# Title 21—Tiny Fairies 20—California 19—Your Average Autumn Tree 18—Sailing Above the Clouds 17—Look up! 16—All Day Outside 15—Yellow Explosion 14—Some Leaves 13—Springtime Rejoicing 12—Prism 11—Clap Their Hands 10—Summer's Herald 9—In Praise of the Magnificent Sky 8—Magic Evening 7—Ice Storm 6—After Rain 5—Spring Renewal 4—Staring at Treetops 3—Heavenly Art 2—Dark Day 1—Autumn Majesty # 21 Tiny Fairies
God has sent out tiny fairies. I can’t see them, but they’ve been here. Doing their job, like soldiers, Or flying munchkins, it is clear.
Bearing their magic wands, they go From city to town to house From forest to grove to tree Always, quiet as a mouse.
With their wands they touch each bough Just one time—at the tip Then colors flow like oil paint Into which each branch was dipped.
First the fingers, hands, then wrists As autumn creeps in silence Arms, back, and chest comply Each tree now donning elegance.
Night after night the fairies work, Never stop ‘til the task is done From town to city to nation— To every country under the sun!
How kind of God! How frivolous! Fun! God has an artistic flair His paintings are shared on a scale To which no artist can compare.
gratefulsue 11/2/19 © 2019 gratefulsue # 20 California
Your sprawling beaches and majestic mountains call out to passers-through,
“My aesthetic sports a welcome mat which is laid out for people like you.
It rarely rains. No humidity here! You deserve a haven like this.”
But then, fall comes with ferocious fires— consuming all notions of bliss.
gratefulsue 11.2.19 © 2019 gratefulsue # 19 Your Average Autumn Tree
Looking through my reading glasses Your average autumn tree has become a delightful impressionist painting!
Blurry green, red, and orange highlights overlapping each other, skip and play in the light breeze.
Sunlight bounces from branch to branch like fat paint splotches— sitting, dripping, glistening.
The wall and window make a perfect frame. I’d like to hang you in my living room, all year ‘round.
gratefulsue 11.1.19 © 2019 gratefulsue # 18 Sailing Above the Clouds
I’ve always loved to sail in pleasant weather Just enough wind Us, being together
Sometimes the fickle weather and water turn rough Too much wind I’ve had enough
Sudden, strong squalls and storms bring us chills and rain The proper heel Hard to maintain
Dark clouds indicate trouble for quite a while Making me anxious I loathe the trial
Finally, then, the skies show the weather break clear Like an argument gone With my friend so dear
The keel makes a happy recovery, once more in stride To prance like a steed And fly forward with pride
I’m sailing above the clouds in my mind’s eye In tune with eternity and Humanity, you and I
gratefulsue 10.21.19 © gratefulsue 2019 # 17 Look up!
Look up! Don’t stare at the ground, Look up! Yes, you’re deep in thought... But, look up!
You’re thinking about today What has to be done How to reach your goal But, look up!!
Walking and talking Heads in the mundane Eyes on the ground, but, Look up!
Look up or you’ll miss it! Look up or you’ll be stuck in pavement and problems not solutions and revolutions.
The sky is blue The clouds are white The grass is green, and The trees are PURPLE!! 1.
The trees are... what? I’ve been trying to tell you. Not green, not red, not yellow, Neither fuchsia, nor white, or pink,
Not ground cover beauties, Not flowers knee-high, Not bushes in bloom, but TREES... Great boughs with petals of purple!
Who would have thought? That’s just the point. Look up and think new thoughts.
1. Jacaranda Trees, towering 45-50 feet high, as seen on a street in Los Angeles, CA.
gratefulsue 6/11/19 © 2019 gratefulsue # 16 All Day Outside
Evening comes. Trees creek and drop bits of seed or branch Their leaves rest after a day of dancing Night prowlers in the woods awaken to find food.
Before dawn, birds revive and cry out to find friends A traffic jam of competing chirps, only to be Outshined by the lone superior caller.
