Darkness flees

When darkness closes in

And threatens my peace

I go to the One whose love does not cease

Through dark valleys He takes me

Unafraid he guides me

With strength He protects me.

Enemies howl for my blood

When I shake and shiver 

His hand is upon me.

When injured His oil pours forth

A table before me He sets 

Rest is invited, look at Me He says.

I choose not to listen to threats

I choose to look into loving eyes

I choose to hear comforting words.

Surely goodness and mercy are mine

They follow me, His love surrounds me,

His word keeps me.

Remembering ANZACS from afar

Although far away, I remember,

Thanks to the men and women who served us well.

Thanks to the young and brave who serve us now,

Thanks that you keep us safe, your sacrifice I praise.

Thanks to our God who covers you with His love,

And thanks for the sacrifice He has made.

Black Clouds

Wicked bulbous masses descend on my valley
Consuming the land, advancing with precision.

Slowly they crawl toward me
Smothering the land behind.
Ahead their partner in crime beats
The trees are whipped, the dog hides
Menace sneers and defies.

I watch and wait, the dog cries
The sun scurries to hide.
The monster grows, lightening it throws.
I hear it laugh as it thunders and roars
Refusing to hurry, taking it's time.

Safe inside I watch and wait
Oh monster know I will not take the bait.
Afraid not am I, I delight in watching you perform
You will pass, you always do
And I will stay behind.

Today We Remember

Today, ANZAC Day we come to remember,

We remember our great men and women fallen,

We remember their undying service,

We remember their desire to protect.

We could not gather today as in days past,

Yet on our drive we stood with a flame,

We heard the last post echo o'er the land.

Above us climbed a flying squadron,

Their sound was one of war,

Our hearts are grateful now, 

we are safe on our shores.

Today we also think of those who frontline us,

They wear a different garb, with a mask they distance us,

Yet care to our dying breath,

 They give us.

Thank you for all past and present heroes alike,

We honour you with our flame,

While in our hearts we sing,

Australians all let us rejoice, 

For we are young and free.

Deceitful Maid

Spring thou doest deceive me. You come with warm kisses and budding flowers, 

Yet at night you let your icy cousin in, 

He ravages the buds and threatens the seed. 

How duplicitous are you! Such a misdeed! 

 You take your time to decide our fate, 

Will summer I give or hinder? 

Will rains I withhold or plunder? Will my cousin winter I keep, 

 No! Perhaps in summer, oh! 

The decisions I hate. 

 How fickle are you petulant puss, Immature girl! 

 Grow up! I say and be true to your truss! 

Stay mild in between and find your own. 

 What is wrong with mild? 

Decide mild for this town. 

 Oh give me autumn, a more mature child, 

She decides to defrock right down to the bone. 

Bold colours she gives, liquid gold!

A sweet season that lingers, one summer cannot hold.

Poetry

I am baptised in ink, and yet do not drown,
White and stained not I frolick in verse.
Such words, where came them, who made them?
Such delights, my soul soars and sings.

My heart bursts, delight drowns me in honeysuckle dew.
Joy suffuses me, it bubbles and froths.
My heart flies unrestrained and wonders at freedom,
Why sing My soul! He has made me whole!

The Artist

Such words, how came you by them? Such poetic beauty, so evocative are they. I hear music when upon them I gaze, I see images, I hear the voice, the cry. Such a collection of paint, you make your portraits live! I long for such talent, I stand in awe. Yet, what manner of person are you? I hear you speak and am dismayed. How can the vulgar and holy abide as one? For such talent is a good gift from God above. We live with the quandary, both sweet and sour, I cannot make you my idol. Ah! Now I know, I must revere the giver, not you.