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Roots and Wings

Roots and Wings

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AA Crystal Marie Steed AA

Graduation June 2, 1999

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Roots and Wings

An anthology of Poetry, Prose and Muse
© 1999 by Marsha Steed 
For my daughter
Prologue - 
 

Roots and Wings
 
 
 

Having a child, a daughter especially, is many things. She is tears, she is joy, she is frustration, she is unbound pride, she is me, she is a stranger, she is a child, she is a teacher, she is a daughter, she is a friend. These few thoughts are for my daughter, Crystal Marie Steed, on her graduation from Del Campo High School, class of 1999.

Crystal was born seventeen and a half years ago on September 7th, 1981, in Santa Rosa California. Every moment with this child is to be cherished. Gratitude is offered for the blessing of being able to have her in my life.

Looking back at the past seventeen years, I see a life begun and now a life on the edge of the nest. When I gave my daughter her acceptance to Ricks College in Rexburg Idaho, (where her grandparents, her aunts and uncles and her parents attended)
I said, 

"Well baby, here are your wings". 

She replied with the same tear that was in my eye, 

"But mom, I don't know how to fly!"

I guess this is just a little booklet to show her, and those who love a child, that indeed she has the skills and the experiences that she needs to not only fly, but to soar. 
 
 

The Lessons

1 Naming a Child Identity

2 Perfect Imperfections Uniqueness

3 Baby Blankie Dependance

4 Joy School - School of Joy Beginnings

5 Kindergarten Scholar Confidence

6 Setting up Housekeeping Homemaking Skills

7 Through the looking glass Procrastination

8 Jr. High Vote for me! Persuasiveness

9 Your Favorite Things Preferences

10 My Best Student Spirituality

11 Computer class Integrity) 

12 Hugging Love

13 Do you remember? Traditions

14 Senior's and Laurel's Responsibility

15 The Educated student Education

16 The Perfect Date Beauty

17 The Talent Show Talents

18 Roots and Wings Decisions

Identity
 
 

Naming a Child
 

Holding you gently, tiny bundle of mine,
I ponder on the names that you'll be known by in time.
Shall I give you heritage, a grandmother's name or face?
May I offer you beauty, or strength, or ancient lace?
Will you hate my mistake, or embrace my best prayer?
Can the name I give you child, place heaven within your care? 
Porcelain features, and blue transparent flesh
Beauty beyond this world's veil's caress.
I'll give you purity of vision
Beauty of face and soul fission.
With crystal clear clarity
Your name will illuminate a rarity
in integrity and wisdom,
loveliness in a faceted prism
of all you that possess, already done
and all you shall now become. 
Crystal as pure as the white blue stone
Marie is the graceful elegant one
May your name protect
Your heart reflect
Known upon this world as 
Crystal Marie Steed
A name, 
a child, 
a lifelong creed.
 
 

Marsha Steed ‘99 ---<--{@ Chantaclair Rose 

Uniqueness
 
 

Perfect Imperfections
 

When a mother holds her newborn child.
All beaming with the glow,
She counts her fingers one by one
and then of course her toes.
 

She basks in the sweet perfection
of this newly formed bit of self.
and worries of course if all is right
a little doubt placed on the shelf.
 

One - two - Listen to her perfect coo... 
Three - Four - Could I be blessed any more? 
Five - Six - will she excel at Pre-school; High School; Ricks?
Seven eight - How could I ever know her fate?
Nine ten-- -- -- ELEVEN?!
 

Eleven fingers oh what to do? 
Can imperfection come from heaven too?
 

Marsha Steed ‘99

Dependance
 

The baby blankie
 

Lovingly the stitches sewn
by a woman made a grandmother by you.
thread by thread the blanket was formed
soft animals on a field of baby blue.

Home from the hospital you were wrapped & snuggled
It went over your head when you had some struggles.
To Slumber parties it attended unabashed
Then in a sleeping bag at girls camp though harassed.

