Fall

  The shadow of a leaf descending past my windowpane

                        Shutters autumn’s sun amid the fervent afternoon. 

                        Rejoining fellow fallen leaves along the frostbit lawn,

                        The leaf rests warmly blazoned before the year is gone.

                        We thank the Lord for fallen things—for blessings here below,

                        For rain above the dismal heights not yet bedecked with snow,

                        For snow descending calmly past the shuttered window glass,

                        For rays of sun caressing leaf-strewn lawns of dying grass.

                        For fallen idols, wounded foes, the mighty warrior slain,

                        For dashed hopes and dreams we entertained in vain,

                        For egos bent in helpless prayer against the coming storm,

                        For blankets of forgiveness draped to keep the sad soul warm. 

                        We thank Thee, Lord, for fallen things dropped wisely from Thy Hand,

                        For shadows of fulfillment prompting praise at Thy command.

                        For fallen people, broken lives, and wills crushed with defeat,

                        We fall around Thy table, resting thankful at Thy feet. 

--CJW--