Pre-flight

Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable…the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street…by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.

Hal Borland

Showoff

How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.
John Burroughs

When I Grow Up

Inbound Ferry in Black and White

Family Outing

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own.

Charles Dickens

Graffiti Sky

“Bursts of gold on lavender melting into saffron. It’s the time of day when the sky looks like it has been spray-painted by a graffiti artist.”
Mia Kirshner

Build It And They Will Come

If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.
‘Laura Ingalls Wilder’

Hidden Harbour

The Voyage

As a young man I cast off my line and sailed into life’s sea
My destination was unknown, just happy to be free

I oft sailed troubled waters, furling sails til the time when
I’d ridden out the turbulence and my seas were calm again

Each storm I met would leave it’s mark, but it also helped me see
It’s all part of the voyage, it made a stronger me

My trips took me to many shores, each offered something new
I would fill my hold with knowledge, then my anchor weigh anew

My moral compass set my course, truth kept my vessel straight
Integrity filled out my sails, friendship was my mate

But alas, this weary sailor knew when he should sail no more
Since time and tide had run their course, I set a course for shore

I sailed into life’s harbor where my anchor came to rest
Threw my sea bag on my shoulder full of memories from my quest.

I often open up the bag and relive the years inside
Back when I was a young man and I rode life’s rising tide

Cycles

Photo courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net

Grasses, shifting in the breeze

Tanned by the suns of summer

Now but the ghosts of a season

Sands, stumble haplessly

Casting about without destination

Defiant against an encroaching sea

Tides, fussy with restless movement

Scurry about with abandon

Surrender to days demise

Time, moving to a soundless melody

Pauses but a moment to observe

Life’s cycles

The Flower Lady

Photo courtesy of Joonan.com

And there upon a stool she sat

With well worn shoes and floppy hat

Petals from her basket fell

A bouquet in her hands to sell

Flowers for your love she said

With quizzical look and tilted head

Your lady fair would be remiss

If she did not return a kiss

Ah, I said, if that were true

I’d buy all the blooms from you

But alas, there is no femme

To whom I could present a stem

Then find one she was quick to cry

Such gesture to a lass imply

A handsome beau before her stands

With a gift of beauty in his hands

What fair miss could look away

Let her emotions run astray

But with cunning wiles adept

This fragrant present would accept

I from my pocket coins withdrew

And in her hand, I placed a few

A shy smile crossed her face

And for a moment, eyes embraced

Thank you sir, you’re very kind

I hope your lady you can find

And if you do, you’ll see she’s keen

Charmed by this gift so unforeseen

And with that he returned the bowers

Daisies, Asters, and Cone flowers

Said may with their beauty you imbue

My fair maid, these are for you