–
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Harvest’s being gathered
We bring our work around
Another year’s labor
Wherever we are found
Through days bright and sunny
Or clouds and rainy sky
We worked for our best
To complete tasks by-and-by
Some things of great challenge
Others flowing with ease
We persevered and encouraged
And are grateful for these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it then? What can I say?
About those dirty dishes from the day
Scattered round my kitchen sink
I need to wash them before they stink
As that nice hot water comes pouring out
They’ll be clean in a jiffy and no more lying about
I stack in the plates and utensils too
Suds are building and that will do
A swish and a wipe until that part’s done
Rinsing them off each and every one
Pile in the pots and don’t forget the pan
Scrub them well, as best you can
It’s not a chore, I will confide
As I dry them off or lay them aside
These dirty dishes are a gift God’s given
For they speak of His care and daily provision
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Nature’s lace extended
Waving gently in the breeze
Sun’s shine glittering
Upon stretched strands
Gossamer intricately created
Yet containing surprising strength
Catching unwary passersby
To feed its hungry watcher
Dewdrops glisten
Reflecting rainbow spheres
Busy resident builds and rebuilds
With patient skill upon its sticky portal
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Starry gaze through inky black
Moon’s beams peek ‘round clouds’ edge
Night settles upon the land
Sighing whispers of day’s farewell
Turn from bright glare of urban lights
That blink in disregard of rural calm
Go now to your quiet place
Far from bustle and clangs
Rocking slowly, now ease your mind
… Night calls softly to welcome rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What does it suggest?
What might it mean?
A help, a thought,
… a tease perhaps
When brains don’t joggle
Or are in a ‘foggle”
A simple word
May make us wise
Perhaps a well-placed
Bit of something
To alert a wandering mind
…Take notice now!
We tap our lip
In contemplation
Ah-hah, ah-hah
a welcome hint!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Cool as light from a sparkling moon
Stretching out to silent earth
Gleaming softly smooth to touch
Shiny brightly attracting the eyes
A treasure keeper carefully shaped
Drawn from within… and precious
Awaiting master’s touch
… tested and refined
Servant heart freely given
Purely silver
– From “Of the Earth”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity
Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet
Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry
Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day
Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present
There was a hush
As time stood still
Charlotte-Anne Allen
An interesting word! Now, think about it.
Is it something to eat or something to do?
A warm thick porridge
To fill and to satisfy
Or flying across the snow
As swift dogs pull a sled
Is it too sentimental?
Just mushy romance?
Is it mashing and smashing
To a soft pulpy mess?
Whether cooking something wholesome
Or exclaiming, “charge on”
Let’s look forward, seek always
For good and our best
From “Words of Interest”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I love an old adage
From friends tried and true
If ever there’s too much
to think about and to do
“Don’t fret about it…”
Worrying constantly
and tied in a wad
To be anxious is wearing
A devouring monster
Who seeks to consume
Hear words of comfort
Life’s seasons all pass
There much to give thanks for
Let it go, “Now don’t fret!”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
