Earth Angel

A collection of poems and drawings by

Jonathan Drew Blanton

Compiled and edited by Jason Gibeau

Copyright 2002

Table of Contents
Page Foreword Title

1 The Car Accident 2 Prejudice Reduction / What Its Like to be Me 3 Kind Sight 4 Poet on Board 5 Wherever You Go, Love Appears 6 The Nuns of Sacred Heart Monastery 7 What is a Saint? 8 Prayer of Saint Drew the Peacemaker 9 Jesus and His Apostles / Miracles Happen Everyday 10 Art Everywhere / Naked Angel* 11 Dreamland 12 Mermaid* / Indian Mermaid* 13 I Read / Grendel* 14 Angry Artemis* 15 Isis* / Hela*

*Drawings by Jonathan Drew Blanton

Table of Contents
16 Helen Keller 17 Letter / An Actors Poem 18 Writers Block / You Can Rhyme 19 The Sound of Laughter / The Belly* 20 Coffee and TV 21 The Birthday Clown 22 Excerpts from a letter 23 Computer* / The Computer Revolution 24 Who Stopped the Internet? 25 Adam, Eve, & Earth / Adam and Eve* 26 Fresh Air / The Recycling Bin 27 The Ozone Layer / Ozoneman 28 Ozone-man (continued) / Man from Outer Space* 29 The Knights of Kindness / Warm Springs 30 These Happy Days
Page
(Continued) Title

31 Woman at the Beach*

*Drawings by Jonathan Drew Blanton

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller

Forward: Earth Child

The Georgia summer had been unbearably hot, especially in an unairconditioned home with a toddler to chase and a three month old to care for. It was September 19th and finally the temperature was predicted to drop. My anticipation was great as I returned from the grocery store in my summer shorts...a night with cool air to restore the spirit. Little did I know that I would spend that night in an Intensive Care Unit waiting room, my skimpy clothing slight protection against airconditioning still at full blast and the icy void, which had seemed to fill my heart and spirit. We lived in a small home, our first, which had an L-shaped driveway abutting two roads. As I pulled through and began to back-up to have the trunk closer to the garage door, I felt a small bump. "Doggone it, Rodney has let the dog loose, and I've hit it!" I thought. I jumped from the car, and the rest was a nightmare. Drew, just nineteen months old, had been in the garage and saw Mommy coming. As he ran out to meet me, he fell, and the rear wheel of my car rolled over his head and chest. I vaguely remember emitting a piercing, primordial scream...like a mother in the wild

whose offspring has been injuredafter I realized what had happened. We were in a somewhat rural area, so my husband grabbed our unconscious son in his arms, and we raced to the local hospital. I believe my husband was screaming, too. We were both physicians, yet we were helpless except for the mercy of a tender, loving God. A surgeon friend came in to start a cut-down (for IV fluids and medication in a direct line into a vein). The ambulance was called, and we all rushed twenty agonizing miles to a larger hospital. This was before the days of air-flights, before diagnostic MRI's, even before a plain CAT scan. All we knew was our child was in a coma and brain tissue could be seen in his right ear canal. It was touch and go, with gastrointestinal bleeding and respiratory arrest. Eventually, after several cut-downs had been pulled loose, nobody made a motion to start another. It was painfully apparent that the ICU staff had given up. We had Drew moved to a pediatric room where we handled his nursing care ourselves. After a month of no apparent improvement, we returned to our local hospital. About two months post-injury, I saw Drew "track" his favorite little purple cow from side to side with his eyes. The surgeon told the staff, "Poor Mom, she wants him to get better and she's imagining things." We brought Drew home, and our family room was converted to a hospital room. Someone

