Austin - Age 5 
Austin - Feb. 14 2009
Hello Allpoetry. I come to you with a dedication contest.
Just two nights ago, on February 16th, around 7pm, Austin Craig Smith, age 10, passed away. Austin Left behind many people who will always remember and love
him...including:
From his Fathers Side: Roger (Father), a full brother Tyler (second to youngest of all the children), Grandmother Linda, "Papaw" Jim, Grandfather Mike, Aunt Jamie and her husband and son, and other Friends and Family.
From his Mothers Side: Donna (Mother), another 3 (half) Brothers and 1 half Sister (Tasha, Alex, Michael, Andrew- Oldest to youngest Austin being the youngest....the baby of the family), Grandmother Linda, Grandfather Larry, and other friends and family.
A Few tips to include: Austin enjoyed sports, going to church, and "crotchrockets" (the motor bike featured in the right side of the background). He loved playing outside...and Michael called him the "apple of everyones eye" because no matter what mood you would be in, he was sure to bring a smile to your face. This very unique personality gave him a high sense of extroversion, allowing him to make friends very easily. His best friend, however, was his older brother Tyler. Austin loved animals, and his favorite was a puppy.
Austin's Favorite Songs: Shine Jesus Shine, How Far Is Heaven (Los Lonely Boys)
Use these pointers in your writing if you wish.
The Featured Contest Favorites:
"Into His Sweet Embrace"
Written by Denerica
It was only a decade shared here with you,
angels surrounded me until life was through.
I know you are in disbelief that I was taken,
Abba Daddy said, "but you are all mistaken."
He didn't mean to bring on all this painful sorrow,
don't stop believing in Him, He holds the tomorrows.
Jesus does say," let the children come unto me,"
for that day, He was there to guide where I now be.
The tears you cry are my well spring, Abba Daddy said,
to carry you through until we meet again, don't dread.
I was on loan to you, all children are His, mom and dad,
thank you for the best years with you that I had.
Of course I will miss you, Michael,my brother too,
won't get to be pals and do what we always do.
Don't be sad that God chose me to help you stay true,
that is what He said...follow Him is what I went to do.
Look up at the clouds, He says I can jump on one of them,
Oh, you know, after Jesus put me down, I tugged at his hem.
This is way too cool, angels, harps, I got to go on Jacob's ladder,
Oh no Abba Daddy...please hug them, geez, what's the matter?
could you send an angel to tell them I will be Ok here,
maybe let me around them some how to wipe a tear.
Pick me up so that I can make one of those stars shine,
so maybe they can call it Austin, and know it is mine.
"So long, my angel"
Written by Quiescent Dreamer
Her presence lingers in the airit clings to the house and fills my heart,
I never knew love could be so deep.
She was a fallen angel I held dear,
who would have thought she would be the one to go...
The vibrant one
... the brightest star
... my julia.
Our worlds were shattered when one sunny day
The car crashed and Julia lay amidst the wreckage.
God came to her, and embraced her
and she took flight to the heavens
A place filled with beauty and serenity.
She is loved and embraced
Yet she stole my heart and wrenched it apart
The ‘todays’ seem so long, and future unforseeable
It is a constant battle with despair that creeps
I go about my days,
numbness
...Disabelief
Dispair...
greif...
Guilt...
overwhelming.
As an hour ticks into the next
and a day fades into night
The world spins around and society moves
The trains pull in and out, people move by,
some smile, some don't and I wonder how can they go on
I lay down my weary head and weep
I cry for the dream she never accomplished
And the wishes she never had fulfilled
The hopes she shared has been diminished
Her body rests in peace
her life on earth finished without even a goodbye.
People have bid her a silent farewell
The river of tears run deep and far.
The mourners have long left her side
Some have forgotten her, merely a picture
or a dream that maybe never really happened.
I can never forget her, and for awhile by god I tried.
Now I don’t want to forget...
I remember you telling me Julia,
We were tied by an undestroyable bond of friendship
Even in death the bond exists, the memories and love.
