This is "Poet's Pantry"
After touching base with a few fellow creative souls from the web, I've realized I've got the perfect place to plant my  
poetic musings!  So here I go!  I'm reaching way back!!  Finding things from YEARS gone by, and adding the things
I'm writing today.  I'll post anything interesting regarding poetry and writing here in this part of the site.  And I'm gonna
get a chance to play with collaging again too!  :)  Have a look see!
On the Way to Nickajack Lake
Kathy Martin/Copyright 2005                                          11/19/05

As we travel down the highway, passing Roadway Expresses and other truck messages
that say ‘we drive a fine line,’
the signs tell us to “Visit Breathtaking Ruby Falls.”
It’s a cloudy day with the sun slipping through every few miles.
Leaves are golden-green and brown
but mostly gray, with yellow and red surprises few and far between –
It’s the end of autumn.
On the way to Nickajack Lake.

The sign says Exit 127, 1 mile to Winchester, Altamont next exit, and 2 miles to Stuckey’s
Where you can get State gifts & Souvenirs
and apparently the best Divinity in town!
The I-24 Flea Market is open on Saturday and Sunday every weekend here
and you can get a room at the Regency Inn for only $22.98
As we pass all the cows lazing next to the silos that hold all their corn and hay,
Tims Ford State Park is off to the right
On the way to Nickajack Lake.

We’re warned about steep mountain grades and told to watch for falling rocks
while we pass jagged ledges and big boulders at the roadside
and more signs telling us to discover all the legends of Rock City
and oh say can you see the rocks in Rock Mountain
while Rocky Top is playing on the car radio
The Acuff Country Inn Welcomes You
but I’d just as soon not see any wrecks on the highway today
On the way to Nickajack Lake.

Almost there, we’re getting close, Chattanooga in 30 miles
There’s Big Daddy’s Fireworks, with the Best Bang for Your Buck they say
And now Brad & Dolly are singing something soulful and pretty
and when I get where I’m going I’ll try to find that song again to play
Slower traffic stays to the right
we slow at mile marker 159
and pull over at the Rest Area at the Marion County Line
and it’s magnificence in a moment!
The Tennessee River, coming ‘round the bend, the breeze a-blowin’, the leaves a-fallin’
at Nickajack Lake

So back home again from the day away, driving back to Tullahoma
Past rocks and leaves and steep mountain grades - things we came by on the way
Past Battlecreek Log Homes and Lodge Cast Iron Outlets
And the signs hoping we enjoyed our visit to Ruby Falls
A train whistle blows in the distance, probably just coming into the downtown depot
It must mean something that we’re going home to Coffee County
while passing an ad for the Beans Creek Winery...  I’m not sure what, tho’
Trains through Tullahoma are just a fact they say
like the beauty of the water, the reflections of our day
spent on the way to Nickajack Lake
In an Old Man’s Memory
Kathy Martin – Copyright © 1973

The leaves have turned from green to brown
they’re covered now with dew
and lately, almost every day
my thoughts turn to you

Remembrances of summer days
of love’s first breath and sigh
have made me unaware of time
and of the days gone by

I know now that my dreams of you
are not reality
But it seems you’ve always been here
to keep me company

So sit with me now, stand by my side
the way you used to do
And give me the strength to cope with life
until I come to you.
I originally wrote this in 1973 as an ode between a
widower and his wife of 50 years who had passed
away the year before.  After more recent events,
it has taken on a new meaning for me...
I dedicate this to all the parents who have lost their
sons and daughters to the terrorist conflicts in Iran
and Afgahnistan.  
Advice From A Friend
Kathy Martin  -- Copyright©1998

You love each other.
Hand in hand
you stand and face the world.
Beneath your passion
lies a solid foundation
of
friendship,
consideration,
and
trust.
When times seem rough,
draw from this...  and
try.
Remain kind.
Keep the balance you’ve been fortunate to find.
Marriage is a fifty/fifty proposition.
So, give and take.
Bend to mend.
Listen.
Make your journey sweet!
In the end, you’ll grow to know completeness.
And, together,
you can stay
forever
in love.
Ree
How can you ever compensate for a debt so overwhelming
How can you ever give back for someone's time and sympathy
It leaves you with a sense of owing so much more than you could ever, ever relay
How can a simple thank you ever repay...

My sister...

