Under the Gray & Behind the Black

When the fog burns off

You'll see what was always there

Hidden by the gray.

I have been thinking about this... Often times we settle for living our lives with lots of gray areas, kind of like ostriches burying our heads in the sand. We are afraid to acknowledge things because we will then have to do something about it. All along we are just fooling ourselves. It is what it is, and not acknowledging it does not make it go away. When we bring it to the light, the gray burns off just like fog. The surprising thing is how much better we feel and how much beauty there is, hidden in ashes.

I have no picture to post with this haiku. I was driving when I noticed this...

Lightning reveals that
Behind the black of darkness
The sky is still blue.

It is a most comforting thought. Take heart! The sun always burns off the fog, and morning always comes.

Dandelions & "Someone Else"

"Someone else!" her heart did cry.
"This should not be mine to bear.
The ridicule, the scorn, indifference,
Responsibility and blame,
Should be someone else's game."

She longs for someone else
To bear the brunt, remove the scrutiny.
"Why should I be singled out?"

("Someone else!" He must have cried. "Remove this cup from me!")

Someone else, to step up to the plate.
"Someone else" will seal your fate.
Life will pass you while you wait
For someone else.

"From the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Not someone else."

(He still looks for someone else, with whom to share His life.)

Someone else! I know this cry.
I've heard it in my heart.
Surely there is someone else
Who's not afraid to die!

Some One else - He steps right up.
"I'll be the first.
I'll be the way.
I am the Truth and Life.
I'll be your "Some One Else"."

Let me be like a dandelion that is blown by the wind, wherever it listeth. Soft, and susceptible to the tiniest puff of Your breath.

May Apples & Cherry Trees

He speaks in so many ways. I am learning to listen and see.

May apple, under
Your umbrella, hide away,
Content He sees you.

Cherry filigree,
leaves uncounted shiv'ring praise,
You live out your days.

Trunk, branches, and twigs,
Life-sap running in your veins
Upholds and sustains.

Dogwood Fascination

When we first moved onto our property, there was this puny little dogwood tree right behind our mobile home. It did not get it's fair share of sun, being towered over by much grander relations. Abe didn't think it was going to survive. It had no strength to produce flowers.
Over time, with the removal of other trees and more sun for it's nourishment, it gradually came into it's own. I feel like I have been privileged to watch it's journey and hopefully share in the growth. The birds love it. It is typically loaded with blooms. They start out quite small and green, fading to yellow, then white. As they grow they increase in size and whiteness. The blossoms eventually produce red berries that the birds love.
One year on my birthday, Abe got me a huge wind chime. I had been wanting one, but had no clue where to hang one. The best part of the gift was that he hung it in the dogwood...
What was once hardly noticeable, in our back yard, is now gloriously evident in our front yard. I think it's typical of God.

If I were a bird
I would choose your canopy
To find rest under.

If I were a bee
I would choose your sweet blossoms
To sip nectar from.

Since I am myself
I will simply enjoy you,
Revel in Your gift.