Sometimes I look to the heavens and silently scream
I think of all the yesterdays
The good days and the bad
And I realize my angel,
I still have so much I wish to say
I just hope you can hear me when I pray
the words that are often tossed around like crap
I loved you, and I always will love you
And I will see you again, when I get the call.
I love you my angel, so long.
"The place they call Heaven"
Written by Quiescent Dreamer
I saw God's light and felt him callingThere was no fear, only a tingly warmth and peace,
I knew it was my time to go, so I mounted my crotchrocket
and made my exit from earth.
I Zrrrooooooommmed into heaven,
making a spectacular entry to meet God.
He didn't mind, he smiled and told me he loved racing
Dear brothers I wish I could have seen your faces,
God gave me bestest crotchrocket ever!!
Sleek and shiny and blue, it was awesome!
He got his own too, we hold races on Heaven's track.
I can never beat the guy but its so cool.
Heaven was a place I could never have imagined
I swear I saw Mr Kennedy playing table tennis with God
Do not weep or fear that I am alone
There are children my age here,
we sing, we laugh We play our own sports,
There is no misery here, no pain, no war, or terror.
I have a job too, God assigned me a job can you believe it?
I promised God to try and make you all smile
You and Daddy and my brothers and sisters.
I promised to look after you all back on earth.
I am being a good boy I promise,
I love you dearly, and I can look after you here
I watch over you all every day, and I hate to see those tears.
I am your Guardian angel now, I am forever with you.
I'll see you all again I promise I will!!
Now I must go, I'm going to play basketball with the angels.
Love you lots and lots.
Point gifts are greatly appreciated.... All donations will be added to the benefit of the contest including the contest prize total.
Your prompt: Write a dedicative poem that has anything and everything to do with losing a loved one.
-Also, if you have experienced the loss of a loved one, Michael, his older brother whom this contest was made for, would like you to write your feelings from the experience. How did it make you feel, how did you cope?
-Michael is really torn up about his loss, I would also like to see some uplifting poems of encouragement...cheer him up! (Im trying my best...so just lend me a hand 
)
You can choose one option, or all three! Up to you!
Some Ideas: A Eulogy
A Letter to this person
Reminiscing Memories
A Child's Journey into Heaven
Title Trouble? : "In Loving Memory"
"In the Fathers Arms"
"The Life Left Behind"
"The Start of A New Chapter"
"I Miss You"
"A Child's Innocence"
"Free At Last"
"Escape From A Treacherous World"
"A Life Short Lived, but Long Fulfilled"
How about an Acrostic? : Use all or part of Austin's name or another pertinent set of words and form a creative acrostic!
Words from Michael Himself: "To those of you who have lost a loved one, especially one so young...it is true pain that will leave our hearts forever bleeding and broken. But always remember the one who has the power to heal such a pain, and such a torn up heart...Jesus Christ, and may he bless you and be with you always. Always remember that God is love and he has a purpose for every soul, even if it means calling them home a little early."
A poem from Raymond
"Angels Are Hard to Find"
When God calls them to his home above,
we will always question his divine love...
God has a purpose for every soul,
A specific task, a specific goal...
He picks from us the perfect one,
So that his will, may forever be done...
So may you have strength of will, and peace of mind,
remembering that God loves you, and Angels are hard to find...
Copyright Raymond J. Cloud 2009
Dedicated to those who have lost a loved one.
About the Poem: This is a twist from a poem that I wrote when I was about 12 or 13...it was written to my mother explaining to her how I would feel should she face an untimely death. The poem itself speaks about God "picking Angels" from ordinary people like ourselves "He picks from us the perfect one" ...and "Angels are hard to find. I rearranged the poem a little bit to dedicate it to those who have suffered such a loss...may it bring you love, light and peace.
Raymond
Use your imagination, but please stick as close as possible to them being about and for Austin.
Here's the best part -- All of the poems in this contest (or 100, whichever is less...and including one of my own) will be featured in a book that will be published by yours truly and given to Austin's older brother Michael.
Here is a general idea of what the book will look like...
I still need to check for the accuracy of the dates, but just to give you a general image of what the book will look like.
Points will increase with donations. Those of you who enter, may you be blessed eternally....and the best of luck to you all.
