Within, Around, and Through

    Within, Around, and Through

    The wind came racing
    through the trees today
    but there is no summer left
    only bare limbs remain.

    Swirling, searching
    through the emptiness –
    nothing left to take away
    only loneliness to be found.

    And the wind will dream
    for the time to come again
    of waving boughs of green
    that brush the sky of blue.

    — Dan Hardison


Calliope
Spring Edition, 2025

Cup of Sunshine

    Cup of Sunshine

    Beyond the kitchen window
    an icy wind swirls snow
    in a wintry landscape.

    The kettle whistles
    signally it is time
    for a cup of tea.

    A spicy aroma rises
    from the fragrant pond
    steaming in my cup.

    Sipping now this potion
    thoughtfully brewed
    and greatly appreciated.

    — Dan Hardison


The Ravens Perch
February 2025

Bamboo with Ladybug
(colored pencil)
7" x 5"

Donated to PAE26
To benefit people afflicted by Alzheimer's
The Hague, Netherlands
Opening Exhibition and Sale, June 6, 2026


(Postcard Art Exhibit, formally TAE)

Poem for Redbird

    Poem for Redbird

    I always think that the best way
    to know God is to love many things.
    — Vincent Van Gogh

    In spring and summer
    I barely noticed you
    among the flower blooms.

    When autumn came
    you blended in with the
    brightly colored leaves.

    But in winter
    with bare branches
    and snow covered ground

    you were still there
    bringing beauty and comfort
    like a lullaby in the night.

    There are those who believe
    that you have been sent
    by loved ones now departed.

    But this I know
    there is a word you represent
    and that word is love.

    — Dan Hardison

While I Wasn't Looking

    While I Wasn't Looking

    It has been several days
    since I passed this way
    and gazed upon the maple tree.
    Now as I approach
    with a chill in the air
    I see things have changed.
    The leaves of scarlet and gold
    have taken flight
    and lie on the ground.
    While I wasn't looking
    the seasons changed
    and now it is a winter tree.

    — Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
December 2025