All the leaves in the canopy
The Lord knows every one
Every grain of sand beneath the seas
And baking in the sun
All the flakes on every peak
He calls them all by name
He warms our hearths when he speaks
Each leaping fiery flame
Every soul you’ve every known
He knitted them with care
Hand-placing every chromosome
And numbering every hair
He knows this world He’s spoken
As every author should
So you and I can trust Him
When He says even we are good
Just so you know,
I thank God for you.
Early in the morning
as you come into view.
Spontaneously throughout the day
as you are sweet to me.
Several times at night
when you’re the final sight I see.
I thank God for you’re
walking mercy to me,
Cherished wife of my youth, on our
Anniversary.
I love these legs.
With their scrapes and bruises
That serve as reminders they carry
a little human who chooses
Adventure.
Whatever form it may take;
Be it a run through the garden
Or a swim in the lake.
“Again!”,
Is her battle cry
When we throw the ball
Or I lift her high.
“Tay-Tay touch it”,
She says when she spies
Creeping things,
Frogs, birds, or flies.
Oh, my girl!
You make Dada proud
When you leap in faith
With a squeal so loud.
Yes, my girl!
Drain life to the dregs.
Tumble, run, and jump
On those wonderful legs!
A summer stroll did one night yield
A luminescent surprise:
A harvest-ready lightning bug field
With fireflies on the rise.
I paused with my family there to note
And to watch these miracles fly;
Aleatoric embers floating
Like living lanterns towards the sky.
To my ears a summer storm is all
Sizzle, patter, rumble.
To my eyes it’s puddle bubbles
In the drive.
To my nose, it’s wet earth;
To my skin, liquid darts.
But, I can’t describe
A summer storm’s worth
To my heart.
These million green needles,
All assigned their dewdrop rations,
Bring me peace.
Lofted o’re their heads,
Each morning they declare,
That th’Heavenly Father provides
Their daily bread.
From the interstate I can see
The pastures roll and rise
Towards the sky
In Tennessee
