As heat rises
Bring release
Melt away harsh words
Grant peace
Shall we stomp
And shout and fume?
Speak of war
And death and doom?
Melt us, change us
Bring solutions
Sun to warm
Now calm emotions
Shall we claim
Our common stock?
Flowing together
From mighty Rock
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
Turn it loose
Let it go
At day’s end
Draw quiet breath
Satisfaction
Work is done
Busy minds
Thoughts set aside
Like swirly suds
Swept down the drain
God’s peace to you
Lie down in rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
I love an old adage
From friends tried and true
If ever there’s too much
to think about and to do
“Don’t fret about it…”
Worrying constantly
and tied in a wad
To be anxious is wearing
A devouring monster
Who seeks to consume
Hear words of comfort
Life’s seasons all pass
There much to give thanks for
Let it go, “Now don’t fret!”
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
Dost bow your head, as they would say
In olden times when they would pray
We come before God with humble heart
In quiet thought at a place apart
In worship of His mighty power
Secure with Him, we pause in this hour
With troubled thought we seek a guide
Or time of joy… We do not hide
God knows us well. He loves us all
We rest in Him, both big and small
Now be assured. Release your stress
He bids us come, and he will bless
Dost bow your head
Warning touch and growing rumble
Feel it building coming coming
Welcome respite or call for shelter?
Jarring one from settled niche
These drops intruders in our day
… A sigh a chuckle as we retreat?
What do they say of grief or toil
As waters surge and tumble by?
Pale countenance sinking down
Or head uplifted to cool embrace?
Built up dirt and grime release
Muddy churning wash away!
Letting it go, now light and free
Cleansing. Revealing… sparkling stones
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• The good that we create lives on to nourish others
• Live in consideration of the legacy you will leave
• Things left behind are windows for memories
• A little preparation helps prevent unforeseen situations
• Commitment results from warm embers and brings about change
• Developing strong character and integrity sets one apart
• Judging worth by appearance is speaking without experiencing
• Seeing ruins may bring both sadness and wonder
• Releasing negative thoughts and emotions is not an easy task
• When trust is broken relationships can crumble and blow away
• A spirit of renewal lends strength to rise above adversity
• Humility is not weakness but is gentle strong compassion
• A quiet presence during grief brings comfort
• God takes the ashes of our lives and creates masterpieces
From “Reflections on the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Cool air wafting on sweaty brows
Or sunshine’s warmth to ease day’s chill
Stretching and turning; curling and snuggling
Quiet moments bring respite; fill us.
Satisfied… Embracing peace
Shedding cares for a time
We savor the richness
Close our eyes and breath deeply
The noise of the day recedes
And we rest …content
The Still Small Voice 