just like that

just like that
the evening comes with a chill
street lights flicker early
wrap the blanket round
wasn't it yesterday
thought the heat never ended
prayed for rain
now the grey days begin
the last raspberries of summer
still burst on the tongue
flavour of warm days past

what's here was gone
what's gone will come
again

the scent of wood burning
as shadows lengthen
the wind bites
another year is dying
burying missed moments
golden happy hours
perhaps a heartbreak or two
close the door
turn off the lamp
pull the covers close
just like that

front porch

that step still creaks
the roses still sway
and the breeze is sweetly fresh
when i touch the knob
the memories flood
of a thousand yesterdays
picnics on blankets
songs by the fire
the days my skin was less scarred
i remember your laugh
the smile in your eyes
it made everything seem alright
walks in the sunset
stories at bedtime
the taste of a pancake at dawn
the smell of your shirt
the flop of your hair
i'm seeing you right where you were
as i pause on the verge
let the thoughts fly
inanimate careless things
i can't stop the past
from sweeping in strong
but i can kiss goodbye to the hurt
so bravely i come
i'll open the door
thanks for leaving the light on

newness

i'm facing today with my hands lifted high
trust falling into His arms
my eyes are wide open to all that He's done
ready for what comes next
the way that the trees wave praises in silence
seems new in the morning's light
keep silent you hills and rocky crevasses
my lungs are filled with His song
each simple smile or wind through the flowers
speaks hope to my aching heart
for He promises truth though the dark closes in
so i'll hope against hope once more
as children taste treats with superlative joy
so i shout to the heavens
i remember those times when i wept in the night
finding joy comes with the dawn
though i can't see the way from off of this ledge
His wings will carry me
and when over Jordan i finally stand
all will be by His grace
the walls will fall down and the enemy flee
and i'll bow to my knees in awe
what storm are you facing with waves billowed high
you can sleep in the bow
knowing He silences wind with a word
rest in His power and care
He promises never to let your foot stumble
your way is sure and free
awaken each morning His mercies to claim
His presence will guide you through