Fall Frenzy

Fall Frenzy
Like children squealing with delight,
the wind shrieks by my window;
playing games with Fall leaves in flight
who scurry and scream, “You're too slow!”
at the glee-filled gust that’s been picked –
“Tag! You’re It!”

Their howls of laughter echo low
so, I think their frenzy’s fading.
Jacket donned, out the door I go
to discover they’ve been waiting,
plotting to ambush me and plea –
“Come play!”

The wind’s whispers are persuading
this stress-worn woman to unwind
and release the inner child waiting
deep inside where she’s been confined.
Pulling, tugging, begging me please –
“Join the fun!”

Gold, orange and crimson intertwined,
blurring, as the wind spins them ‘round.
Autumn kaleidoscope designed
as the laughing leaves leave the ground;
like kids on a swing set crying-
“Higher! Higher!”

I watch them rising, heaven bound,
the wind still tugging at my sleeve.
Closing my eyes, inner child found,
I spread my arms wide and believe
with leaves and wind I run, taunting –
“Can’t catch me!”
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The other day, outside my window, I could hear the joyful screams of children playing outside in this beautiful, cooler weather . . . or so I thought. The sound was distant and I believed their playful noise was just carrying on the wind. But, the closer I listened, the more I realized the voices on the wind, WAS the wind!!! The sounds reminded me of childhood days, running, screaming, laughing and playing with friends. I was shocked and thrilled at the same time.
And that is how this poem came to be! :-)
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Painter of the autumn leaves, Thank You for the changing of seasons, the cooler weather and the bright Fall foliage splashed across clear, blue skies. Thank you for the playful wind whose silly antics make me smile. I love the childhood memories that came flooding in due to the wind's human voice calling out to me. I needed those happy memories! But then, You knew that. Thank You, Lord, for meeting even my smallest need. ~ Amen

Sorrow's Solace

Sorrow's Solace
Sorrow holds tight my hand,
not as a loathsome enemy,
but as a steadfast friend
who knows and understands
the despair of death’s valley.

Sorrow shows me the way.
She’s been here times before.
As she guides, she prays
for the end of my dark-filled days;
that my anguish may be no more.

My soul resonates with regrets
to which grief would gladly bind me.
Yet, Sorrow says my so-called debts
are more than met - they’re offset -
by the love linking my loved one and me.

Sorrow sings me songs
of heartache and of hope.
She tells me to God I belong,
surrender the suffering to be strong,
and allow Christ to help me cope.
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 I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. . .

I once thought of this shadow as being the seeker of my own death and, as in the 23rd psalm, I drew comfort from knowing whenever that day may be, God would walk beside me. Now, I understand the darkness of this valley can also be caused by the death of a loved one eclipsing our hearts, our minds and our spirits. . .

I am Sorrow.
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Father in heaven, It hurts to see the ones I love hurting and not be able to comfort them. All I can do is love them, pray for them and be there for them to lean upon. But You, Lord, You can send them true peace and comfort. I lift them up to You. Please, wrap my hurting loved ones in Your arms and ease their grief. ~ Amen