See Her Gliding
See her gliding; gently gliding; 'cross the room.
Gown is flowing, smile is glowing; radiant hair.
Eyes of all caress her; watch her stately progress,
Stern and dark her partner dances proud and tall.
See her smiling sweetly smiling; sweeping by.
Quietly answers all his questions; softly laughs.
Lines of hopeful suitors stare with awe and sadness.
Rows of wistful wallflow'rs toss their heads and sigh.
It was ever thus at the height of the season,
Lonely winter roses blooming.
Floral gowns and chaperones,
Lining the wall.
Now I'm dancing; proudly dancing; dream my dream.
While a partner, nameless faceless, chatters on.
I too am yearning for the graceful lady.
Smitten by the haloed presence; passing by.
I am dreaming; I am dreaming; I'm the one.
Now I hold her; gently hold her; sweep her on.
Eyes of all upon us; no one can resist her,
All who see her claim the right to share the dream.
It was ever thus at the height of the season,
Lonely winter saplings springing.
Smart dress uniforms; black silk ties,
Crowding the door.
See us dancing; proudly dancing; through the throng.
Talk is flowing; smiles are glowing; surging on.
Eyes of all possess us; chart our rhythmic cadence.
Man and maid together soon have claimed their song.
It was ever thus at the height of the season.
Happiness for those now believing.
Choose partners; oh so carefully.
Step to the dance.
See us dancing; proudly dancing; all night long.
Laughter flowing; smiles bestowing; flying on.
Hearts of all possess us; share our graceful courtship.
Man and maid together now a lifelong song.
The Beech Tree
Forrest evergreen; hide the sky,
Sustain this land; protect our lives.
Feed our stock; your nutrient mast,
Warm our fires; from winter blast.
Your grain we carve; to ornate bowls,
Walls and panels; sills and floors.
Oils to cook; to light to store,
Cure our ills; bind our wounds.
Natural treasure; we employ,
Future dwellers; to enjoy.
In every way; your name we praise,
Fagus sylvatica.
The Sea
To love the sea, is to love the sky.
Which one more pleasing to the eye?
Your eyes have shades of both and yet
your love is indeterminate.
Will you endure and love me still,
your smile remain and be mine till
both sea and sky their due fulfil,
and bring another day?
I'd scarce contain my joy to see,
another day by this same sea,
with your soft eyes reflecting skies,
and laughter that is only mine.
How can this sea, how can this sky,
stay here and live each night to die?
They need each other, they meet you see,
I hope they meet like you and me.
The Window
(Inspired by the painting
'Young Woman with a Water Pitcher'
by Vermeer)
On this day,
My heart is sure.
Once more my Lord
Will grace this door.
Present his face,
A wifely kiss
I will bestow,
In wedded bliss.
Glad returned,
From foreign war.
No more to range
O'er distant soil.
Not yet with child,
My breath did bate.
The Herald's song
Of happy fate.
Our men homecoming,
All battles gone.
Squadrons turning
South once more.
Another glimpse,
Sweet window sill.
Unlit the beacon,
On Signal hill.
Breathless city,
Deacons tend.
Cathedral bells,
A message bend.
To every corner,
All around.
If smallest wisp
Of smoke ascends.
Sad, sad widows,
On bended knee.
Consign their love
To eternity.
I am blessed,
My lotion lave.
Anoint my body,
Ablute my heart.
My finest gown,
Wondrous meal.
Healing love,
My chalice now.
I hear the cries,
The surging bells.
Make haste, make haste!
Once more he dwells.