Things to Believe In

Trees, in general, and oaks -
especially Western gamble oaks that survive fire,
and the generosity of apples
falling to the ground.

Seeds, all of them -
winged maple, thistle and poppy,
signaling the inevitability
and beauty of change.

Throaty frog songs at twilight,
the hiss of cicadas in summer,
cattle lowing on a farm,
the sweetness of well-loved music.

Warm and savory soups,
pot roast, of course,
the bite of yeast rising -
good work, hugs, kind words from a friend.

The constancy of ocean waves,
star-studded night skies,
the bedrock of granite mountains -
and anything at all breaking through.

In Memory of Dr. Paul Edmonston
February 3, 2011

Autumn

The slanting, golden light
ushers in
the beginning
of a chill in the air.

Leaves turn dry
and curled bark drops,
casting faint shadows
on the grass,

signaling an end
to warm, summer days -
beckoning longer twilights
and warm, winter nights.

Night Sounds

The cool, dark woods
usher in an orchestrated medley,
a chorus
of glorious night sounds.

Throaty frog voices
rise up in swirling tones,
while the cicada's lengthy,
low-pitched call
ascends and falls.

Hear now the cracking
and snapping of twigs -
perhaps a lonely deer,
or a less benign creature?

A distant car rolls and hums,
while autumn beckons,
the sweeter scents of summer
fading to deep, dense, earthy smells.

We may still lull and rest,
but hidden life beats strong,
for the woods ring out in a song
of glorious night sounds.

- Elisabeth