE OF PRAYER

2007-10-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

This poem (prayer) was inspired by my high school friends on our chat line. Each brings their prayer requests to the group. Some have children battling cancer; others have health or financial issues. I envision this being said, while all hold hands, as grace at family gatherings, etc.

OUR CIRCLE OF PRAYER

As we all join hands in our circle of prayer
We find great strength in the love that we share
Friends through the years we support one another
And each has become like a sister or brother
Our dear friends are more precious as we grow old
Hand in hand we journey down life’s troubled road
Through perilous nights and stormy weather
We’ll embrace the bright dawns, as we all stick together
Past the rough times we’ll see our way through
And we’re never alone because He’s with us too
And so the best way for this prayer to end
Is in Jesus’ name
AMEN

By Sue Raymer Woods, August 23, 2007

YOUR INSIGNIFICANT OTHER

2007-10-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Recent events have inspired this new, romantic poem. At first I thought it was too whining, but adding some humor helped.

YOUR INSIGNIFICANT OTHER

I’m just your insignificant other
And so you really needn’t bother
Sending flowers, candy and other things
To the one you keep waiting in the wings
I wait just like a silly prop
For any crumbs you choose to drop
Yes, of course it’s really dumb
To wait so long for just a crumb
Still I wait, hoping for the day
More than a crumb you’ll throw my way
Let’s end this Cat and Mouse game you play
Let this poor, little mouse get away
You’ve found some one else, why not confess?
I’m through being the “M” to your “S”
Your heart now belongs to another
And I’m through being your insignificant other
I’ve made up my mind I’m moving on
I’m taking a chance with E Harmony.com

By Sue Raymer Woods, September 15, 2007

EACH DAY

2007-04-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

This new poem is my favorite. It is different from most of my other work, hopefully I will be given the inspiration to write more poems of this nature. EACH DAY will soon be published in IMMORTAL VERSES.

EACH DAY

Fill each day with joy and laughter
It’s never too late to start living happily thereafter
And here’s more advice, please don’t think it’s sappy
Each day do something that makes you happy
Live in the present, let go of the past
Embrace each day as it might be your last
And take some time to right every wrong
That friend you hurt could soon be gone
Don’t miss the chance, cause if you do
The stone left unturned may be cast at you
I’m sorry for ending with this worn out cliché
But Get Up, Get Out and Have a Nice Day!

By Sue Raymer Woods
March 18, 2007

MY TRUE LOVE

2006-11-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

This poem was written about my beloved basset, Good Golly Miss Molly. Bassets are known for their stubborness, and Molly is no exception. After my stroke, I was concerned about being able to walk her. I hired a trainer, who fitted her in a Gentle Leader, so she couldn't pull when we walk. Molly adapted amazingly to my slower pace, she takes a few steps, then stops and waits for me. We can walk four blocks each day.

MY TRUE LOVE

The purest love I’ve ever found
Comes from my sweet, adoring basset hound
Man’s best friend? I disagree
When those blood shot eyes gaze up at me
For dogs are women’s best friend too
And with THEM we find a love that’s true
Watch dog? Not my basset hound
She’d probably show the thieves around
Of her friendliness I can’t stop braggin
Her merry tail is always waggin
Her jolly ways make me laugh so much
She’s got the fur I love to touch
She gives me unconditional love
And for that I thank the Lord above

By Sue Raymer Woods
November 22, 2006

THOMAS CARR HOWE CLASS OF 1956 5OTH REUNION

2006-11-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

This poem was written when I returned to SF after attending the reunion in Indy. It was great to see old friends and meet some of the chat line chatters for the first time. See picture on left. I will be returning to Indy in June 2007 for the 50th Reunion of my class