Friends, Family and leaders shook heads and sighed.
Teased, coerced and wooed and resigned.
Re-backed three times and mended and patched
Wrestled to the wash once while a blue moon watched.

Shall this scrap of babyhood still cuddled at night
Remind you of each memory when you've taken flight?
Dependance is a fault or so goes the song
yet if it forms your wings it can't be all wrong. 

Comforting you through the day's chills and roughs
Something to hold when things are too tough
A friend to hear every wish and dreams
Holding memory and tears, Wind and sunbeams.

---<--{@ Mom - Chantaclair Rose '99

Beginnings

-Joy School - School of Joy

In Joy School the little blonde recited
with smile and professional aplomb
"My mamma kisses me better
when I bump my nose 
or hurt my head or finger. . . " 

and so mamma did - 
Hurt by Hurt
and Failure by failure - 
( though there weren't many ) 
Put kisses and hugs 
where life offered 
bumps and disappointments and pain.
to the tiny actress or
the glowing accomplished drama scholarship
and award winner.

"Who'll kiss mamma better, when her heart is hurt?
I know, I can climb upon her lap
_I_ can kiss her better!"

and so the little girl did
Hurt by Hurt
and Failure by failure - 
( and there are many ) 
Put kisses and hugs 
where life offered 
bumps and disappointments and pain.

The school of Joy is 
the sweet moments of 
giving and receiving 
that precious healing love 
From a child to a mother and back again.

---<--{@ Marsha Steed - Mom.- ‘99

 

Confidence
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kindergarten Scholar
 

Who is this child so big and grown?
She can't be my baby walking home.
 

"How was your first day of school?"
"Oh it was good, I was a jewel, 
but I don't need to return at all you see...
I know my A's and B's through Z's, 
and teacher, well, 
She's not as smart as me,
She only knows through letter C!"
 

--<--{@ Marsha Steed ' 99

 

Homemaking Skills
 
 

Advice
 

They say 
"the way to a man's heart 
is through his belly" 
(I sure hope he likes Ramen or 
peanut butter & jelly)

They tell you that 
"cleanliness is next to godliness" -
(Cross your fingers 
there is someplace for messiness)

"A penny saved is a penny earned" - 
( Good thing dollars spend better 
you've learned ) 

"A stitch in time - Saves nine"
( or one mom and a sewing machine is better than nine department store lines.) 

Dusting & laundry & cooking & cleaning aren't exactly your forte?
Guess you'll just have to 
postpone marriage for another day!

---<--{@ Mom - Marsha Steed '99

 

Procrastination
 
 
 
 
 

Through the Looking Glass
 
 
 

"Alice in Wonderland" in her dress of blue

was what in childhood, we called you.

Yet it was the plucky adventurous blonde

imaginative, curious, daring and fond

not the White Rabbit singing, 

"I'm Late I'm Late!. . .!"

you were supposed to emulate!
 
 
 

--->--{@ Loving mother, Marsha Steed '99

 

Persuasiveness
 
 
 

VOTE FOR ME!
 
 

Crystal Steed - the VP you need!
It's Crystal Clear - Steed's the one you need!
 

Campaigning with smiles
videotaping a speech
convincing peers
handing out button's 
( and the candy and 
crazy hair pencil's didn't hurt any)
 

The victories won weren't only the titles;
Secretary, Vice President; 
President of the Student body,
 

The true benefit came from 
learning through 
disappointment and successes
that with confidence and a smile
you *CAN* do it!
 
 

-=--<{@ Marsha Steed ‘99

Preferences
 

Your Favorite Things

Raindrops on Roses and Kisses from kittens
Sunsets and beaches and lasagne with fixin's
Tying big bows on packages fit for a king... 
These are a few of your favorite things.
When the alarm rings, when the bees fly
When you're feeling sad,
Tromp through your room on your favorite things
and then you won't feel so bad!