Midmorning brings sunshine louder than birds Midafternoon – cool refreshing breezes Late afternoon – shadows, relief for tired eyes
Once again, dusk sighs as rest quietly approaches. Evening comes. Trees creek and drop bits of seed or branch Their leaves rest after a day of dancing…
gratefulsue 5/28/19
©2019 gratefulsue # 15 Yellow Explosion
Grand handsome tree How you surprised me! Your flock of color flushed!
I had no warning On my walk this morning. Excess without apology or blush!
Golden trumpets sound; Your floral announcement astounds; Passers-by approve with glee!
Well done! Yellow explosion! An assault of love-in-motion. Your creator and I agree!
gratefulsue 3.17.19
© 2019 gratefulsue # 14 Some Leaves
Some leaves only appear in groups Like tiny soldiers or a Brownie troop.
Some, multicolored on a single branch Maroon, red, and green, dressed for a dance.
Some are shaped as perfect hearts Hoping for a romance to start.
Some, almost silly, sport whimsical style So curvy or bumpy they make me smile.
On this one, three shapes, because it can! Basic, mitten, or open hand.
Now here’s a star, pointing straight and strong Asserting proudly, all others are wrong.
A few are enormous! They seem out of place. Able to fan a giant’s face.
Tiny or large, in groups or alone, With rounded edges, or jagged shown, They are all works of art, outside my home.
gratefulsue 6.27.18
© 2018 gratefulsue # 13 Springtime Rejoicing
Today, I watched the springtime rejoice while taking a walk.
Noting cool air melting, and delights which silently talk.
Tulips are gone, Bradford Pears fading, but, Irises rising.
Dogwoods are preparing for Easter, I’m surmising.
Robins, Cardinals, and Blue Birds are visiting friends.
Azaleas are parading diverse colors like fashion trends.
Tree leaves await the signal to burst forth with the joy they bear.
Their relatives up north are jealous, but, I don’t care!
gratefulsue 4/25/18
© 2018 gratefulsue # 12 Prism
Warm white beams stream through the glass unnoticed, Filling the room with light and past shadows missed.
Concealing their splendor, they follow strict instructions. But glory uncovered, in an instant, gives introduction.
Invisible, yet present, like a spirit you know is there. Colors shy and reserved are now bold in prism’s snare.
Seven friends appear—who amaze, dance, boast, and play. Holding hands, they move and promenade for their brief stay.
Light’s soul infrequently graces the world with its rays. Just like people, who conceal their rainbows in jars of clay. 1.
1. 2 Corinthians 4:7
gratefulsue 4/25/18
© 2018 gratefulsue # 11 Clap Their Hands
Walking my dog when I heard it, coming all at once—rolling.
Rejoicing, clear as thunder, gaining strength with the wind.
I caught the tree applauding! 1. (Its peers were more inhibited.)
“Clapping hands”—the heavy leaves. Once the wind stopped, silence.
Daily, quietly, on the world stage, The Creator quietly performs.
Is nature awaiting a future performance? (Yes. The coming of the Lord.)
1. Isaiah 55:12
gratefulsue fall 2013
© 2018 gratefulsue # 10 Summer’s Herald
What’s that sound??! I think I know... YES!! It has to be...
Wonderful! Where is it? I must SEE it!
From the second story, Go over to the window, Crane my neck around.
There behind the trees, Far side of the grass, ... A lawn mower!!
Greatest sight to see! Green grass growing again, For eyes tired of gray winter.
Greatest sound to hear! The dull purring and whirring, For ears tired of chilly silence.
First mowing of the Spring. Long awaited herald of hope! Summer and fun times coming!
gratefulsue 6.2.16 © 2017 gratefulsue
(Remembering growing up in Ohio) # 9 In Praise of the Magnificent Sky
“What color is the sky?” “Blue.” “Is that all? What other colors besides blue?” “Um... dark blue or black, at night time.” “Yes, and what else?” “Okay, also pinkish and purplish, or yellowish-blue. And sometimes red, or purple, or orange, at sunrise and sunset.” “Very good. And if it’s overcast? “Grey. Or, grey and white. Satisfied?” “What about brown?” “Brown?” “...in a dust storm.” “Very funny.” “And clear.” “Clear?” “What color is the sky in-between you and me?
