Shining, glistening
At dawns light touch
Life to drink
And hope inspire
Living water drawn
From God’s deep well
Drops to wash away life’s care
To touch those now upon one’s face
Cleansed washed renewed
As rainbow’s promise
Another day and year’s passing
New beginnings made possible
Through precious drops
Of Christ who gave his all
Shining, glistening still
At star’s bright light
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/31/2022
A puff of wind upon my skin
And sun’s rays transform the day
Memories of morning’s dreary sky fade
As time’s settled dust is chased and lifted
Freshen, freshen
Earth’s voices call
Splash of water, clean and pure
Songs and rhythms now renew!
Darting fish in coolest depths
Shading trees unfurl green buds
Freshen, freshen
Healing nourishing
Dusty feet and weary minds
Shed discontent… stretch and rouse
Quickening hearts claim moment’s peace
Restore, revive … and freshen
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
People move from here to there
Now how’d the geese know when to fly
Fog and mist rise to the sky
Or settle down to take a rest
Then comes a blast a howling screech
Now grab your hat or turn and flee
Hot words scorch frigid reactions steal
Friendship and compassion lie in dust
Now caught unaware, oh what was that
Grab for a tree or find a warm spring
Howl with the dogs to drown the screech
Throw down the salt to melt the ice
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
As sirens pass motors roar by
We settle and rest …and laughter returns
Cool touch of dew on morning’s grass
Soft breeze stirs leaf and bough
Tread of foot and word of greeting
Hoes in hand and hats for shade
Bark of dog and back door closing
We make our way to tend summer’s garden
Bare toes in earth’s fresh soil
Soon may seek shoe’s insulation
Sun is rising as weeds are cleared
Call of mourning dove quiet pleasure
Accompanies day’s song of life
Lawn mower thrum and tractor rumble
Rasp of blades and rip of grass and weed
To free tender promises hidden in their midst
Thoughts and dreams of summer’s bounty
Rhythmic movements lift and fall
Another row completed now
Heat and sweat are well repaid
Cool glass of water to quench our thirst
And splash upon warm faces
Times we share in our summer garden
• We grow in all different sizes, textures, and shapes
• Interconnected pores allow water and nutrients to circulate
• This interconnectedness carries the source of life
• Sometimes we become dry and hard
• When we are dry and hard it is difficult to care
• Soaking up water transforms us
• When we are transformed we become able to share
• All sponges can help with needed clean-up
• A community of sponges grows strong together
• The Source of Life provides all the nourishment we need
The Still Small Voice 