Hope

November 1, 2025

Lightly


Lightly breaths the freshening air
Softly lifting sweeping strands of hair

Lightly speaks a sleepy songbird
As morning rays spread glowing fingers

Gentle rabbit ever slowly and lightly hops
Upon bedewed blades sparkling in sun’s touch

Sighing and yawning world slowly awakes
Stepping lightly and looking upon day’s dawn

Lightly now we gaze upon earth’s glory
Pausing amid our to-and-fro and breathing deeply

Treasured moments to renew and strengthen
Welcome gift of peace from our Creator God

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 4, 2025

Fruitful Harvest


Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown

Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place

Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace

God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace

To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 28, 2025

Cool


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

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