Fall

Watching the leaves come tumbling down,

I'm tempted to give in to sadness, and frown.

Summer's eternal (in recent recall)

But there's no denying the arrival of Fall.

Missing the sweet scents and blooms of July,

Fruits in my garden, a bright blue clear sky.

The shifting of Seasons, wild rain clouds and wind,

Herald replacement of days that have been.

The fragrance of apples and dry, leaves of brown

Surround trips to farm stands just outside of town. 

Cinnamon, pumpkins, sweet cider and mums

Are replacing the Summertime treats one by one.

Well, ready or not this Autumn is here!

I'd rather just smile than to shed bitter tears.

After all, It is only a number of days

Before Winter's cold breath will blow Fall away!

The Music of the Spheres

If you listen carefully, you may begin to hear,
The Universe vibrating out the music of the spheres.

The Hum, the Hush, the Rush of particles in space,
The ancient song of mermaids, the sound that stardust makes.

The vacuum of space allows for unrestricted flow.
Sound, vibration, notes and tone emitted long ago

Traverse the void of nothingness that's filled with mystery,
Delivered to our collective Soul, from tomes of history.

An angel's voice, a loved one passed, a message on the wind,
A whisper of eternity that roars above the din.

There is a buzz, a rhythm, that lies within as well.
It's beckoning and calling us to listen to It tell

The story of akashic scrolls, of annals hidden, cloaked.
Faint tidings of old memories, that only time bespoke.

This living, breathing earth we ride is part of All That Is.
Waters, winds, and lightening storms, insects and whales' spout fizz,

Sweet birdsong, chirp, beast's bleat or bark, is bliss to one who "hears".
Together all of us compose the music of the spheres.



   

Contemplation

I think I'd like to sit amongst the trees for awhile,
And leave behind my hectic, distraction filled lifestyle.
No one's in a hurry out here in the yard,
No one's rushing, no ones pushing hard.

Leaves descending, floating down toward the ground.
The breeze assists the process, otherwise, not a sound.
A few bird tweets remind me, that I could be more detached
From tv, devices and voices, email, tweets and fax.

A long deep breath in and I am once again renewed!
It only takes a moment to refresh and restore my mood.
Silky clouds drifting over my busy head.
Let go, let God, relax and breathe instead.

Listen

I took my troubles to the woods to find some solace there.

With heavy heart I asked for words to comfort my despair.

I heard no sound except the wind blowing through the pines.

I sadly felt ignored and even worse since they declined.

Oh, Nature spirits, can you send some sweet relief my way?

All I noticed was the scent of blossoms warmed by day.


I wished I had someone to stroke my cheek and say they care,

When all at once a breeze caressed my face and tossed my hair.


I sat upon a sturdy limb and leaned against the trunk

While dreaming of a warm embrace to wrest me from my funk.


I searched my mind for melodies upon which I could depend,

To lift me out of doldrums and to lightheartedness again.


But I could not concentrate on songs, with all the noise above!

So many birds were singing! Chirping wrens and cooing doves!


Nature's answers are discreet and subtle by design.

You have to pay attention, your ears and eyes incline.


She whispers comfort and relief, imparts with peace Her joy,

If we but pause to linger there until we hear her voice.

Mystery

The beauty of a dragonfly sparkling in the sun,

Dashing, dancing, darting, having dragonfly fun.

Trill of birdsong, scent of rose, glowing sunset view…

Each a tribute to the One who enlivens me and you.

Can we begin to understand the consciousness that was birthed

In each and every being on this magnificent earth?

If caterpillars’ chrysalis and birds’ migration awes,

Then Infinite Intelligence inspires Nature’s laws.

And what if there’s much more to know?  Imagine, do we dare?

That mountains, trees and waterfalls are similarly aware.

The mystery and majesty of a butterfly’s intent

Remains a veiled intimacy we behold, but can’t comprehend.

Changing of the seasons, ebb and flow of tide…

There’s eternity embedded in us, interconnected from the inside.

Aspire To Be Unencumbered

I am unencumbered, I am free.
I float through my days like a leaf on a breeze.
I spew nor retain any malice debris.
I blow through my life as wind in the trees.

I am unencumbered, I let myself dream.
I joyously harbor no wrath.
I merrily dance on life's energy stream.
I carry no excess along my path.


I am unencumbered, I bear no ill will.
Light as a feather I fly.
I no longer labor by travelling uphill.
I'm a wisp of a cloud in a bright blue sky.


I am unencumbered, a bird on the wing.
I roll and I flow like a brook o'er a glade.
My Soul swells to the song that I sing,
while I march my own Happy Parade.

I am unencumbered, I choose my own way.
I tweak and adjust as I go.
I feel my way through every part of my day,
Alert and aware of the flow.

I am unencumbered, and I am in charge
of what seems to be happenstance, fate.
I relax and I know my Source is at large
and with It I will Co-Create.

Unencumbered and free is a possible state.
Letting go of what troubles us, key.
Put aside the crippling myth of "Fate",
Captain you ship and be free!

