To summon request
Appeal to be done
In service and action
With both heart and mind
Listen and follow
With passion and strength
Give heed and attend to that
Call
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Poetry
–
Summer Garden
Cool touch of dew on morning’s grass
Soft breeze stirs leaf and bough
Tread of foot and word of greeting
Hoes in hand and hats for shade
Bark of dog and back door closing
We make our way to tend summer’s garden
Bare toes in earth’s fresh soil
Soon may seek shoe’s insulation
Sun is rising as weeds are cleared
Call of mourning dove quiet pleasure
Accompanies day’s song of life
Lawn mower thrum and tractor rumble
Rasp of blades and rip of grass and weed
To free tender promises hidden in their midst
Thoughts and dreams of summer’s bounty
Rhythmic movements lift and fall
Another row completed now
Heat and sweat are well repaid
Cool glass of water to quench our thirst
And splash upon warm faces
Times we share in our summer garden
Persevere
Continue on
Hold the course
Stand true and strong
Resolved together
Seeing the goal
Now be encouraged
Endure Ever forward
Persevere!
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Music Rising
Music rising
Lifting calling
Birthed from life’s being
Speaks soul-deep
Life’s great passion
Pours out itself
Gentle or roaring
Hear its voice
Praise
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
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