Purple prom dresses' and ‘My Best Friend's Wedding'
Journal & Scriptures and Dream books on your bedding
Shania Twain, Back Street Boyz, Getting Suntanned 
Being on stage and Kissing your Man
When the phone breaks, Monday's chores you hate
When things get you mad
you simply remember your favorite things
and then you can feel so glad!
 

Marsha Steed ' 99

(with help from Rogers and Hammerstein ) 
Spirituality
 

My Best Student

Every teacher wishes for
a student who`s ready and eager
who listens and questions and shares
never thinking what's offered is meager.

For one who hears the still small voice
but who listen's to teachers words too,
With pencil poised to record the thoughts 
that are so precious to you. 

Parable and Metaphor
Symbols, Simile and Prose
Lips closed when you're speaking
then offering back truth`s she knows.

Such a student I had but once
in all my classes galore
my student, my teacher, my daughter
you are all these and more.

---<--{@ A Grateful Mom and Seminary Teacher
Marsha Steed 96 - 99

 

Integrity
 
 
 

Computer Class
 
 

We taught you many things
never to cheat or lie or steal
to be kind to others to say "thank-you".
To stand for what you feel.
 

Words are easily offered
but its in the living that proof is found.
When the teacher says, "You cheated"
and the class looks on with expectant frown.
 

Is there evidence enough to convince them
that you live as we hoped you would? 
No matter the outcome, the look in your eye
makes me proud to trust you at your word. 
 
 
 
 
 

---<--{@ Marsha Steed '99

 

Love
Hugging 
A little girl's arm around her brother
A kiss to a sister's cheek. 
A sign language 'I love you'
A Vacation or two or three
A angry word
A story told
A meal prepared, 
A tear shed in sympathetic support.
A dirty room
A cleaning without being told.
A pet cared for
A chore forgotten
A grandmother's company kept
An Aunt's painting talents used.
An Uncle's tickle
A Father's limousines first date.
A mother's heart blooming with pride.
A prayer said
A scripture read
A song sung
A daughter's smile
A legacy left.

---<--{@ Marsha Steed 1999

Traditions 

Do you remember?
A
January's
New Year's poppers 
& Mom's Birthday's?
February's
Making tons of Valentines by hand?
March's
Getting a new baby sister, Flying kites and Picking out Chasse'?
April's
Easter Egg rolling & Coloring and Listening to General Conference?
May's
Not one but TWO new baby brother's, and Memorial day with the Grovers.
June's
Counting flags out on Flag day, and Strawberry Waffles in bed for Father's Day
July's
Fireworks on the beach, Girls Camp, Family Vacations and Picnic's at the Condo at Lake Tahoe
August's
Making a Surprise Party for Mom and Dad's Anniversary and the First day of School.
September's
Your birthday of course at Chuck E- Cheese, or your First Date and Dad's Birthday
October's
Choosing Halloween costumes and Trick or Treat sharing with Grandpa?
November's
Thanksgiving Preparations and Visiting each relative in turn.
December's
Jumping up and down 
When Santa
brings Exactly
What you wanted.
A year filled with Traditions, this are only a Few,
but the Love that they remind you of, will last your whole life Through.

Marsha Steed '99

Responsibility
 
 

Senior's and Laurels
 
 

What could you possibly have in common
with people born sixty years ahead of you? 
Did you care they had shivering hair
and were missing a tooth or two?
Did it bother you that each smile
wasn't always an enjoyment of the present
ut perhaps a memory
of something experienced long ago,
A song, a dance step, a present.
It takes a lot of preparation
and perhaps your own grey hair or two.
To give to others a night of pleasure
Just for the smile that they return to you.
 
 
 

---<--{@ Marsha Steed '99

Education
 
 

The Educated Student
 

Psychology, Algebra, World History, 
Government and Economics 
Honor's English and Sign Language
Drama, Choir, Art, Dance, Band, 
Stage Craft, Concert Choir, and...
Geometry?
Humor and Satire, Film and Literature
Study Skills and Geography, 
French and Science and Philosophy
Design, Driver's Ed. Computer's and ...
Careers in Education.

