A smile, a song, the waves upon the sand,
we all seek deeper meanings to what we see;
A turquoise sky with streaks of sunny gold,
and the ominous roar of the raging sea.

A vivid painting by Cezanne or Monet,
the dappled canvasses of the natural world;
Their Impressionism is unique and flawless,
creating visions we all watch as they unfurl.

Our very hearts reach out to touch another,
with fervent hopes of conquering the fear;
That somehow a special person is not aware,
of our complex feelings...deep, intense and real.

We all have times when we think we know,
what happens when a hand touches our own;
Often we mistake it for favored friendship,
yet may demonstrate emotions vastly unknown.

As we view our lives through varied lenses,
despite the similarities of experiences we share;
It's up to us to dig further below the surface,
and fully discover the universal truths within our care.

If only some folks would realize,
that the stormy seas bring horrors,
to those who are beyond our borders,
who seek refuge from the clamor...
Of those who rush to judgement,
terrorizing children, ravaging the land...
The evils of mankind can be arrested,
if only our hearts are fully tested.
So arise, fellow citizens, to the light,
let there be no blight...within our souls.
Looking in the mirror, we'll see the truth,
as we vow to give ourselves to one another,
with openness and kindness, sharing our
bounty, our faith...from the America we hold
in our hands, the land of immigrants which God
has blessed time and time again !
                              Give thanks...promote peace !!

The days are shorter but eerily bright,
perhaps because of one Silent Night--
When the Lord was delivered upon this earth,
with kings and shepherds gathered at His birth.

'Tis the season for loving one's neighbor well,
signs of beauty magically casting their spell--
With family and food at the top of our list,
and lovers under mistletoe about to be kissed !

The snow piled high while winds blow free,
we soon carry home our Christmas tree--
All green and fresh it's welcomed within,
decorating each branch wearing hearty grins.

And oh, how we enjoy the lake,
the ice glazed over for us to make--
Our figure eights with our Christmas skates,
which Jolly St. Nick left for us to take !

Yes, these are the many blessings of,
the month of December we've always loved--
While Christ holds our hands we kneel with thanks,
as His star glistens above the snowy banks.

The lonely tree in the courtyard,
seems doomed to live out its years--
Encircled in dust from the baked-clay earth,
with raindrops covering it like tears.

Washing over its dry old branches,
as its leaves turn from green to brown--
From Summer to Fall and Winter,
this sad old tree has grown.

Does anyone ever take notice,
of the loveliness it brings ?
To each and every season,
especially in the Spring.

And if it is an evergreen,
sparkling emerald all year 'round--
At Christmas, no longer lonely,
as it stands at the center of town.

Crystal lights adorn its branches,
as smiling angels rest on high--
A shining star the centerpiece,
reaching up to touch the sky.

In celebration our tree lingers,
as the holidays come to pass--
With gratitude for the chance to share,
its present and its past !

The sea appears before our eyes,
with tides that wash and sanctify;
And lifts our spirits toward the sun,
where golden rays connect as one.

They sanctify our souls within,
with crystal waters erasing sin;
And cleanse the ache of angry ire,
extinguishing all the raging fires.

While resting on the burning sands,
we contemplate our lives' demands;
With hearts aspiring to simplicity,
and Wills designed to set us free.

As we watch the rolling of the sea,
the tides tumbling fast and furiously;
We sense that angels rise above,
to demonstrate God's eternal love.

In faith perceived a chance to mourn,
and learn to love without the scorn;
Of hatred's voices through the years,
which claim the soul in haunting tears.

With peacefulness to rule our days,
we wander together through the maze;
Of tortured anguish that presents,
a force we need to guard against.

The seasons bear the fruits of love,
from heaven's Host who lives above;
In missives sent so loud and clear,
from angels which are flying near.

In stillness of the whitest light,
no longer torn apart by night;
Those ghastly hours melt like ice,
in solemn words relieving strife.

And so the echoed hearts arise,
to chant their wills to thus survive;
Despite the sadness of the past,
we hear the prayers arrive at last.

Peering through the snow-laced windows,
the world awash in alabaster light;
A frosty sky chills this wintry afternoon,
as the North winds whip onward in flight.

Inside, the gurgling sound of my teapot,
lifts up my spirits toward warm renewal;
As icy shards form quickly from the roof,
and I grab the teacup sitting by my stool.

Wrapped heavily in my flannel blankets,
sipping slowly as I watch the matchstick trees;
Their limbs swathed in feathers of oyster white,
lean together with their branches dangling free.

How picturesque a scene from my own window,
reviving memories of how the seasons change;
Although I've neared the end of my life's journey,
this graceful portrait can never be rearranged.