had a hospital bed; someone else had a suction machine (Drew had a tracheostomy that had to be kept clear). With wonderful relatives as a relief team and to care for Drew's brother, Jay, the round the clock vigil...counting those few four breaths a minute...began in earnest. But I wasnt imagining things that day I saw Drew looking at his stuffed animal, and eventually, Drew woke up from the coma. He still has that stuffed animal as a reminder. The coma had lasted two months, the tracheostomy lasted four, and liquid nutrition by nasogastric tube continued for six months. Drew had lost his ability to speak, but he understood everything. Within a few months he knew colors, common objects, flowers, etc., pointing to them in a book (God bless Richard Scarry!). His only locomotion was to "log-roll" on the floor. "Dindiddy" (Grandaddy) made Drew a short little table where he sat in a special supportive chair, and Drew was soon working wooden peg puzzles. The rest is history. When Drew was four, we realized he was reading his Dr. Seuss books. He advanced from Scarry and Seuss to putting his own ideas in poetry form a few years later. Drew graduated from high school in 1990. Today, Drew lives with his sister and brother-inlaw in Tijeras, New Mexico where he has begun a new journey at the Very Special Arts program. He loves acting, writing, drawing and making music at the North Fourth Arts Center in Albuquerque. Drew does require help from family to accomplish daily tasks such as

bathing, laundry and food preparation. However, he manages the rest on his own with the aid of a wheel chair, his computer and a well of patience. What do I remember most about Drew growing up? When he was about ten, someone asked what he wanted to do when he grew up. He thought a moment, and then he very seriously replied, "Well, I'd really like to be a priest. But if I can't do that, I'd just like to love like Mother Teresa." That was the day I knew: my earth child was God's own little Earth Angel. -Dr. Elisabeth Blanton Earth Mom

The Car Accident

In 1973, There was a little boy who was me. I was run over by a car, But I'm still alive by far! In a coma was I; The accident's the reason why. To the hospital was I taken, Where whoever thought I'd die was mistaken. For about two months I in my coma lay, Then suddenly came a better day. On that day I woke, And this poem is no joke! It really happened, you see, And it happened to me.

Prejudice Reduction
The world needs a prejudice reduction So it can have a better way to function. We should try to wipe prejudice out Without a doubt. Everybody should make peace with others And treat people like sisters and brothers. Prejudice is very bad; If youre prejudiced, youve been had!

What Its Like to be Me

You should see What its like to be me. Im just like you; Believe me because its true. Other people and I are the same; Im not to blame. Im not odd. Listen to me and nod Because this is true, I assure you.

Kind Sight
Everybody have a good day, And try to go the right way. Lets have no such thing as a fight; Everybody needs some kind sight. Let there be peace on Earth, The planet of our birth. Earth needs peace, And from hate everybody needs a release.

Poet on Board
Hi, everybody! Im the poet on board. I believe in the pen and not the sword. Drew Blanton is my name, And I believe were all the same. The pen has great power; Use it every hour Of every day, Come what may. Dont think of war when going to bed; Think of peace instead. This whole world needs peace, And not just on a lease!

Wherever You Go, Love Appears

Love is a great thing; Itll go wherever you go. Love is the feeling From which all blessings flow. Refrain: Wherever you go, love appears; Youll find it wherever you are. Open your eyes and search for love; Its never very far. Love will always be Wherever youre at. No matter how much you give and receive, It wont make you fat. Love will never leave you; You know thats true. Love is better Than any kind of brew.
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The Nuns of Sacred Heart Monastery

At a monastery called Sacred Heart, There are nuns who know love is better than art. I know these nuns; Im one of their spiritual sons. Before I was born they taught my mother, And now Im a lay religious Brother. In the world I try to be a saint, Without a complaint. Im sure everybody in Heaven is proud of me Because they like what they see. The nuns would be, too, If they could see the many good works of their little Brother Drew.

What is a Saint?
Is a saint Someone who never uses the word aint? If not, what is a saint? Is it someone who never has any kind of a complaint? Does a saint go to church every Sunday Instead of just one day Or two days in the year And spending the rest of the time on beer? I wonder what a saint really is. Does a saint ever go into showbiz? Im sure other people wonder, too, Just which definition of a saint is true?

Prayer of Saint Drew the Peacemaker

Heavenly Father, Please grant us peace today So that humanity can go the right way. Help us establish peace on Earth, The planet of human birth. We need world peace So that we can get a release From all the bad stuff That makes earthly life so rough. Please help us, Lord. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jesus and His Apostles

12 men were called Apostles, Not fossils. They followed Jesus, the Man With the Plan. Jesus was a Man to be looked up to; Other people realized that, too. Along with the Apostles the first Christians were they, And Christianity should give everybody a wonderful day.

