Resurrection
by Laura Johnson
But for a few pitiful vestiges of summer past,
All signs of life have succumbed to Autumn’s breath,
And cold, gray Winter watches o’er
Dry, brown, crackling Death.
Lifeless and still, impotent limbs
Await Mercy in the silent glen.
*****
An era ends; the air grows warmer.
All around there shines a brighter hue.
The faithful Sun draws nearer,
And–from lifeless limbs–beckons life anew.
*****
Defying Death, Life springs forth.
Winter relinquishes his hold.
Dark, brittle shrouds fall to the earth,
As spring time buds unfold.
Empowered limbs, clothed in might,
Stretch and grow towards heaven’s light.
*******************************
Blinking Forest
By S Scott Johnson
Flashes on the still night air
Points of light, they hover there.
Winged creatures pose in gentle flight,
Mixing magic with the twilight.
*****
I watch for that fiery-red glow,
Though an intermittent show.
I wonder—is he there or here?
Guessing where he’ll reappear.
*****
Katydids call, forest eyes blink
Causing my soul’s sorrows to shrink.
Tiny lanterns moving in the dark,
Creation’s small, splendorous spark.
*****
Who fashioned this wondrous display?
Be careful the answer you weigh.
Thank You for this scintillating sight,
Oh God, our endless delight.
********************************
Awaken Oh Night
by Scott Johnson
Drowned in darkness, crickets softly call,
Mixing with dew drops, giving pulse to sleeping forest.
My gaze casts up as waning star eyes fall.
The trees begin to yawn, the birds begin their chorus.
*****
The soft, beginning glow, the gray dawn, the sun stirs the east,
Sending out its artistic rays to paint the dark silhouettes,
Bringing forth new finds, for the eye a changing feast.
No one resists, no one doubts and no one objects.
*****
The Barred Owl sounds his startling early song,
Bending and shaking the fabric of the air.
A turkey, a gobbler fairly close, answers back strong.
And then their voices cease, gradually ending the affair.
*****
A new day’s dawning in the twilight as the night music fades.
Surely an invisible Maestro guides this awakening, this growing throng.
His light fills the sky, illuminates the path, and decorates the glades.
Who challenges Him, questions Him or finds any wrong?
*****
The morning offers a spiritual glimpse of glorious things to form,
When evil finally withers and the tears are wiped away.
The Son grows ever, brighter; His beams against the heart gently warm.
Bring it Lord, please bring it – bring the Day.
**************************************
Ancient Flight
by Scott Johnson
A white speck amid the silver beams of Beech & Oak
Sits perched, searching the waters far and wide.
When suddenly the ancient stirrings provoke,
And into the air does leap with pride.
*****
The searching eyes, the steady glare, the resolute frown
With wings out swept and a focus unmatched,
The large, white headed raptor rushes down,
Sliding through the air to win an allusive catch.
*****
The majestic bird glides soundless above the water’s surface.
The talons reach out to find their prey,
But this is a classic moment, no need to rehearse.
Time & instinctive impulses lead the way.
*****
The large body rises on pumping wing above the glistening lake
And a fish cleverly clasped writhes frantically in the air,
While the eagle makes no apology, no mistake.
But the outcome – for one a feast, for one despair.
*****
But such is the circle of life and every creature lies bound.
For God has not unveiled the glorious thing.
Yet creation longingly awaits heaven’s sound
And the sons of God – their hope, their revealing.
********************************
Heaven’s Bay
by Scott Johnson
Endless trails lead to dark forests.
Shadows haunt my next escape.
Where will this path lead me?
Could there be a better way?
Oh relentless hound—Heaven’s Bay.
*****
The eternal hound bounds softly now,
Upon the hard packed soil—my heart.
His cry sounds through whistling wind.
Is this my time—this my day?
Who can outrun Heaven’s Bay?
*****
The howling grows louder now.
I run now with failing might.
I’m cornered—no way around.
Hairs bristled, the eye’s fiery display
Forever caught by Heaven’s Bay.
*****
He lifts his muzzle skyward.
A rapturous melody fills the air.
The Hunter’s not far behind.
I weep now in fallen dismay.
My fears made tears by Heaven’s Bay.
*****
The tireless dog stares into me.
My surrendered soul slumps down.
The chase is over; oh futile flight.
Tender feet ache; these feet made of clay.
Grace—the sweet sound of Heaven’s Bay.
*****************************
The Upward Trail
By Scott Johnson
Startling bright lights reveal the new day.
A wide wooded path, an easy, soft way
Leads me forward—no worry, no fear.
My vigor, my youth carry me with cheer.
*****
Strength and energy; they will not fail
Though I labor and toil for the Upward Trail.
