Children’s Precious Memories/Poems About Life is a collection of twenty-two poems.  Three of the poems are inspirational, while the other nineteen describe life's precious childhood adventures. These narratives will spark the memory of every parent, grandparent and family member as they represent the most ordinary- yet extraordinary happenstance of childhood.   Told from the sensitive perspective of a loving grandfather, the reader will discover the anecdotes delve into sentiments which are downright comical, somber and at times, even a little sad.  This collection will evoke emotion in every reader, as the treasured smiles and tears of childhood bring nostalgia to all.  Each poem is illustrated by a beautiful hand drawn picture which brings the story to life.  

As a Dad, Papa, and Game Warden I have encountered many situations involving children.  Many of those situations are downright funny, others very serious and yes even a few a little sad.  Whatever the case maybe I hope you enjoy this collection of poems…I hope they bring a smile to your face…or even a joyful tear to your eye...  Since these poems came to me in the middle of the night and the 1st I titled “God’s Gift”, I guess that explains how I feel about this collection.

God’s Gift

I stare at the water and watch the endless flow
I wonder where all the droplets go.

They pass by like the clouds in the sky
Never to return, one wonders why.

The minutes of our lives are like the fallen snow
Becoming water droplets—Where do they go?

So, take advantage of every single day,
As they will never come again this way.

BREAKFAST

Oh! My Goodness! What did you do?
You’ve made a mess and it’s all over you!

I don’t know!  It just happened to me!
It was an accident!  Can’t you see?

I made breakfast for you, Mom and Dad.
It will be the best you’ve ever had!

I didn’t know eggs could roll,
I guess I just missed the bowl!

I micro’ed the bacon and it all turned black,
That pancake batter…It fell right out of the sack!

And when I opened the frigerator door,
The milk fell out all over the floor!

Oh, Mommy…Could you make the toast for me?
You know I can’t play with electricity

Steve lives in Jackson, Missouri with his wife Sandy.  He and Sandy have raised 3 sons and 1 daughter and are blessed with 5 grandchildren.  Steve recently retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation where he served the people of Missouri as a Conservation Agent.  Steve grew up in a small community in Iowa and began hunting and fishing at a young age.  While serving as a Game Warden for over 28 years, chasing bird dogs, elk and turkeys he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors.  A few years ago he began woodcarving specializing in carving feathers. 

Then late one night he awoke with a poem that would not allow him to go back to sleep.  Finally giving up he wrote the verse down and finished the night.  The next morning, armed with his scribbles, he cleaned up the verse and “God’s Gift” was finished.  Over the next several years a few poems came always late at night.  Then Steve decided to make a book for his children.  The dam exploded and over the next few months 15 more poems arrived.   When friends and family read his poems he noticed that all liked a different poem, some brought smiles and a few brought tears.  The thought that his poems could evoke so much emotion gave him the idea to share the collection with as many people as possible.