When Given

A morning warmed by shimmering beams of light
night-sky glittering 'round a full-moon bright

The forest redolent of rain-damp pine and loam
crops ripe for harvest, circling a country home

And in the crisp, damp air of an autumn dawn
or the cool dusk breeze over a new-mown lawn

The warm panting breath of the dog at my side
the distant cry of a hawk, on a windward glide

A thrumming purr from the cat asleep on the sill
firefly twilight, as day settles into the still

The salty spray of the sea, the cry of the gull
the mist rolling in, tide's departure ...the lull

Recalling a touch, the warmth of work-worn hands
loved ones, living now, only in the memory lands

When no person remains who knows you by name
it seems time, alone, is the solace for pain

The clean, poignant fragrance of new-fallen snow
reminiscing in the circle of a campfire's glow

An owl's hoots from the tree above me in the dark
weave through dreams as I slumber in Yosemite Park

Haunting melody of the tune on a faraway breeze
cool shade in the summer, neath an old oak tree

The soul of the Earth in the notes of the flute
the song speaks for my spirit, my voice is mute

Such are the gatherings of one's moments in life
in the blinding darkness, and the unveiling light

The many paths our life takes we may ne'er understand
so, we put our faith and our fate in the Creator's Hand

When thus given, as the scenes of life play through
I give thanks, for each chapter in every day is new

copyright © 2011 kathy pippig