Yesterdays

    Yesterdays

    for CC

    The moment you appeared
    mouthy and sassy,
    full of feline eccentrics,
    you had won us over.

    You never gave any thought
    of adapting to our way of life –
    it is we who adapted
    to your ways.

    Now when arriving home,
    I still expect to see you
    sitting in the window waiting
    with an air of indifference.

    Little things that meant so much
    gone now never to be again.

— Dan Hardison


The Ravens Perch
October 2024

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

    Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

    We think back on days past
      and still remember
        the less pleasant ones.

    We might wish we could go back
      and change the past
        to hand-picked yesterdays.

    But if we changed the past
      moments we cherish today
        might be lost.

    Better to choose our memories
      and live for a better
        tomorrow.

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
September 2024

The Year Ending

    The Year Ending

    Sorting through accumulated things,
    and placing them in a box:
    a journal,
    photographs,
    notes on scraps of paper,
    a scribbled-on calendar,
    greeting cards,
    colorful sea shells,
    a leaf between folded paper.
    Bits and pieces gathered
    along the journey of the year ending.

    Although we welcome the new year
    there is a touch of longing
    for the time that has passed.

— Dan Hardison


The Ravens Perch
October 2024

A Christmas Tale

    A Christmas Tale

    It is the day after Christmas
      and the tree stands in the corner,
        lights flickering on the ceiling.

    Windows alight with candles,
      the wreath hangs on the door
        a nativity graces a side table.

    Gone are the colorful cookies and candy,
      the aroma of evening meals
        with family and friends.

    I bundle up for a walk with the dog.
      Outside all is quiet
        not ready to return to normal.

    Making our way along the sidewalk,
      we pass an old man walking
        in the opposite direction.

    He is stocky with white hair and beard,
      his step quick and confident.
        We nod to each other as we pass.

    A few more steps and I stop.
      There is something familiar
        in his bright eyes and slight smile.

    I turn around and he is gone,
      the sidewalk deserted,
        no one is stirring.

    The dog looks at me questioningly
      as if I have answers,
        so we continue our walk.

    But my thoughts linger
      on the old man
        and the child in me wonders . . .

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
December Edition 2023

Brightening

    Brightening

    The flowers had arrived
    for no specific reason
    except to brighten the day.

    After several days
    of being lovely
    they now look weary.

    The petals of the lilies
    are already gone
    as are most of the daisies.

    Leaves are turning brown,
    but the roses
    are still hanging on.

    So out comes the wilted
    and the tattered,
    the rest a bit of trimming.

    Now for a smaller vase,
    some fresh water,
    and a bit of arranging.

    For just a few minutes time
    there is a new bright spot
    in a brighter day.

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
September 2024