She's my confidant, my friend indeed, my unwavering hero in my hour of need
She's a warrior, she's a gentle soul, she's the truth and the strength of all I know
And I know that it's true -- I'd never make it through
Without Ree

She's unfazed by conflict and unafraid, she does whatever it takes, she's always been brave
She has grit, and verve, and a quiet peace.  But in her words, she'd just say, "How hard can that be?"
And I know that it's true -- I'd never make it through
Without Ree

My little sister, she's such a jewel
She's got a tattoo, I think that's so cool
She's the very best mom, and a best friend too
And she's been so there for me...  I don't know what I would do without Marie


She's the steady sound of the voice of reason
She's my Gibraltar rock if I need her to lean on
Her grace and humor help to dampen my doubts
If there's a way to make it, she'll figure it out
And I know that's it's true -- I'd never make it through
Without Ree


So -- how can you ever compensate
for a debt so overwhelming
How can you ever give back
for someone's time and sympathy
It leaves you with a sense of owing so much more
than you could ever, ever relay
How can a simple thank you
ever repay...
She's been so there for me...
I don't know what I would do without
Marie.


Kathy Martin - Copyright©2005
Fathers & Sons

Kathy Martin – Copyright © 1994

Now a son is a father
With a child of his own
He will teach his little one
That they are never alone
With the memories of patience
And joy that he’s known
A tender reminder
Of the love he was shown
By the son of a father
With a child of his own
Look!  How 'bout this for a beginner?  I've
sent away for the book and the CD set that
"Trains Through Tullahoma" will be included
on.  Hopefully, I'll be able to find out if they are
available to the public and I'll let you know!
Someone sent this to me in an email...  the author is unknown,
but I thought it was some sound advice!  Merri does too!!  :)
Good Advice from Your Dog

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
  • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
  • Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
  • Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
  • When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
  • Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
  • Take naps.
  • Stretch before rising.
  • Run, romp, and play daily.
  • Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
  • Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
  • On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
  • On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
  • When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
  • No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout!  Run right back and make friends.
  • Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
  • Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
  • Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
  • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
  • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently
If You Don’t Try
Kathy Martin / Copyright©1997

It took courage to approach her
as she stood in silk and lace
And he looked calm in his cool confidence,
Considering the challenge he faced
“Can I buy you a drink?
Would you like to sit down?
Do you want to talk for a while?”
But when she turned to him with those icicle eyes
and that condescending smile
He knew it was a nice try
but no dice, no way, no how, not today
Still, he gave it a try
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
You pay a price to play the game
and things will always stay the same
Unless you try

She knew she would be nervous
Tense to the point of laughter
She never was one to believe
in happily ever after
But he seemed so sane
so self-assured
and it had been so long
She almost forgot this was a blind date
Could the time be right? Is he two hours late?
She knew it was a nice try
But oh well, it could’ve been swell
she’ll never know, so what the hell
She gave it a try
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
You pay a price to play the game
and you have no one else to blame
if you don’t try

And you know, you never know
Sometimes, in spite of all the things you do
What you’ve always wanted
lands right in front of you

They’re going out tonight
It’s been almost a year
How come time seems to fly
When you’re with someone who cares
It feels so right
from that first night
They know right from the start
they might never have found one another
each half of the same heart,
If they hadn’t tried
Opened up, took a chance, tossed that dice, returned that glance
Yeah, you have to try
Cause nothing ventured, nothing gained
You pay a price to play the game
and things will always stay the same
unless you try
you have to try
things will always stay the same        
if you don’t try
Domestic & family violence and abuse is rampant in
this country and it needs to end -- now!  If you or
someone you know is the victim of this kind of
abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence
Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or online at
http://www.ndvh.org/

Here are some other website pages with helpful
information:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_
abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

http://www.christianwomentoday.com/advice/domesti
cabuse.html

http://www.drirene.com/

http://www.nursinghomealert.com/recognitionofabus
e/verbalemotionalabuse.html
Abused Too
-        Kathy Martin / Copyright©2006

Just because you don’t hit her
Doesn’t mean you don’t hurt her
Words can be as sharp as a blade of steel

Just because you don’t stab her
Doesn’t mean you don’t wound her
Some scars are harder pressed to ever heal
Talk To Me
- Kathy Martin©2000

For everything we have in common
For all that we agree upon
It’s not unreasonable to fathom
an argument that can’t be won

It’s just a small misunderstanding
It’s just two different points of view
It’s only our opinions clashing
It doesn’t mean I don’t love you

Talk to me
Tell me your truth
Give me the choice and half a chance
to see it as you do
Yell if you need to
But let me understand
Talk to me
So, you know what that means, don't you?

