Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

THE RIBBON AND THE PINES Poemby Steve Tittle The Pinecone | September 2026 • 9 • Steve Tittle It comes at last… the end of night. for through the blinds, I see a light, a light that will in time increase its golden rays between each tree, those regal pines that shelter me. I sense a Spirit in that light. It seems to whisper, “All is right!” Growing still, it beckons me to seize this coming day and see that it commences as should be! This balcony, set firm and tight, assists to point my gaze aright, and serves as my own grand marquee from which to make a proper plea to God, for all who are “at sea”! This scarlet ribbon says we might through prayer, a troubled world unite. With peace and love, a scarcity throughout this land, across the sea. As one, and now… we must agree To look to God today, tonight, humbly yet, as well we might. By faith, we own a clemency, a shield from the insanity surrounding us extensively. Yes, in the Pines, we’re safe in spite of what the devil might incite to threaten our serenity. An island in the stream are we, held safe unto…eternity! TOPIC OF THEMONTH: Write about someone who inspires you. Poetry &Writing Club COME JOIN THE CLUB Monday, September 14th at 9:30 am in the Arts & Crafts Room Steve Tittle SydneyWagner Just thinking of ones who had influence on me, caused me both to smile and start naming ~~ of course, parents, many family members; grade school teacher, Annie Belle Williams popped in my mind, with no children of her own, but knowing the importance, read a story after lunch each day to our class from Hurlburt’s Bible Stories and for girls in the 6th grade class could skip recess and she taught us to crochet. High school Latin teacher, Pauline Thomas spurred my interest in Latin and thankful to this day for the three years spent in her class, continue to recognize word meanings and still ego amo te. And the list could go on but probably the one soul who had the most influence on me would have to be Mama Sut ~ my grandmother with whom I shared a bedroom until I left home. For some years, when I thought she could no longer write, she would dictate and have me write letters to family and her friends ~ you know we couldn’t afford long- distance calls ~ I later decided she was encouraging me to write and also for me to learn the importance of keeping contact with those we loved. She encouraged me to help her in the kitchen and though she never had a cook book, measuring cups, spoons or a recipe that I knew of but I got it when she said add a ‘hunk of butter’ and mix. Years later my sister and I struggled in our attempts to recreate her Chocolate Pudding. Even after I left home, when anyone she knew happened to be in a Memphis hospital, she would notify me and that was my cue that I should visit and I did ~ more teaching me to show concern for others. I was occasionally known to be ‘rolling my eyes’ ~~ out of sight ~~ when she was giving me advice, me thinking it was just her thinking because she was ‘old’ ~~ she died when she was 88 ~~ one year older than I am today but as I began to seriously study my Bible, I realized her teachings were based on God’s Word. She was born in 1874 and had a 4th grade education which I think by today’s standard might equal a college degree. She helped me with Algebra and Latin through high school. Of course, I know she was not perfect but she was a smart ‘woman after God’s heart’ and I have realized my blessings by being influenced and loved by her. “A HUNK OF BUTTER” Story by Sydney Wagner