Floating up into the haze of dawn,
clear words embrace the light above;
Carrying missives that will soon deliver,
their heartfelt sentiments of love.

We follow all the signals there,
the moon, the stars, the coral sun;
Painting pictures that inspire our souls,
like innocent children we begin as one.

Why so high, the calm and stable life ?
with gathering clouds to wash away;
The raging storms which fester inward,
when our thoughts have gone astray.

Look up and see a myriad of stars,
a portrait proclaimed by eager wraiths;
Which hold us in their gossamer hands,
to comfort the hurt and give us faith.

The window seat provides the best view,
totally open and alive with light;
Each sweeping hand of clocks everywhere,
remotely designs the winged flight.

Crestfallen and alone the light grows dim,
while birds of prey circle overhead;
Every likeness corrupts the willing mind,
as cowardly thoughts run through our heads.

In a rain-soaked dawn the cool air beckons,
to follow images savored with passionate intent;
And promises kept are merely remembrances,
of sullen cries scorned through discontent.

An uneasy peace rises as visions before us,
become missives sent down from shadowy skies;
We savor this reckoning with spirits' confusion,
watching conflicts dissipate before our eyes.

Rounding slowly through the twilight,
appears a large November moon;
With smoky clouds surrounding it,
as Autumn's passion plays its tune.

A song that plays in harmony,
from the warming sparks of the fireplace;
Which crackle and mingle in frosty air,
swirling bright amber glow through space.

Outside the bronze leaves cover the ground,
blowing adrift 'cross the pumpkin patch;
While the misty sweetness of Fall's fragrance,
dances softly along in both taste and touch.

The promise of the harvest in full swing,
with scarecrows guarding our luscious crops;
And the children brace for a Thanksgiving Day,
when joys of the season never stop !

November brings hope to all who seek,
a future blessed with peace and calm;
With praise for God's abundant gifts,
showering us with His soothing balm.

The wind calls out to the snowbirds,
who are searching to settle in;
And leaves of burnt umber flirting,
along with autumn's whims.

Crimson skies above us now,
swirling with velvet clouds;
Cardinals fly to nest in the trees,
chirping songs of love out loud.

Fiery and warm in the woodlands,
sitting upon an orange pumpkin;
Toasting marshmallows with my friends,
and scary Halloween sights will begin !  

This must be a sign of October,
the most glorious month of all;
Though mellow moods may soon set in,
its beauty reigns throughout the Fall.

Rambling thoughts run through my mind,
ruminating, stirring, creating chaos;
I've awakened to these many times,
and wondered if I was still dreaming.

But looking around I see the truth,
of the inescapable boundaries here;
And cause my wanderings to appear,
as strange revelations outside my skin.

The walls close in around my eyes,
the ceiling becomes a monstrous roof;
Which suffocates me inside a world,
of wasteful moments of pain and fear.

Then--a sudden spark within my soul,
lifts me up through all the haze;
As confidence wins its rightful place,
and Divinity placates my troubled home.

My eyes will see what they're meant to see,
and I'll live this day most peacefully !

We beseech the heavens to carry our burdens,
and for God to erase the stain;
Of mistaken words and acts reflected,
in a world that's filled with pain.

Nowadays hope seems lost and floating,
side by side like a puff of smoke;
Rules are defied while people have died,
is running this country simply a joke ?

These four years have seemed like forever,
we cannot go on existing this way;
With heads in the sand we try to survive,
facing the inevitable we kneel and pray.

This all too familiar scene has played out,
on the hallowed grounds of the country we love;
Let's gather 'round and cast our votes,
with the help of the Lord above !

The train chugged slowly along the tracks,
in the southern heat of summer--
Sweat poured from the faces of each passenger,
as they rode together in slumber.

It was late at night but stifling hot,
and the humidity hung in the air--
Moist hands from all attending porters,
carried ice-buckets, each melting faster.

Traveling far away to Charleston now,
for the family's annual reunion--
meant braving the elements for which its known,
to reach that fun-filled communion.

With baskets of goodies laying at the children's feet,
while sleeping soundly in gingham skirts and cotton jackets--
There were fresh cheeses, fruits, pickles, and breads,
wrapped carefully in brown paper packets.

Mother held onto Father's outstretched arm,
donned in her white hat of straw and lace--
She glanced through the window at the sassafras trees,
which lined the trail in sumptuous grace.

Finally rolling toward an easy stop,
the train lurched slightly with determination--
A loud whistle blew as the conductor called,
"arrived safely at Charleston station " !

It was early dawn and the children awoke,
with wild anticipation and sunny smiles--
Soon Grandpa pulled up in a horse-drawn carriage,
which would carry them through town in style.

How lovely to see all the cousins and friends,
gathering near the old willow tree--
The giggles and laughter permeated the air,
as the picnic progressed with sweet tea.

And that was a place of magical times,
when Grandma bustled about with cheer--
The scent of hydrangeas floating through the air,
was something special to embrace each year.