Excerpt – Time Transforming by Jim Bates

Synopsis
Life is change, seen daily as new plants emerge in the spring or later, when colorful leaves fall from the trees. The seasons change, and so do we. We experience life in all of its varied forms, and we grow, becoming more well-rounded people as we do.
But there is consistency, too. The stars are always there. The moon, the sun, even knowing that the seasons will change, all add a dependability and reliability to life that is both known and counted on; a sense of comfort and security.
There is immense joy that can be found in living day to day in this life: watching the night sky and appreciating the thousands upon thousands of stars that can be seen. Planets, too, not to mention the aurora borealis. They bring to mind a deeper meaning, one that includes not only the wide universe but also what can be observed nearby and all around us.
A walk outdoors, whether a forest path, a parkland hiking trail, a neighborhood street, can put one in touch with the natural world: a fresh daylily emerging to the light of spring, a blazing sunset, mellow moonlight, the call of sandhill cranes, the special look from a loved one, a child’s laughter, and the precious time spent with a friend. Life is all around us. I’m not only glad for that but grateful.
The poems in this collection reflect my belief that appreciating life in all its forms reflects what it means to be truly human. I hope you read them and take a moment to think about each one. Most importantly, I hope that you enjoy them.
Excerpt
Around Midnight
Around midnight the moon rose in the east
Nearby was also the big planet Saturn too
There was a calm in the sky all peaceful and serene
And a clarity of light that seemed to shine right on through
And the dark was kept at bay by the moon glow so bright
That it seemed almost like daytime all through the night.
Rain Came Down
All day long the rain came falling down
Wave after wave of storms blowing through
Then during a break the birds started moving
Chickadees and finches and red cardinals too
And there in the garden in the fresh rain cleansed air
A bluebird sat perching without any care.
Pretty
There was a pretty flower in the garden blooming
It’s color was a golden yellowish orange so bright
It was a joy to behold all through the day
And even graced my dreams late at night
I watched it for a week until it withered and went away
Only to return in my good memory like magic night or day.
About the Author
Jim is an award-winning author who lives in a small town in Minnesota. He loves to write! His stories and poems have appeared in over five hundred online and print publications. He has also authored 27 books, including poetry, flash fiction, and short story collections, novellas, and novels, all of which are available through traditional outlets and on his website.
Website