Supplication

I am so tired and weary,
So tired of the endless fight,
So weary of waiting the dawn
And finding endless night.
That I ask but rest and quiet –
Rest for days that are gone,
And quiet for the little space
That I must journey on.

— Joseph S. Cotter, Jr.

Photo by Dan Hardison
Wilmington, North Carolina

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Rain Music

On the dusty earth-drum
Beats the falling rain;
Now a whispered murmur,
Now a louder strain.
Slender, silvery drumsticks,
On an ancient drum,
Beat the mellow music
Bidding life to come.
Chords of earth awakened,
Notes of greening spring,
Rise and fall triumphant
Over every thing.
Slender, silvery drumsticks
Beat the long tattoo –
God, the Great Musician,
Calling life anew.

— Joseph S. Cotter, Jr.

Photo by Dan Hardison
Red Clay State Park, East Tennessee

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