Goodbye, Hello

Leafless, yet not lifeless
Able to feel
The sun’s rays
Warming the core of
Bare, gray branches-
Smiling contently while
Sharing the sun’s warmth
With young evergreens
Standing close behind-
Wisdom gained with
The passing of time
Wisdom intertwined with
Roots buried deep
Wisdom acknowledging
The continuous
Changing of seasons-
One year, waving goodbye
As a new one says hello-
Grateful for the
Warmth of the sun
Reaching the core of
Bare, gray branches-
Understanding the space
Created by fallen leaves
Allowed for the sharing

Auld Lang Syne- Kelley Morris, piano

Porch Swing Promises

If you had a porch swing
I might never leave-

Innocent comments carrying
A hint of hope for the future-
Offered with a smile
Received with curiosity
At a time when everything was new
Excitement mixed with hesitation
In the getting-to-know stage
Holding tight
To possibilities
But not too tight-
Until uncertainties vanished
With one thoughtful purchase-
Perfect spot for relaxing, talking, laughing-
And when the time was right
A sweet proposal-
Who knew so much hope and love
Could be held in the sway
Of one perfectly placed porch swing

For Rachel and Austen ❤️

Simply Sunday

Transformation


It’s not for lack of trying
You soak in every
Drop of rain
Bask in each
Ray of sunlight
Stand tall in your
Strongest strong
Timing and balance
In this current season
Are just a bit off
Not that you hold
Any control where
These particular changes
Are concerned-
One thing is certain
Changes will occur
But even when your
Branches sway, bare
In Winter’s breeze
Your beauty will not fade

Muted Colors


If only I could grasp
A corner of the sky
Between my fingertips
And carefully peel it back
Like removing
The protective covering
From a brand-new mirror
So that the fuzzy images
Suddenly become clear-
If only I could grasp
A corner of the sky
Between my fingertips
And carefully peel it back
Perhaps the colors of Fall
Would no longer appear muted
Their transformation revealing
Deep reds and golden yellows-
I cannot peel back
A corner of the sky
But I can remember
This is only a season
And in certain seasons
Peace for an anxious heart
Quietly lingers within
The softly muted colors

Simply Sunday

Up Ahead

I see you up ahead
Peeking out from
Around a corner
Wearing a curious smile-
You used to be
Much further away
Another lifetime away
But now my sight
Is surprisingly clear
Considering the distance
My heart has already covered-
Strange, I thought it would take longer to reach you
Even the thought of it
Made me nervous
Not knowing how different
Our reflections would be
Yet, catching a glimpse
Of your curious smile
Around the corner up ahead
Assures me that it will be okay

Baby Leaves

All it takes
Is one early
Spring shower
And bright
Green smiles
Suddenly appear
Around every corner
The color is so vibrant
So fresh and new
It causes me
To question
Whether or not
It is genuine-
Then, a quiet breeze
Happens to pass
And baby leaves
Begin to wave
Their friendly wave
The smiles growing
Instantly wider
-Theirs and mine-
And I am gently
Reminded to embrace
Each new season
With hope and faith
Oh, and maybe a smile

Not a Thief

Colors fading
Frail frame
Shivers
Awaiting
Winter’s coat
Yet, in the light
Of the morning sun
Beauty shines
Unmistakable
In a life well-lived
Grace on display-
Perhaps time
Is not a thief
Afterall
And instead
Brings us
To a place
Of inspiration
Able to set
A wise example
For those afraid
Of what’s to come-
Reassurance
Revealed
In the wisdom
Of so many seasons
Come and gone

Enough Time

Sometimes
Autumn leaves
Fall quickly
In an unexpected
Whirlwind
Causing whiplash
Not enough time
To sit underneath
Their wise shelter
No time to say
Farewell
Sometimes
Gentle rains
Arrive late
And the colors
Of Autumn are
Slow to change
Lovely leaves
Hold on just
A bit longer
An extended farewell
Still not enough time
There is never
Enough time
When it comes to
Goodbyes

Question Marks

I was afraid 
I might not
Get to see you
This year
And I so enjoy
Our visits
Brief as they are-
There is always
A question mark
Especially when
The weather has not
Been cooperative, but
There must have been
Just enough sunshine
These past few days
To spur you on
Because when I
Rounded the corner
Yesterday
There you stood
Waving
Surprise! Here I am!
Smiling, I replied
It’s so good to see you!

How About You?

Certain seasons 
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-

When Red Clay
Soaks its dye
Into the roots
Of a Great Oak
Transforming its crown
From green to
A vibrant shade
Of burnt orange
Right before
Leaf by leaf
The crown falls
To the ground
Afraid, yet willing
Sad, yet grateful
For purpose fulfilled-

Certain seasons
Seem to turn
My World
Upside Down-


Driving across Oklahoma, the red clay dirt catches my attention. During Fall, it creates a beautiful foundation for the changing colors.

The changing seasons remind me of personal changes. New job, sweet granddaughter, the loss of my Dad. What changes have impacted your life this year?