The complete absence of sound…the smell and sight of fresh snow…my memories flow back from my winter walkabouts in Montana! So clean, so quiet! Yet I always sense God’s nearness. I do miss it sometimes. Blessings and peace, my friends. Happy New Year!
Sitting on a pier at Perdido Bay, Florida on a still winter evening, i feel so blessed as the sunset kaleidoscope slowly turns.
‘raw sienna’ drips
Al W Gallia
from the artist’s brush…
winter blaze
I sense God’s peace and comfort settle in my soul, and I hear His whisper, “Be still and know I am your God. I love you!”
a seagull settles nearby
Al W Gallia
unimaginable colors
beckon my soul
a withering leaf…/ remnants of nature’s beauty/ litter the forest
Al W Gallia
Some things are timeless… not related to human manipulation and degradation. The beauty of unspoiled Nature in her virgin glory, a gift from our loving God, is at the top of my list:
A golden leaf swirling in a stream’s eddy; mottled sunlight on a blossom; a cardinal sitting on a limb; a sand-fall down a canyon wall; even a new dandelion rising through a cracked rock. Whether a fading leaf or a wizened old woman, innate beauty never changes and remains locked in time, unblemished forever.
a circling butterfly
Al W Gallia
touches down on her finger tip
breeze blown wildflowers
True beauty has no need of mankind’s touch, but only to be left alone to radiate and be appreciated.
Last light of a hot summer day. As the hum of awakening mosquitoes grows louder in my ears, I pause for a last look at monotone surreality.
still waters…
Al W Gallia
hushed swishing
of heron’s wings
And I whisper, “Lord, thank you.” No more need be said..
(Image is AI generated)
As early sunlight breaks over the trees at an Alabama state park, a light breeze begins to tickle the lake’s sleepy surface. A cardinal pair chirps nearby. The aroma of hot coffee wafting, I take my first sip slowly and begin to muse on God’s blessing of nature’s uncorrupted beauty,
summer morning…
shadows rippling over
reflections
Al W Gallia
A gentle voice I’ve heard so often in my mind reminds me again: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Jn 14:27
Today, I was privileged to witness another of my wife’s animal whispering encounters! A dragonfly flitting about our blooming gardenia found a rest stop which Bobbie quickly spotted. As she always does, she started a conversation and, for a few moments, they shared some special connection and message. I never stop being amazed!
resting dragonfly
Al W Gallia
her fingertip senses
a tentative touch
I am very honored to have one of my haiku selected for Daily Haiku. Thank you, Charlotte.
storm clouds passing
a woodpecker peeks
from a dripping hole
Daily Haiku: Jan. 6, 2022
My friends…many of the haiku I am prompted to write arise from visual experiences as my wife, Bobbie, and I travel in our motorhome RV. If we see something special and meaningful while I drive, she takes photos! Posts like this are collaborative, with a bit of embellishment on my part, and works well for us! Her capture of this old tree along the roadside was my prompt in this haiku/haiga/haibun. Thanks, sweetheart..
Thunder slowly rolls into the distance after the cold rain storm. The old tree never wavered but held its ground as it has for over a hundred years. Water dribbles down its remaining bark, winding through old ridges and crevices and onto the anthill below. A crow circles the tree once and flies on. Somewhere across the field, a cow moos.
storm clouds pass…
a woodpecker’s head
in a dripping hole
©Al W Gallia
I pull back my rain hood, breathe the fresh, crisp air, and walk out from the dilapidated cow shed toward my grandparent’s house across the field. From their chimney, the north wind carries the aroma of woodsmoke and bacon! Picking up my pace, I have a happy “thank you, Lord” in my heart.
the old limbless tree
warms in bright winter sun…
woodsmoke on the breeze
©Al W Gallia
A perfect autumn afternoon at Lake Martin, a short drive from home. The kind of day that brings a smile to my face, even when no one else is around, and chases stress and concern quickly away with beautiful earth-tones, stillness, and reflections, and life’s chorus.
a young gator waits
in dappled autumn sun
the frog moves closer
Al W Gallia
I treasure my time in Nature’s solitude; it is my direct channel to meditation and prayer where God is always present. Blessings and peace.
A tinge of autumn in the air this morning! How delightful! The Indian Summer days following will be filled with subtle color changes and countless dragonflies. I love the feel of this season…it promises a rebirth of Joie de vivre if we are just patient and have faith.
swaying cypress moss…
countless dragonflies flitting
over the lilies
©️Al W Gallia
You are made of almost nothing
But of enough
To be great eyes
And diaphanous double vans;
To be ceaseless movement,
Unending hunger
Grappling love...
Excerpt from 'The Dragonfly' by Louise Bogan
Blessings and peace, my friends
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