The Character of Leaves

Bradford Pear Tree

Brilliant leaf gems will glow when the setting sun shows through them,
gleaming their red green and gold.
As the daylight grows short, orange dancers cavort at the tips of the twigs that they hold.

They float on the breeze, parachuting from trees which can no longer hold them aloft.
Leaves rattle and quake, crisply they shake in cold Autumn gust or winds, soft.

They whirl and they glide and spin as they ride on even the gentlest puff.
Streaming down through the air they warn us "Beware, for the winter winds soon will be rough".

They gather and meet, crunching under you feet.  Nature's gift is their spicy Fall scent,
Kid's squeal happy sounds, when leaping in mounds of them, wrecking hours of raking time spent.

Needles of pine are a leaf of a kind, though they don't all turn sepia tones.
As the Solstice occurs, scents of cedar and fir, remind us of holidays home.

So you see, there is glee in the heart of a tree, in the traits of the leaves at great heights.
Such beauty unfolds til the nights get too cold, and the North wind beckons "Take flight!"                    







                               

The Candle

There is a tiny candle glowing deep within my soul.

It speaks to me and lights the darkened corners I behold.

To some its music, others brushstroke.  For authors it is prose.

But when we recognize it, its flicker grows and glows.

The pen, the brush, the instrument - utensils of the light.

But also there is guidance that lets your mind take flight.

Brilliance hides beneath the fearsome, shadowed cloak of night.

Illumined inspiration flows from tiny sparks made bright.

The candle’s waiting, ever present, ever out of view.

For centuries its light has been there, lit for those who knew.

This secret flame is in you too.  I’m certain this is true.

And if you give attention to it, it will guide you too.

Endings and Beginings

Some Summer flowers linger, though trees are losing leaves.
Some days are warm and sunny, as if to tease
us into thinking that we'll never lose that Summer feeling;
Long days of  languid ease.

Nights are growing cooler and we've left behind the beach.
The sun no longer holds that heat that grows fat peas.
Dreams of reaping pounds of garden produce
Now seem slightly out of reach.

Lush and verdant shades of green must sadly fade away,
Replaced with palette colors that only God can paint.
When sun back-lights those glowing leafy jems
You know that Autumn is in play.

Each Season has its flavor, its beauty and its feel.
Nature's course gives way with zeal, though we would drag our heels,
To hold on ever tighter to the current bliss we own,
When just ahead is more joy's revealed.












perfumed air

There's a Lot Going On Out There!

 Ospreys and vultures are all part of the culture
in the peaceful confines of my yard.

 When I'm feeling low, I know just where to go,
to the quiet repose of the yard.

 There's a graceful Blue Heron, in my piece of Heaven
in the stream that defines the backyard.

 He fishes at will, using just his sharp bill
like a spear as he stabs at them hard.


I sit with the birds, not a harsh word is heard,
just whistles and peeps and the wind.

 They don't care if I cry or just sit and sigh
they've forgiven me all of my sins.

 My social network, each have a quirk,
be it feather, scale, fur, shell or fin.

 In the morning or eve, I can laugh, sing or grieve,
no matter, I'll still fit right in.


 Blue Jays have nested, time and care they've invested
fighting crows off,  protecting their eggs.

 Turtles are sunning, I can hear the geese coming,
like a rowdy teen party with kegs!

 Tiny Bullet the Bunny, shoots by -very funny
as he tries out his brand new fast legs.

 Like a step back in time, and the words that I rhyme
of a simpler life, this scene begs.


 I'll always advise... "just go outside",
when your feeling a touch of the blues.

 Some they will drink, in the depths they still sink,
and some buy a new pair of shoes.

 Still others deny, while their whole life goes by,
wasting time having a snooze.

 For me its the trees, flowers and bees,
bugs, frogs and snakes are my muse.


 If you're feeling forlorn, take the bull by the horns
and go visit the chattering throng.

 Investigate spaces; dark, cool, shady places
where humans don't seem to belong.

 Follow the sounds, put your phone down!
You'll discover the Chickadee's song.

 And whatever you do, be apart of the "crew".
Your Spirit will lift before long.







 .

A Game of Cat and Mouse

Silently waiting until it is safe,
I am a traveller, a vagabond, a waif.

Hidden from view and just out of sight,
I am vigilantly awaiting my flight.

When the moment arrives that I know from within
Or I peer through the branches and witness my kin

Already venturing forth from their lairs;
At long last again I may feast, if I dare!

For me this adventure is the order of things.
It is my independence and why I have wings.

The game of the preditor stalking its prey,
Keeps me stealthfully trav'ling along on my way.

The freedom I feel when escaping the hawk
Is worth cloaking in caverns and worth being stalked.

And so I'm content. In my stillness I wait.
Seasons pass quickly for me and my mate.

Life is always presenting new challenges here,
New food source, new preditors, even a new year.

With ages of Wisdom within me installed...
To the Great Tree in Heaven when I am called.

