Eyes to see
Yonder stars shining
Even when clouds gather
So, turning my head to heavens above
Every day, now fill me
Yes, with lifted arms to God
Each brings a promise of hope
Sing, sweet Light, and fill our souls
Charlotte-Anne Allen
EYES
People
Cloud Speak
Portents of things to come
Stormy sky and pouring rain
Fair weather cotton balls
Gray blanket for a drizzly day
Look about and heed
What do we form for all to see
Sailing high above in swift retreat
Or gusting words to rush about
What times for lifting energizing
Beauty flashing midst struggles deep
Washing sometimes roaring
In our own smallness soaring
Do we speak of fairer days
Quietly linger softly calming
Breath in deeply sweet aroma
Welcome refreshment steady supply
Flying floating freely
Sunlight glinting over all
Rest ‘neath such as welcome
With One much greater above all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Shush
“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
Coming In
When up and about
Mind’s on things old and new
What you like. What you need.
Seems you have much to do.
As a bee searching, gathering
Zipping here and there
Returning with what’s needed
Bringing home to share
Some with satisfaction
Others pondering with concern
As day’s time progresses
It’s for home we yearn
Coming in to draw a breath
Coming in to find some rest
Thankful prayers for a place
… As a bird to its welcome nest
Something about that moment
When we finally enter in
Come and find a welcome
No matter where we’ve been
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What Words!
Some curious words
From childhood days
May have some wondering
About those past ways!
Say piffle to such nonsense
When you hear a doozy of a tale
A great hullabaloo of a commotion
Arises when bamboozled… I’ve been tricked!
We skedaddle and leave quickly
When faced with hogwash nonsense!
Don’t lollygag or waste any time
Listening to gobbledygook and meaningless talk
Take care not to get turned back widdershins
Things sometimes do go cattywampus
Good words to take note of
They’re just the right fit
For frustrating or interesting moments
… Perfect for interjecting a bit of wit!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Come Princes Princesses
Rising sun on this new day
Humble princes and princesses
Adopted children come without delay
To the Mighty One, serving our King
We lift our voices and now we sing
Of trials and triumphs, of pain and joy
Of trust and doubt, of faith …and hope
We touch the promises of our great God
Love unfailing, forgiven freely
Arms enfolding, sovereign power
Awesome, filling
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Honey Bees
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
Reflections on Wood
• 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
Tadpole Boogie
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
Release
Turn it loose
Let it go
At day’s end
Draw quiet breath
Satisfaction
Work is done
Busy minds
Thoughts set aside
Like swirly suds
Swept down the drain
God’s peace to you
Lie down in rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 