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

A Thought

    A Thought

    Have you ever
    gone for a walk in autumn
    and picked up an acorn
    then realized
    that in the palm of your hand
    is a whole tree?

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
Daily Verse 2023

Concealed

    Concealed

    the earth
    warmer than air
    spinning a pearly veil
    cloaking everything within sight
    in mist

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
Daily Verse 2023