THOMAS CARR HOWE CLASS OF 1956 5OTH REUNION

At the Howe’s’ ’56 Class 50th reunion, all were so friendly
The welcome mat was sure extended to those returning home to Indy
We wined and dined, and danced to the tunes that once rocked us
While I sat there and admired all those Howe silver foxes
We gossiped about those who hadn’t changed at all
And quietly noticed that some weren’t quite as tall
Connecting with old grade school chums was a special treat
We’ll all recognize them now, the next time that we meet
It sure was great to meet the chatters on Howe’s Chat line.
And we hope that more will join us for we have such a great time
It isn’t easy to please each one in a group with oh so many
But they pulled it off! Kudos to our great alumni committee
There simply wasn’t time enough to see all we wished to see
So everyone agreed we should do this more frequently
As Howes’ 56 reunion was a true slice of heaven
Y’all come back again next year for the fifty-seven

By Sue Raymer Woods
9/24/06

2006-08-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

This poem was written in 1996 and published in the National Library of Poetry volume Into The Unknown. Annie Rone was actually my great-grandmother, but I eliminated the "great" for better rythmn. Pictured left is my grandmother, Millie Raymer. Annie Rone is on the right.

MY CHEROKEE GRANDMOTHER, ANNIE RONE

Her picture came today from my aunt in Kentucky
And the old Indian woman looks kinda plucky
Standing proud and tall in a paleface dress
Of her Indian blood you would never guess
Now I know where I got my high cheek bones
From my Cherokee grandmother, Annie Rone

Though my daddy knew, he never discussed it
My uncle told us, but was told to hush it
Now the secret’s out, and the cousins all love it
We’ve got Cherokee blood and we’re damn proud of it
But we are sad that very few facts are known
Of our Cherokee grandmother, Annie Rone

We don’t know her clan and we wish we could ask her
If bear, bird, wolf or panther was our ancestor
It might also be deer, paint or wind
From which of the seven clans did she descend?
What led her to her Old Kentucky Home?
My Cherokee grandmother, Annie Rone

By Sue Raymer Woods
National Library of Poetry, 1996

AN ODE TO JACK DANIELS

2006-08-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I was sober when I wrote this.

AN ODE TO JACK DANIELS

Jack Daniels is the most loyal man I’ll ever know
So I take him with me wherever I go
When spending time with ole Number Seven
I feel just like I’ve entered heaven
Whenever the world gets down on me
I just have a talk with my friend Jack D.
Jim Beam’s a swell guy, but as long as I’m able
I’ll stick with my guy who wears the black label
Southern gentlemen have always appealed to me
But none are as smooth as my man from Tennessee
He’s been my close friend when I’m up or down
While that Johnny Walker just makes me frown
I’m seeing you now through a hazy funk
But I’m not drink, GIMME ANOTHER DRUNK!
I’ve done lots of things I don’t recall
When I’m under the alka fluence of incahol.
Sometimes I think I do too much drinking
So I’ve made up my mind. I’m gonna quit…...thinking

By Sue Raymer Woods
8/19/06

2006-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Memories of Battling Raymer was written about my father, Elvert A. Raymer, pictured with Mom about to embark on a rare vacation.. I often regret the conversations we never had. I miss him and Mom, but often feel they are close.

MEMORIES OF BATTLING RAYMER

You only finished the sixth grade, you obviously were no scholar.
But I loved you and was proud of you, the best in your blue collar
You weren’t small, stood six feet tall, how I adored my dear sweet dad
It mattered not a bit to me that you weren’t a college grad
I’m grateful for all you taught me, how I love you dearest Dad
Though we were poor, we still had more, than lots of others had
A modest man you didn’t brag about your famous boxing glories
But old friends were so proud of you and told us all those stories
You were called “Battling Raymer”, when you stepped into the ring
“I only did it for the money” you would say, “It just wasn’t my thing”
You fought a match in Owensboro, and there you met my mother
Mom just took one look at you, and then couldn’t want any other
You and mom stayed together, although you had your spats
You thought that it was funny when I began to call you “Fats”
When I was young you would cause me so much grieving
But you were only teasing when you said to mom “Pack my bags I’m leaving”
Of all the tales friends told of you, my favorite to recall
Is the one about why your co-workers liked to call you Hadachol
An honest, hard-working man, you taught me to be strong
I got your sense of humor too, and it helps me get along
You’ve been gone too long; mom’s with you now, how I miss my loving folks
I know you’re both in heaven now, and mom’s telling you her jokes

