Autumn Shadows

Tomorrow's snow, yesterday's blossom.  
In vain seeking to walk in a shadow.
Pain and pride will not burn up in a fire,
So rest not in any period but the now.

Life holds passing memories like raindrops
Sitting on oak leaves with the wind blowing.
Never bury colorful feelings in the ground,
But share them like old glory after 9-11-01.

God gave four seasons before eternity
Each one to be enjoyed in their own time.
Not because it is the end or the beginning,
For it could very well be both of these.  

Autumn's daylight grows shorter each day,
But the harvest time has come our way.
Let's not be afraid of dying in the cold,
But bravely fight being cold at the end.

If God would transport me to any season,
And grant me the power to make a difference.
I'd live where today's calendar finds me,
Changing the inside of people not the view.

By Alan T. Stokes             October 2, 2001