Leaves are falling

 ‘Leaves are falling’ Trgates,9/22/2025

leaves, some are falling early,
auburn shades will be missed,
the others will follow in due course 
hues covering the earth’s bier 
in time will give life to a dormant ground. 
a few shriveled leaves will remain,
reclining upon coming sprouts 
in the spring’s birth 
awaiting burial,
side by side shaded,
morning light drying those on their bier
readied red dirt’s repose,
and first blossoms peak out,
both in due time. 
always glad for new shoots,
only Jesus knows when 
I’ll appreciate the evening’s close.

Still amazed

 ‘still amazed’ Trgates,9/1/2025

Our white picket fence,
had to trim under the slats
every time we mowed.
funny, one afternoon it rained
like icicles straight down.
Sun was blinding,
one side it poured
other side it shined,
a young lad so amazed,
sat in the middle of a
fifteen minute eclipse.
heart contains the uncontainable
Cherubim and Seraphim amazed,
watching little children
red and yellow, black and white, more,
loved by one the hosts are amazed.
picket fences still need repainted
awaiting sun and rain
on either side,
and, yes,
I’m still amazed.

My grandpa and being grandpa; we ones teach us to sing

 ‘my grandpa and being papa’Trgates,8/31/25

seeing what’s timeless 
blue and brown eyes transcend mine,
then and now’s soaring.

‘wee ones teach us to sing’
’love’s tunes’ Trgates,4/24/2023;8/31/2025
Cardinals and Bluebirds
sing their songs,
those in Blessed Repose,
those still here
hear what few choose.
some join their psalms,
some close their ears,
while Cardinals and Bluebirds
know love isn’t separated by
here or there.
pausing between breaths,
Angels listen
in awe of the melodies
from Bluebirds and Cardinals
smiling with those
here and there,
with both we’re here,
only thing that causes
these singers to stop and listen —
children,
loud, rarely quiet,
tender hearts and souls
making harmony smile.

Morning will rise

 ‘morning will rise’ Trgates,8/29/2025

lightning scares a child 
a soft rain’s sound dries their tears 
Finches play again.

History?

     “What will history say? History, Sir, will tell lies as usual.” — from movie, ‘the devil’s disciple,’ with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Janette Scott, Eva Le Gallienne, Harry Andrews, directed by Guy Hamilton, 1959.