Raymond
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on March 23
- Rewards: Gold: 10625, Silver: 10625, Bronze: 1000, Honorable mention: 5 people
- Final notes: Thank you all for your hard work and dedication! The writes were all VERY awesome. Also, many thanks to those who donated points and brought the total prize pool to 22250!!! I split that with an equal prize for Gold and Silver, 1000 Points for Bronze, and 5 Honorable Mentions! Congratulations to you ALL and thank you all for your entries. I will begin work on the book shortly, and would like each of you to either IM me or Email Me with your real name so that I can make sure to credit you properly in the book.
Thanks again!
~Raymond~
Contest Winners
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I saw God's light and felt him calling
There was no fear, only a tingly warmth and peace,• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
For my dearest Hope, this years marks three years of being away from you.
And still the pain is Raw.
I love you... Your mummyby RareFlower 31 lines, 10 comments, on Jan 18 4:41 AM. In Pain, Sad, Contest, Life, bereavement, loss, baby
Honorable mention
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My grandmother died recently, and we shared a very close bond. I am greatly moved and it hurts to read my poem now, because of the memoriesby Melissa8200 33 lines, 2 comments, on Mar 13 12:36 AM. In Death, Dying, Teen thoughts, Personal, Spiritual, Thoughts, Pain, Sad, Love, Life Honorable mention
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I would be honored to write something special about him• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [45]
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remember is a site of times
to help us to remind us of our loveby blackfang4318 23 lines, 4 comments, on Feb 18 5:48 AM• Commented on by judge. -
God sends angels to do his work
Sometimes here for a long timeby clara wilson-nelson 5 lines, 6 comments, on Feb 18 6:37 AM• Commented on by judge. -
My heart that holds empty shadows,
Listens to voices as wind blows,• Commented on by judge. -
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For Michael, hope this helps.by LonleyVixen 68 lines, 9 comments, on Feb 18 8:07 AM• Commented on by judge.
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There is so much pain
When a child has passed awayby lovingpoet 27 lines, 2 comments, on Feb 18 9:57 PM. In Spiritual, Pain, Personal, Sad, lost of a loved one• Commented on by judge. -
Austin was only ten
Unremarkable love his family will hold• Commented on by judge. -
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Given to us to love and to cherish
As we watch him growby clara wilson-nelson 11 lines, 6 comments, on Feb 18 1:29 PM• Commented on by judge. -
Sudden good byes can tear at the heart,
Making us feel the shock of life's fagility.• Commented on by judge. -
It seems like only yesterday,
You wiped away my tears,by my-passion123 18 lines, 2 comments, on Feb 18 5:18 PM• Commented on by judge. -
by darell 32 lines, 7 comments, on Feb 18 5:37 PM. In Hope, Love, Spiritual, Inspirational, Dedication• Commented on by judge.
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Hopefully this one helps ya out with the coping, I know its tough, just stick with it buddy.by Cyanide Dreams 42 lines, 4 comments, on Feb 18 9:58 AM• Commented on by judge.
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There was a new star born today
to shine upon the Earth.by echo-ink 34 lines, 5 comments, on Feb 19 9:43 AM. In Austin Craig Smith• Commented on by judge. -
Young boy~gone to play
under the stars on a weary dayby HopelessScribbles 19 lines, 3 comments, on Feb 20 8:22 AM
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As I wrap the angel in a hug, I cannot stop the tears
Her beauty and serenity erasing all my fearsby Captain Amber SL 13 lines, 7 comments, on Feb 20 9:30 AM• Commented on by judge. -
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Good-bye my sweet love
Some day we will meet again• Commented on by judge. -
Here's to you, oh sweet child
Your years here were not longby Salad Stalker. 18 lines, 5 comments, on Mar 1 3:32 AM• Commented on by judge. -
If death had a face
how would it look?by Anonymous Spark 42 lines, 13 comments, on Feb 1 3:34 PM• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
they kept you breathing and warm
to spread you like wings across the nationby kedoconnor 17 lines, 3 comments, on Dec 11 10:17 AM 2008. In death• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
NO PREVIEW CLICK TO READby UnicornSparkleVomit 11 lines, 3 comments, on Mar 6 3:04 PM. In Angst, Contest, Hope, Nature, Humanity, Children, Happiness, Dedication• Commented on by judge.
