Perseverance when observed in action,
Elicits from us inspired
Responses, which are
Strong
Enough to
Void
Earlier
Regrettable
Attitudes, and
Nudge laziness aside as we set out to
Conquer our great
Enemy: Self.

on this side of Heaven

sitting up, spitting up
learning how to stand.
saying words you've always just heard,
that now you understand.


sleepovers, and pillowfights,
discovering your dreams...
learning how to ride a bike
and playing on softball teams



first love, first kiss
first time you say goodbye
first chance to make right what's wrong
first time you selflessly cry.

may you be all He ever dreamed you'd be

on this side of Heaven

autumnal

there's a rush of crisp fall wind outside my window

scolding the ears and nose

there's a leaf turning gold on the closest tree

curling up like the petal on a rose

there's a gilded blanket hiding in all the shadow'd corners

as Frost begins to paint them

there's a crisp fall apple all cut up for some child's lunch

ripened to the colour of a gem

anticipation

holidays

laughter that fogs up the air

warm coats

sunday dinners

and friends that show you they care

even the rain seems happier in October

maybe because it knows

it wont be long

before it

snows

_______________ is the great equalizer

nothing more to say than this:

if what i did today is all i ever do, was it enough?

if i never make more out of life than what i made of it today, can i look back at the end of the road and call it good?

i'm not looking for Fantastic or Thrilling, just trying to stay out of Ordinary.

storm time

The air fragmented and still

The wind playing games in the trees of another town

The clouds lying in vast repose...taunting the trees/sidewalks/houses/fields below

The rain (still young enough to be timid); touching the leaves of the blackberry bush with tender curiosity

The horizon adorned with pearly greys, pinks and blues

The sun setting and taking all the finery of day to his palace on the other side

The child watching from a bedroom window...stands like a conductor, waiting for the music to begin.

baby eyes

in the reflection of your eyes i see Heaven.

perhaps a memory, perhaps a promise,

perhaps an invitation to come and dance

Tonight...your dance card is full

not too long from tomorrow
we'll be waving from the other shore.
watching you walk...safely to the other side.
so happy to see you go...
so sad to watch you leave.

not too long from tomorrow
you'll be a bright-eyed girl with glossy black hair
running with abandon to the other side of the divide.
say hi to everyone for me.
say hi to Grandpa, kiss your mother and father, rock my first baby to sleep.

not too long from tomorrow
He'll be walking you home...for the last time.
in the twilight, in the dusk; up the last hill you'll ever have to climb--the hand of our Christ is steadying your final steps.

not too long from tomorrow
we promise not to cry too long. Since there is no more crying where you are, we promise not to cry too long.