Miracles Happen Everyday

Miracles happen everyday, In every way, To people like you and me. We just have to look around and see. In order to see a miracle or two, Your heart has to be true. Miracles make all days happy days, And they do that in a variety of ways.

Art Everywhere
There's art in the human body; There's art in the sea. There's art everywhere we look, So just take a peek and see! You'll see what I mean, Just look across the nation. This poem is art, And it's written as an art celebration. All over the world, People can find art. If they look closely, They can find it in a go-cart!

Naked Angel by J. Drew Blanton 10

Come along with me to a world of the imagination, And don't get mad from frustration. All you have to do is go to sleep, And after that keep On going to Dreamland. Dreamland is full of wonderful things, Like unicorns, fairies, and mermaids. If you see something bad in Dreamland, You can always leave and go back again. It'll be different this time; It's never quite the same. Dreamland is different every time, And it'll never leave you lame! When you wake up in the morning, Greet the new day, And in this world of what we call reality, Try to go the right way!
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Dreamland

Mermaid by J. Drew Blanton

Indian Mermaid by J.

Drew Blanton

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I Read
Every day I read, And in learning I pick up speed. I encourage you to read, too, And think about what you're reading, too. Imagination makes the reading come alive, And transports you to another world, but you'll survive. You can go back in time, And you won't even be covered with slime. If you take the time to read, You'll have a good time indeed.

Grendel by J. Drew Blanton

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Angry Artemis by J. Drew Blanton

Text reads: Water Actaeon is in her stomach.

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Isis by J. Drew Blanton

Hela by J. Drew Blanton

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Helen Keller
Helen Keller was blind, deaf, and mute, But her brain was still very acute. She was really smart; Writing books was her art. Please consider this woman a disabled hero, Instead of a worthless zero. She knew disabled people deserve more respect than that. Some people seem to think we're flat, But I join Helen Keller in assuring you That this isn't true. It's hard to believe she was ever called dumb. I salute her with a Fonzie thumb!

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Dear Holly, 6/24/99 Hi! How are you? Did you know I'm a poet? I also happen to be an actor who can't find a gig at the moment. Apparently there's a problem with transportation that hasn't been fixed in 3 years! I can just imagine what that's done to my fans! A man suggested I write a poem about acting. I did, and it's enclosed. Yours truly, Drew Blanton

When I'm onstage, I'm all the rage. I may or may not be famous, But that doesn't make me an ignoramus. I'm human just like you; It's true. If you come see my show, This you'll know: It's true That actors are people, too.

An Actor's Poem

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Writers Block
Writers block is a pain In the brain. I just hope It doesnt drive the writer insane!

You Can Rhyme

You can rhyme If you have the time. Think of a word; For example, bird. Think of or make up a word that sounds alike; You can do it while riding a bike. Anybody can do it If he or she doesn't fall into a pit.

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The Sound of Laughter

The sound of laughter Is a great sound to go after. Comics can tell funny jokes, But they must make sure nobody chokes! Try to tell jokes that make people feel glad, Not mad. I believe laughter can bring peace to Earth, The planet of our birth. That's why as medicine it's the best, And that's no jest!

The Belly by J. Drew Blanton

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Characters: Bill, Carolyn (listens in), Don, Drew Scene: room where the characters are drinking coffee Drew: I have an idea for a character I can play on TV if I ever get on TV. Bill: Who's that? Drew: Professor Maybe. (Laughter.) Don: How about Professor I Don't Know? (Laughter.) Drew: OK. The first name can be I, the middle name can be Don't, and the last name can be Know. (Laughter.) Drew: (after thinking) Maybe I can play a dual role as Professor Maybe and Professor I Don't Know. Bill: What would the show be called? Drew: I don't know. (Laughter.)

Coffee and TV

9/10/99

THE END Playwright's note: This play is based on a true story. 20

The Birthday Clown

Theres always a clown at my birthday, So I never feel down. Theres always a clown at my birthday, And Im the clown!