Don't Worry... Be Happy!!!!
Paul’s Song
- Kathy Martin©1983

Paul, your Daddy loves you so
if you could only know
how very much
He would do most anything
to have you here with him
so close to touch
He wants you to be good
do all the things you should
so one day when you grow to be
a kind and gentle man, you’ll see
you’ll be just like your Daddy,
strong and true
Paul, your Daddy loves you

Paul, I know it’s very hard
but you hold all the cards
like in a game
Yes, I know it shouldn’t be
but one day you will see
and feel the same
He wants what’s best for you
sometimes he really needs you
so he can face another day
‘cause you’re the reason in his way
He’d like to watch you learn and grow up, too
Paul, I know your Dad, and he loves you

Paul, your Daddy loves you so
Someday you’ll come to know
deep in your heart
And Paul, I care about you, too
Not just because you’re you,
though that’s a big part
I love you ‘cause you mean so much to him.

And Paul, you see
he means so much to me.
Those Paper-Jam-in-the-Copier-Again Blues      
Kathy Martin/Copyright©1986

I got plenty of work to do
More than my share
With deadlines to meet
But the machine’s in disrepair
Oh, I got ‘em bad...
I got those paper-jam-in-the-copier-again blues

The pressure’s killing me
My back’s against the wall
Seems like I spend my whole life
Just waiting on a service call
Oh, I got ‘em bad...
I got those paper-jam-in-the-copier-again blues

I can’t explain it
Why in all of this town
It’s always our copier
going down,
staying down...

Aw, I think it’s sad
You know what I mean
When you go to sleep at night
Collators jamming in your dreams
Oh, you know that’s when it’s really bad....
you got the blues
Yeah, I got ‘em so bad...
I got those paper-jam-in-the-copier-again blues
This is dedicated to everyone who can SO
relate to the movie, "Office Space".  

Got a bat handy?  You KNOW you want to... :)
Windows
Copyright by Kathy Martin©1993
BLUE
Copyright by Kathy Martin©2006

Blue

Sad is the soul

that strives to be True

For to be True

Often times, you must be Blue

So I pick my favorite Hue

and go ahead and wallow...

contentedly, Azurely, I gaze

through my Cobalt and Indigo view

Until finally I

see through the gloom

I see through the Blue

to You
How's your
Attitude?
"It's not so much what they
say as what you hear."
-- Toni Morrison
“I’m not weird, I’m gifted.”
-- Unknown
“I ask people why they have deer
heads on their walls. They say that
it’s because a deer is such a
beautiful animal. There you go. I
think my mother is attractive, but I
only have pictures of her.”
-- Ellen DeGeneres
Blue-Haired Broad
Copyright by Kathy Martin©2004
I’m proud to be a blue-haired broad
I’ve earned every single solitary hair
I won’t hold my tongue
I'll say whatever I want
No, I won’t quit until I’m done
I’m proud to be a blue-haired broad
And just what are you going to do?
I’ve lived and loved
and I've laughed a ton
Won’t stop ‘til my life’s through
It Suddenly Occurs…
Copyright - Kathy Martin©2006

It suddenly occurs
While I’m sitting at my daily toil
And I’m concentrating so hard
But I hear him start to snore
Through the clicking of my keys
Through the music of the old movie playing
Through the sound of my memories

And I’m suddenly aware
Of all that’s gone before
Of the times he held my hand
Of the times he yelled and screamed
Of the times he laughed with me
Of all the time gone by

And I’m suddenly afraid
Of all that lies ahead
Of the harder time to come
When he won’t be there for me
To hold my hand
Or yell at me
Or laugh or snore
Anymore

And it suddenly occurs
How just a snore
Reassures
HER CHOICE
Kathy Martin©2006

Some see her as kind.
Some think her self-centered.
Others see her as thoughtless.
Some say she’s good-natured.
And some would say she’s an inconsiderate soul.
Some people might think that,
But they wouldn’t know.

She may sometimes lack tact
So some may call her insensitive.
Yet she can exhibit a charitable nature
Though some say she’s unappreciative.
But they don’t know her empathetic role.
So those people would think that,
Because they wouldn’t know

She’s actually frightened
And a little naïve;
Too proud to admit it,
Too scared to believe
In herself
And in those who truly love her.
She trusts no one;
Is constantly cynical;
Protective of what?  Only she could tell you.
But she deems the world epic in scope
And so vast she can’t possibly cope.

