Susan’s Poetry during 1999
To Judy—my dear friend, neighbor and sister in Christ
By Susan Rochat—written and delivered to Al Carlson, Judy’s husband on the day of her death…ca. 1997
May the Father’s love surround you
May you feel His touch anew
May your precious faith be nourished
By those who stand by you.
For you are Christ’s beloved
He died to set you free
And He’s waiting arms wide open
To welcome you, His child.
How we wish you could stay longer,
How we wish you wouldn’t go.
How we long to hold and love you
And tell you we’ll miss you so.
We don’t understand God’s reason
And we cannot question why,
But we know His plan is perfect
And to Him you’ll straightway fly
Though our hearts are sad and heavy
We are thankful for your life.
You brought warmth and flowers and sunshine
To a world of gloom and strife.
To each of us you gave your wisdom
You encouraged and you cheered
Not once do I remember hearing
One complaint or unkind word.
May we all strive to be as caring
As honest and as true
So loving and forgiving
Cheerful in all we do.
Judy, we shall miss you greatly
But we’ll cherish the thought each day
That we’ll be seeing you in glory
A bright star in heaven’s way.
With love, tears and prayers for a wonderful home-going,
Your friend and neighbor,
Susan
By Susan Ruth (nee Naug) Rochat, March 26, 1999
Dear Lord, what’s it like up in Heaven?
Up close to the stars and the moon.
It’s been five years since my dear mother
Went up to her own private room.
Up there in the mansions of glory,
With angels and trumpets and wings;
I know she must love being up there
Involved in impromptu hymn sings.
I wonder if she’s still just as feisty?
If she’s causing a ruckus again
With family and friends and archangels
Her husband and bright cherubim.
Is she playing badminton or billiards?
Or her favorite evening board games?
Of Scrabble and Mahjong, and beating
The pants off illustrious names?
Is she dancing with Sampson or David?
Or quibbling with Peter and Paul?
Is she lecturing poor doubting Thomas?
Or primping for the next Heavenly ball?
I guess what I’m trying to find out, Lord
(And the answers I may not get now),
Do we change when we get up to heaven?
Or will folks recognize us somehow?
Whatever the answer, I trust Lord
In all of your goodness to man
That your love is so perfect and more than
We could ever imagine or plan.
My mother is having a field day
She’s perfectly happy I’m told,
I’ll see her whenever it’s my day
To enter the city of gold.
On Neighborhood Dog Doo
By Susan Rochat, March 24, 1999
If your dog is out here pooping
And you’re not behind him scooping,
Then we have something stern to say to thee.
It is disregustipating, and we’re not exaggerating
When your neighbors step in poop they do not see.
It is smelly, it is foul, and it really makes us howl
When we see it on the sidewalks and the yard
The landscape it is pretty, and we think it’s such a pity
That some folks have such a flagrant disregard.
We know your dog he has to do it
But the law says you must scoop it
So please be kind and follow county rules;
It will make your neighbors happy, and they won’t be quite so snappy
If they find you taking care of doggie doos!
By Susan Rochat, April 1, 1999
Be kind to your heart, it’s a most vital part
And something you can’t do without
Just an ounce of prevention is your only redemption
And that’s what this poem’s about.
Instead of talking, go walking; from computerizing to exercizing
You’ve heard all this before, I agree
Take your children out biking, or maybe go hiking
Run away from that ugly TV
Your heart will get better, the plaque will unfetter
Your lungs and your legs will grow strong
Your children will love you, your spouse will adore you
Because you may now live twice as long!
(April 18, 1999)
So, what do you do when you’re eighty?
Now that is a question that’s weighty
You can sleep until noon, or rise at the dawn
Whatever’s your pleasure, at eighty.
Your children may think you’re forgetful
Now isn’t that rather regretful
They seem to forget that you raised them
And wonder how you managed without them.
Whatever you do when you’re eighty
It should never be anything weighty
It’s time to have fun, your work is now done
So relax, and enjoy being eighty!
By Susan Rochat, January 16, 1999
To our Suzette, who is the best
She is far better than all the rest
And just in case you think I jest
(Hello, hello, this is a test)
I must confess, I do not jest
Suzette is just the very best.
And how you ask, can you say that?
I can say it sharp; I can say it flat
I can say it anyway I want, and that’s that.
Now go out and wipe your feet on the mat
Before you blow in, you sly pussycat.
You say she’s better than green eggs and ham?
Better than that old Sam I am?
Oh yes, she’s fine, and she doesn’t whine
We could put on a pantomime
And charge the patrons one whole dime
Just to show that she’s so very fine.