By Sue Raymer Woods
October 19, 2005

POEMS THAT DON’T RHYME

2006-08-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite poems, and one of the first written. It won the Critics Choice award and has been published in The International Library of Poetry, TIMELESS VOICES volume. It is not my intention to disparage poets that write poems that don't rhyme, many have achieved great fame and success. I simply prefer poems that rhyme.

POEMS THAT DON’T RHYME

I’ve oft wondered why some spend their time
Composing poems that do not rhyme
I shouldn’t, but I do suppose
Why don’t they just write prose?
I should be polite and try not slam them
But try as I might I just can’t understand them
So if you can’t make it rhyme don’t be contrary
Just buy a rhyming dictionary
In which the word ORANGE won’t be found
Cause nothing rhymes with that sound
Give it a try, don’t be confounded
If you can’t make it rhyme, just work around it
Give me a break, it’s not mind bending
You simply don’t put ORANGE at the ending
Now you can join my new Society
Called Down With Non-Rhyming Poetry!

By Sue Raymer Woods
April 17, 2005

LOVE SCENES

2006-08-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Love Scenes is my favorite romantic poem. It has been published in The International Who's Who In Poetry. I included it in the play I wrote for my Playwriting Class at OLLI. It was great to hear it recited by the actress from the class. There is a link from my blog to the OLLI website. I encourage all to use the link to look at the classes offered by OLLI.

LOVE SCENES

Most lovers play these roles
One submits, and one controls
You HAD to be the FIRST to quit
And now I’m getting over it

Opposites attract I know
When I go fast, you go slow
When I’m up, you’re always down
When I’m sad you play the clown
When I praise, you berate
When we fight, I MUST placate
It’s sad it has to end this way
But, we can’t change the roles we play
We clearly aren’t a perfect fit
And so I’m getting over it

As the curtain falls on our lovers’ play
There’s nothing left for me to say
I’ll have just ONE more crying fit
And then I’m getting over it

by Sue Raymer Woods
June 19, 2006

COLD REVENGE

2006-08-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes unrelated events will trigger a new poem. Recently, when reaching into my sewing cabinet for scissors, I pulled out my pinking shears instead. That triggered writing Cold Revenge. For non-sewers, pinking shears are used to finish seams. They cut in a ziz-zag pattern instead of a straight line like scissors. This poem got a lot of laughs at my recital at the OLLI mid-term celebration.

COLD REVENGE

MEN! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them
A tempting solution would be to simply out them
Although killing would bring satisfaction sought
If I shoot him I just might get caught
And though this would bring the revenge that I yearn for
It wouldn’t be worth serving a prison term for
I ponder and ponder Oh what can I do
I must think of some way to get even with you
I can’t take any more; all your abuse makes me silly
So I’m cutting it off with my pinking shears and you’ll have a frilly dilly
And if you think this is too harsh then you haven’t been told
That revenge is a dish that’s always served cold

By Sue Raymer Woods
April 20, 2006

GONE AND WHY

2006-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

I recently shared a collection of my poetry with Lynne Kaufman, my instructor for The Well Made Story class. She commented that she enjoyed and related to the romantic poems. This inspired me to complete a few more, realizing that there was an audience for them. Apparently the world is filled with sufferers of unrequited love. So, I wrote Gone and Why next. These two are similar in meter, but Why is less dark as a little humor crept into it.

GONE

GONE, Is his loving touch
And the kiss that thrilled me oh so much
GONE is my dearest friend
Leaving me with a heart that won’t mend
GONE are walks down lover’s lane
Leaving me with an aching pain
GONE are all the years that I waited
Leaving a thirst that cannot be sated
GONE is eternal Spring
And my dreams of a wedding ring
GONE are trips to the moon
And our plans for a honeymoon
He’s GONE leaving me alone
With no one to call my own
He’s GONE and he won’t be back
How will I get back on my track?

