Autumn Moons

Doing laps my thoughts flash back
to the snowy footprints of December—
Cries to God for help and grace
And pleas to Jesus, I remember.

As I persevered, though trembling,
Cold and lonely, I remember,
Suddenly I found my footprints
Safely couched between the others.
One track left and one track right--
I chose to stay with all my might.

I’m not alone as I might fear—
The Lord is with me, ever near.
And though unseen He holds my hand
And comforts till I understand.

Today, I smiled under the sun.
God never changes. He’s the One
Who’s held me fast all through this year,
He's my strength—He’s always here!

A butterfly, bright orange and black
Flitted straight across my track.
The chyrsallis time is so short-lived!
Must be time to shed cocoons
And flit about before autumn moons
Give way to new and wintry seasons.
(So swift, so changing are times and seasons.)

Help me Lord, to use my life
with energy and time you give,
To spend them wisely, not in strife,
But for your glory, help me live.



Last night I sat in the car outside,
And watched the stars and a sliver of moon.
Small bats streaked across deep blue sky
And songs played mistily in the gloom.

We used to sit here as a pair
And talk and dream of going somewhere.
New horizons to explore,
Tales and memories galore.
Now I sit and the tears stream down,
Good thing there's no one else around.

In many ways it feels like years
Since you were here, since we were one.
Still hard to fathom how suddenly
Our lives were stricken and came undone.

I came in chilled by the cool night airs
A hot bath will warm and soothe my cares.
I don’t normally take lingering baths,
I don't like to linger where--

After a long hard day at work
I’d find you soaking, fast asleep.
That was your daily comfort and peace
A quiet repose and a sweet relief.

I hesitate to intrude on sacred moments, your interlude.
The candles are there—
they still look the same.
And memories flicker to life like the flame.

Your towel, your robe,
Your pillow, your clothes…
The work of you hands
Adorns every room—
But You! You’re gone!
And the bride's lost her groom.

I dared to soak in the deep hot bath
The bubbles reminded me of your laugh.
I put on your robe
And wrapped myself tight.
I kissed your photo
And said good night.

But where you are, honey,
All is bright.
You dwell in the presence
Of Jesus, my light.

I grieve cause I miss you.
I cry till I sleep.
Then pray for the morning
And try not to weep.

BUT one day He’s coming.
I’ll see what you see.
I’ll leave this world behind
And be wrapped up in glee.

How warming to think that day will arise
When I’ll finally close these weepy eyes.
I’ll awake in glory beyond the skies
And begin a NEW STORY the day that I die.



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This is an unusual cadence which reflects the emotional upheaval and unsteadiness of it all, like faltering steps toward healing. A few steps forward, then back. The whole poem is composed of broken sets, like my life. It is 2-1-1, 1-3-1, 3-3-4. 19 stanzas in all.
The number of lines in the stanzas also form an irregular yet meaningful pattern.
6-6-4-6 stanzas –on the track, not alone
7 God never changes (in numerology, seven is the number of completion)
4-4-4-6 prayer
4-4-4 seeking comfort
6-6-6 grief (according to numerology, three sixes are the number of man)4-4-4-4 The final 4 stanzas of 4 lines each focus on heaven so end with the greatest emphasis on the hope of what lies ahead. Our hope of glory! This is my final aim.  [some changes made since numbers were calculated-kjl]