Memories of misty moonlight
Lake Tasso, so calm and still
The mournful cry of the lonely loon
The solitary sound I hear
Fills my heart with such longing
Around this time each year
To seek out with Mother Nature
A certain sense of my belonging

Trillions of tiny pinpoints of light
Suspended against the black sky
While others rush to meet the earth
And delight my stargazing eyes
I could simply lay here for hours
Blanketed against the cool of the night

The seductive scent of northern pine
Invades my nostrils still
I breathe it all in deeply
Never quite getting my fill
Of the cool, clean, crisp refreshing air
While ever listening for a lumbering bear

If only I did not have to leave
The quiet solitude of my retreat
To return to the constant pressure
Of a stale and noisy, bustling, busy
Overcrowded city street.

©copyright 1995, Irene Billinger

To Debi Darling

May the bluebirds of happiness descend upon you
For all that you are and all that you do!

The hearts of your parents
Must swell with great pride
As your deep inner beauty
Radiates to all outside

For being there in sadness, as well as in joy
And a warm, loving mother to a wonderful boy!

Your caring, your sharing,
Your warmth and your style
Have left all whom you've touched
With a wide, brilliant smile

Make no mistake! You're a true, trusted friend
And so it shall be from now till the end

For all of the kindnesses
That you have shown
For being the best friend
That I've ever known

For all that you are and all that you do
May the bluebirds of happiness descend upon you!

©copyright 1997, Irene Billinger