“shh, shh”
Quiet waves sigh
A gentle reminder
To pause as time goes by
As a mom
Sooths and sways
Gently whispers
Her child she softly lays
Come evening time
Or morning’s glow
Peaceful resting
Let thoughts go
Embrace it now
A time for hush
Release and calm
“shh, shh” … Shush
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What flights
of imagination
do we take?
Stretching outward
Beyond comprehension
Awestruck
Light shining into
a vast universe
dark and deep
Circling ripples upon water
Miniscule or infinitesimal
Vibrant and flowing
In wonder
we bow before
our Mighty Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Lightning flash, sizzle, bright
Such great brilliance can give a fright
Thunder crash, rumble, roar
But in my home I am secure
Trees swaying in the wind
Shaking, thrashing… how they bend
A plop, a drop, approaching rush
Ever harder pounding in a mighty gush
Sun chased… Obscured by clouds of gray
Summer storms cool a hot, humid day
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Humming busily
Zooming to-and-fro
Waggle dances
For treasures to show
Sweetness of nectar
Rich and fine
Heading there
Now make a beeline!
Workers buzzing
Warm and sunny
Bringing life
With golden honey
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight
Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring
Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft
What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness
Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves
So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life
Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation
Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress
Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause
Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind
Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive
God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently
Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace
Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“
Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in
Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing
Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings
Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean
Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Up, chirp, chitter chatter
Squirrel tail goes flitter flatter
Fussing as we pass below
Peering through the leaves just so
Hurling about with great velocity
Their big eyes bright with curiosity
Busily digging, digging about
Hiding food so they won’t go without
Building homes nestled high in a tree
Safe and secure where they can see
Facing our own challenges, we can take notes
From these creative adventurers in furry coats
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 