So she may seem inflexible.
Prone to her own motivation
But she’d give you the moon
If she thought you had no other option.
Yet she would dubiously second guess her own gracious
choice.
See, most people wouldn’t think that.
They wouldn’t know how lonely her life is
Hearing only her own voice.
Most people wouldn’t know
That it’s the way she is -- the way she's always been...
That it’s always been her choice.
No, they wouldn’t know.
And why would they?

That’s also her choice.
Be Silent No More
Kathy Martin/Copyright©2006

A letter came today
And it reminded me
Of something Martin said
So eloquently
He said: Our lives begin to end
On the very day
That we become silent
And never say
What we think or what we feel
About the things that matter most in our way
So… speak up I say!!
Talk a blue streak!
Say what you think!!
Because the sun is coming up tomorrow,
And it’s never too late
To try to change what’s wrong
And make it right
Light the dark
To make it bright
Pound loudly on every shuttered door
And when it comes to what you think
Be quiet
Be silent
No more
Another Prayer
Kathy Martin©2006

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray dear Lord You’ll always keep
Me close in thought and in Your care
And save me a place with You up there
Because dear Lord I must confide
That lately You are being denied
And people down here are not the same
Quite frankly Lord, they’re going insane
Not only killing the Earth You’ve given us
But killing each other without any conscience
The Jewish hate Arabs and Arabs hate Jews
It was so in Your time, so that’s nothing new
But people are finding horrendous ways to kill children
These are the most innocent and trusting of victims
So please dear Lord as I go to sleep
I pray that if You can not keep
Insane grownups from their own destruction
Please dear Lord, protect the children
The Unsuspecting Cynic
Kathy Martin©2006


The look of curiosity

All innocence and sweetness

How precious is a child

And the wonder that they’re born with

Every day of living life

Chips away that beauty

Until they’ve grown up captive

To the unsuspecting cynic

Who wishes for the wonder

Of those trusting, carefree days
The Rush
- Kathy Martin©2006

The hustling, jostling, rushing to make it in this world
Has made us blind to the beauty He has made
In the simplest of sights
Like the rustling leaves
Of a statuesque sycamore tree
Or the delicate petal
Of a single succulent Sterling Rose
Why, do you suppose, we scuttle this way and that
Without regard or remorse
Without conscience or concern
Of course, I discern, it’s the rush that distracts
The thrill of it
But alas
Like all manner of highs
It will grow bright
But then die
And where will we be?
Hustling and jostling to make it into His world
Where He’s been waiting
Patiently
I hope
We are worthy
Husbands and Wives
-Kathy Martin©2006

Woman, you are my wife
So fetch me this
Make me that
Wait on me hand and foot
Because I am entitled
And this is God’s will
Bull!
God gave us all free will
Not just those who have their soft and tender parts on
the inside,
But those with them hanging on the outside as well
I say
Husband, you are a man
Get up on the two strong feet that God gave you
And get it yourself!
Oh, and while you are there…
God said that Love is Patient and Kind…
Maybe you
Could get two
And share!
This is dedicated to the people in the town of Libby, Montana.  To read
some of what they are going through, you might check out this link:  
http://www.allaboutmalignantmesothelioma.com/asbestos-libby.htm
Is that Dust in the Air?
Kathy Martin©2006

Hail, Mary –
Shame on Grace
Has the Lord forgotten me?
I live in Libby, not far from the mine
And I’m as sick as sick can be

There’s dust in the air
There’s dust everywhere
And now it seems the company knew
How can He allow such greed
Mary, what can we do?

I wouldn’t keep asking
But it’s not just for me
I’m afraid the whole town could die
Please ask your Son to pray for us
It’s in Him we must now rely

My parents moved us to this place
To gain a sweet and simple existence
But thanks to Grace’s abject apathy
Asbestos has left us in illness

Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for the Sinners, now and at the hour of our death
But dear Mary, pray for us too
Because we did not deserve this
Do You
Haiku?
For anyone who might not know, Haiku is a form of poetry where there are three lines, the
first has 5 syllables, the 2nd 7 syllables and the 3rd 5 syllables.  This 5/7/5 pattern is what
makes it "Haiku".  I've come to find it fun, and sort of challenging... here are some of my
forays into the world of Haiku....
This is America
Kathy Martin©2007

The sunlight is shining through the blinds
Throwing shadows on the table.
As thoughts cross my mind…
That we in this country
Are so fortunate to find ourselves free.
Because this is America.

We take it for granted –
Our ability to choose.
And we can’t even fathom
Just how much we could lose
If it all went away.
If we woke up tomorrow
And weren’t allowed to sing or to pray…
But this is America.

