Rainy chill and soggy gray
Dampness creeping with the breeze
Flowers huddle swaying wet
Looking askance, at spring’s tease
Where has it gone, our sunny days?
That welcome warmth is replaced with shiver
It will return after earth’s wet kiss
To grow and strengthen such as these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A thought, a word, an exclamation!
“Blah” we say
When things are crazy…
Or do not go our way
Some days are “yay”
So bright and fair
Then comes those times
When “blah” is there
Oh, grateful for friends
Who encourage and smile
They stick beside us
Even walk an extra mile
Heed “Frog and Toad”
Accepting and true
There for “yays” and “blahs”
Together in all they do
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Inspired by “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel
Smile and be encouraged!
Light’s warmth coaxing new growth to see
Emerging now and bursting forth so free
From winter’s long and dormant hold
Leafy fronds stretching, unfurling so bold
Responding to steady patience and care
Unfolding our leaves and learning to dare
In rich profusion of vibrant greenery
Bring joy to lighten each other’s scenery
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A hop, a skip, a jump we say
It’s not so very far away
To reach a nearby destination
Rise up and go, no hesitation
Inhale deeply gather and move
Getting started in the groove
Take things slowly enjoy the trip
Cool breeze sunshine and pause for a sip
Embrace life’s riches and rest your mind
Into our moments… treasures to find
Charlotte-Anne Allen
For an excellent meal, now leave no crumbs
A testament of preparation well done
Consumed with great appreciation
Coming together after contemplation
Now evidence of great worth and clout
We see crumbs that brought much help about
Good news perhaps or spoken words
As a symphony of music from joyous birds
Come together generously with our crumbs
Sharing, offering, giving whatever sums
Our bread, our cake, all morsels humbly given
Bring strength and encouragement for all the living
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Things that are hard can both protect and crack
• Our lives are like icebergs, holding much beneath the surface
• Change, whether slow or rapid, requires many adjustments
• The support of others covers many difficulties
• Use caution when navigating slippery situations
• Calmness can be cool and refreshing when things get hot
• A heated temper needs space and time to cool down
• A cold heart is an unhappy heart
• We can become numbed through adverse conditions
• Preservation of positive character helps bring and maintain lasting relationships
• Like people, frozen water comes in many forms and varieties
• Homes are formed in our very diversity… we penguins, polar bears, and seals
• Refractions through these prisms bring forth amazing results
• The shining Light of God displays beauty within
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat
Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin
Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head
Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light
Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
• Inquisitive curiosity feeds discovery
• Play is the basis of learning
• A place of security brings rest to our soul
• Nurture tender life and watch it grow
• Learning and growing is greatest when navigating challenges
• When seen through the heart, each day is a wondrous exploration
• Newness and change need time for adjustment
• Fresh eyes can bring great enlightenment
• May our words and actions encourage and uplift
• Imagination opens possibilities and delves into solutions
• Small things can loom as great mountains
• Speak encouragement and express value for others whenever possible
• Joy speaks through skips, song, and bright faces
• God loves us, His children, beyond our greatest imagination
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 