Snow Angel

They tell stories about angels this
time of year,
how they spoke to folks, and sang,
and coaxed …

You may believe, or say it’s not so.

You may make yours out of snow.

You may think you hear or see one. 

Or you may, in fact, just be one.

____________________
"Snow Angel"
Photo © 1999 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1999 Penny Pefley

Snowman

The beauty of it all is
we can create newness
out of ordinary stuff
every day.

Sharing the spirit of Christmas
is as simple as this:

Be who you are
where you are;

Lighten the hearts
of those who pass by; 

And leave an echo behind.

________________

Photo © 1998 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 198 Penny Pefley

Gingerbread Tree

And what is it you see by the Christmas light?

…homemade cookies

…one long-ago night

…a toy, a memory, a look of delight?

Aromas and music whose richness you love

Or hopes for world peace, settling gentle as doves …

Whatever the echo or dream you hold fast 

May it feed and sustain you, long may it last 

as a jewel still shining when Christmas is past.

________________________

Photo © 1997 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1997 Penny Pefley 

Winter Tree

What messages whisper to us
in winter’s darkness?

From the still, frozen forest

On every frost-covered bough …

Etchings of Peace.

 May gentle peace fall on your Christmas

soft as last night’s snow.
__________________
Photo ©1996 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1996 Penny Pefley

Winter Refuge

It’s the season for seeking out Warmth and Light,

For coming together, and children’s delight;

For calming our hearts to hear what is true,

For observing traditions, and making Love new.

The year’s been a long one, the hills have been steep,

With peace hard to come by, and faith hard to keep;

We may never have needed the hearthfire more,

Come in from the cold, open the door.

________________________
Photo © 1995 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1995 Penny Pefley

Christmas Lights - Leavenworth, Washington

Too much for one day or a week, it’s a season

Of contrasts which sparkle, if not yield to reason.

Bright lights and white snow against deep winter dark,

Some elves who are busy, and angels who hark.

There are stories of Shepherds and Santas and Kings,

Ancient truths and traditions, and the newest of Things.

There are singers and parties and rides in the sleigh,

Those who must shop, and those who must pray.

The memories of Old Ones, the glee of the young,

Excitement for many, “Bah-Humbug!” from some.

Match Girl and Magi and all in between,

An experience to savor for what you can glean.

Called Christmas, December, the Season of Light … 

Merry Richness to all, and to all a Good Night.
__________________________

 Photo © 1994 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1994 Penny Pefley

New Snow - Discovery Park, Seattle, WA

There come, in a season such as this,

uncommon moments ---

when suddenly life stands still

and wonder comes over us like new snow.

Precious moments of beauty … of eyes

meeting eyes in warmth … of unexpected generosity …

private moments of reflection on ancient mysteries.

Gifted Moments
that feed your soul and replenish your spirit.

May this Christmas be rich with such moments 

for you.
_______________________________ 
Photo © 1993 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1993 Penny Pefley

Mount Rainier and Longmire Lodge at dusk

In the true spirit of Christmas …

Marvel at the beauty around you,

Celebrate promises kept and hope rewarded,

Rejoice in the light that brightens darkness,

Do those things that feed your soul,

And be warmed by Love.

___________________________
Photo © 1992 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1992 Penny Pefley