By Sue Raymer Woods
March 28, 2006

WHY?

WHY? When your love was gone?
WHY? Do you string me along?
YOU know we will never be
So WHY don’t you set me free?
WHY? If you found someone new
WHY? Not let me find someone too?
WHY? Hurt your truest friend
With a wound that will never mend?
WHY? Keep a heartless farce?
WHY? Kick me in the arse?
YOU lied and you’re being forewarned
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”

by Sue Raymer Woods
March 27, 2006WHY?

THE MAN THAT I MARRY

2006-08-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Realizing that my humorous poems get the best audience response, I wrote The Man That I Marry.

THE MAN THAT I MARRY

The man that I marry will have to be
A slow runner who couldn’t get away from me
The man I call my own
Will have mansions and yachts and place me on a throne
His head may be balding, but I don’t care
It’s okay if he has big bucks to share
If he’s smitten. I’ll be sittin’ next to him and I’ll purr like a kitten
As long as he’s willing to be my slave
I won’t mind if he has one foot in the grave
The truth is I just want and old-fashioned beau
You probably think I’m a cynic. SO?

By Sue Raymer Woods
December 13, 2005

ONLY IN SAN FRANCISCO

2006-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

ONLY IN SAN FRANCISCO

“Only in San Francisco”, they say of my hometown
Some say it with a knowing smile, but others with a frown
Only in San Francisco, can peculiar sights be seen
If you’re in the Castro on the night of Halloween
Only in San Francisco, where some girls are six feet tall
But if you take a closer look, you’ll see they aren’t girls at all
Only in San Francisco, in a race called Bay to Breakers
Some run dressed as centipedes, but others just wear sneakers
Only in San Francisco, George Bush will rarely tread
It’s just because he’s so hated here, that’s what the paper said
Only in San Francisco, at the LGBT Center, so they say
There’s actually is a place that is called The Three Dollar Bill Café
“Only in San Francisco”, some groan and shake their heads in pity
They simply do not know that’s why, we’re everyone’s favorite city

By Sue Raymer Woods
October 23, 2005

I’M UNLUCKY AT LOVE

2006-08-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

I’M UNLUCKY AT LOVE

I’m unlucky at love; I’m no good at romance
Dear Lord tell me why, I fall for a guy, who won’t give me a chance
I’m unlucky at love; each new love brings me pain
If a guy says he’ll call, I’m certain to fall, but won’t see him again
I’m unlucky at love; I go from joker to joker
I’m no good at romance; I’d have a far better chance, if I only played poker
I’m unlucky at love, at romance I don’t rate
How bad can it get? I think I’ll place a bet, on my next inside straight
I’m unlucky at love; each affair I regret
I just cannot win, If I’m going to spin, I should just play roulette
I’m unlucky at love; at romance I’m a dud
I’m so sure to lose, I think I should choose, to avoid the next thud
I’m unlucky at love; I should try a new game
What else can I do? I just haven’t a clue, so it’s me I should blame
I’m unlucky at love; love never lasts like it should
I just can’t get it right, and I’m tired of the fight, so I’m quitting for good

By Sue Raymer Woods
October 10, 2005

WHY MUST I LOVE THE MOST?

2006-08-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is another one of my romantic poems. I prefer to write funny ones, but have found that some, women mostly, relate to the romantic ones.

WHY MUST I LOVE THE MOST?