“Oh... true!” gratefulsue 9/8/15 © 2017 gratefulsue # 8
Magic Evening
Warm summer night, Mid-June delight… A family reunion.
Casual conversations, Culinary invitations… Some soul-communion.
Go down the dirt road, In silent mode… Away from lights, walk…
Stop. Look and listen, The woods speak and glisten… While crickets talk.
Unfolding grand wonder, Like Christmas in summer. Laced through the dark trees…
Light strands of Fire Flies. Hundreds! Before my eyes, Going where they please.
Dancing and blinking, Like “Tinkerbells” winking… The quiet lights fly.
“Such magic!” I’m thinking, “It’s beauty I’m drinking…” Worship draws nigh.
gratefulsue 9/24/07 © 2015 gratefulsue # 7
Ice Storm
Tinseled trees! Touched by sun, their radiant sparkles shine. Fragile frozen droplets fiercely clinging to the vine.
Miniature mirrors making merry, dancing in the sky, Waving wonderful wintery limbs, for all passers-by.
Blinding brilliance buoys spirits but it breaks the boughs. Winter wind blows weary weights which bend as strength allows.
gratefulsue 12/8/05 © 2015 gratefulsue # 6
After Rain
Sun is out Without a doubt.
Time to lose “rainy day blues.”
A rainbow I see Comes to smile at me.
Puddles are waiting For splash creating.
Count the drips by twos. Kick off squishy shoes.
After rain, a great smell— Can you tell?
gratefulsue 8/22/05 © 2015 gratefulsue # 5
Spring Renewal
A flower opens and spring begins As one bright and lovely day. The wind is a cheery playmate Who blows your cares away.
The first colorful Crocuses Come out of their chilly bed To feel the warm sun shining Upon each sleepy head.
The grass is turning green again The air smells crisp and clean. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue White clouds—the brightest I’ve seen.
The Robins build their nests, The children play outside. The Lord plants seeds of faith In the heart whose hope had died.
gratefulsue 4/13/70 revised 3/31/96 © 2015 gratefulsue # 4
Staring at Treetops
Staring myself into dizziness, Gazing up at endless time. A patchwork of lace And speckled sun, An ensemble of greens—blurred.
Cool breezes, rustling trees; Shadows rearranging light. Evergreen colors In a blue sky. Peaceful green leaves—stirred.
gratefulsue ~1975 © 2015 gratefulsue # 3
Heavenly Art
Slowly at first, the snowflakes fall To let down a veil which covers all.
A lacey veil—ever so light Delicately sewn—of glowing white.
No footprints, tracks, or signs of man Intrude the scene across the land.
All is still, while diamonds fall Save creaking trees with branches tall.
Soft lamplight makes the hillside glisten The wind whispers to those who listen.
Gradually, the snowflakes thicken Their earthly descent starts to quicken.
Now a blanket covers the ground Cold and heavy, white all around.
Angels look and smile with delight At winter wonders present at night.
More and more snow fills the sky Dancing happily ‘til dawn draws nigh.
Then morning reveals the Creator’s art His seasonal painting to warm the heart.
gratefulsue 11/28/71 © 2015 gratefulsue # 2
Dark Day
A windy day—as if to say— “I dare you to be still.” Clouds and cold and leafy spray When secrets grab their fill.
Old houses creek their mystery, The wind—an unknown song. Groans and sighs from every tree. Pale faces bowed and long.
A day as this has always borne Life’s stories hard and blue. Heart wounds open up again And faith doubts what is true.
gratefulsue 11/1/84 revised 1/18/07 © 2015 gratefulsue # 1
Autumn Majesty
Copper, Ruby, Emerald, Gold— The trees burst forth with colors bold!
Grand majesty, the quiet story… Towering toward my Father’s glory.
gratefulsue 10/20/83 revised 9/1/12 © 2015 gratefulsue |
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