Transitioning days
Rustic colors filled with hope—
Consumed with their joy
Bountiful harvest
Labors of love wrapping up—
Another clean field
Final leaves dropping
Filling climatic, last breath—
Winter’s patience waits
Photo by Katie E on Pexels.com
Beautiful melodies
Cellos and violins
Stirring memories
New lives, set to begin
Father with daughters
Growing up with each one
Precious treasures to bless
Through Father, Holy Son
Music playing, forevermore
Images of each step
Laughter filling their rooms
Love knocks at our doorstep
Afternoon tea parties
Playing games, singing songs
Favorite storybooks
Life perfect, never wrong
Seeing their eager eyes
Savoring school’s first day
Playing in autumn’s leaves
Days never seem too gray
Watching each girl mature
Life’s incredible ride
Graduation moments
Wedding days at their side
Playing in the background
Peaceful serenity
Past, special moments
Father’s identity
My life has been blessed with a splendid and loving trio of daughters who have made fatherhood a true blessing. I was listening to a rendition of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” as I wrote this poem. I especially enjoy strings or piano (all three of my daughters are accomplished piano players). Here is a sample of the music. Enjoy!
Originally published May, 2020.
America’s observation of Veterans Day lies ahead on November 11. As a nation gathers to honor anyone, past or present, who has served in uniform, may we remember and embrace our nation’s past.
Gathering for common good
Willing to make each sacrifice
Citizens answer country’s needs
Giving of themselves, any price
Putting aside differences
Deflating emotion’s sandbag
Spirit of Founding Fathers calls
Rallying around nation’s flag
Responding with efforts as one
Replenishing each empty soul
Tattered Old Glory proudly waves
Serving abroad, endless patrols
Overcoming every challenge
Witnessing each morning sunrise
Fears replaced with collective faith
Rising freedom fills daily skies
Bridging Lexington to Yorktown
Stepping up at Gettysburg’s fight
Battles from Marne to Normandy
Leading democracy’s daylight
Photo by Marllon Cristhian Barbosa on Pexels.com
Watching Saturday’s unhurried sunrise
Feeling gratefulness, spirit shall arise
Being retired, life moves at much slower pace
Realizing, there’s no need to win life’s race
Remembering grandfathers, crisp and clear
Teaching life lessons, steady and sincere
Growing up, learning from their example
Tasting life with every new sample
Loving family, with kindness and care
Treating marriage, with love beyond compare
Passing on wisdom, making good choices
Sitting here now, hearing cherished voices
Accepting their torch, these years move along
Being a grandfather, where love belongs
Filling up life, grandchildren sharing love
Joining other grandfathers, fits like a glove
Photo by Kelly Lacy on Pexels.com
Originally published April, 2020. Edited September, 2023.
We would worry less if we praised more.
From Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”
Harry Ironside (1876-1951) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author. This renowned Bible teacher wrote over 100 books, booklets, and pamphlets.
Praising
From whom
Every blessing flows
Our Lord, our Creator
Gratitude
Maturing
In Christ
Hope’s eternal message
Walking in His light
Faith
Transforming
Spirit’s presence
Love never ceases
Grace arrives from above
Reverence
The most important thing in life is just living and loving.
Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.
Doris Day (1922-2019) was a renowned American actress and singer. She also dedicated much of her life to being an animal rights activist.
Thanksgiving is thanks living.
From Psalm 107:21: “Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind.”
Express gratitude
Sincere appreciation—
Send handwritten note
Night’s quiet moments
Preparing for tomorrow—
Embrace our blessings
Life’s endless highway
Patience and perseverance—
Journey of waiting
Gratitude is as powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.
From Colossians 3:16-17: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Big Sky Buckeye 