Arming Sister Margaret!

If the GOP agrees to sticking out their necks:

Call for comprehensive, universal background checks,

Give police authority to take somebody's gun,

Raise the legal age to purchase them to 21,

I think we should let the teachers in a school decide

If they want to have a loaded pistol by their side...

If they did - and if they're trained on how to use their guns -

I'm prepared to compromise and let them arm the nuns.

(Sister Margaret was armed... She had her rosary.

She'd begin to swing those beads when she was mad at me.

With that heavy, metal cross that dangled from the end

She was not a woman you would argue with, my friend.)

'though, not everyone is Sister Margaret - Thank God! -

My sons had two State cops coach their Varsity Wrestling squad;

I'd trust guys like them with guns if they brought them to school.

I would make that bargain any day...  I'm not a fool.

If the President's sincere and starts to back away

From positions long supported by the NRA

I think that he'd see his polls dramatically increase.

He would have my full support...  Will wonders never cease?

Walt Disney Made Me Cry, Again

(I actually started weeping about 5 minutes before this scene.)

 

Saturday our youngest graduated Chelmsford High.

Band played Pomp and Circumstance and I began to cry,

Watching as his friends and he processed across the floor,

Got diplomas, tossed their caps...  And then I cried some more.

I've been very weepy lately. Watched Toy Story 3;

Mr. S. came in and caught the movie's end with me.

I was sobbing openly; he shed a tear or two.

We're both happy for our son but, still, I'm feeling blue.

He'll be heading off to college and can hardly wait,

Looking forward to his future life at Worcester State;

Making plans and saying his good-byes to all his friends...

While I sit and wonder at how quickly childhood ends.

I've been looking backward to when both our boys were young;

When their Buzz and Woody toys were casually flung

Into corners, under beds... The hours that I spent

Picking up those toys but, now, I wonder where they went.

I know I must look ahead because we can't go back;

Need to force a smile and help my college student pack,

Give him love and confidence so he can seize the day...

Then I might go look for Buzz and make sure he's okay.

Promenade on the Chelmsford Common

My beautiful niece on her way to prom. (Photo/Courtesy of Peter S. Corr III)

 Here in Chelmsford, seniors - who are on their way to prom -

Stop and pose for pictures on the Common with their mom.

It's become traditional and draws a massive crowd;

Couples dressed in finery, their parents looking proud.

I've been there the last few years for nieces and my son;

Love to see the gorgeous gowns and pick my favorite one.

'though the crowds of people make the Center's traffic slow,

Once my own have graduated I still plan to go.

Unsolicited Advice for School Boards

Pediatric specialists say teens need extra sleep;

Say that schools should change the current schedules they keep.

Start of school should be delayed; let teenagers sleep in.

Later in the morning's when their classes should begin.

Isn't just my observations of our own two sons,

They (as recent studies show) are not the only ones

Who have spent the summer staying in their beds 'til noon...

They are gonna be in shock 'cause school is starting soon.

Youngest must be up at 6 or else he will be late;

Oldest (he's at P.S.U.) has his first class at 8.

Even when they set alarms they never hear the bell;

Neither one can function at that hour very well.

Younger kids like mornings and they're already awake;

Let them have the early start and give their moms a break.

I bet if you asked the teachers they would all agree

And I guarantee that teens would greet the change with glee.

Chelmsford High PRIDE

It is very disconcerting to have helicopters taking aerial shots of your local high school and satellite trucks with reporters waiting at the entrance.  I think I saw my car on the morning news. (Photo/WHDH)

Local football players are accused of being cruel.

My son missed the bus today; I drove him in to school.

It has been surrounded by reporters, camera crews;

Not the way that residents want Chelmsford in the news.

As the  mom of teenage boys, I've met the kids accused.

Never met the child who they, allegedly, abused.

Dr. Frank Tiano swears that action's underway.

What exactly happened, he is not prepared to say.

Rumors have been flying; I've heard wedgies, I've heard rape.

I've been told they meant it as a mean, but harmless, jape.

I have met their coaches, though.  I've always been impressed.

I can guarantee you that the staff there is distressed.

Don't know what will happen now, nor what the charges are.

Only know, this morning, when arriving in my car,

Students there looked somber, somewhat shaken, and subdued,

As they tried to process how their school is being viewed.

School Shopping

Tomorrow the school year will start

And I fear I've not done my part.

There's things I've not bought

So, ready or not,

I better run out to Walmart.

(Later...)

I'm sorry... Just heard of the strike,
As workers expressed their dislike.
So, I guess we'll go
To Staples, although,
That store is a much longer hike.

Thank You Chelmsford Schools

Eldest son is graduating, soon, from Chelmsford High.

This week he'll be telling staff and teachers there good-bye.

He's at Seniors' breakfast now; the prom's tomorrow night.

(Have to go and make sure his tuxedo fits him right.)

Friday's Seniors' banquet; graduation is the 1st.

I am so proud of him I'm afraid I'm gonna burst.

But, as this week rushes by and high school slips away,

There are just a few things that I'd really like to say;

My son's been in Chelmsford schools since he was only 5.

They have taught him everything (excepting how to drive.)

It is thanks to them and all the lessons that he's learned

He will be receiving this diploma that he's earned.

Teachers, Dean, and coaches shaped the boy into a man;

Taught him how to stop and think - then execute a plan.

Gave him all the tools he'll need next year at Plymouth State.

Thank you Chelmsford High School.  Lions aren't just good...  They're great!

Dr. Seussilitis Interruptus

Chelmsford's 2012-2013 Wrestling Team (Photo/Dan Ahern)

Boys are home from school this week; their February break.

Thought it would be quiet here but that was a mistake.

Both of them are wrestlers and this week is the States;

Both of them competing in a sport their mother hates.

So, despite the sequestration and the other news,

I will have to spare you all the rhyming of my views.

I'll be in the bleachers on my old and aching buns,

Praying that they don't get hurt and cheering for my sons.

* Congratulations to Ben Melisi and Scott McQuaide on their 1st place finishes.