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Your almost there my son,
laying there in your last bedby trytothink 49 lines, 2 comments, on Mar 17 4:38 PM• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
You have died and are now resting in a bedby trytothink 74 lines, 34 comments, on Apr 26 12:36 PM 2007. In Death, Pain, Friendship, Personal., Loss, Suicide• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
Add a comment
Comments
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This is a worthy cause you have... to give the book to the older brother who is more than likely devistated with his brothers death... so very worthy. Can you tell me a little bit about the boy? Age, was he a cheerful child? Did he like dogs, bugs, playing outside... the rain... whatever. Just soemthing so I can make a poem personally about him.
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awsome
I am glad the book is going to the oler brother. He should really enjoy this. And this page looks very nice. Very inspirational. -
Hello Raymond
You've changed your name
I am liking the new one 
Good luck with the contest...I think it is a beautiful idea.
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loss of loved ones so young
i lost a child at birth only living just a few minutes this was hard i had no one to turn to no one to share with a 16 year old girl with life fully ahead of me and life ending right in front of me that was 23 years ago--by the grace of god i now have three beautiful daughters one grandson and two beautiful granddaughters -- not a day goes by that i don't think about my first born still alive in my heart--and an angel by the side of God's throne -
Loosing anyone at any age is indeed a true heartbreak. Keep your head high, and know that he will always live through you, in your heart, in your heart, and in your memories. It is very hard to deal but you have friends around you who will catch you when you fall and create a warm loving circle around you. My best of wishes to you Michael.
Also, who do we donate the points to? -
This is a beautiful page!!!
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this is such a cool contest! i've never seen anything like it on allpoetry before. it's so unique and hearfelt. it's so nice of you to do this! I felt all warm and fuzzy while reading the contest over, but also very sad.
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this is so heart touching......i pray that he will get peace in heavens.....aamen
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Raymond, I think you are so wonderful to dedicate this contest for Austin, and to have a book written for his big brother, Michael.
I can't stop crying about this, it's so sad for Austins family and you,
I hope that all the entries brings comfort to all those who love Austin.
God bless you for the love you are showing them.
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I am so sorry and saddened for the tragic loss of this wonderful child, and my heart and prayers go to the family and friends of this young man. What you are doing to promote this worthy, poetic cause, in memoriam - on behalf of Austin's memorial - is just beautiful. You are a true angel, Raymond.
Peace, love and hugs always, xx Cyn xx
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am sorry
there are no words to tell u how u feel, i know it, my brother passed away on january, it is difficult to let go, but i guess if u belive in heaven we know they are there like angels watching over us, i hope u find some peace, and is a very lovely poem,so much love to give to the ones que care about, take care -
Beautiful Paige.
you have a really beautiful page, that's so lovely.
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Oh my gosh I actually just read the poem before but this story is heart rending that is so sad well hes with Jesus now. THis is all very moving I dont know if I can write anything good though!
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This is such a heartfelt contest! It's so kind and considerate of you to do this for Austin's older brother. I'm sure that he is very sad, and that this awesome book that you are putting together for him will make him happier.
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I really wish I could write about subjects like this, but I can't. Just reading the first paragraph in regards to the contest made me so exceptionally upset that I wanted to just go cry myself to sleep. I have no idea why but I can't deal with stories about accidental death for people with internal bleeding, and not knowing about it.
This is such an amazing contest, I wish you all luck. -
My heart goes out to the entire family. Losing a child is devastating. I wish you and all who knew and love Austin a very gentle healing.
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I am so sorry for your loss n trust me i know what it feels like i write poems about family that passed away if u wanna check them out
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great work on this contest
Raymond you are doing a real good thing for this family to help in the grief they are feeling right now thank you for your kind heart and showing me there is still hope out there
Michael hang in there and hold your head up high and know Austin is beside God now and wants you to look forward and to do the works of God required of you so that some day you your family and Austin will be together again in heaven and though it may be difficult to go on some days just know Austin will always love you and now he will look over you and your family as your guardian angel
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