Why am I always the one who loves the most?
Of this dumb trait I do not boast
Oh why am I trapped in this silly syndrome?
Of giving men more than I get from them
How can I escape this dizzy dither?
And be more a taker and less a giver
I could avoid my poor heart aching
If I did less giving and a lot more taking
Perhaps I should try not to smother
That seems to make them run for cover
I think I’ll try a lighter touch
Next time I’m not going to give so much
And then at last I’ll make this boast
I’m not the one who loves the most

By Sue Raymer Woods
October 10, 2005

IT’S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

2006-08-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

It’s Better to Give than to Receive was written to be read at a Katrina Relief fund raiser I sponsored for the San Francisco Republican Party. I was proud that I raised $1,230 for the American Red Cross. The SFRP added a check for $1,000. Additional checks for $1,500 were sent to other charities, resulting in a total of $3,730 sent by the SFGOP for Katrina Relief.

IT’S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

I was taught as a child, and I still do believe
That it’s far better to give than to receive
I thank God just for being among the living
And not doing the receiving but doing the giving
Though it’s not taught in every school
We still should follow the Old Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Is as American as the Red, White and Blue
We were all sick and sad and more than just queasy
As we watched what was happening in the Big Easy
We simply don’t know ‘ere we draw our next breath
If some tragedy won’t happen right here in SF
As we escaped the devastation
We must assist in the restoration
So if you want to be a Golden Rule keeper
Then you ought to dig deep and then dig deeper
‘Cause you just don’t know ‘ere you reach your end
If you might find yourself on the receiving end
And then we will all truly believe
That it’s far better to give than to receive

By Sue Raymer Woods, September 28, 2005

WHY NO SONG FOR INDIANAPOLIS?

2006-08-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

This poem was written following a visit to Indy. At a luncheon with high school frinds, I was asked to write a poem about Indy, and this is the result

WHY NO SONG FOR INDIANAPOLIS?

There are songs for nearly every metropolis
But none for my hometown, Indianapolis
New York and Chicago each have a tune
But there’s none about Indy for me to croon
Saint Louis has its’ Saint Louis Blues
And San Francisco has two from which to choose
Memphis and San Jose have their tunes too
And there’s even a song called Sioux City Sue
There’s a tune for nearly every municipality
But none about Indy’s famed Hoosier hospitality
Back Home Again in Indiana’s just about our state
There’s no song for Indy, a city that’s great
Indianapolis is such a fabulous place
The home of the famous 500 Mile Motor Race
There’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in the center or town
With a circular street that you can drive around
There’s a tune about going to Kansas City
But none about Indy and that’s such a pity
Too bad Hoosiers, Porter and Carmichael didn’t write one
I’ll have to do it myself or it won’t get done

By Sue Raymer Woods
July 27, 2005

RAYMER REUNION

2006-08-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

This poem was written for a Raymer Family reunion held on July 4th,2005, in my birthplace Owensboro Kentucky. There were over 60 cousins and family members gathered there. I attended with my brother Jim and his twin daughters, Fara and Tara, pictured right, click on picture to enlarge. All the families wore red t-shirts that said, "Raymer Family Reunion". A special treat during the trip was a visit with my 94 year old Aunt Velma, my fathers'older sister. I recited my reunion poem and some other poems. It was a great time. We enjoyed Owensboro's famous barbequed mutton.

RAYMER REUNION

As we gather together there’ll be no disclaimer
That we’re all members of the clan called Raymer
Some are bright, but, yes, some are silly
But we’re all proud descendents of Hubert and Millie
Here are aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and cousins for kissing
We’ll all shed a tear and say a prayer for those who are missing
Our Moms and Dads aren’t here as they have passed on
At last they’re together again in the Heavens beyond
Husbands, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles are not here amongst us
Yet, we will all feel them as they look down upon us
So, Let’s PAUSE right here and now and experience the love
That they’re sending down on us right now from above

BOW HEADS, PAUSE FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE

Someday, once again, together we’ll all be
At a Raymer Reunion held in eternity

By Sue Raymer Woods
July 1, 2005

SEIZE THE DAY

2006-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

This was inspired after my annual Las Vegas visit where I joined my brother and twin nieces. I wrote it to tell my nieces to live their lives fully.