Looking at this list, one would think... 
you'd had some kind of Education.
Is that all there is 
to wisdom? 
 

1999 Marsha Rose

 

Beauty
 
 
 

The Perfect Date
 
 

"It's my first date mom, do you think I look alright? 
Will I know what to say, will my company delight?
He looks so handsome Mommy, 
What? Roses... just for me? 
I can't believe there is a limo outside!
How wonderful, they are perfect by my side.
Martinelli too? Dinner by candlelight? 
Is my skirt too short, is my smile nice and bright?
Can you possibly think of a better date Mother dear?"
 

"Of course not sweet one, I married him, to keep him near." 

---<--{@ Marsha Steed ' 99

Crystal's first date - with her Dad

Talents
 

The Talent Show

The stage lights up, and the curtain rises
I look expectantly to the performer who'll delight us.
Do you know how my heart bursts with pride
As I see you dance with grace and elegance?
Can you see the tiny tears in my eyes
as you bring an audience to their knees with a monologue?
When your hands give signing sound to a hungry ear
my lips can barely keep from whispering, "that's my girl!"
As the band plays in delightful precision
your smile brightens the night as mallets hit well in percussion.
Be it a prayer or a testimony, 
a silent sermon given by a living example
One more compliment shared by a starry eyed fan walking by, 
or the look of envy in another parent's eye.
Your abilities stretch further than the imagination's explorer.
Your talents are diverse, yet there are more to discover.

An eager mind, 
a poets heart, 
the touch of an angel, 
the eye of an artist, 
the taste of a child.
A well placed word on a hurting soul, 
A smile for the lonely, 
An ear for the whole. 

You have talents galore, 
to be seen by the eye
To present on the stage, 
to receive applause and ovations.
Yet the talents that you may forget time to time
are the ones that are best seen
through the eyes of your audience.
---<--{@ Marsha Rose ' 99

Flying
Roots and Wings
( So, this is it .)

How long have I wondered what it would feel like
to look at you in a blue graduation gown?
How many nights did I dream and wish and wonder
On the day you were born, could I have known?

I've given birth to an angel, who was given to me to enjoy
For always, for a short time, for a moment, for eternity.
I know that you are not quite perfect
for in your eyes I often see me.

But that is not all that is hidden there. 
You are things that I've never dreamed of being.
You have been given my heart, my talents my failings, 
Some your very own as well, I'm seeing. 

For all that you are, and all you have yet to find.
Sweet child of mine, walk with honor walk with pride.
Paths lie unexplored before you now
Never shy away from them, never hide.

I've given you all that a mother could.
I buried your feet in the roots of home.
Now you must jump, and find your sky.
Look back blowing kisses, but you must go

You said that perhaps your wings were not ready
I'm your mother, forgive me as I push you tearfully out the door
Look in the mirror, not at what you yet lack
but at all that you now are, and you will... soar.

---<--{@ Mom - 

I love you Crystal Marie

Marsha Steed June 1999

My thoughts...

Crystal Steed
Eng. 111
9/29/99
Personal Narrative

I've given birth to an angel, who was given to me to enjoy
For always, for a short time, for a moment, for eternity.
I know that you are not quite perfect
For in your eyes I often see me.

But that is not all that is hidden there.
You are things that I've never dreamed of being.
You have been given my heart, my talents, my failings,
Some of your very own as well, I'm seeing.

For all that you are, and all you have yet to find.
Sweet child of mine, walk with honor, walk with pride.
Paths lie unexplored before you now
Never shy away from them, never hide.

I've given you all that a mother could.
I buried your feet in the roots of home.
Now you must jump, and find your sky.
Look back blowing kisses, but you must go.

You said that perhaps your wings were not ready
I'm your mother, forgive me as I push you tearfully out the door
Look in the mirror, not at what you yet lack
But at all that you now are, and you will… soar."
~Marsha Steed

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