Late Autumn's Final Rain

The soil soaks up the water
That rains down from above,
While under the surface, spaces fill
Like a heart fills holes with love.
And after the drizzle has ended,
But before the impending winter chill,
The trees drink up the liquid,
Enriched before their world goes still.

We've already had several days of snow at this point in the year, and the trees shed their leaves a long time ago. But occasionally, the temperature climbs and reminds us that it's not actually winter yet. During those periods, we might see some rain falling and soaking into the thawing ground.

Entranced

I glance out the window
Through the darkness of the night.
Movement catches my eye,
Shadows pluck the strings of sight.
Four deer across the street
Grazing in the grass,
Peace at once envelops me.
I stand entranced before the glass.

Sometimes before I go to bed, I look out the window and see deer in my neighbors' yards. Whenever that happens, I can't help but stand there and watch them for a little while. 

The Stronger Poetry of Life

I could craft new verses everyday,
Until they fill the blank and waiting pages
Of notebooks stacked so neatly on my shelves.
I could read as well the wisdom of the sages,
And surely, it would be enlightening.
But though I’d learn of wonders deep and true,
My song would not be near as strong
As if I’d spent one afternoon with you.

It's been a while since I've posted a poem - teaching has been keeping me very busy! I got a chance to see some friends and family over Thanksgiving, which is what gave rise to this one. It's a reminder that, while great ideas can come from thinking, reading, and writing, living life and interacting with one another can often be the strongest source of inspiration and wonder.