However, we may be going a little too far
If we say she’s like a shining star
She has a few flaws, just a few tiny bumps
(Now I’m not saying it’s great big lumps)
After all, what’s wrong with a lump or a bump?
And if you think there is, go take a jump!
With flaws and bumps and lumps and all
It doesn’t add up to a China doll
But a real live girl, who is by far
Better than a shining star.
‘Coz she’s real and she’s neat
And she can’t be beat
(Even if she does have two flat feet)
Who cares and who dares to disagree
She is by far the sweetest to me
And that’s because I’m her mommy!
Roger’s Mistress—sing to tune of
(Composed and sung
December 1999 for his CDC retirement dinner)
Oh Roger he’s a gardener for sure
He has a mistress we’ll call “Miss Manure”
Until he’s ninety-one, he’ll be playing in the dung
And for this illness there is no known cure.
His love affair forever will endure
He thinks she’s oh so lovely, he can gaze for hours idly
He’ll do anything for more of Miss Manure.
Rog I thought you were a straight arrow guy for sure
Until you fell in love with Miss Manure
Now I have to bide my time, wait until you’re 99
Till I get you back from Mistress Miss Manure.
I thought you’d had enough of Miss Manure
But the trailer loads keep coming that’s for sure
My senses are overcome by the smell of horsey dung
But you think she’s gold and now I’m insecure.
To our 6 special U of R Grads:
Alyssa, Alison, Melissa, Chris, Suzette & Pete
Alyssa/Al/Mel/Cuch/Suzette/& Pete
Six friends at U of R who can’t be beat
You’ve come through 4 hard years
Of sweat, tests, fears and tears
And now you’re graduating, WHAT A FEAT!
Alyssa/Al/Mel/Cuch/Suzette/& Pete
Your families are so proud and want to treat
You like adults right now
Except we don’t know how
‘Cuz we still remember you on potty training seats!
Alyssa with the lovely angelic voice
If you ever heard her sing you would rejoice
Because it sounds so fine
You might think it is sublime
And believe you’re up in heaven without a choice.
Al’s the gal who’s sweet as she can be
Baking brownies for the group’s her specialty
She’s hardworking, she is fun
And you know that when she’s done
You’ll be awed with her sense of responsibility.
Mel’s the one who loves the microscope
And you will never ever find her broke
She’ll be studying at Einstein
With brains pickled in some brine
And she’ll have a wonderful time and that’s no joke.
Now Cuch he’s so perfect you can see
It’s just about too much for you and me
With his “yo, wuz up” he’ll have them
(Mothers, dads and little children)
All just lapping up his every word you see.
Oh, Pete he loves to have a lot of fun
And you should see how fast the fellow runs
A marathon comes easy,
‘though his caps may make you queasy
You might say his life is anything but humdrum
Suzette’s Miss Habitat for Humanity
She’s on to public health at UNC
She’ll need to find a space where she can boss the place
Because she loves to be in charge you see.
Peter/Suz/Cuch/Mel/Al and Alys
Six seniors graduating with such bliss
With outstanding GPAs, not even CPAs
Would question your achievenments—
or they’d be remiss.
You know your parents are so very proud
Because we know that you have been endowed
With brains, good looks and charm
Which is no cause for alarm
And tomorrow they’ll call your names from the graduation list.
Congratulations !!
Saturday June 12, 1999
You are invited and we’re so excited
That you might possibly come
To our lake house retreat for some sun and some heat
Please arrive by a quarter past one.
There’ll be swimming and boating, canoeing and floating
And we’ll want to eat by five.
Bring a dish to pass, while we sit on the grass
And all will be revived!
RSVP – Rochat’s – 404-321-6845
The Guilt Trip (or Hole in my heart)
27 May 1999
You left a hole in my heart today
I thought you might want to come home to stay
But you boarded a plane and went far away
You left a hole in my heart today.
Your college days have gone by so soon
I cleaned and dusted your empty room
But you decided you couldn’t stay
You left a hole in my heart today.
I guess you’ve grown up and are ready to fly
To try out your wings like the eagles on high
Get on with life’s living and give it your best
Become independent away from the rest.
God bless you, our daughter, you have nothing to fear
We can’t keep you home, though we may shed a tear
Facing all of life’s challenges one day at a time
We’re proud of your courage and values so fine.
The hole in my heart will mend some day
Though you are not near, I can always pray
Our kids leave the nest and fly far away
That’s one of life’s mysteries, God made us that way.
COLLEGE BOUND
Susan Rochat
You are leaving all too soon--
In a few short weeks your cozy room
Will be an empty space, uncluttered for a change!
