O shimmering moon –
setting on sorrow.
Watcher of the night,
sleepy eyes hopeful
for optimistic awakening.

Dreamers lament,
old thoughts drift,
impending rebirth.

Even daylight awaits
your departure.
Your countenance unfailing,
you hear the whispers
of the darkened sky.

Degas

Temporal winds blown
leave me tarnished
and scratched in
brambled insults
to character once
clearly defined –
but alas
now swaying
in crippling breeze.

Where is hope
in such places?
How easily I forget
that Jacob’s ladder
from heaven to earth
is gilded in truth
and love and extended
to my heart for my eyes
to see the face of God.

Rick Stassi

October 22, 2018

Ann Ancher

My feet gone ragged
from toiled path.
My self-determination to
find peace always
clouds a simple
wisdom.
A quiet moment with
eternal gaze.
Sanctuary
is where
I meet God.