Franciscans worldwide celebrate 800 years of "The Canticle of the Creatures." This month, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Eloise Nees is honored as April's Poet of the Month for her beautiful poem, "Canticle of the Seasons." Her words offer a lasting reflection of her spirit and love for creation, shared in loving memory of Sister Eloise.
Canticle of the Seasons
To you, Lord of Heaven and Earth,
we sing this song of praise
and thankfulness for seasons.
For spring—the time of nature’s awakening—
gentle rain softening the earth,
floating clouds in skies of blue,
rippling streams and budding trees,
birds on the wing and nesting.
For summer—the time of nature’s fulfillment—
valleys carpeted in green,
ridges tinged with hazy blue,
blossoming flowers of every hue,
scent of new-mown hay.
For autumn—the time of nature’s boast—
bountiful crops and luscious fruit,
colored treetops dipping and waving,
geese in formation going south,
sculptured mounds of autumn color.
For winter—the time of nature’s beauty—
snowflakes whirling and tumbling down,
hoarfrost decorating shrubs and trees,
cold, crisp, sparking air,
twinkling stars and misty moon.
For this, and much, much more,
we praise and thank you,
Creator God and Provident Father.