And Americans stand for what is right.
When someone’s in trouble, we’re the first to fight
To save them from fates unimaginable.
Americans are dependable
And will go to any length
Because we care and we draw from this strength.
If there are people in need,
We’re the first to share
And try to make life worth living.
Americans are always giving.

And I’m proud to be red, white and blue.
Patriotism isn’t something we use –
It’s something we are – loyal and true.
Because this is America.

So the next time you hear someone
Griping about
How we don’t have this and
We won’t live without…
Just remember it’s not like they have to be here.
It’s a really big planet
With lots of places to go…
And they’re lucky!  The choice is all theirs!!
Because THIS is America!
More to come... Check back Again....
Click the Butterfly to go back to the top of this page
This is a poem that was written by my friend, Sherry Lawson,
for her brother Dennis, who passed away in 2005.  It was
just so beautiful, I asked her if she wouldn't mind sharing it
with us here...
Watching the traffic from the 26th floor
Everyone’s in such a rush
It’s high noon in the city
They’re all meeting someone for lunch
Through the dirt-stained window I see a young couple
In the park sitting under a tree
She’s sharing her sandwich, he’s stealing a kiss
They’re as happy as two kids can be

In the right corner of the window I saw
The little gold writing that read
“Maternity Ward – Please Be Quiet!
Our Babies Are All In Bed!”
I saw a new father catch sight of his son
And a wonder came over his face
His tiny blue bundle’s life had just begun
And the world was now a much better place

I feel what affects me
I sense what is fake
I know what’s important
I know what can wait
I know what is precious
I trust what is real
I know what I feel
There’s no time to waste on regret
We should throw all our worry away
If we truly forgive and forget
Life will mean more,
so much more every day

And I’m looking through a window of rose-colored glass
It’s my optimistic view
Things look, oh, so bright and hopeful
In shades that won’t be subdued
Could the sky be any bluer?
A greener green I’ll never find
Just the thought of the beauty of the leaf of a tree
Puts the perspective back into my life

I feel what affects me
I sense what is fake
I know what’s important
I know what can wait
I know what is precious
I trust what is real
I know what I feel
Here's a Thought ~
Life's a test...
to prove nothing less than our love.
It requests nothing less than our love...
and demands nothing less than our love.
Best Bang
for Your
Buck!
Fly Away
Kathy Martin – Copyright©1979

If I could only fly
I’d soar away today.
The days are getting much too long,
and I’m afraid that I can’t stay.
Behind this wall of fear
I hear the echoes of a distant call.
It seems so far away,
but actually
it comes from me –
the making of my heart,
the essence of my soul.
It’s searching from within the maze of feelings.
That old goal –
It always finds it’s way
back to the surface of my self
and sits at the back of my mind,
and patiently,
it waits for me.
I guess it knows I’ll come around in time.
But time –
It’s fast to pass me by.
And suddenly
the fear in me
rings loud and clear
and fine.
When will I overcome this gripping sense of failing?
For I should know by now
that a boat can’t sink
unless it’s sailing first.
And “try” has always been the key.
I wish I could try
the courage in me,
and fly away.
Trains through Tullahoma
Kathy Martin - Copyright©2006

Every Night
Every Day
Whistles whine and moan away
Agendas to make, No time to waste
Trains through Tullahoma

With signs of graffiti art
Adorning box cars
It must happen during city layovers
because they breeze right through here...
all the Trains through Tullahoma
Cars they come
Cars they go
Box cars stacked with new cars for show
on their way to showroom floors
on Trains through Tullahoma

Thundering, rolling, roaring
It echoes
For more than hours and hours each night
Steel wheels keep turning, all night whirling
The Trains through Tullahoma
Solitaire
Kathy Martin©2006

It’s like when I’d see you playing solitaire...
it was all up to you.
You’d call the plays.
You’d make the rules.
It was you against the odds, and you’re used to it there.
You’ve always been the one
to keep her head,
to lay the roots,
making sure all you loved got their fair share.

But you don’t have to play this one alone...
I care.
I can be the ear you bend, the shoulder you cry on...
If you start to loose weight, I’ll feed you.
If you start to loose hair, I’ll wig you out!
I will share
the burden of pain and worry and woe;
throw the baggage this way and then
it just might be that much easier to bear.
Who’s to know?
No one else has to know!
It can just be between us --
our own special adaptation...
an optimistic variation
of solitaire.