Hope

September 6, 2025

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

August 23, 2025

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

June 15, 2025

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

May 25, 2025

Dandelion Wishes


A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight

Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring

Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft

What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness

Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves

So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life

Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 18, 2025

What Is It?


What is it?, they said,
as they peered at the ground.
There were thin flakes like frost
shining white all around

What is it, this ‘manna’?
For they did not know
That it was bread of heaven
Food they couldn’t sow

Born of dew
by God’s great hand
It filled their bellies
and gave strength to stand

When we’re in the wilderness
With fear high and hope dim
It’s hard to cease our grumbling
Though in trials we can trust in Him

God is our provision
Daily providing all the stuff
When we gaze and say, What is it?
His manna is enough

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 13, 2025

In the Stillness


In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation

Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress

Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause

Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind

Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive

God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently

Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace

Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“

April 5, 2025

A Breath of Fresh Air


Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in

Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing

Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings

Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean

Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 1, 2025

In Time’s Embrace


What then in time’s embrace
Time and time again again
Speaks now of universe’s vast expanse

Near-sighted vision up close
Blocking out all other input
Enveloped by me me here and now

Or far-sighted eyes ever on the horizon
Unable to relate to other souls
Ever craving more more to gain

What then speaks and what is heard?
Do eyes look but do not seek?
Each day’s gift a treasure before us

Would we succumb to the smog about
Or discover true Light to clear away?
Shine bright streams to birth Faith

Lift worn arms to God’s sheltering presence
Full in this moment this hour this hope
And smile in that gift of inward peace

Charlotte-Anne Allen