Acclaim esteem
Express devotion
Thanks outpoured
For love celebrate
Songs resound
Words bless
Lift hands and voice
Praise!
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Poetry
–
I Saw a Rock
I saw a rock the other day
And tossed it to the side
It’s just a bit of gravel
Hindering my work
Ah hah, a child exclaimed
As he passed along and saw
It’s a treasure shining brightly
Bringing smiles and warm in hand
I saw a rock the other day
Dirty muddy in the way
A great boulder in my path
What a bother to go around
Ah hah, the builders said
As they spied that handsome stone
It’s just the thing we’re searching for
And fine addition to our new home
I saw a rock the other day
And tripped over it as I sped by
Why is that here and in my way
I have a lot to do
Ah hah, sighed another
Seeing the smooth worn slab
It’s just the help I need
A perfect fit to fix my steps
I saw a rock the other day
And took a second glance
A shining treasure
Firm foundation
Help along the way
OF… Anticipation and Beginnings
Oh, anticipation and beginnings
Of firsts and next and looking ahead
Of getting up and rise fall rise
Of prayers and plans and seeking quests
Of strength hope joy to follow a path
Of steps begun walk onward
from “OF… Songs of Life” Charlotte-Anne Allen
Comfort
In time of need
Pain sorrow loss
Console Encourage
Lighten the load
Love’s touch
Steady and true
Faithful presence
Comfort
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Fret
Oh Lord, when I worry
And my world is spinning ‘round
Please cease the racing spirals
That try to make me fall
I know You say to trust You
That in troubles I’m not alone
But like great gobbling monsters
They rise to tear me down
So, Lord, when I worry
When I fret that all’s not well
Please touch me with your presence
And strike those monsters down
Remind me just to trust You
Discover calm amidst those storms
For in Your quiet presence
There’s strength to carry on
In the Quiet of Your Presence
Photo by Kathy Owen
Grand Tetons
In the quiet of your presence
Come sit with me
My companion
During loss and distress
Pain anger despair
In the quiet of your presence
The touch of your hand
A welcoming shoulder
For tears grief
For memories laughter
In the quiet of your presence
Great storms tumult
And pounding waves
In fear anguish
Drawn to your haven
In the quiet of your presence
Oh whys and what nows
No and no and no
Reef of danger or
Rock of safety
In the quiet of your presence
Blessed stillness
Washed
By shared tears
Battered and worn
In the quiet of your presence
Oh God!
Hold me
For I am bereft
Cold lost alone
Resting
In the quiet of your presence
Love
Self outpoured
Heart’s companion
Gentle touch to
Heal soul’s hurts
Deed’s seed
Gift given
Comfort’s home
Life shared
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
OF… Nature’s Gift
Oh, nature’s gift.
Of meadows and bees and song and breeze
Of mount and sky and clouds against blue
Of gurgling streams and splashes and cool
Of rustles and song and rattles and tread
Of wonder and creation
from “OF… Songs of Life” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Compassion
Care for others
Deep concern
Love without judgment
Sympathy for trials
Reach out Give help
To one another
Live true Live full
Compassion
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
New Year’s Dawn
Northwind chill and bundled frame
Speaks of New Year’s coming dawn
Sunlight bright or blowing snow
Quiet breath catches in anticipation
Laugh of children and calls to come
Homemade soup to warm one’s bones
Barking dogs or honk of horns
Season’s tide begins to turn
Twilight’s glitter and dark’s bright star
Contemplation of time now past
Frosty morn and day’s cold rise
Hope’s dream and New Year born
The Still Small Voice 