Cottony clouds and lullabies,
Seagulls wings and loud crow cries,
Blustery winds and rustling leaves —
Wondrous — and a joy are these.
Birds a-flockin’, squirrels a mockin’,
Kitten cries and puppy sighs,
People, ‘spite their sins and lies —
Glory, though appearance belies.
Storm and calm, a laugh and tear,
Worry, confidence, faith and fear.
Things aren’t always as they appear.
Through it all, God must be near.
Written during the Covid pandemic lockdowns.
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We do not wander, as we were wont,
Nor visit with our brother,
Nor sisters far, embrace in arms,
For fear of causing them much harm.
Some journeys far, we cannot take,
And many meetings must forsake,
Just through a screen we sometimes meet,
When togetherness we seek.
Or walking in our neighborhood,
Six feet apart; we’re told we should.
Some friend of ours, perchance we meet,
With joy afar, we then do greet.
But what a gift we still do have,
Imagination is at hand,
All o’er the earth, and far beyond,
Imagination is our bond.
By rushing streams, we still can wander,
And mountain vales, both near and yonder,
And air so clear, takes breath away;
Still smell a wildflower bouquet.
Those friends and family that we miss,
For them we offer prayer, and kiss.
We think of them and offer prayers,
And hope that well go their affairs.
Let memory of all that’s good,
Bring us some joy, as so it should.
And bring to mind those happy times
That will return in sunnier climes.
A modern covered wagon,
An RV just as long.
You rent it for a fortnight,
And bring your dog along.
You’re crammed into close quarters;
Your food you have to plan.
You bump into each other,
But trav’lin’ round is grand.
Your home is your conveyance,
The road leads on and on.
Sometimes you meet new people,
Or friends who’d said, “So long!”
You learn about your nation —
Its people varied, great.
Don’t stop too long or often,
Or for your camp you’re late.
Some nights you’re almost shiv’ring,
And others, sweating lots,
But all along it’s worth it
To see fantastic spots.
So come along and travel
In RV, car, or plane,
But don’t forget to walk along
God’s glorious nature trail.
On my walk
I meet smiling faces,
Though some are sad
Or even mad.
But most are glad
To fill stale lungs
With fine, fresh air.
I meet dogs that sniff
At my legs and hands —
They think it’s grand.
And people jogging
Or maybe texting –
It can be vexing
(Though I do it, too).
The air I breathe,
It plants a seed
Of nature in my heart.
I make a new start –
My brain rewired;
I’m now inspired.
I beheld Your beauty
In the morning dawn,
In dewdrops that were glistening,
In does and little fawns.
I beheld Your beauty
In sunbursts from the clouds,
In rainbows and in lightning,
In rushing rivers loud.
I beheld Your beauty
In little children’s smiles,
In wrinkled faces, in fond embraces;
By love I was beguiled.
I beheld Your beauty
In ugliness disguised,
Beneath the skin, and deep within,
Your beauty there would hide.
I beheld Your beauty,
And cannot comprehend
Your love so great, to contemplate —
Your love will never end.
Squirrels dancing in the trees,
Sunlight tickling my knees —
Spring is coming.
Blackberries bursting
On briarly bushes.
The sun beams so bright,
Her eyelids it pushes.
The bees they are buzzing,
The butterflies bright,
The flowers are splashing —
A glorious sight.
Picturesque painting,
The colors of nature.
She laughs and she dances;
The glory-day makes her.
A song she is singing,
Her soul it takes flight.
When sunshine is happy,
She laughs in delight.
Your Love is told a thousand ways
As steady we traverse our days.
The fact that we exist is one,
And then the Father, Spirit, Son.
Each new green leaf, each tender stalk,
Each fragrant flower, as we do walk.
A tender touch, a kindly smile,
The one who says, “Come stay a while.”
Forgiving words and peaceful pardons,
Sustaining waters, grace-filled gardens.
Creation sings; Your love song rings.
The stars, the skies, let praises rise.
Majestic mountains, roiling streams,
Icy fountains, bright sunbeams.
And darkness too, can give You glory —
More brightly shines the candle’s story.
A thousand ways let hearts explore.
Your Love still gives a thousand more.
In the sound of the rain,
I found my peace.
It shut out the voices
That told me lies.
It helped me let go
And just be me.
It was strong and steady
and calmed my heart.
It told me that
God was there for me.
Creator of the rain,
I thank thee.
clarakatalin 