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

Two of Us

    Two of Us

     for Pixie

    The dog is in the yard
    and wanders around sniffing
    then stops and looks around.

    Now she appears confused,
    I stepped back inside the house
    and she cannot find me.

    Her hearing is almost gone
    and her eyesight is failing,
    age is taking its toll.

    She takes a few steps, stops,
    the head turning side to side
    then moving again, searching.

    I move towards her now
    and when close, she sees me,
    then starts walking towards me.

    I can imagine a sigh of relief
    as she follows me to the house
    safe again by my side.

    Her unflinching eyes look at me
    as if I am all the world to her,
    but she is everything to me.

    Yet I know the day will come
    when I will have to walk
    with loneliness by my side.

— Dan Hardison


The Wise Owl
September Edition 2025