Standing, resolved to do its best
Straight and strong, long enduring
Awakening to life in misty solitude
Growing, stretching out and up
A landmark clear, upon a hill
Withstanding storm and seasons drear
Rooted, solid, drawing us, too
A sign of peace for one and all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Golden glow bids farewell
to day’s journeys
Twilight ‘s dusky presence eases
toward night’s greeting
Stars sparkle and luna’s face shines,
Ever gliding onward
Cool darkness touches gently,
A shroud for troubled minds
And so, we draw breath
and ponder anew life’s wonders
Resting. Closing our eyes.
Voicing thanks and casting cares
To One who knows and loves us
Bringing hope and renewal
Pouring forth God’s light.
For the sun rises again
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 143:8
Spread its arms so round and true
Joined together clasping tightly
Firm boundaries to speak and declare
Now look to the center to show us where
Moving turning in ordered motion
Complete and whole so satisfying
Gaze around in awe and wonder
Savoring the vastness of eternity’s splendor
As swirling water released down drain
Wind-chased leaves tightly lifted up
Rain’s swift drops upon mirrored surface
And sun, moon, and planets of glowing hue
A rounded loaf and water cup
In busy pursuit upon bowl’s rim
We meet ourselves upon life’s cycle
Pause and muse on earth and heaven
Our quest in life and the circles we touch
…The infinite love of God enfolds us
Gathering welcoming upon this circle
From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As ice crystals on a cold dank day
Strike the earth or uncovered face
So, turn to shield from wind’s cold touch
And dream of warmer clime and place
Fresh air ‘tis true through biting chill
Winter’s silence gathered to embrace
Now softly falls the gentle snow
White covering welcoming floating lace
Look and wonder, for a time transformed
Joy in each day for peace and grace
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.
Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain
Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while
Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face
God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Calm and relaxing
Of black and white blends
In offering serenity
Peace it extends
Neutral but practical
It’s in middle ground
Dampening like fog
Bringing stillness, now found
A loner and introvert
Well-meaning and serious
So elegant, insightful
Yet thoughtful… mysterious
This good companion is
One close by… Quiet gray
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The sun rises and we greet the day
To dread or cheer along the way
What this we think, we look, we see
Of how we’ll live and how we’ll be
As light shines now bright and clear
Or through fog and cloud, from One so dear
To warm the heart and fortify our bone
Lift our faces…We are not alone
A promise renew and peace lift up
For strength and joy to fill our cup
We thank you God for your love and care
For this new day, with us everywhere
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.
I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.
I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.
“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
For a peaceful heart
Or a calm state
Come now
to this quiet place
Rest for body,
mind, and soul
Draw fresh from One
who makes us whole
Know God’s breath
A stillness true
One day at a time
To see us through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Think now deeply
Weighing in your mind
Not speaking in a rush
Or acting before you find
Ponder things anew
And again, if need should be
For ears that will listen
And eyes that really see
Quiet considerations
Be still and take your time
Through prayer and meditation
Upon the mountains that you climb
And may those reflections brighten
Like a peaceful path on a clear sunny day
Lord, help us to live joyously
Wisely following you in every way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 