DEEP WITHIN THE HEART

While the snow, in silence, gently falls
Upon the weary earth
It brings to her gifts of love
With each exquisite flake.
For, beneath this blanket pure and white,
In slumber earth will spend
In dreams that restore to her
The bounty she did lend.
And, so it is a time for us,
To dream our dreams once more,
Before the fires in the hearth
Of life we were created for.
And, with love, hope and gentleness,
The springtime we'll await,
When earth from slumber will arise
The joy of life to celebrate.
For, it's then the symbol of God's love
Shall recall earth from her dreams,
Bringing life-giving warmth
That unlocks her frozen streams.
And, all earth's creatures, large and small,
Shall awaken from their sleep,
To marvel at the loving light
And life's fragrance ever sweet.
Then flowers again shall blossom forth,
And brooks their joy will sing
A song celebrating life
To birds upon the wing.
And, those who have the light within,
Shall among the flowers wild
Run, with hearts young and free,
As though they were as child.
It was then that all was wonderment,
And, in all, was seen the good
Without fear of unworthiness
A place we call "childhood".
It's there we ever long to be
And never more depart
For such is where the kingdom lies
Deep within the heart.

Dedicated to Matt Banman, who in gentle slumber lies . . . Roger Flair

Where the Flowers Grow
dedicated to my sweet Jeannie

The little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
among the flowers sweet and soft,
Among the winds that play,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees,
The foolish fears of what might pass,
Did dissipate with ease.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
Renews the joy of precious youth,
When I was young as Spring.

Carol Reimer

Of all the elements, water, synonymous with love and emotion, is the most powerful. Water is yielding but all-conquering. Water extinguishes fire or, finding itself likely to be defeated, escapes as steam and reforms. Water washes away soft earth or, when confronted by rocks, seeks a way around . . .
it saturates the atmosphere so that wind dies. Water gives way to obstacles with deceptive humility, for no power can prevent it from following its destined course to the sea. Water conquers by yielding; it never attacks, but always wins the last battle.

In quiet corners of my soul
Lie secret sorrows never told,
Whose memories bring an aching pain
Of loved ones sought; of dreams in vain.
And fool I am to think them lame
And not suspect they are to blame,
For emptiness I can't explain.
As life unfolds the unreachable quest,
Tormenting the heart with lonely unrest,
It is only awareness and acceptance of Self,
That explains the story of the doll on the shelf.
She was lovely and pleasing for all to behold,
Yet somewhat unreachable, if it be told.
Her lofty position suggested her special;
Was she seen as unrealistic - or too superficial?
Her creation inspired by an unerring master,
Seemed only to bring her emotional disaster.
The doll only wished for someone to love her,
She sought a true love - a beloved "other".
As time passed by, she cried in despair . . . 
"Will there never be someone to love me and care?"
One day a wise lady saw the doll on the shelf,
She related her  position to that of herself.
She whispered "It does not matter how lovely you be,
If others are just not ready to see.
What matters is that you must love yourself,
And not feel so lonely up there on the shelf.
In the eyes of the Creator we are all very special,
But some of us are on different spiritual levels.
And once you embrace this message so true,
You'll never be lonely - for the love is in YOU."

Crystal      

Bill

Bill Russo
1945 - 1995

Dear Bill,

I knew you at one time in my Life . . .
You put sunshine into my hand
You put fulfillment into my soul
You made me smile
You made me sigh
We had a laugh, we had a dance
You filled me up with romance
Your gentle heart, your warm embrace
I could never forget your lovely face
The trust within
The way we shared
right down to your
salt and pepper hair
The love, your style, I knew it for a while
I would fall in love with you
I can't erase your grace
I still won't forget your lovely face
You talented person, you kind, gentle man
How can I forget the woman I am
The sunset, the wine, the passion, the time
Will remain in my mind . . . forever
Thanks for the Dance and the Romance.

I'll always love you,

Su

Jewels of the Sea

Out of the undulating sea, a pebble appeared,
then another, and another.
Some held fast to their brothers and sisters
fearing the vastness beyond the water's edge.
Well-earned confidence propelled others through the waves.
All were resolute; this time it would be different.
They would search for loved ones lost in the distant past -
find those they had "wronged" to somehow make it right.
This time would be the best - the best ever.
Just as it looked safe, the waves would toss them asunder,
causing the darkness of the sea and the earth to block the light.
The weakest would be caught in the relentless ebbing of the tide.
The strongest, kissed by the sun for long eons
would float and drift through the raging surf.
Oh! These were beautiful , transcendent edges refined and perfected in the currents of eternity.
A very few were sparkling diamonds .
Most, just ordinary crystals.
The coarse dense stones, scarred by many unfulfilled journeys,
lurked on the sea bottom, unable to clear a passage.
Listen! You can hear them as the ocean delivers them to the light . . .
Take me! Here I am! Do you see me? Do you remember me?
Hopes and dreams live and expire in one quick moment.
Fortune chooses the ones appointed.
The rest struggle in the churning waves, lost in infinity.
Oh! What is happening? Do you hear them?
"Why can't I go? I promise to do better."
Many are crying. They don't understand.
The spinning and grinding of the breakers enlarges
their margins, softens their souls.
The ebb and flow of the tides bring opportunity -
opportunity for faith, love, and charity.
Those whose lights glisten with clarity will remain on shore.
Some will tarry and miss the journey.
Many aren't able to perceive the safety of the light.
They will be detained in the timelessness of the tides.
More work to be done.

Kathryn A. Burmester