We'll miss the clutter, but mostly we'll miss you,
Your sweet and gentle ways, your chatter and your smiles.
Our world is about to change, but not as much as yours.
Decisions will now be made on your own, and
We have every confidence that they will be the right ones.
We'll try not to worry, but you know mothers always do!
Please know that we are right here in the same place.
Pick up the phone and call to share a laugh, or a heartbreak...
Or call for no reason at all; we'll always want to hear your voice.
We're already looking forward to Thanksgiving,
To catch up with your new life, and see how you've grown and matured.
--Did I tell you yet that we love you so much,
and are ever so proud of you and who you are?
Go out into the world our daughter, and meet life's challenges head on.
God has equipped you with special talents--love, compassion, and justice.
Use them generously and God be with you always!
A bag for you to take to the pool,
A little popcorn for when it’s cool
Two warm sweaters for your walk in the park,
A fragrant candle to lighten the dark
Kool-Aid for the days when it’s hot,
Skillet Rice for when it’s not
One-half box of Meritine
For use when the tummy’s feelin’ green
And then of course a bag of Bran
To help the bowels keep regular, man!
Roast ‘n’ Boast for company,
Tapioca when you’re feelin’ grumpy
And Tylenol to chase the frumpy!
A medley of assorted goodies
(However, no cute and fuzzy footies!)
Cards from afar and stamps to boot,
My-oh-my, what a lot of loot!
If you enjoy, then this is good
And if you don’t …well, my goodness, you SHOULD!!
Remember, it’s the thought that counts,
Perhaps ‘twill give your steps some bounce.
Have a great year and toodle-loo !
Lots of love from Roger and Sue J
To Amin Atrash
By Susan Rochat ca. May 1999
Amin, right from the very start
You’ve been so close to your parents’ heart
From infancy to toddlerhood
They’ve cared for you and understood
And through your growing boyhood years
They guided you and shed some tears
Of joy and pain and pride, no doubt
Because we know that’s what life’s about.
Congratulations on this big event
Of college graduation—years well spent
You’ve come a long way, and we’re happy to say
That your parents devotion has paid in a big way!
Congratulations and best wishes,
We are proud and happy for you too, Roger & Susan
A Valentine’s Sonnet for My Love
February 14, 2000
My love is like a yellow rose
And I think that I can say
That after oh so many years
We’ve had some perfect days.
Your love has always wrapped me ‘round
I’ve always known you cared
We’ve had a few small ups and downs
And you were always there.
I’ve grown to love your warm sweet voice
Your footsteps at the door
Your hugs before you leave for work
Your kisses lift me off the floor!
Though roses, chocolates and lingerie
Have not been your forte,
I’d rather have my loving man
With whom I share each day.
To Mom
From Susan
Mother’s Day 2000
To a Mom who’s been so strong
Taught her kids from early on
The difference between right and wrong.
Held them closely to her heart
Washed their bottoms from the start
Words of wisdom did impart.
Sang and read and with them prayed
Constant by their side she stayed
Memories of those days engraved
On their hearts will never fade.
Now those “children” are all grown
Strong men and women they have in turn
Tried to pass those values on
To their children also grown.
How can we thank this brave Mom?
But say we love you for all you’ve done!
Jennifer Hanselman’s wedding, September 2000
May your lives like a peaceful river flow
May God’s love surround you and may you know
Joy and contentment, and to others show
His love and yours in this world that we know.
Fifty Golden Years
To Ward and Dot Moore, November 26, 2000
Fifty years, fifty golden years
How do you measure the joys and the tears?
How do you count priceless memories,
How do you capture the wind in the trees?
Fifty years of married bliss…
Who could ask for much more than this?
Children grown to cheer you on,
Warm your hearts, turn your words into song.
We wish for you, more cherished times
Unhurried walks, a glass of wine
To your faith may you steadfast hold
God grant you peace as your lives unfold.
To Virginia MacDonald:
October 2000
We are so excited and happy for your wedding
Your mother is sighing and shopping for bedding
Your father looks cool, bud he’s actually dreading
Giving his little girl away.
The Rochats wish for your union a glorious beginning
A song in your hearts, times for sharing and giving
Peace & contentment, and a faith that is strong
May God bless your marriage and guide you along.
Susan Rochat October 29, 2000
I stand in awe by this act of love,
The Son of God crucified, this world to save,
For each of us His life He gave.
Yes, the Son of God died for you and me
Bearing our sins He hung on a tree,
Mocked, ridiculed, spat upon and scourged,
Yet he uttered not one contemptuous word.
