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
Crunch
Crackle
Swish
Rattle
Leaves shaken from restless limbs
Roar
Rumble
Screech
Hum
Noisy leaf blowers make a job go quickly
Laughter
Shouts
Calls
Screams
Voices calling for favorite sport teams
Whisper
Sigh
Rustle
Swoosh
Soft breezes usher in winter’s nip
Season’s shifting
Night’s chilling
Sun’s glint sparkling
Cool air carries
…Sounds of Autumn
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“shh, shh”
Quiet waves sigh
A gentle reminder
To pause as time goes by
As a mom
Sooths and sways
Gently whispers
Her child she softly lays
Come evening time
Or morning’s glow
Peaceful resting
Let thoughts go
Embrace it now
A time for hush
Release and calm
“shh, shh” … Shush
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Season’s leaves now brown and blown
Insects retreating from wind’s cold embrace
Autumn stretches, reaches into nooks
Touching questing noses wishing warmer place
Plip-plop, plip-plop of sky-chilled raindrops
Encourage hurried walks and blow upon uncovered face
Sun shines bravely, a reminder of summer growth
Gardens’ offering now gathered, leaves and yard tended
Rest, rest and breath in deeply
A pause as the year is soon to be ended
Contemplation upon this year’s past
Looking forward, awaiting… Time briefly suspended.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity
Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet
Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry
Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day
Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present
There was a hush
As time stood still
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Take a moment
Try not to rush it
Breathe and pause
Before you flush it
Conscious thought
In welcome… pray
Create the space
To meet each day
Sweet release
We become aware
That our God
Is everywhere
In His presence
Now rest and reside
Allowing space for God
… Always by His side
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Memories open time’s album
Eyes wide open upon days’ dawns
Open-shut-open, open-shut-open
Arriving here and then… days gone
In our blinks we pause and see
What has shaped us, has made us be
Light quickly flashing, a momentary gleam
Revealing treasures, struggles, and more
Ah, time’s reward upon it’s trek
Whether quickly upon us or swiftly away
As blink and blink and blink again
Casting off past and gaining new
And so, each day we open a promise
Mindful of time’s precious blinks
Do not let them pass you by
But live and grow and quiet your soul
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As ice crystals on a cold dank day
Strike the earth or uncovered face
So, turn to shield from wind’s cold touch
And dream of warmer clime and place
Fresh air ‘tis true through biting chill
Winter’s silence gathered to embrace
Now softly falls the gentle snow
White covering welcoming floating lace
Look and wonder, for a time transformed
Joy in each day for peace and grace
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I saw a rock the other day
And tossed it to the side
It’s just a bit of gravel
Hindering my work
Ah hah, a child exclaimed
As he passed along and saw
It’s a treasure shining brightly
Bringing smiles and warm in hand
I saw a rock the other day
Dirty muddy in the way
A great boulder in my path
What a bother to go around
Ah hah, the builders said
As they spied that handsome stone
It’s just the thing we’re searching for
And fine addition to our new home
I saw a rock the other day
And tripped over it as I sped by
Why is that here and in my way
I have a lot to do
Ah hah, sighed another
Seeing the smooth worn slab
It’s just the help I need
A perfect fit to fix my steps
I saw a rock the other day
And took a second glance
A shining treasure
Firm foundation
Help along the way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Rushing forward,
Swooping back
Pushing pumping
Up and down
Sounds of laughter
Echoing rising
Lifting pausing
Catch your breath
Back-and-forth
Now gently sway
Calming floating
Happy smiles
Peaceful pastime
Simple joys
– – – – – – – – – Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 