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(Excerpts from a letter concerning work at a local ministry for people with disabilities)
I have good typing skills. Ive always been good at communicating with people. I always try to help people who need help. Im very popular and intelligent (I hope I dont sound conceited). Ive been involved with computers almost all my life. I graduated from Meadowcreek High School in 1990. I did volunteer work for my church in the early 90s. I went to typing class at Friends of Disabled Adults (FODA). My poems are typed on the computer. Ive also written some songs. My experiences being disabled started very early in my life. I was 19 months old when a car ran over me. I was in a coma immediately after that. I woke up about two months later. Today, I have a lot of friends who accept me for who I am. They know Im gentle and always willing to lend a helping hand. I put people before money. Thats why Im a good communicator.

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Computer by J. Drew Blanton

The Computer Revolution

Theres an ongoing revolution That really provides a solution For work thats so slow That its a pain in the elbow. This is due to an invention That might give someone a conniption. Computers are very good for society,

though; Theyre not objects of misery and woe!

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Who Stopped the Internet?

Who stopped the Internet? Now we have an Interfret! Our phone lines are down, And many a callers making a frown. The phone company must get rid of this mess someday, Somehow, somewhere, someway! Let the Internet go again; Kick this mess in the shin!

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Adam, Eve, & Earth

Adam was the first person on Earth, The planet of our birth. After Adam came Eve, Whom God for him did weave. Of Earth they were supposed to take care, And this should make us aware How mortal is this planet. Dont keep pollution; ban it!

Adam and Eve by J. Drew Blanton Text: Apple 25

Fresh Air
Its time we were aware What were doing to our air. Fresh air we need, Or well perish indeed! Not only that; Earth will go splat Unless were aware Of the danger in our air And do something about it. Dont let our planet split!

The Recycling Bin

Put old stuff into the recycling bin, And the thanks of our environment youll win. Make life easier for animals and plants, But it might be best if you wear pants.

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The Ozone Layer

Please save the ozone layer, Which makes life worth a hair. Without this layer we couldnt live, So please give. Deposit certain chemicals, And rescue plants and animals. Be better citizens of Earth, The planet of our birth.

Ozone-man
The spaceship landed on Earth. An alien being came out. It had a baby in its arms. It walked until it came to a house. The alien opened the door. There were people inside. The alien was happy to see that this planet was inhabited. It spoke to the people. Greetings, Earthlings! the alien said. I am Nora from planet Argon. Im this babys mother. This baby, however, is no

ordinary baby. He will grow up right after I finish talking, which Ill do right now. Immediately, the baby began to grow. He became a man in only a minute! 27 Thats amazing! said a girl. Whats your name? she asked the man. Ozone-man, he said. My mission on Earth is to save the ozone layer. I can do this easily. He pointed up and said, Be healed and let nothing harm you again! Ozone-man turned to the people and said, The ozone layer is healed, and it can never be destroyed. Now Im off to save other planets. He flew out the door and into outer space. Ozone-man was going to save other ozone layers on other planets with life.

Man from Outer Space by J. Drew Blanton

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The Knights of Kindness

The Knights of Kindness are good, But to some people were misunderstood. Those skeptics say the world cant change, But that we can arrange. This world will have peace when were

done, And people will finally live as one. Many people would consider this a fantasy, But we can make it real; theyll see.

Warm Springs
Warm Springs Makes peace strings. Warm Springs Does nice things. Love, among other things, Is at Warm Springs.

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These Happy Days

These happy days are yours and mine, And for that we can thank the Divine. God made every single happy day, And we should celebrate in every way, But we should Make sure the celebration is good!

Destroying the environment is one of the bad ways To celebrate these happy days. Violence is another, And it makes people say, Oh, brother! These ways of celebration must be stopped, And we should celebrate in a good way that cant be topped. If we do this, itll be the right way For us to celebrate every single happy day.

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Woman at the Beach by J. Drew Blanton

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J onathan Drew Blanton is a survivor.

At the age of 19 months, Drew was in an accident, which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury and left him in a coma for two months. He survived.

T oday, Drews spirit soars through a

challenging life that would leave many people grounded.

E arth Angel is a simple reflection of the

social concerns, spiritual beliefs, and humor of a man whose spirit rises above the limitations of disability. Drew has risen above adversity; his verse testifies to the power of positive choice over rage and despair. His words cut right through

to the deepest meanings of life and all of lifes goodness.

--John Joseph Albert, Founder of Honey Creek Poets Society