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do” was his cry
“This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise” to the thief near by
What love was His, He gave his all
And can we do less than answer his call?
Lord, open my eyes that I may see
The world as You see it, this vast humanity
The hungry, the troubled, the oppressed and the lost
Lord open my heart, may I not count the cost.
Lord, open my eyes, my mind and my heart
Without you, this world is falling apart
Hate and fear rule, violence abounds
Your people are suffering the world around.
Lord, help me show your love to the world at my door:
My family, my neighbor, the lonely, the poor;
Open my eyes, let me run the race
Open my heart, may I see your face.
To Stephen Naug
December 26, 2000 for his 60th birthday
The story of Steve we must weave,
Reach back to years past and retrieve
Memories of his boyhood long past
Believe me, he had quite a blast!
It’s hard to imagine how such a beautiful child
Could drive his parents and sisters so wild.
He would tease, he would tickle, and would find
More pranks to play on unsuspecting humankind
Be it the tutor, the cook or his cousins
In trouble he stayed—by the dozens
Boarding schools were invented because of Stephen
To give parents reprieve from their little dreams!
So off he was shipped to Sherwood college
At the tender age of five, in the beautiful Himalayas
To be cont’d.
Mary Rochat
March 2002
Mary, Mary not too contrary
How does your garden grow?
Will seeds of kindness & acts of love
A grateful heart show.
Mary, Mary, please be wary
Others may want to know
The secret of a happy life
Giving to others so they may grow
Mary, Mary, take a well-deserved bow
You raised some wonderful children you know
“Out of the box” but loving and caring
We married them, so we should know!
John Rochat
March 2002
J is for javelin that flies
Swiftly through the air
O is for octopus with 8 arms to
Wave and share
H is for hashish, some people
Like to snort.
N is for nirvana, which is unlikely
If they’re caught.
So there you have it—
A javelin throwing octopus
On hashish who
Hopes for nirvana its
Future life.
Wishing you a happy birthday…
What that has to do with a birthday I have no clue.
A Grandparent’s Prayer
Sept 2000
Dear Lord, Please help us raise this child
This tiny bebe, in a world tough and wild
May he grow up to be strong yet gentle
Honest, kind, and a wee bit sentimental
Helpless with arms outstretched
Waiting to nestle on mother’s breast
Keep him forever safe and sure
Your love and ours help him endure
Life’s pitfalls, be they great or small
For this wonder, this blessing, we thank you Lord.
A Message to My Friend, Carol, in Heaven
Carol Ann (Conant) Pritts, Sept 28, 1943-June 12, 2002
January 27, 2003
I didn’t find out till today that you had gone,
Gone to Glory, and to be with the Lord in Heaven.
We hadn’t kept in touch much lately, just our ‘around Christmas’ greetings,
But I always felt close to you; my roommate in Seattle, a friend
For many years, still close to my heart.
If I’d have known sooner, I would have stopped to visit,
Or called you no the phone to say “Hello” or “Goodbye”
But knowing you, you would have been the strong one,
And I would have been in tears, hating to lose you.
Carol Ann, we know you have gone to a better place
Where there is no talk of war, no nuclear weapons or chemical and
Biological death madness,
Or fear of madmen spreading death and destruction, hate and fear.
But I must confess, I miss you already; your dimpled smile, the twinkles
In your eyes.
I shall pray for your David, your love for many years
And Julie and Tim, their spouses, and the grandchildren
Who will never meet or know the love of a wonderful, fun Grandmother
Carol, I shall expect you to be one of the ‘angels’ waiting to greet me
When it’s my turn to enter the heavenly gates, (say a good word for me, will you?!)
Along with my parents and other loved ones whom you’ve probably met
And charmed already!
Farewell, dear Carol, till we meet again in Glory
Where we shall sing praises to the King, and death will be
Vanquished forever.
I love you,
Susan
To John and Jean Steinhaus
on their 60th Anniversary
February 23, 2003
By Susan Rochat
The year was 1943 in the great Midwest
When John took Jean, in her wedding dress,
As his beautiful bride and loving wife,
To love and to cherish for the rest of his life.
Blessed with brains, many skills and a medical degree
John in time became chief of anesthesiology;
Jean raised the five kids, a good mother was she
And they lived right around the corner from Emory.
For 60 years they’ve loved and cared
A thousand times they’ve prayed and shared;
With children, neighbors, and friends galore
They gave of themselves, then gave some more.
We congratulate you, John and Jean
Together you’ve made a special team
You have us spellbound and in awe
That love can last 60 years and more.