What light reveals

Yesterday the winter clouds parted briefly 

And a patch of sunlight fell just beyond 

The roof of my neighbor’s house, revealing 

This golden stand of windswept trees, 

So far away I’d never really noticed them before. 

With time, I’ve learned 

Each photograph’s a metaphor; 

Each with a story — or two, or three — to share, 

But this one I’m not sure I want to hear.

 I like the thought that there’s beauty everywhere, 

But I’m not sure how I feel about being reminded 

We mostly only notice it 

 When the brief light of fame 

Brings it to our attention: 

I’d like to think we’re more observant than that…

Let the light shine through you

Just as we do not need to see the sun 

To realize it must be shining bright, 

We do not need to proudly proclaim our faith: 

Its presence will proclaim itself 

Through the light we bring into the world.

Celebrate the aged

So often we assume 

That as things age, they lose their beauty, 

If not their value.

 But who would deny 

That the appeal of this picture 

Lies in the charm of the old truck, 

The washed out textures of the barn and its roof, 

And the magnificent curves of these ancient trees? 

Rather than mourning the loss of suppleness,

 Let us celebrate survival, 

 And the wisdom that comes with experience.

Fragile reminders

As the skies grow gray 

And the grass turns gray with frost 

We long for color, and feel doubly blessed 

When our loved ones bring us flowers. 

These fragile blooms remind us 

To be grateful for life’s blessings 

And mindful of those less fortunate 

Who desperately seek shelter from the cold.

In gratitude

The snow kindly held off 

Til our drive home, 

The gallery was packed 

 With friends and strangers, 

The paintings beautifully displayed —

 A lovely evening: all my worries were for naught. Thanks for all of your good wishes; 

Now back to our regularly scheduled program!

Winter storm

I’ve spent this last year working 

 Toward a show that opens tonight 

In a gallery far, far away

 (Actually slightly more than an hour’s drive) 

But of course tonight there are warnings 

Of snow and high winds, 

So the trip promises the possibility of adventure. 

And so, though I’m a person of faith, 

The worries begin to surface: will anyone come? 

What if the lights go out and no one can see? 

And what if we can’t get back home? 

Who would care for our cats? 

Perhaps I should never have offered to hang 

This painting, appropriately titled 

Winter Storm!

We are enough

As the chill of winter deepens 

And the sunset colors fade, 

We send hope, and warmth, and comfort 

To those in need of each, 

And do our best to carve out 

 Quiet time for ourselves 

To remember we are loved, and we are enough.