This is my second poem 55 years after my first poem written in 1949.
In 1994 a high school classmate was dying of cancer. I wanted to do
more than just send a card and flowers. God gave me these words
for Shirley and this was the start of my poem writing.
God really does work in mysterious ways.

 

SHIRLEY part 1 of 5

GOD CREATED FALL JUST FOR YOU

 

Fall is my favorite of all the seasons.

Beautiful leaves to photograph is but one of the reasons.

 

Nature has a special way for Fall to unfold.

What was green in spring is now red and gold.

Mother nature marks the end of Summer in a big rush.

Overnight the leaves get painted by her magical brush.

 

We enter the threshold to the beauty of Fall.

It is time to enjoy trees that stand very tall.

The cool night will splash color on the foliage.

All trees become beautiful regardless of age.

Neither young nor old will get any preference.

Nor will being tall or short make a difference.

All seeds were created equal that Mother Nature did sow.

The difference is the environment where they did grow.

 

The colors are superb after the first frost.

Soon leaves will be gone and forever lost.

There is no reason for a single moment to feel sad.

This beauty was created just for a 1953 grad.

Nature is saying goodbye to flowers that no longer bloom.

Let colorful leaves dispel your feelings of gloom.

One day God will call saying it is your time to come home.

No longer on earth will you be able to roam.

 

The winds of Fall cry out that winter is near.

Close your eyes. Soft music you will hear.

Fall beauty does something wonderful to the mind.

It stores a beautiful picture that later you can find.

When the snow arrives and the trees are bare

you can see painted leaves wherever you stare.

Strength is in that picture that mother nature gave.

At any moment you can instantly be more brave.

 

Take a long look. Store this picture in your mind.

When Fall is over beautiful leaves you will still find.

The blind never got to see leaves on a tree.

We are so fortunate that God’s beauty we get to see.

During winter the beauty of fall you will no longer find

except for the memory earlier etched in your mind.

 

Just maybe God has a perfectly good reason

when He gives us each new and different season.

If the present time of year is difficult and unkind

let memories of previous times dwell in your mind.

God knows next season but does not allow us to see.

Our tomorrow is a dream to which He holds the key.

 

You have the past to savor but living is for today.

Enjoy it to the fullest and do what you may.

As you slow down and your body begins to unwind,

let the peace and serenity of Fall fill your mind.

Enjoy God’s beauty until you take your last breath.

Eternal life does not begin until after physical death.

 

With God’s love these words I send.

Call me anytime you need a friend.

I pray for you daily

Richard E. Funnell, class of ‘53, October 1994