C.D. Onofrio playing at Taps Brewery, Niagara Falls
Italian Angel of Gelato
Watching over me
a plea
a very simple plea
don’t you ever change what you do or the way you are
Italian Angel of Gelato
Saint of Christ
Christian Spiritual Warrior
Italian Angel of Gelato
We are a part of something
We didn’t know it until we were
We didn’t say anything,
no formal announcement
no insignia or trademark
or logo
Italian Ice Cream – located at 5458 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls,Ontario
We knew it when we felt it
looking into angelic eyes
high on the holy
and saintly and wise
delving into life’s simple pleasures
and finding God there
sitting back and listening
and finding God there
playing like children
and finding God there
sharing a drink
and finding God there
opening small doors with sophisticated handles
and finding tartuffo as far as the eye can see
the delicate look on the little girl’s face as she touches her tongue
to her first bite of strawberry ice cream
and to know the sort of spirit that went into it
it’s like innocence meets innocence
and when they shake hands
there’s a holy moment subtly happening
hoping that time is a playful little child
laughing with her tongue out
and minding not the least that gelato melts down her chin
she holds her spoon up in the air like a magic wand
waving her elated little hand for mamma
to come and share in her treasure
and mamma looks right into her
and makes a note to remember
(Inspired by Italian Ice Cream and its owners, the Vergalito family)
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter & wife Rosalynn at the floral clock, July 10, 1996. Photo by George Bailey, courtesy of Niagara Falls Public Library
A giant clock grows on the ground
In a leafy park-land bower,
It lies against a grassy mound
Where hydro transformers tower.
The turbines make a humming sound
As water provides the power.
And power makes the hands go ’round
As bright blossoms bloom the hour,
In winter snow, no one’s around —
All lies dormant, drab and dour,
But, summer, tourist can be found
Photographing time in flower.
Laura Secord, by the record
Of the conflict of eighteen-twelve,
Walked twenty miles through wood and stream,
Queenston – Beaverdams, right on beam! Surprise Attack! was her one theme.
A forewarned, forearmed British team
Thwarted the American scheme!
Some people vow she drove a cow,
Others are quick to deny it.
I wonder did she ever dream
That she’d be held in high esteem —
A heroine renowned, I deem,
For confections that are supreme,
Rich chocolates and super ice cream!
Source: The Author, 2001
N.B. Laura Secord is also the name of a chain of stores selling ice cream and chocolate products.
Brock’s Monument at Queenston Heights by Reg Deacon. Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Public Library
I climbed up Brock's Monument
With a leap, a skip, a hop.
I climbed up Brock's Monument
From the bottom to the top.
I climbed up Brock's Monument
And I did it without one stop.
BUT --
Two hundred and thirty-five steps
And I'm ready to drop!
General Brock rode Alfred
On the daring fateful ride.
Sword drawn, he scaled Queenston Heights,
British Red Coats at his side
The Americans could not
Gain the summit, though they tried.
BUT --
Musket and cannon came alive
And the man and horse died!
I climbed up Brock's Monument
When tulips were in flower.
I climbed up Brock's Monument
In less than half an hour.
I climbed up Brock's Monument
Using my muscle power.
BUT --
I'm glad there's an elevator
In the CN Tower!
Source: The Author, 2001
