White bark, dead flowers
Bare branches crisscross the sky
Lacy leafless woven tapestry
Red headed bird flies by
Sweet songs catch my ears
What seemed dead is alive
Feathered chorus serenades
Then they quickly hide
Thank You Lord for the treasure
Of Your amazing creation
Lifts my heart with praises
It’s like a mini-vacation!
Copyrighted 2020 Cheryl S Birch
Photo taken by Cheryl S Birch
A precious door closed yesterday
The past is now shut tight
I'm not sure of my way
But, the Lord's assurance is my light
Sitting in my garden chair
I pondered "Has my future died?"
A Wind, a strong puff of air
Opened my garden gate very wide
Heaven suddenly touched my thought
"I've opened a door wide for you!"
Such excitement my heart caught
"Be Brave! Be Bold! Walk through!"
copyright 2019 Cheryl S Birch
photo found on Google labeled for reuse
Angry leaves fight the wind
Many lose the battle
Ripped from their branch
They sail, swirl, and rattle
Nonetheless, there’s great beauty
As they gather on the ground
Colorful array of shapes
Rusty orange, yellow and brown
The trees sway back and forth
Trying to hold onto to summer
But, autumn has taken hold
Green gives way to umber
All nature offers God resplendent glory
Boldly reflecting His pleasure
Golden transformation everywhere
Season of heavenly treasure
Copyrighted 2018 Cheryl S Birch
Photos label Free for Use on Google
His sunshine winked at me
I smiled back, delighted
Clear skies bathed me in a blue sea
Soft wind danced around excited
Brilliant magenta flowers laugh
Their leaves gently clap with joy
Butterfly took a daisy nap
Kitty chased a dried leaf “toy”
Bees dart, distant bells bong
My eyes find a lady bug gem
Unseen birds sing a happy song
Chimes try to join with them
In my garden I find such peace
Its surprises are never ending
God’s creation is always a feast
His presence and love abounding!
copyright 2018 Cheryl S Birch
photo by author
Tall stand of gold
Shorter clump of burgundy
Burst of orange, bright and bold
Surrounds an old dead tree
Its branches barren
Still reaching for the sky
Beaten, weathered, worn
Trunk blackened, gray and dry
Encompassed by such beauty
A lavish Autumn color-fest
Standing guard its apparent duty
Starkness its stunning crest
The explosion of Fall hues
Overwhelms the forest soldier
Wind strong, creeks its bows
Branch crashes just past my shoulder
Leaves rustle and swirl at my feet
A dance of yellow and brown
Sun peeks out warming my seat
On the bench below its crown
There I find a place of rest
In the lacy shadows of that tree
Talking to my Lord God of Grace
I’m safe, calm, loved and free!
Copyright 2017 Cheryl S Birch – Photo by Author
Sun hangs in the sky so low
Even high noon seems a bit less bright
Trees display a rusty green glow
Flowers look like they’ve been in a fight
Nights are cool, mornings brisk
Warm afternoons still linger
Flocks of birds won’t take a risk
Mount up in flight sensing winter
Autumn peeking out more each day
Can’t hide behind summer any longer
Soon she will burst; a colorful display
A God-given golden orange wonder!
Copyright Cheryl S Birch 2017
photo labeled for reuse on google
Beauty of that sliver of moon
Soft white against the pre-morning sky
Lovely azure turning clear blue too soon
Echoes of a mourning dove’s cry
Silence that wraps like a soft blanket
Interrupted by a cat’s meow
Sudden breeze, trees make a racket
Day is awakened, night takes a bow.
Sun arises glistening peach gold
Bird chorus erupts in a welcome song
Quiet transformed to noise, loud and bold
Workers pounding; saws whining strong
Still nothing can disturb the peace I feel
Remembering the still awe of sunrise
Such beauty my God reveals
Everyday He creates a new surprise.
Copyrighted 2017 Cheryl S. Birch
Photo by Bob King
Collapsed into my garden chair
Melancholy wrapped my heart
I cried out: Life’s unfair!
But, gray despair would not depart
More than sunshine met me there
Warmth flooded the depths of my soul
Sadness ran as did every care
Rays of Love’s Light made me whole
Clouds of fear evaporated
Joy arrived abounding
Oppression vanquished; annihilated
Healing touch astounding
Bird song now more lovely than ever
Garden glows with color
Beautiful gifts from the Life Giver
Thank you God of Wonder!
copyrighted Cheryl S Birch 2017
Went outside for a quiet time
Met by crows loud caw
Squawking loud, jays chime
Laying down the law
Mockingbirds whistle and tweet
Causes a sparrow choir
Determined, I take my seat
To the chitter of hummingbird fliers
Ahh! A moment of silence
Observing lovely blooms
Refreshed by greenery thick and dense
A car backfire booms
Serenade of motorcycle roars
More birds upset; crazy sound
Neighbor hollers slamming doors
I hold my place with chaos around
When suddenly peace pours down
All sounds fade away
He comes with a love drenched crown
My God is close today
Garden glows with joy abundant
Colors praise His name
I rest in His arms triumphant
So very grateful that He came!
copyrighted Cheryl S Birch
All rights reserved
Azaleas full bloom
Geraniums wind-dance
Bees soar and zoom
Small trees seem to prance
Spring winds so gusty
Send kites to flight
Squeaking gate, old, rusty
Bangs the fence in a fight
Sun warms my face
Waltzing pines put on a show
Two jays in a race
Cross sky-blue chasing a crow
Flowers everywhere
A colorful rainbow
Trees green beyond compare
I’m happy; heart aglow
Everything’s brand new
What looked dead, now alive
Butterfly visits on cue
A day to celebrate, not just survive
God loves us in every way
He gives us lovely gifts
Like a perfect Spring day
As our weary hearts He lifts
Copyrighted 2016 Cheryl S Birch
Photo taken by author
Cheryl Birch 