Look out your window;
what do you see?
Certainly, birds must be chirping
so cheerily.
So why can’t you
do the very same?
Look up at the sky
and adjust your frame.
Focus on the view,
take it all in.
Find the joy
where it’s always been.
© 2022 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/photoshop-young-woman-sky-field-4405807/
She rests along the horizon,
easily seen from the thirsty shore,
and with a face like an angel,
she could never be ignored.
Her body is ever-changing
as she basks in the summer sun,
and her golden peaks glisten
while her vistas promise fun.
She lays in silent stillness;
never a tremor does she sigh.
The world tramples upon her,
though she never questions why.
She often cries a flood of tears;
still, her strength does prevail,
and even though she’s antiquated,
her beauty never fails.
Nestled comfortably in the earth,
she’s withstood the test of time,
and even though some mar her face,
she still beckons them to climb.
She’s served as a place of renewal
and become a much-needed haven;
she even shares her home
with all the raptors and the ravens.
Exquisite in her gilded grandeur,
layered with the etchings of the past,
her purpose is apparent,
and her glory was made to last.
© 2022 Michelle Cook
There’s magic to be found
on this midsummer day;
quiet reflections prevent it
from skittering away.
Gilded rays of light
affectionately dance;
it seems almost as if the sun
is looking for romance.
The rippling river responds,
flowing joyously round the bend,
sweeping along sparkling waters
which seem eager to descend.
Dainty green grasses dot
the edges of the stream,
always the perfect place
to curl up and dream.
Breath held deep,
eyes shut good and tight,
yet even behind closed lids,
the sun still shines so bright.
The larks seem unbothered,
flying straight overhead,
collecting more fluff
for their soft downy beds.
Cracking an eye
at the snap of a stick,
a pudgy little lizard
scurries away so quick.
Lifting to lean,
face cupped in hand,
fighting the obligation
to get up and stand.
Gaze suddenly caught
by unexpected delight,
endless rows of sunflowers
stretching towards the light.
Energized by excitement
as more wonders abound,
amazed by the brilliance
while looking around.
Every curiosity of nature,
free for all to share,
nothing else in this life
can ever compare.
© 2022 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/trees-riverbank-summer-nature-6541315/
As the day drifts by,
I sit alone,
lost in the land
of blackened stone.
But the air is clear,
and the sky is blue,
and it’s the glory of this place
that sees me through.
If I’m stranded knee-deep,
stuck in regret,
this is my chosen place
to toss my net.
Then I sit and wait
for my mind to lift;
a gentle breeze
allows my thoughts to shift.
My quest for answers
consumes my brain,
but sitting here stills
what my body can’t tame.
Then I forget the years
and the people I know
and allow the earth
to choose where I go.
Whispers of peace
tickle my ears,
reminding me to let go
of all of my fears.
And the day carries on
as I jump to my feet,
seeing the good
in everyone I meet.
Blessed for the time
I’ve had in this place,
a sanctuary of love
filled with grace.
© 2022 Michelle Cook
Life,
it moves us along
at record speed.
I try to dangle
delicately,
occasionally letting
my feet scrape
against the ground.
And as I swing under
my beloved canopy,
I notice the poor old oak
has seen better days.
Brittle bark scatters
like tarnished snowflakes,
and the bough dips
against the weight
of my sways.
But do I stop?
No, I continue on
in careless destruction,
marring my protector
all while biding my time.
I’m still a child; after all,
I do not recognize
my mistakes;
will I ever?
© 2022 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-swing-playground-trees-6722023/
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