Sunlight streaming
Through the panes
Casts a glow…
A wondrous light
Colors bold
Or soft and gentle
Life statements
… holy spaces
From ancient days
Of olden lore
History reaches
Out its hand
Speaks of faith
Of family and beauty
Determination, battles
Loss and gain
Natures touch
Through shining light
Built through stains
And earth’s embrace
Come settle before
Its silent illumination
Ponder meaning, mystery
Heaven’s quiet presence
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
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
Hey Bud
Poking your tender head
Above soil’s chill grasp
A reflection of sun’s glow
Shining golden in delight
Proud challenge to winter’s hold
Hey Bud
Bringing hope and promise
To an earth held in its tight grasp
Welcome life
Hidden among brown leaves
Rising forth… resolute in faith
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I need the sun
It’s shining face
To light my day
And brighten the place
Breaking forth through clouds
Sun’s sparkle and cheer
Clears away mind’s shrouds
Lifts my spirits here
Though rainy days
Can bring needed calm
Sun’s welcome shine
Is a much-needed balm
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
All creatures
Great and small
Created by God’s own hand
Looking now upon tender child
So too at wisdom’s touch
And silvered hair
Life’s stories
Like a swirl
Of colors
Shadowed depths and
Golden sunrise sunset
Upon us all
So beams His Light
Pray, fall gently
Upon unseeing eyes
To warm hearts
Breath life
Grant sight
Bring healing
Speak joy
We give praise
Charlotte-Anne Allen 1/10/2026
Breaking news has come to light
Bright star shining in the night
Bringing words of great import
… As foretold in prior report
Delivered by angelic messengers this day
Telling shepherds where this King child lay
Scholars take notice, a trip to prepare
Come all you seekers to welcome him there
Join him in the manger stall
This Christ child come, for us all
Breaking news! Listen and be glad!
Love so vast through a little lad
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Eyes to see
Yonder stars shining
Even when clouds gather
So, turning my head to heavens above
Every day, now fill me
Yes, with lifted arms to God
Each brings a promise of hope
Sing, sweet Light, and fill our souls
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What flights
of imagination
do we take?
Stretching outward
Beyond comprehension
Awestruck
Light shining into
a vast universe
dark and deep
Circling ripples upon water
Miniscule or infinitesimal
Vibrant and flowing
In wonder
we bow before
our Mighty Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 