Edward J. Dunn

The kitchen table
has absorbed a lot
over all the years
the touch of each person
has left an impression
so deep within
sealed for life
a feast of memories
a family time capsule.

An early morning stroll
Is so good for the soul
Creation on display
A great start to the day

Hand and hand we went
It was time well spent
Does not happen enough
Too much other stuff

The air was cool and still
We wandered down the hill
Gazing at what was around
Listening to every sound

Along the road were flowers
Watered by random showers
Weeds with a touch of dew
Animal tracks only a few

We continued to walk
Heard a red-tailed hawk
A distant cow faintly moo
And a turtle-dove or two

An acorn fell from a tree
A guilty squirrel we did see
It scampered off real fast
From limb to limb he passed

The road crossed a creek
No water of which to speak
Through the cedars it traveled
Taking with it some gravel

Carrying on for a little bit
Taking the road that split
Brought us to a large field
With a view that appealed

Across the grass swaying
Were big hills displaying
Like miniature mountains
Our favorite encounters

Boring this all may seem
To us it is like a dream
Being able to slow down
And see what God has around

Mom was there
when we were hard to bear

Mom was there
at our first breath of air

Mom was there
feeding us in the highchair

Mom was there
to teach us to share

Mom was there
when we were not aware

Mom was there
when things were unfair

Mom was there
with loving care

Mom was there
to end the nightmare

Mom was there
when we were elsewhere

Mom was there
in much prayer

Mom is there
a gift not to forbear

To forgive is not easy to do
when someone has wronged you.
It is hard to let go
of the hurt you know.

An apology is nice
though it may not suffice
if bitterness takes heart
unforgiveness will not part.

It can last for years
cause many of tears
hinder the Spirit
to where you can't hear it.

The way to get free
is to let it be
truly forgive
fully live.

Trust in the Lord.
Live out His Word.
Forgiveness came through Jesus.
His grace will free us.