"A Stroll through the Park"

(Composed in mid-November,
the week of Veterans' Day 2008).

The beginning of a path
Open and inviting.
The gentle breeze whispers to me
Bids me come for a stroll.

"Open your eyes and see!"
He calls unto me.
"Gaze upon the beauty of this place.
Enter into its warm embrace."

Meandering up the grassy hill, I stroll.
Shady trees outstretch their branches,
Extending outward, upward,
As though reaching toward heaven.

In the rustling leaves birds chirp,
The winged chorus of beautiful harmony,
Accompanied by the hum of insects
Dancing in the breeze.

A squirrel prances
A lizard leaps
A butterfly flutters by
As birds twirl in the sky.

The patter of rabbits' feet
Eager to join the jig
Celebrating the beauty of the day
And proclaiming their Creator's praise.

The breeze caresses the trees
Orchestrating the woodwinds' play.
Leaning against a tree,
I hum along, enraptured by the melody,
Warmed by the sun's enveloping ray,
Swaying in the gentle breeze.