The golden-rod is yellow; The corn is turning brown; The trees in apple orchards With fruit are bending down. The gentian’s bluest fringes Are curling in the sun; In dusty pods the milkweed Its hidden silk has spun. The sedges flaunt their harvest, In every meadow nook; And asters by the brook-side Make asters in the brook, From dewy lanes at morning The grapes’ sweet odors rise; At noon the roads all flutter With yellow butterflies. By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather, And autumn’s best of cheer. But none of all this beauty Which floods the earth and air Is unto me…

Sunrise in the mountains, Molten copper sky. Light from Heaven’s herald Brings the day alive. And seeing this creation – It makes me catch my breath. Never take for granted This life in which we’re blessed. So thank you, God, I thank You – For smells and sounds and sights, As blackness fades to purple, And morning follows night. – Rose, Elephant Butte, NM

Until You Come There’s a longing deep within, That only You can fill. And a hunger in my heart – Won’t stop until You come. And I’m glad – so glad it’s there Because it leads me to Your door. I’m thankful for its call, With You there’s always more. ‘There’s a restless looking up, With hope Your face I’ll see. I have this promised dream – Won’t stop until You come. And I’m glad – so glad it’s there Because it leads me to Your feet. I’m thankful for desire, In You redemption’s sweet. There’s a wonder in my soul, With awe and burning fire; A never-ending reach, Won’t…