Summer: Inside & Out

I'm late for a date with the garden gate.
More hours of daylight til Fall.
There's news to watch and meals to plate.
Thank God it gets dark at all.

First day of Summer, just saw a female "hummer"
Sippin' raspberry bee balm.
What caught my eye, is it a newcomer?
It's nine baby ducks and their Mom.

Outside it's hot, 'round the house I trot
Coffee cup in hand.
What a lovely choice I've got,
Blog or "work my land"!

Roses thorns and thunderstorms
Are reasons to come in.
But dry porch chairs and bandaids worn...
I'd rather be out here than in.

Much to do, enjoy the view,
Bugs, butterflies and bees,
The songs of birds, the flowers' hues,
The scent of Mimosa trees.

Again I'm torn, (as is my norm),
My chair I abdicate.
All the fun out in the warm
Summer sun awaits.

A sense of pride can't be denied
As I gaze at garden rows.
But everytime I step outside,
My long to-do list grows.

I need a break, my muscles ache,
Sweat beads upon my brow.
An air-conditioned iced tea break
Would sure be great right now.

Outside the walls, the garden calls
While inside I ignore
The work I love and still I stall
Before I start my chores.

Labor of Love, a gift from Above,
A blessing of peace undisturbed.
Goldfinch, Catbird, Blue Jay, Doves,
Tomato, cucumber and herbs.

Cardinals woo, Mourning Doves coo,
Nature's abundance just flows.
Witnessing all of the Life bursting through...
Who cares about tv shows!

Spring: Inside and Out

Dawn's early light, Shorter nights
Showers steady, Raincoat ready
No more Winter blues, Muddy shoes
Sunshine pending, Cold days ending

Old shed leaning, Time for Spring cleaning
Birds on the wing, Dust on everything
Buds on trees, Busy me
Butterfly wings, My vaccuum sings

Hyacinths seen, St. Patrick's Day green
Leaves in heaps, Easter Peeps
Brown lawn greens, Jelly Beans
Bulbs emerge, Families converge

Picking up twigs, Dressing to dig
Ducks have returned, Garden tips learned
Temperatures rise, Plant catalogs arrive
Already? weeds?!, Start early seeds

White flowered clover, Hibernation over
Birds gobble seed, Quilts? No more need
Looking at the growing grass
through panes of yet un-Windexed glass!

Signs of Spring

  Dancing dafodils in the wind
  Buds of red & green
  Winter's promised drear rescinds
  Raindrops often seen

  Wrens hunt spiders newly hatched
  With comical routine
  Bright red Cardinals not yet matched
  Chase rivals from the scene

  Anticipation comes in waves
  Of warmth and plants we dream
  Anxious gardner's hearts behave
  Like hibernating teens!

  Early bulbs break thru the soil
  Poke out their nose of green
  Insects wake, begin their toil
  Thunderstorms will teem

  Rabbits leave their dens behind
  Squirrels start to scheme
  How to rob the feeders blind
  Until I want to scream!

  Mourning Dove's romantic skills 
  Darting Chickadees
  Songbirds tweet melodic trills
  The Signs of Spring are these

Winter -Inside and Out

Sparkling icicles drip, hot cocoa sip
Bare sticks & twigs, raisins & figs
Birds quickly flit, fireplace lit
Outside cold and ice, inside its nice

Kindling collection, boots' resurrection
Winter's harsh chill, bread baked with dill
Kids' sleds to pull, sweaters' soft wool
Snowshovels call, mulled cider will stall

Wind whips the branches, candle flame dances.
Birds on the wire, logs on the fire
Nor'easter storm, cozy and warm
Tools on their hooks, curled up with a book.

Sky's bleak grey hue, rest and renew
Frozen watering can, draw a new garden plan
Observe Nature's way, celebrate the new day
Blustering wind, resolutions rescind

Birds' suet block, warm woolen socks
Tracks in the snow, please let this blog flow!
Hawks on the prowl, hear that wind howl
Leaves that quake, cookies to bake

Green things are few, hearty soup and stew
Frozen lake ice, cinnamon spice
Squirrels dig up acorns, snuggly quilt warms
Let Heaven and Nature sing, hibernate til Spring!


 
    

Sacred Moment

I love on Autumn evenings how the leaves begin to glow,
The grey clouds seem to hover as the sun peeks out below.
A spotlight shines across my yard and beams upon the trees.
The moment is so beautiful it brings me to my knees.
The contrast of the golden light that plays upon dark tones
of evergreen and sepia and Nature no one owns.

A sunset is a gift from God for just a few to see.
It lingers not, but hurries on. It doesn't wait for me.
For those of us who catch it, a calm and thoughtful lot;
Are the ones who find such wonder, the ones who Time forgot.
It marches on not caring who witnesses the show
So take the time to notice as the sun slips down below.

If you're hurried, worried, harried, you may miss your chance tonight.
But in Autumn, in the evening sometimes there's a sacred light!