Morning Minute

Yesterday morning’s fog
held a tinge of pale pink
A slight relief from
recent grays

There was something
varied in its lifting as well

No intention of completely
disappearing into emerging
sunbeams – only hiding
for a bit – waiting for

an opportunity to once
again share its surprising tint

Patience – let the soft hues
permeate your dreams-
And who knows, your
soul may be soothed by

an appearance of peaceful
pink in tomorrow’s sunrise-
If you remember to look

A Shared Lament


Like unwanted vines
choking a rose bush, it
blocks the sun and rain
until delicate buds,
nearly ready to bloom

Whither and fade-
Their true colors
never allowed to
grace the garden

I would miss your
beautiful colors
even more than
those of the roses

So, let’s face our
grief together, and
let tears fall like a steady
rain, reviving wilted buds

And with open arms
invite others who are
hurting to join us until
we are wholly comforted

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5: 4

Simply Sunday

Trumpeter Swan

Image by Paul Porter


Before taking flight
your snow white wings
gracefully expand
above the water

Scalloped feet paddle below-
An unseen source of
strength supporting
your angelic dance

An unseen
Source of
Strength

Not strength
displayed with
force, but instead,
filtered through grace

Each gesture
a reminder-an
ethereal expression
of eternal affection

Winter Wisdom

My breath catches
in the bitter cold

Teeth chatter
Shoulders shake

To escape Winter’s arrival,
I need to move faster
Instead, my motions slow

Besides, there is no escaping
And winter won’t last forever

Merely long enough
to remind me what
is important

Warmth from
a cozy blanket

Steam from a
cup of hot tea

The much-needed
rest that occurs
as I lean my head
against your shoulder

Simply Sunday

Imprints

The essence of its spirit,
elegant and strong,
left an imprint in the
afternoon clouds

I must have missed
Its graceful flight

Even the breeze was
unable to diminish the
wondrous wingspan or
stifle the sense of awe
captured by the clouds

Only as my journey ended
and I turned toward home,
did the image dissipate,
leaving delicate feathers
to float above the horizon

One enduring message-
Though no longer visible,
my spirit remains nearby-
Only close your eyes
and open your heart

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Echoes of a Season

The last of the Fall leaves
let go, falling to the ground
Bare branches stretch,
reaching toward the Sun

Wonders hidden in the
heart of the tree, protected
from the elements at
their most vulnerable,
now sit in plain sight

A carefully woven nest that
once held delicate eggs,
patient parents and fragile
chicks-now, its walls hold
only the echoes of life

The cracking of shells
by tiny beaks, little chirps
sweetly announcing
We have arrived!
Sleeping, eating, growing, learning to fly

Whether the leaves,
The mama bird, or
each of us-Letting go is difficult
But, oh, what wonders
wait to be revealed

May my hands always
stretch toward the Light
as my heart remains open
to that which needs protecting-
Even when only for a season

Happy Christmas Eve! ❤️💚

The Valley


The snowy owl sleeps
through the day,
resting her wings,
her body, her eyes

She waits until darkness
falls to take flight

What path will she take this night?
The familiar line following trees
along the river and up
into the mountains?
She knows it well

But something stirs her, gently
ruffles her feathers-Calling
her out of the familiar
and into the Valley

Not a sad place, but
a place to grow –
until once again, the sun
rises and she sleeps

My Favorite You

If I were to write a thankful list,
It would be a list of names.
Names of those who,
through the years,
planted seeds in my heart.

My only fear is forgetting.
Though forgetting your name
would certainly not negate
any seed you planted. You are
so much more than a name.

You are shared smiles and tears.
Strong hands, reaching, so arms
can fiercely wrap around hurts
in a comforting embrace.
You are kind words,
encouraging high-fives,
and celebrating victories.

You are faces, memories
of hope, present on
the darkest of days.
You are one soul seeing
the beauty and purpose in another.
And I am thankful to have
sometimes been that other.

I am thankful for all the yous
written on the list carried in my heart.

Hold My Hand

Days when the sun and clouds
clasp hands in such a way
It is nearly impossible to
distinguish billows from blues

Sunlight, bright and warm,
shines on, around, and
through layers of clouds,
stirring imagination-

Today was such a day

After grabbing my attention,
and coaxing a smile, my
thoughts shifted to the
reason for their beauty

The simple sharing of space-
Each taking their turn to
enlighten, offer shade,
or shine a spotlight

Days when we clasp hands
In such a way, it is nearly
Impossible to distinguish
Your heart from mine

Simply Sunday

Preparing

My heart seeks
A place of safety
Not to hide, but to sing
At first, quietly to myself
until deep joy
Overflows
and I can sing
out loud with
Confidence
Hearing my voice
mingling with others
none looking to
stir up conflict
but instead, each one
pursuing lasting peace

Sharing a poem from Thanksgiving, 2020.
Sentiments remain the same.
Wishing you a week of thankfulness and peace. 🧡🕊💛