AUTUMN MOON

To hope for someone else
What we ourselves would gain –
To pray that happiness will shine
When our light starts to wane –

This is the test of time –
This is the trial of troth –
When we seek blessings for a friend –
The heavens smile on both.

(22 September 2008, Provo, Utah)

PROMPTING

The choices with the least impact
May have great consequence –
Three inches in a switch-point track
Provide significance –

Small hinges on a lengthy gate
Will make the fence swing wide –
The little steps we walk in faith
Will magnitude decide.

(19 September 2008, Aspen Grove, Utah)

CROSS STITCH

All mortals are waiting for love –
Not just the ageing aunts –
Not just the slow and awkward ones
Waiting to learn the dance.

Loneliness is exceptionless –
Even the Beauties wince –
Even the fair and handsome sons
Cry like the Little Prince.

But thanks to the Lord’s Redemption
Love is not Tragedy –
Love is not envy, fear, or woe –
It’s Divine Comedy.

(15 September 2008, Mount Pleasant, Utah)

CHANGE OF ART

Hope is not a burden –
And love is not a snare –
And faith is not a fantasy –
The Fountain springs by prayer.

The Road is not a net –
The Path is not a trap –
The Way is not a wilderness –
Press forward – don’t look back.

The Tree is not a yoke –
The Fruit is not a ploy –
The Branch is not a broken bough –
Please, come – reach out for Joy.

(13 September 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)

LEAD ME

Coincidence is miracle –
And Chance is in God’s hand –
Without compulsion – Deity
Provides a master plan.

The Earth turns to the right and East
While Sun seems to lean West –
The northern star gives Compass light –
A guideline to the Best.

For sake of Good – forsake ungood –
Partake of Truth – shake lies –
And follow Virtue through the woods
Prepared to take Surprise.

(13 September 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)

FIND ME

A poet has exquisite needs:
A longing to Express;
A yearning for a listening Ear
To whom one can profess

The wonder of Intelligence,
The history of Power,
The eloquence of Elegance,
The treasures of an Hour;

A Friend of keenest quality,
Of fine Integrity;
A Book of endless finite lines
To court Eternity.

(13 September 2008, Pleasant Grove, Utah)

EXHIBIT: Education in Zion

The daybreak shines –
The shadow reclines –
New beauty’s mountain light reveals –
The calming of another sea –
The caring for another sheep –
Pacific now – the valley kneels.

(9 September 2008, JFSB, BYU, Provo, Utah)

ALTAR PIECE (Dickinson Fr314)

Dear, feathered Hope – go see Jesus –
Warm, weathered Wing – touch the Healer –
I offered Him your Tune – you see –
So now He has full Custody.

Too Buoyant for me to Carry –
Too Vital for me to Bury –
I gave your Song back – to the King –
So now Redeeming love will Sing.

(3 September 2008, Provo, Utah)