2010 Catalog Essay Contest

HONORABLE MENTION
Kathy White

Of Beasties and Babes

The schoolwork was finished, the chores were all done.
Mom said they were free to go play in the sun.

Three siblings, delighted, with cookies in hand,
Charged out of the house as a right merry band.

Their minds lately filled with the tales of brave knights,
Were drawn to a world of mote-castle delights.

With cape and a crown, Hans called, “I’ll be king,”
“And, Phil, you be knight. Do make your sword ring!”

Sweet little Violet, slightly lagging the rest,
Said, “I’ll be the sweet and kind maid in distress!”

Great King Hans of England called Phillip to pause,
“He who wins knightly spurs must defend Freedom’s Cause.”

“Of the great monstrous beastie we all live in fear.”
“You are hereby commissioned to rid him from here.”

“This beastie is evil and threatens our homes.”
“He wants children’s hearts where ‘ere he doth roam.”

“You must not be shaken by his wicked schemes.”
“Do not be beguiled if quite peaceful he seems.”

Obediently, the knight went to seek and destroy,
The beastie and all of his terrible ploys.

The king, too, was watchful for signs of the beast,
While dear princess Violet was playing in peace.

Without any warning there stormed on the scene,
The great monstrous beastie, quite fearsome and mean.

He growled and snarled as he came near the three,
He scooped up the princess and ran toward a tree.

The damsel, surprised, fairly screamed out in fright,
(All the while secretly hiding delight.)

Brave Phillip chased after with sword poised to swing,
To rescue the princess, he’d do anything.

King Hans followed closely with arrows and bow,
Ready to give the dread beast a harsh blow.

A battle ensued which was something to see,
The beastie was challenged beyond his degree.

The king and the knight wrestled bravely and well,
And finally, the beast was exhausted and fell.

Once the dust settled ‘twas told far and near,
“The beast has been taken, so no longer fear!”

King Hans addressed Phillip; the knight humbly bowed,
“I grant thee thy spurs as I earlier vowed.”

His sword tapped each shoulder and then touched the head,
“I dub thee White Knight of the Cross,” the king said.

The children all cheered as they finished their play,
Delighted the beastie had joined them this day.

“You’re the best beastie ever!” dear Violet exclaimed,
As they lit up with smiles for their dad’s beastie fame!

Monstrous beastie defeated, dad tousled some more,
He shot bow and arrows and battled with swords.

Then the great beloved father, with a sigh, sat to rest,
and gathered his children up close to his breast.

Gently, he told them of beasts in real life,
That want just to tempt them and cause them great strife.

“The dad-beastie loves you - he too wants your hearts,”
“From truth, love, and justice to never depart.”

“I want you to cherish God’s word above all,
“To follow it daily and heed its great call.”

“Make use of God’s armor and all it affords,”
“Have near, at the ready, the Sword of the Lord.”

“Keep watch o’er your tongue that it always speaks truth,”
“And love what is pure, right, and good from your youth.”

“Seek not the vain world, nor the things it may hold;”
“That you might love life and live long and grow old.”

“Be men who are steadfast, who protect and provide.”
“Be a woman who’s faithful to help at man’s side.”

“Fulfill your right roles as our God has explained.”
“Be fruitful and multiply as He has ordained.”

“If all this you do, you will honor your King.”
“His Power you’ll praise, of His Glory you’ll sing.”

“The beasties will challenge, but conquer you must!”
“Though battles be fierce, in God you must trust.”

With that, the dad-beastie let out a great roar,
His children all scattered, though anxious for more.

The beastie grabbed one, then another, then three,
The giggling captives all squirmed their way free.

The low-lying sun, in red splendor arrayed,
Was calling an end to the wonderful day.

Worn, but contented, they headed inside,
Where joy beyond measure did truly abide.

They called out for mother, whom they all loved so well,
The dirty, smudged faces had so much to tell.

Mom listened with patience as each told their part.
She shared in their joys; it delighted their hearts.

As sweet tired children were tucked in that night,
It made for a tender and beautiful sight.

A father and mother who prayed to the Lord,
Bowing their heads with the babes they adored.

Dad prayed for the children to grow in God’s grace,
That each would find true joy by seeking His face.

With tender affection he prayed for his wife,
To be a good mom and the joy of his life.

He prayed for himself, to lead and to guide,
To teach and exemplify — Protect and Provide.

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