SEIZE THE DAY

Your life’s motto should be “Seize the Day!”
There’ll be unexpected changes along the way
Start right now to make your list
Of all the things you don’t want to miss
Seems the young and strong never
Realize that it won’t last forever
On your list put places you want to see
Alas, some will just never be
Each day make plans for lots of fun
And you won’t regret what you’ve never done
Life is short so squeeze it
Here’s a new day, LET’S SEIZE IT!

By Sue Raymer Woods
June 21, 2005

THE INDIANAPOLIS 500 MOTOR RACE

2006-07-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

This poem was written while watching the race on ABC. I always get homesick on 500 day, as I spent many hours at Indy. My dad took me to practise and qualifications when I was a child. Then in 1957 I saw my first race. I saw many more afterwards.

THE INDIANAPOLIS 500 MOTOR RACE

The greatest spectacle in racing it’s called
The 500 Mile Race at the Indy Brick Yard
Half a million fans come to Indy to see
Thirty-three drivers go over 220
They’ll drive 200 laps, make 800 left turns
The losers are those who Lady Luck spurns
Who will win? For whom should I bet?
It’s Memorial Day weekend, so they’ll honor each Vet
A respectful silence falls over each stand
When Taps are played by the Purdue Marching Band
Back Home Again in Indiana, Jim Nabors will croon
He’s the only one Hoosiers will trust with their tune
Red, white and blue balloons are released to the sky
And most years you’ll see the Blue Angels fly by
Once they’ve finished with all the Indy traditions.
It’s time for “Lady and gentlemen, start your engines!”
When the pace car pulls away, I just hold my breathe
And wish I was there instead of S.F.
All the fans will be standing, eager to learn
Which driver will be leading into the first turn
“Please God, a safe race”, I say my quick prayer
And oh how I wish that I could be there
I moved to the city in 1969.
And every race day for my Indy I pine
Years ago my favorite was Mario Andretti
And now a top driver is Dario Franchitti
Will this be the first race a woman will win?
Or will her heart break if she goes into a spin?
She was so close near the end, how hard she did duel
It was such a pity that she ran out of fuel
So I watched my beloved race on ABC
And they did a great job most will agree
Maybe some day I’ll be there once again
And root for Patrick to get her first win

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 29, 2005

PLEASE KEEP THE SEAT DOWN

2006-07-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have this poem framed and on display in my bathroom

PLEASE KEEP THE SEAT DOWN

You’re gonna make the women frown
If you don’t keep the toilet seat down
We have a different anatomy
And can’t stand up when we pee
You’re gonna start an awful fight
If we get up in the middle of night
And don’t have time to turn on the light
If our poor butts receive a shock
We’re gonna kick yours around the block
So leave the seat down as you ought
Or obviously you don’t know squat

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 22, 2005

NO MORE DUMB BLONDE JOKES

2006-07-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

NO MORE DUMB BLONDE JOKES has been shared with all my blonde friends, I always include it in my recitals at O.L.L.I, as it gets laughs and I love hearing people laugh at my poems

NO MORE DUMB BLONDE JOKES

Your sudden death you might provoke
If you tell me one more dumb blonde joke
I wonder why this is never said
Of gals whose hair is black, brown or red
You need a class in chemistry to teach
The scientific facts of bleach
It’s used to change hair from dark to light
And has nothing to do with whether we’re bright
My hair once was red but I changed to blonde
That didn’t make me dumb and I don’t have more fun
If you say I’m dumb I’m going to refute you
And if you keep it up, I’ll likely shoot you
I’ll tell the judge I shouldn’t be tried or scolded
“I’m blonde I didn’t know the gun was loaded”

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 9, 2005

DON’T SAY YOU WILL IF YOU’RE NOT GONNA CALL

2006-07-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

DON’T SAY YOU WILL IF YOU’RE NOT GONNA CALL was my next poem. Some say it woould make a good country/western song.

