When as a child I was taught to pray
In a simple plain and childlike way
I said my prayers as small children do
With loving heart and a fear or two.
I searched for God nearly every day,
“Teach me the words that I ought to say”
And settled for just a chosen few
That ended with “you know I love you !”
I feel like an empty vessel with contents nearly gone
Who rises to each morning and another chance coupon
To bring purpose to our lives that we can’t afford to waste
Forsaking hollow treasures we have gathered in our haste
As our minds collect false wisdom and store it all away
Into some far crevasse where it can crumble and decay.
Time has come at last to place erudition on the plate
Help to change our sad condition ere it would grow too late
Then begin anew once more face the final challenge here
Giving God His due respect with our gratitude sincere.
I walked outside to catch the breeze
The wind was whipping through the trees
It made a sound that echoed clear
And sent a shiver ear to ear.
I glanced above and saw the skies
They darkened there before my eyes
The clouds were ominous and bold
And in a flash my hands grew cold.
I turned away, I’d had enough
The weather grew both foul and gruff.
It seems to me as I recall
So long ago when I was small
My Nana knew just what to do
To keep me safe from cold or flu.
She’d grab me up and hug me tight
And promise that I’d be alright.
Since no one’s left to take her place
I seldom spot one kindly face
‘Tis sad to think that era’s gone
There’s nought that’s left to wish upon.
Now that I’m sure the magic’s flown
The world I knew became unknown
I sense the rest that used to be
Has now become futility.
A little bit of heaven landed on my window sill
I did by chance observe him resting peaceful and quite still
And to my great surprise he lingered longer than he should
Taking in the view, checking o’er that spot wherein he stood.
I don’t really know if he’d visited with me before
But be assured I gave my word, he’s welcome at my door
If there’s a hope however small, I spoke and he has heard
I want him to know my world’s safe for such a tiny bird !
The wind here blows about my space
To sally forth and win the race
Twixt pollen bourne upon its breath
Or seeds escaping seasons death
Lest they should fall on fallow ground
Or humble niche there to be found.
The wind will winnow whence it blows
As far and wide its purpose grows
Winds cannot cease or go to sleep
There’s destiny that they need keep.
Deep in my sleep I hear the sound
Of raindrops falling on the ground
I raise the window open wide
Inviting some to fall inside.
I cannot stay here on my bed
I need to find my senses fed
By the sweet voice of gentle rain
That echoes here within my brain
And carries on its fragrant breath
The power both of life and death.
Of all the stars that shine at night
This pulsing orb shone ever bright
So far away that’s where you are
How vast is that, oh distant star ?
I’d often thought when older grown
That stars were made of ancient stone
No soul that lives will ever breach
The journey there, too far to reach.
I’d like to trust that I may grow
In times of peace not those of woe
Too high upon some mountain peak
Convene with angels as they speak.
Aware that I am not alone
Keep to the path with end unknown
Assured that God will still be there
To light my way no matter where !
I looked out o’er my roof today
And caught the wind and leaves at play
They pranced about in tribal dance
I could not help avert my glance.
A crescent moon hung in the sky
Leftover from sleeptime gone by
There glowing in the early light
Late vestige of the fleeing night.
How strange to note natures reply
That sun and moon can share the sky
Great wonder that this truth may be
Strong lesson for both you and me !
I’m thankful that each time I rise
This world of mine exudes surprise
Or should I make my way to sleep
The grandeur shown is mine to keep.
I’m grateful that I have this choice
And eagerness to lift my voice,
Skies overhead will shimmer bright
While clouds may hide the eye of night.
The sun and moon remain the same
The nighttime stars retain their name
The breezes sing and wave and call
The seas about us rise and fall.
The oceans all will ebb and flow
The winters winds will rage and blow
Magnificence one cannot buy
God rules our earth and air and sky !
Claire V. Bogdanos 