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
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
One year into our Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, how the priorities of my life have changed! No longer do my wife and I plan fun shopping trips, cafe lunches, or casual visiting with family and friends. Add to that the stress of politics and the realities of turning 80, and we are now living in a new ‘normal’, maybe forever.
The one thing that makes our situation bearable is an unwavering FAITH in a loving, caring God, and the love and companionship we give each other! And one of the best ways to feel and hear Him is in the solitude and beauty of nature, where no words are needed but only awareness.
winter walkabout
among the dead leaves
a dandelion shoot
©Al W Gallia 2021
November marked eight months since we began social distancing, wearing masks and self-isolating precipitated by the COVID-19 world pandemic. These months were filled with sickness, deaths, protests, economic shutdowns, riots, hurricanes, forest fires, floods, and an angry, hateful election. And now we face a Holiday Season of fearful uncertainty, loneliness and depression for many, and isolation from loved ones.
tick tock tick tock…
the old wall clock and I
commiserate
©️Al W Gallia
Still, we know we have been blessed by God with faith and hope over these long months. And we continue praying for our family, friends, and country as we move into this strange and lonely Christmas season, hopeful of God’s forgiveness, intercession, and healing hand. All that really matters to Him is that we love and care for one another, regardless of politics or religion.
quiet voices
in the church darkness
‘Lord have mercy’
©️Al W Gallia
I love to ramble or follow the bouncing ball through poet and faith blogs, and I am amazed to find so many Christians who think and feel the way I do. This post I share https://beautybeyondbones.com/2020/09/24/where-is-god/ is so refreshing, and the many comments so reinforcing for my spirit. Pray for America and the world.
covid, hurricanes,
fires, and hate destroy our land…
where are you, Lord?
©️Al W Gallia 2020-09-25
Unrest. Violence. Pandemics. Where is God in all of this suffering? Is He withdrawing? Does He hear our prayers? A note about reaping what you sow.
Where is God?
Jeremiah 11:14
2 Chronicles 7:14
Searching for Serendipity 