RIVER BANKS

RIVER BANKS

I took a walk this afternoon

Down where the river flows

I watched the grey waters

And saw where the wild weed grows.

I viewed the swollen river

And the ducks as they glided by

I sat on the bank by the reeds

And I heard the river sigh.

The sky was heavy laden

No sun to warm the air,

I heard the river murmur

As she passed without a care.

A pewter sky above me 

Wet grass beneath my feet,

My heart was filled with emotion

As I quietly took a seat.

I was sheltered by a gum tree

Whose age I could not tell

Magestic eucalypt beauty

I know it oh so well.

The air was heavy with fragrance

Of gum leaves damp and wet

I was dressed for winter

And her solitude I met.

Children playing on the swings

Cyclists on their way

All taking pleasure 

On this cold cold winter day.

For me it was more than this

I took time set apart

Gave in to the thoughts that come

From a very grateful heart.

I thought about my life

And the way the days have been

And how very blessed I am 

And what it all could mean.

I have so much in my life

For which to offer thanks

It all became so very clear

As I sat on the river banks.

My heart was overflowing

Much like the river on it's way

With thankful thoughts and happy

On this winter Saturday.

I have been given many gifts

And because of them I live

I am very grateful 

And I have lots to give.

I am blessed in many ways

With family and with friends,

I have those who love me

And will 'til my journey ends.

So this day beside the river

Brought happy and sweet tears

A time of quiet solitude

And a time to ease my fears.

The afternoon was quickly gone

And the darkness soon came near

A misty rain was falling

As I wiped away a tear.

I remembered those I love

And quietly whispered my thanks,

I turned and headed for home

Away from the river banks.

© Linda J. Vaughan

June 23rd. 2012

A COLD COMPANION

A COLD COMPANION

I walked today

And she held my hand,

She let me see the mist ~

The damp upon the land.

I felt her cold breath

As she whispered in my ears ~

That this is how it has always been

Over all the years.

I heard her laughter

As the wind blew through the trees

We walked together by the river ~

What special times are these. !

I saw the water ripple

As we skipped a stone ~

Winter was my companion

And I was not alone.

Her tears of rain upon my face

Her fingers through my hair

I walked today with winter

Her presence everywhere. 

©  Linda J. Vaughan

WINTER'S ROSE

WINTER’S ROSE 

I saw it early in the morning

When the frost was on the grass,

A picture of impeccable beauty ~

I could not let this moment pass.

Dewdrops on the petals

Of this winter flower,

A fragrance in my garden

In the early morning hour.

Too soon will come the cold wind

And the petals will be blown,

One single forlorn blossom

In my garden I have grown.

Yet it encourages me

To also stand strong and tall,

One solitary blossom,

In my garden by the wall.

This winter rose holds beauty

And memories of days gone by,

Why, then am I surprised

To find a tear within my eye.

In the quiet of early morning

When the garden shares a hush,

I find that am captivated by

A winter rose’s blush.

© Linda J. Vaughan

WINTER SUNSHINE

WINTER SUNSHINE

I love the winter sunshine

Without the fierce heat,

I love it when the shadows

Make pictures at my feet.

The walks beside the river

With trees reflected there,

Glistening ripples on the water,

Days without a care.

The winter sunshine brings

 Contentment to my days,

The outlines of the bare trees

Etched by sunshine’s rays.

The rising of the winter sun

Chasing away the mist,

The dewdrops on the cold grass ~

The world is sunshine kissed.

I love the winter sunshine,

And the promise that it brings,

Sunshine silhouettes gleaming

Oh how my heart sings!

© Linda J.  Vaughan

COLD MORNING AT THE BEACH

COLD MORNING AT THE BEACH

Sand blowing

Sea birds calling

Dogs running

Children skipping ~

Cold morning at the beach

People talking

Friends walking

Someone swimming

Others jogging~ 

Cold morning at the beach.

Pelicans flying past

White caps on the water

People watching

From their cars ~

Cold morning at the beach.

Old friends reminiscing

Memories of people missing

Two old mates on a bench

Remembering other days ~

Cold morning at the beach.

Lapping water

Pools and shells

Seaweed with its musty smells

Shell grit under foot ~

Cold morning at the beach.

A cargo ship on the horizon

A yacht with sails unfurled

Motor boat soon passing

Foaming water in its wake;

Cold morning at the beach.

Sunshine and shadow

Grey clouds across the sky

People walking together

And others quite alone ~

Cold morning at the beach.

Pewter coloured water

Beneath a steel grey sky

A Kiosk serving coffee

A busy place indeed ~

Cold morning at the beach..

© Linda J, Vaughan

A COLD SUNDAY MORNING

MUSING ON A COLD SUNDAY MORNING.

The steel grey sky and icy wind

Have crept into my day,

A winter Sunday morning

Has slowly come my way.

The wind is strong and cold

As it blows around my face.

The silver beads of raindrops

Making patterns just like lace.

The trees are stark and winter bare

Of leaves and greenery.

Picturesque and very beautiful

This wintery scenery.

Children dressed all warmly

With hats and gloves and coats.

A deserted lonely boating lake ~

No small and bobbing boats.

The playground swings are still

Apart from the wind that blows,

And under this cold earth

The graceful daffodil grows.

The ducks are on the river

The gulls fly up above ,

A couple walking hand in hand ~

So very much in love.

An inside day for lots of folk

By fireside and with book,

Special music to listen to

And something nice to cook.

There are so many things I like

About this time of year

Warm thoughts and memories

Of those I hold so dear.

Those who are so busy 

With ventures new and exciting

A new job and new study

Lectures and some writing.

So on this winter Sunday

I take the time apart

To carry you all safely

In my warm and loving heart.

© Linda J. Vaughan

2011