Such a creature
I do tell
Lounging happily
in your shell
Full of patience
And intent
Steadily moving
Though slowly you went
Surveying life
From bush or log
With occasional sniff
From a curious dog
Clambering up and all about
Buddies are important too
Basking in the warmth of sun
Life flowing …Each day new
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Round-and-round
Spinning with glee
Wind on the skin
And hair flying free
Mouth wide open
Eyes shining bright
What could be better
This wondrous delight
Knights of old
So valiant and brave
Riding their chargers
Now give them a wave
Zooming past
Now hold on tight
Or push and run
With all their might
Happy and dizzy
Seeing others flash past
They make a good team
…And a joy that will last
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Spring forth oh glorious morn
Now touch the light of day
Speak of cool rising mists
Of soft golden light
And quiet hush of dawn
Nature’s yawn
Soft indrawn breath
Upon night’s slow release
Of muted chirps
And curious inspections
At the rising of earth’s inhabitants
Stretch, turn, and wing aloft
Lifting, calling, gently reminding
Speak peace and hope and life
Spring forth in promise
Of God’s power and eternal love
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A quiet glade
A welcome respite
Cool shades of green
Touched with golden light
Gentle breeze sighs
Caressing heated skin
From early morning’s labor
Lifting damp tresses to freshen
A peaceful place
To compose mind and body
Rediscover wonder, and lighten spirits
Breathe deeply, stretch… rest in this tranquil spot
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Ups and downs
And turnarounds
Life can be so twisty
Like summer days
Going carefree or busy
Days warm mornings misty
What will we do
When we look back
At life’s turns and travels?
Rising upon a rainy day
Are we thankful
For life-giving water?
When things don’t go
As we plan or desire
Do we fuss and grouse?
Or do we tip our head
With a thoughtful smile
And wonder at new opportunities?
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Quiet, calm night
Clear skies soften
As sunrise’s faint shine
Stirs and greets a new day
Cool morning’s breath
Gathering droplets
To touch and moisten
Gentle, life-giving
Magical shining orbs
Settle upon tender grass
And freshened leaves
Rising in silent appreciation
Bare feet welcome
Dew’s cool chill
Refreshed peaceful
Lifting heart and mind
From heaven above
Comes… dew’s touch
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Happy music
Pure delight
Bubbling forth
Like a high-flying kite
Mouth full of laughter
Eyes shining so bright
Giggles from the belly
What a joyful sight
Ahh for the joy
For life simple, carefree
Precious moments are holy
And times just … to be
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Holes can be both helpful and hurtful
• Be mindful of what surrounds the holes in life
• Rich earth yields healthy harvest
• Being accepted and cared for helps fill us
• Emptiness grows with suffering or lack of hope
• Sometimes we feel torn open and lost
• As time goes by, worn out clothing reveals use and life
• Repairs may come slowly and in part
• As a key turns in a keyhole so positive actions can bring much good
• A nurturing home is a refuge and a sheltering burrow
• Small accomplishments are encouraging and fulfilling
• Take notes of the diligent woodpecker seeking food and shelter
• The planting of new things and ideas first requires digging
• A small seed planted yields much through struggles and trials
• When digging and growing, contemplation and prayer are of great importance
• God fills our holes with goodness, purpose, and compassion
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
The Still Small Voice 