A Hawk’s Morning

Sometimes I'm given a chance to see one of natures mysteries unfold in front of my eyes. This morning I was lucky to see one. I live near an escarpment where hawks return every spring. I hope I never take it for granted. There's something very majestic and beautiful about the red tailed hawk.

This morning I passed by a hawk,
He was perched up in a tree.
Ever so regal he ignored me.
It was glorious to see.

I watched his tail unfold like a fan.
And he spread his wings on his back.
And with eyes like pools of black,
No confidence did he lack.

Suddenly, he unleashed his strength.
And he soared into the skies.
And with his built in camera eyes,
He caught a mouse by surprise.

In my Garden

Today is an awesome day. Not only is the weather windy and warm, but I've been asked if I was interested in being the poetry editor of My Light Magazine, an e-line Catholic magazine for kids. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I'm overjoyed. To celebrate, I've written this poem.

It’s a perfect day to visit the garden
The air is fresh and bright.
All the buds are blooming on the trees
It seems almost overnight.

The cold winds of yesterday are gone.
This day holds something new.
And now that summer winds are blowing,
The skies are, oh, so blue.

See how the squirrels scamper and gather
See robins collecting grass.
They seem to know it’s time to get ready
That winter has finally passed.

Let’s pack all the mittens and winter coats
That just gets in our way.
Let’s bring out the hammock and sway in the wind
And not waste a single day!

OUR SON

My oldest son is turning 19 in a few days. While he was growing up, teachers made me feel that he wasn't up to snuff and that his future looked grim. He was even diagnosed with a form of autism. Well, he fooled them. All of a sudden something inside him came together and his marks began to soar.
Never give up on your kids. They can and will surprise you.

We envy all your carefree ways
Your laughter and your smile
You never seem to worry much
And go the extra mile.
And if your mother's worried
You take the time to say
That everything will turn out right
In perhaps another way.
Though you're an ordinary fellow
You never think to quit
You anticipate the future
And all that’s good in it.
We wouldn't change the way you are
You are the finest ever sent.
You make the best of each new day
For this we are content.

After the Rain

Every cloud has a silver lining. And there are rewards gained for hanging in when skies are blue. That's what Easter Monday says to me. I hope you feel the same as I do. While there's life, there's hope.

The sky is crying

Puddles of sun peak through clouds

Diamonds on the grass

The Betrayal

The Easter story is the greatest story ever told. All the events leading up to it, such as the creation, the fall of mankind, and mankinds constant rebellion against God makes the Easter story the climax. This story is about atonement, redemption, and forgiveness. Yet, as Jesus prayed in the garden that night, He who was one with God knew what would take place in the coming hours. And Jesus as man knew how much it would cost. Amazing. Happy Easter.

In the Garden of Gethsemane
It was dark and still.
There, Jesus prayed in agony
To do his fathers will.

Not far away the disciples lay
Fast asleep on the grass.
Now knowing the cup of suffering
Jesus would soon pass.

Suddenly, torches burning bright
Burst through the olive trees.
Guards with clubs and men with swords
Swept through the garden with ease.

Then Judas the traitor came towards Jesus
And kissed Him on the cheek
Yet, when the soldiers took Jesus away
Not a word would he speak.

As the leaders churned among themselves
To conspire and to lie,
With wringing hands they looked for a way
To condemn Jesus to die.

Throughout the jeering He said not a word.
Like a sheep He was brought away.
And He summoned no angels to help Him.
It was the plotters day.

More Ski Memories

It's snowing here in Southern Ontario. A bit of a surprise. I was told by my safety conscience bus driver friends it would arrive, but I hardly believed it until I saw it. Anyways, it gave me a chance to post another ski poem. There's something cozy about a ski lodge and it gives warm memories. But, remember to wear a helmet. Safety first.

Snowflakes falling to the ground
Chairs are climbing heaven bound
Boots a dangling everywhere
Smiling faces soar through air
Muffled voices zip downhill
Some whiz fast and others still
Bursts of colors pass with ease
Through the crowds of bare limb trees
Smiling faces, cheeks aglow
Next to the dazzling, frosty snow
Ski boots stomping in the chalet
Carrying cheese and plates of pate
Crock pots, coolers everywhere
Hungry skiers glad to share.

Make This Day Count

Here's a a few lines of wisdom of the far East. These lines are taken from Sanskrit that I came across. Oh, and the picture is me when I was two. Notice the watch on my arm. If only time could stand still when you want it to.

Look to this day,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a a vision.
But today well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
So look well to this day.