In rising wind and slashing rain
Storm breaking, pounding, roaring
Trees do dance… They break and tremble
Whipped by nature’s grasping breath
Do we yet cower… or stand in awe?
We in our weakness before God’s might
Surrendered to those cleansing waters
Breathing in His freshening wind
Look now… A Light is shining
Glowing, filling, warming…
Ever speaking of storm passing
Securely held in its wake
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Warm and rich
Glowing in light’s embrace
Sweetness for tea
And expression of face
Bright rising for day’s awakening
Splendid banner of night’s approach
Let not vanity arrogance creep in
Be true to others and above reproach
Generosity speaks most loudly
Of caring together beneath earth’s dome
Of royalty and kingdoms see
Holy Child and heavenly home
What now this radiance reaching out
Uplifting inspiring our true gold
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Feathery spikes of numbing embrace
Drawn from that unseen, yet touched
Transforming changing cooling
Gathering under night’s covering
Or written by fog’s chill greeting
Air heavy with enfolding moisture
Growing delicate dainty arrays
Splendid intricate formations
Look closely in simple wonder
Upon its quiet arrival
Shining upon leaf and blade
Season’s brush raised in salute
Rising from earth’s frozen womb
Signpost of Jack’s dark days
Pointed touch banishing leaf and bud
To bide their time for warmer days
…Now crushed beneath heavy trod
Or vanishing upon warm touch and light
To await once more its rising
Orange speaks of happiness
Relaxed and friendly, enjoying life
Joining neighbors red and yellow
Warm and comfortable, overcoming strife
It speaks of endurance and of strength
A glowing light in evenings sky
Fragrance wafting, juicy sweet
Tangy goodness sends the spirit high
Persevering ever forward
Creative bright and shining out
From One who knows our fears and joys
May our lives serve to brighten about
Lifting encouraging one another
Shining like that splash of orange
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Green speaks of living things
Renewing, filling… growing from
Vibrant color cool with dew
Verdant pastures beckon, “come”
Of health and wealth some would seek
But beware the green of envy now!
And when the stomach heaves and surges
A greenish face will take a bow
But do not fret upon your way
In life comes hope with thoughtful shifting
From deserts spring the green of life
Shining glistening, shoots uplifting
Breathe slowly deeply and feel things ease
Surrounded by some calming green
from “Of Colors” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Barefoot days
Shorts and T’s
Cool clear water
Garden fresh veggies
Warmth for body
Sun’s rays heating
Fans blowing, shade cooling
Welcome breezes stirring
Birds calling, dogs barking
Yard mowing, weed pulling
Storms rolling, rain falling
Golden sun rays, moist woods
Early morning and evening’s chill
Dew’s sparkle and quiet hush
Life and faith one day at a time
Summer’s rhythm speaks of contentment
Warning touch and growing rumble
Feel it building coming coming
Welcome respite or call for shelter?
Jarring one from settled niche
These drops intruders in our day
… A sigh a chuckle as we retreat?
What do they say of grief or toil
As waters surge and tumble by?
Pale countenance sinking down
Or head uplifted to cool embrace?
Built up dirt and grime release
Muddy churning wash away!
Letting it go, now light and free
Cleansing. Revealing… sparkling stones
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• As cool weather moves to summer heat, so does time flow ever forward
• As gatherings bring reunion, so friendship brings renewal
• As outdoor activities and fair weather draw us, so encouragement and enjoyment bring us together and build positive relationships
• As lightning flashes and thunder roars, so is one who seeks attention or hides pain
• As vacations and travel bring welcome breaks, so shared experiences and time bring greater understanding and perspective
• As fields are harvested, so completed work satisfies and brings provision
• As yards are mowed and gardens tended, so treat your own bodies with care
• As the smells of summer cooking waft through the air, so does the telling of stories and revisiting of sights renew and build memories
• As the sun’s light and heat engulf us, so may God’s Word fill us
• As water cools and refreshes, so does a positive spirit bring calm and hope
– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Tiny frond
Essence of spring …Safe
In its underground seclusion
Stirs within warming abode
Tight coil
Slowly stretching… Pushing
Through covering protective layers
Awakened from winters slumber
Fiddleheads
In feathery company… Emerging
Adding beauty to moist shade
Tucked among woodland passes
And so do we also
Stretch and reach to warming light
Gather strength and determination
Draw nourishment… Unfurl