The trail narrows to a fork, I notice ahead
My legs grow weary; I walk now with dread.
*****
The pack grows heavy; a huge burden to bear.
The steep, painful trek I neither wish nor dare.
When a stranger yells out, His staff He unveils.
He lifts me gently to the Upward Trail.
*****
He steals away my weight and joins it with His.
“Follow me,” He says, “You have to see this.”
Together we climb though the journey’s unsure,
But I trust this One—His motives are pure.
*****
My joints ache now; age casts its cruel spell.
The trip’s nearly finished on this Upward Trail.
The evening grows darker up the mountain accent.
Something is up there—a soft glowing hint.
*****
“Where are you my Friend? Have you left me tonight?”
“No,” He said, “Right beside you … just out of sight.”
He points to a spectacle the eyes cannot tell.
Heaven’s glories—the reward of the Upward Trail.
**********************************
The Glory of the Sons
by Scott Johnson
(Based on Proverbs 17:6 & written to my dad)
He cradles you now, oh son,
Searching you with proud eyes.
The precious child, little one.
He wipes your tears, stills your cries.
Our youth, time easily outruns.
Oh father—the glory of the sons.
*****
He disciplines you with care
Though the rod surely stings.
You call him unkind—unfair.
Wisely, he sees past these things
Though your rebellion he shuns.
Oh father—the glory of the sons.
*****
Bring him joy, young man—not despair.
Honor him though your lives do part.
He loves you more than you’re aware.
Keep his wisdom within your heart.
Guard it fast from the evil ones.
Oh father—the glory of the sons.
*****
Under this clay shadow, we grow,
Through God’s favor, His grand design.
He held the title first—you know.
Christ shows the true pattern, we find.
A faith passed on, my heart proudly dons.
Oh father—the glory of the sons.
*******************************
For the Love of a Horse
by Scott Johnson
(written to my daughter)
For the love of a horse a girl does smile.
She motions the steed with outstretched hand,
As he clip-clops for a while.
And the young lady issues no further demand.
*****
He paws proudly now in Georgia red clay,
As she strokes him, pats him and tells him – good boy!
For this is their routine, their way.
And no one steals their joy.
*****
The sun retreats over a still horizon,
Proclaiming the day complete.
The young woman holds her horse, eyes to the sun
And awaits tomorrow – a reunion, a repeat.
*****
Innocence shines clearly from both their eyes,
As the glowing ball descends.
And God looks down thru clear dusk skies.
His love for creation deepens.
*****
This girl and her horse make quite a pair
And their mutual affection’s quite inspiring.
The care, the friendship, the bond they share.
It’s clean, it’s pure and most desiring.
*****
God is well pleased with unfailing love.
Toward us He’s shown this freely.
This horse is truly a gift from above
And my daughter, my love, I cherish you completely.
*****************************
The Precious Dash Between
By Scott Johnson
(written to all who have lost a loved one)
Birth to death, the arching granite – a monument to our fall.
Who knows the moment, when He descends or when He issues the call?
Life’s a fleeting moment, and life is but a dash.
No one cheats corruption, no one escapes the ash.
He chose a period for you, His glories you presently glean.
You the little child, the precious dash between.
*****
Let us all be sober and take this scene to heart,
For as we each came into the world, we surely each must part.
God gives and God takes and no one knows that day.
To us, the lower ones, He offers grace, and ends our suffering way.
He lifts you now; He carries you to eternal dwelling unseen.
You the beloved one, the precious dash between.
*****
The dates begin to fade under the winds weathering blast.
But your name lies securely etched in the only Book that lasts.
All will forget your life and the things you’ve left behind,
He knows you, your faith, and every strand of hair. Only in Him you’ll find
The joy, the love, the immortal path, a destiny so serene.
You the adopted son, the precious dash between.
*****
Cherished in God’s sight – the death of His humble saint,
Though earthbound we weep; some mourn and some faint.
Heaven rejoices loudly, though we cannot hear their song.
But another one’s gone home tonight and joined the worshipping throng.
Go in peace my friend as you gaze with glorious eyes so keen.
You the loyal servant, the precious dash between.
**************************
Bulletproof Birds
by Scott Johnson
Birds
Bulletproof birds,
Streaming over the dawn-lit canopy.
Defying gravity, escaping lead, pellets
Raining overhead. Gray Barons,
Rulers of air.
Missed.
*****
Wings
Unfailing wings,
Gliding through the man-made storm.
Plastic shells sum, empty mementos lining
The ground below. Magicians,
Sleight of hand.
Gone.
*****
Odds
Unbelievable odds,
Barreling over wild-eyed, bewildered men.
Shooting again, and again, shaking hats at
The sad stats. Mathematicians,
All bets off.
Lost
