The wide umbrella of graceful trees,
covers us well with its lustrous breeze;
When temperatures have quickly soared,
each oak and willow are greatly adored.

Each day a blistering sun arrives,
with alabaster clouds that gently rise;
In puffy swirls which skip on by,
and lovingly adorn the heavenly skies.

We swim in the pool that nature provides,
by a lakeside cabin where we can hide;
And seek some shelter from sudden rains,
which attempt to drown our summer dreams.

Kicking back we watch the grey dusk fall,
on huge cotton blankets embracing us all;
As evening shade turns into velvet night,
the angelic stars creep into our sight.

Behold ! The majesty of changing hours,
the heat from daylight's surging powers;
Now cool and calm in serene delight,
with peaceful sleep under soft moonlight.

I walked along the desert in burning winds,
the sand was hot as coal on my bare feet;
Each step I took reminded me of summer,
when the sizzling sun would cause me to retreat.

Just knowing you were far away I wondered,
if you ever stopped to think of happy times;
When troubles disappeared as we embraced,
and each moment was a gift of love sublime.

If I continued trudging onward it may happen,
that mirage of wondrous miracles from my mind;
As thirst began to overtake my wounded body,
a respite from this hellish  journey would be kind.

While collapsing in a heap upon the ground,
my body soaked in sweat and lingering dust;
An eerie vision formed before my swollen eyes,
with a face I deemed too difficult to trust.

Next thing I knew the water readily poured,
upon my parched red lips and crusty limbs;
It was you who came to save me from myself,
this selfish soul who'd left you on a whim.

And now we're free to love as we once did,
the sands have cooled beneath us as we lie;
We'll talk about the time we surely wasted,
when last we kissed in haste and said goodbye.

At last the sun decided to recede,
and dismal clouds suddenly appeared;
In grey-green puffs of swirling smoke,
while crystal rain fell down in tears.

The night seemed in an endless whirl,
of lightning bolts and blustery winds;
I closed my eyes when thunder raged,
and pulled the covers to my chin.

My room appeared as black as coal,
its shadows foretelling ageless tales;
Of great mysteries from ancient times,
while words dissolved into ghastly wails.

Soon awakened from restless slumber,
with profound relief at what I saw;
The burnished golden bloom of day,
as summer had turned into shining Fall.

Clinging to the words of inspiration,
marking every moment of elation;
Seeking to propel this last creation,
into avenues of thought and admiration.

Crowded paths of overflowing minds,
convey messages of life in clever rhymes;
Mystic images might often seem sublime,
denoting worthiness of our substantial time.

We go about the day as wonders grow,
and fill the void of empty-headed show;
Words appearing magically in streaming flow,
awakening like blossoms under the snow.

And with the latest work at fingers' touch,
we let the public share in curious watch;
With hope--ideas stir toward faithful trust,
of connections made by willing poets' ******.

In contrast with reality---thoughts fade to black,
in hidden corners of the mind which sanity lacks;
Away from fondest hope to salvage memories,
deep within the screaming cries 'til eternity.

Yet forces pull each vision towards the colors,
that brighten up the world in mystic wonder;
And with that glorious rainbow shining full,
the dark relents aligned with nature's rule.

Greens and blues bring peace to heavy hearts,
brimming with softened hues that set apart;
Dissolving pinks and yellows in their wake,
as kaleidoscopes release in constant quake.

Like a painter's brush creates an artful scene,
which spreads its magic wand in luscious gleam;
A mosaic filled with lightness soon remains,
to rid each desperate mind of blackened reign.

When human hearts are shattered and lost,
and wonder why there's a higher cost;
For wanting lives to be settled along,
the corridors of a streaming song---

The poets ponder deep desires,
as captured souls stick in the mire;
While days diminish through the dark,
of purple nights where fears embark.

What lies beneath in spirits' land,
will comfort all in life's demand;
And when released the hopeful dwell,
on magic dreams that cast their spells.

We'll surely win this race for time,
to see a world which reigns sublime;
By simply looking down below,
where roses climb through winter's snow.

The mood seems desolate at dusk,
a time when emotions are on the rise;
The shining hours of day are gone,
and mystical images confront our eyes.

Not quite sure of what we see,
in the vastness of the indigo skies;
'Round about the glowing lamps of light,
keenly focused upon iridescent sights.

Are we witnessing life's mysteries unfold,
the way our elders' stories told ?
Yet darker still our evening grows,
shivering, shaking in the windless cold.

Sitting close on our front porch swing,
seeking wonders of imagining;
There they go--the ghosts of our youth,
which beckon still despite the sting.

We're not alone as visions float by,
and dawn reveals what the future may bring.

Frances McClelland
July 17, 2016

In sunshine's rays the flowers bloom and sway,
from warming breezes blessed in sweet array;
The turquoise sky alert with wondrous sheen,
as tiny wisps of clouds float through the scene.

And on the hill a group of maple trees,
show off their velvet green in bundled leaves;
While lilies' solemn dance compels our eyes,
to smooth and gentle grasses where we lie.

A wicker chair of white sits in the meadow,
a parasol of lacy pink creates cool shadow;
And in a basket filled with hearty treats,
are fruitful gems just ready for a feast.

How ever-pleasant are the solstice days,
their moments of delight in cheerful ways;
And when the sun has lowered past the hill,
myriads of twinkling stars embrace us still.

Beyond the salt waters of the sea,
my thoughts roam far and wander free;
They're often dreams in hazy light,
fueled by the darkness of the night.

To sit and watch the cunning waves,
my lonely heart seeks to be saved;
From haunting fears of blazing fire,
dissolving souls in ancient ire.

Yet often I can sense a wraith,
that floats above with timeless faith;
In spirit's game that casts upon,
the carefree promises of the dawn.

As testament to heaven's worth,
and miracles gathered here on earth;
My heart is filled with honored grace,
which shines upon this time and place.