Cara Colleen

The miles flow by and I wonder what lies ahead? what’s round the bend?
The gray skies beckon with their unseen, unacknowledged beauty.
I can answer their call during this period of calm.
Memories go by and some stop and visit for a while.
The variegated gray reminds me of things long lost,
Replaced by new treasures and moments.
It is a bittersweet beauty—that cloudy sky so full of threat, of promise.
Who knows whether it will be a refreshing shower or a torrential downpour?
Remembrances of both crowd in for just a moment.
I breathe a deep sigh… and let them all go.
Now has its own beauty; the future its own promise; the past is simply experience.
Some of it built character. Some of it revealed flaws.
All of it has been swept away by new clouds, new rains, new sunny days even…
I cannot regret any of the past because it cannot be changed, only remembered.
The reminiscences are pleasant, though the memories aren’t always.
I know today is a second chance—a new beginning with a clean slate.
I can write whatever I wish and make whatever choices need making
With some degree of confidence.
I have been soaked in sorrows, harassed by hardships, and
Buoyed by joys in this river, often flooded by new rainfall.
Still, the clouds beckon me.
Part of me loves their multihued gray-whites far more
Than clear, blue sunny skies with white puffs.
It is difficult to accept that I should experience happiness,
Because I am so much more familiar with crisis.
I am still learning to go with the new flow.
I went round a life-changing bend awhile back and I’m still reeling.
So the miles flow by and I wonder…
I don’t wonder too hard though. Whatever comes, I can deal with
Since my riverboat Captain is steering my vessel for me
Through all the weather and waterway changes.

It seems there is some reason
Why we celebrate this season
But from all the lights and jingles
Frequent mentions of Kris Kringle
Seems that most folks now just don’t remember
There are other holidays now
That are mentioned (don’t offend now)
But I’m standing on my tiptoes
Shouting truth that everyone knows
If it weren’t for Christ it’d just be plain December

Every special day has place
But not one should be effaced
In the interests of “politically correct”
I’m just stating facts so I can stand erect
I’m proclaiming Christmas’ value in its roots
It’s enough to make us proud
In the holidaying crowd
I reserve the right to not offend
And you can “not offend” me, friend
If it’s Happy Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, too.

I will still say Merry Christmas
Whether you believe or not, that’s
Not a thing I’d know in passing,
Just a wish for all, a blessing.
Tell me what you wish and we will both rejoice
It’s a joy that comes each year
Through the trials and the tears
I’ll not stop telling those I see
That the Christ child set me free
And He offers every person that same choice.

The crucible of Christ—
The flames of circumstance—
Come daily shape my life
Just like a holy dance.
The music stirs my feet
And I cannot be still.
It is through the fire’s heat
That His Spirit works His will.

Sometimes I want to fight.
I cannot understand,
But I must give up my right
Each time He calls again.
The Everlasting One
Knows best the path I tread.
I dance in faith alone
As His mercy lifts my head.