A Fall Afternoon

Have you ever sat amid a shallow creek

and just sat in silence on the gray roots of a cypress tree

while feeling the small drops of its red sap on you bare feet?

Have you ever leaned back against that tree

and watched its fingering branches way up high 

while they sway slowly and rhythmically in the wind?

Have you ever seen its leaves reflect the glittering gold of the sun

and dance to the almost silent music of the gentle breeze

while adding their own rustling to weave a magical symphony?

Did you then close your eyes and lose it all,

but slowly become aware of the song of the wind through the leaves... the branches... the grass,

weaving theirown story of a care free October day?

Did the song of the babbling brook sing you to the desire

to place your exposed feet in its cool, flowing waters?

Did you do it?  Would you do it?

Have you ever wished that another's touch

could be as gentle and loving as that of the light breeze

that softly caresses your beautiful face?

Did you wish that you could stay there

for hours... weeks... all eternity?

Have you ever had a friend by you,

who could make anything fun and exciting,

but could sit in solemn silence with you and appreciate it just the same?

An exciting friend and gentle friend?

A wonderful, perfect friend?

Have you ever been devastated at the moment you realized that you must go

and leave God's healing creation...

... Have you ever tried it?