DON’T SAY YOU WILL IF YOU’RE NOT GONNA CALL

Don’t say you will if you’re not gonna call
T’would be better to just say nothing at all
I don’t understand why YOU MEN do that
I know that it’s caused many a lover’s spat
I must be naive, I didn’t have a hunch
That you just didn’t mean it when you said “Let’s do lunch”
I wait, wait and wait for your call that won’t come
Now I know why they say that all blondes are dumb
Yes I’m a blonde, but please don’t call me stupid
I’m gonna have a talk with that jerk they call cupid
I’ll tell him not to shoot his arrows in my heart
So I’ll fall for some guy who right from the start
Will promise a call that he’ll never make
And that is the cause of this blonde’s heartache
So, don’t say you will if you’re not gonna call
T’would be better to just say nothing at all

By Sue Raymer Woods
May 5, 2005

FANTASY FICTION CLASS

2006-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

My Fantasy Fiction class was taught by Jewelle Gomez, who has published a series of vampire novels. My poem, Yvonne, resulted from a character creation exercise in her class. Fantasy Fiction Characters followed.

Yvonne

You’re looking for love in all the wrong places
Staring too long in too many faces
You’re a girl gone wrong, Yvonne

You’re taking home too many strangers
So oblivious to the dangers
You’re a girl gone wrong, Yvonne

You waste too much time on Jack Daniels and Jim Beam
Now you better give up your man meeting scheme
You’re a girl gone wrong, Yvonne

You better mend your ways before it’s too late
Or a killer may be your next date
You’re a girl gone wrong, Yvonne

That handsome man you met last night
Could he be your Mr. Right
Does he play your song, Yvonne?

Wedding bells will soon be ringing
Here comes the bride we’ll all be singing
Yes he played your song Yvonne

by Sue Raymer Woods
April 13, 2005

FANTASY FICTION CHARACTERS

We learn character illustration
In our class called Fantasy Fiction
Right in class characters are created
And then their merits are debated.
Our characters have a special charm
Earl’s even grew an extra arm
They’re all weirdly strange, but we don’t care
There’s one who suddenly isn’t there
My own’s a gal I call Yvonne
She truly is a girl gone wrong
We love sharing our characters with each other
Then the next week we create another
Jewelle Gomez is our Instructor
To a Fantasy Hall of Fame we’d like to induct her
Her novels are of a strange vampire
Whose victims curiously don’t expire
The next Stephen King… it’s my prediction
Will emerge from my class called Fantasy Fiction

By Sue Raymer Woods
April 25, 2005

BIO POEM

2006-07-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Bio Poem was written for my Memoir Writing Class at OLLI. My instructor, Dave Weir was very helpful in getting my writing going,

BIO POEM

Welcome to my world
Starring me
Here I am
For all to see
I was born in 39,Pisces is my sign
Pisces, two fish swimming in opposite directions
Does this explain my imperfections?
Although I was born in Kentucky
We moved to Indy to get lucky
Mom and dad wanted a boy, but I wasn’t a him
So they had to wait six years for my brother, Jim
Gee I’m glad I’m not one of THEM!
For girls are made of sugar and spice
And boys from things that aren’t as nice
A tomboy I tried hard to be
But I remained a girl as you can see
I loved to run and climb the trees
I wasn’t a lass who tried to please
In 61 I was wed
But we didn’t do what the preacher said
We got divorced in 67
Our marriage wasn’t made in heaven
You don’t know what happiness is until you get married,….. and then it’s too late
To be a divorcee was my fate
But then I didn’t fit in, oh what a pity
So in 69 I moved to the City
From San Francisco I’ll never depart
It has the Golden Gate Bridge and Tony B’s heart
It has North Beach and China town
And cable cars that go up and down
It’s never to hot and rarely too cold
It’s the perfect spot, for me to grow old
I hope you enjoyed my bio poetry
I ‘m no Cole Porter, but I try hard to be
But I hope you’ll share your bio poems with me

By Sue Raymer Woods, March 17, 2005

MY CHEROKEE GRANDMOTHER, ANNIE RONE

2006-07-21T14:08:00.000-07:00