life

May 10, 2025

I Heard a Chicken


Have you ever heard a chicken laugh?
… Heard it burble with much glee?

What marvelous thoughts do they ponder?
… and what great things to see?

“Ah ha-ha-ha”, now hear them chortle.
… With darting gaze they look about.

Loyal sisters comment, clucking with much delight
… Then run around in confusion, expressing a bit of doubt.

Now the mighty leader loudly calling too
Expressing his opinion… a personal great view

Never a boring day, approached with grin and chuckle
… Sharing chicken laughs with you!

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 27, 2025

Wise


What is it to be wise?
How one is known through another’s eyes?

We seek to know, to understand.
Walk this way. Know where to stand.

Look about. Thinking deep.
Listen. Pause. In prayer keep.

In struggles, challenges, our mistakes
We learn and ponder. That’s what it takes.

Wisdom’s example in others, too
It steers us, helps us in all we do.

What’s wise, you say?
See the heart and the whole, this day.

Making choices that lift and heal
Consider all perspectives and how others feel.

Wise, oh wise. Pursue wisdom for life.
It grows from goodness and from strife.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 20, 2025

Step, Step


Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way

One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts

Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day

Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount

Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?

Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son

Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup

Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home

Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall

Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

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 30, 2025

Reflections on Raisins


• Tend and care for that which is of value
• Work for nourishing results
• Warmth and caring are like the sun’s bright rays
• Positive influences bring out the best in us
• Aim for results that are helpful and usable
• Becoming better at something takes time
• Change comes through life’s experiences
• There are many responses to changes and challenges
• Patience during the process of growth and life is hard
• Sometimes we feel dried up and empty
• Pruning unhealthy thoughts and actions opens doors for grace
• Celebrate often, noticing the big and small fruits
• Stay connected to the Vine for health and strength
• God is our source, bringing forth the best in us

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 16, 2025

Dribble


Sometimes life seems to dribble
A little splash or drop

Things can move so slowly
Or almost seem to stop

But then I look around me
Set impatience to the side

I’m reminded to ‘rest easy’
And in one great God abide

Slower times are oh so needed
Take a moment and see the view

Time to think or reconsider
Being thankful for what is true

In those quiet little trickles
There is mighty work at hand

In each day find contentment
Knowing God does understand

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 8, 2025

Squirrel Motion


Up, chirp, chitter chatter
Squirrel tail goes flitter flatter

Fussing as we pass below
Peering through the leaves just so

Hurling about with great velocity
Their big eyes bright with curiosity

Busily digging, digging about
Hiding food so they won’t go without

Building homes nestled high in a tree
Safe and secure where they can see

Facing our own challenges, we can take notes
From these creative adventurers in furry coats

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

February 15, 2025

Preparation


Look ahead to what is needed
What may be coming and should be heeded?

Be it home or work or play
What will be done by end of day?

Now, do not stress, for we can make do
But acting wisely is important too

If notes are needed, then jot them down
Put on a smile and do not frown

Not caught up with worry and in a big rush
Take time to see beauty, open ears, and hush

Then do your best and show you have cared
Draw a breath, take one step, and as able… be prepared

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 8, 2025

Mid-Winter Morn


Towering giants
stretch their bare arms
To cloudy sky

Weekend dreamers
Slumber in warm cocoons
As quiet reigns

Soft breeze
Gently stirs bushes…rustling
In morn’s dim glow

Feathered residents
Silently huddle in chilly patience
Winging fleetingly aloft

Footsteps sound
Crunching on dry grass and leaves
Delivering morning meals

Nipped nose
Draws in crisp fresh air
This mid-winter morn

Charlotte-Anne Allen