Hello, I see you
Standing there
Unsure and shy
Face full of care
Peeking from
A lowered head
Ready to run if
Unkind words are said
I pause and smile
Speak with gentle voice
Offer kindness and love
It is a good choice
A timid step forward
To a welcome… receive
Now quiet touch
Acceptance believe
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Summer’s bright splash of color
Swaying in greeting to wind’s light touch
Quiet conductors with raised wands
Now trills the songbirds’ joy
In harmony with busy buzzing
Neighbor greeting neighbor and
Workers moving in steady contentment
They lead an attentive orchestra
Turning to hear their voices and
Lifting faces to welcome soft touch
So, we move to quiet beat
Giving thanks for day’s harmony
For splashes of color and gentle touches
Work well done and songs well sung
Charlotte-Anne Allen [Re-posted]
Flashing forth boldly
Not one to ignore
Bursting with energy
Life and death, love and war
Prosperity and fortune
For some weddings a fashion
To welcome and protect
Living life with great passion
Fire, danger, and fury
Sun’s glow in the morning
When anger arises
Heed now its warning
With life it flows…
Full, open, and free – is red
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Blue’s fine shades draw us near
Welcoming us in many ways
Lightly peaceful, relax and breathe
Waters soothing and sky’s clear days
Touching softly its companions
Settle back in calm serene
Brightens, lifts, and cools our head
To think, create… So fresh and clean
Then bold and dark, stable commitment
Speaks of strength and lends its dignity
Standing now for trust, honesty
Respect for others and authority
Be watchful, when into melancholy you sink
Then bring alongside… those shades of bright blue
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Soft rustle at woodland’s edge
Shyly peering out at winter’s passing
Long slumbering beneath earth’s cold bite
Now reaching out a questing toe
Chill breezes steal day’s brief warmth
And residents shiver in protected nooks
Frost yet bites tender growth
Then yields to dawn’s new light
Nostrils raise to scent and tread
And life stirs within seed and soil
Rain-washed earth and ways are
Streaked with plants’ golden offerings
Stone and wood yield welcomed warmth
Hearken, hearken …
The journey was long
And the way was hard
Over steep rocky places
And mountainous trails
… Now he’s here!
Tired out and hungry
We patiently went
Trying not to be anxious
Though thirsty and hot
… He’s here!
In uncertain times
Will there be a home
What about my loved ones
How will we survive
… But he’s here!
Missing my family
So far far away
How I long to be near them
And share the good news
… That he’s here!
Home safe and sheltered
Though not what I thought
Only a few visitors
To brighten the hours
… And welcome him here!
Look to the future
One day at a time
Be strong there’s tomorrow
Hear Mary’s good news
… for Jesus is here!
Soft rain
Water quench
Cool breeze
Air alert
Welcome meal
Taste nourish
Warm bath
Cleanse wash
Cool splash
Face sooth
Quiet rest
Sleep relax
Ended work
Satisfaction complete
Favorite music
Thoughts encourage
Heart stilled
Prayer listen
Refreshed
A sigh a stirring
Cool touch at day’s end
Moist whisper speaks
From night skies and
Its indrawn breath
Stills the voices
Of insects and frogs
As the first taste of
Nature’s drink descends
From my open window
I breathe deeply
Releasing the day’s work
Welcoming the growing
Soft patter of quiet drops
Refreshing quenching
Soaking into thirsty soil
As downspouts begin
To gurgle and wash away
Accumulated debris
Drops rustle leaf and limb
As they dip and sway
Now flowing eagerly
Drawn into seeking roots
And renewing souls
• A good foundation lends strength to the outcome
• We need each other for support
• Sometimes we need a little help getting to our feet
• Adding a personal touch makes a positive difference
• Chairs can be a place of gathering
• Welcome others to a place of rest
• A secure lap brings much comfort
• Balance work and relaxation
• Reliability is an important feature
• The Chairmaker brings strength and encouragement
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Sunshine on a frigid morn
Warms the heart
And dazzles the eyes
Blue sky stretches
Like a shining banner
Spread in bright welcome
Cheeks and nose
Touched by chill
Tingle in response
Through the crystal air
Come sounds of life
Day’s song
Sunshine on a frigid morn
Warms the heart
And dazzles the eyes
The Still Small Voice 