Samuel drys dishes beside his wife, watching her scrub diligently. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail, brown eyes locked on the task at hand. She bites her lips absentmindedly. He notices the little scratch on her cheek from where she tried nuzzling their cat, and the memory makes him smile.

“Your slowing down.” She teases.

“Maybe your going too fast.” He quips.

She gives him a sideways glance...

If desires are a flame, then I am a wildfire

If longing be a weight, then I am with burden

For I see you in the sunset,

I see you at dawn

Your love is like water, a relief to dry hearts

Your embrace a cool breeze, healing from the day

To feel you in person

Feel you beyond dreams

My beloved, please be patient

My beloved, please forgive me

I will be home again soon....

God why must I struggle,

Between light and shadow,

Right and wrong?

Works and grace?

My spirit wrestles, fights,

Against you and the world

Where is my song?

Where is my praise?

You’ve been faithful through it all

My rock in times of trouble

Show me, change me for the better

Help me feel your compassion

For in my weakness I falter, I grieve

Yet you hold fast, you endure, you forgive...

A chilling breeze, falling leaves,

The first whisper of new wonder.

Orange and red flutter as I ponder,

Of fantasy and novel dreams.

Nothing is as it seems,

As I think through mighty thunder.

A fresh idea, one after another,

When rain starts running off the eaves.

This time is special every year.

A blessed change in atmosphere.

So rare to have a vision so clear.

Why can’t I have this every day...