My garden walk is lovely and beckons me each day, 
To visit under stately boughs where frisky squirrels play. 

With verdant foliage, tangled vines, and wild flowers scattered there, 
I love to pause on garden bench without a troubled care. 

While neon hummingbirds delight in nectar's sweet domain, 
I listen to the lullaby of meadowlark's refrain. 

And sometimes late at evening, if I sit very still, 
The red fox family scampers out of den and over hill. 

To watch in wonderment at dusk, while bats do soar and dive, 
I can become a part of those around me so alive. 

If you have not a garden walk to take away your care, 
I hope that you may join me soon, my garden walk to share. 
copyright '00 by Carol Hardee

The red-tailed hawk dove and swung through the sky, 
With a heart so strong and true. 
A free life lived as wild ones live, 
Soaking rains, searing sun, azure blue. 

As the mighty hawk rose on the updrafts that day, 
A bullet tore through his brave chest; 
And the bird fell to earth, to the cruel ground below, 
His life force ebbing fast from his breast. 

As the hawk cried out with startled surprise, 
A hiker below watched him fall; 
So the kind man searched 'til the bird was found, 
In crimson stained grasses so tall. 

The hiker then captured the bird in his pack 
And sought help from a man whom he knew, 
A man who saved animals injured and sick, 
For his heart was strong and true. 

As the wildlife healer mended tissue and bone, 
The red-tailed had nothing to fear; 
Quite soon the fierce warrior regained all his strength, 
And the man knew his time was now near. 

After several months passed, the hawk was returned, 
To the freedom that only he knew; 
As he raced with the wind, screamed defiant farewell, 
And forever, his heart strong and true!
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copyright '00 by Carol Hardee

Oh, little one, you were content to live with mother good;
But, little one, they set a trap to catch her if they could.
And, little one, your mother strong went into trap of steel.
She only meant to find for you a morsel of a meal.

Then, little one, while you looked on, they took your mom away;
And though you whimpered and you cried, they did not let her stay.
With shining eyes to melt a heart, you waited for her there;
But, little one, the problem was, the humans did not care.

They called on me to come and get the little orphaned coon,
And I arrived in darkest night to find you none too soon
For you were cold and hungry now, from days and nights gone by.
I said to you, my little one, no longer would you cry.

I held you tight against my breast, and to your mom I swore
That I would raise you, comfort you, and you would fear no more.
So little one, you’re dreaming now so safe, and full, and warm
And I am thus rewarded to have rescued you from harm.

Oh, little one, when months from now I say farewell to you
Although you will not mean it, you will break my heart in two.
But I will be here every day in case a call might come:
“We have an orphan, cold and scared.  Can you save this little one?"
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copyright '01 by Carol Hardee

So tiny a mouse was brought to me 
Mauled by a dog, poor baby. 
Asked kind lady at my door, 
“Can you please save her?” 
Maybe. 

I fed Miss Mousie, cleansed her wounds; 
The best of care I tended
Until she grew to feed herself 
Because she was now mended. 

Now all too soon, the time has come 
To bid a sad good-bye, 
And whisper gently in her ear 
While trying not to cry. 

And so a little mouse has taught 
A lesson learned of living: 
It’s not how large the life we save; 
The deed is in the giving.
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copyright '01 by Carol Hardee

Spotted fawn left all alone in this vast world; you knew not why. 
I answered softly in your ear, 
“Please come to me; don’t cry; don’t cry.” 
Newborn squirrel fallen far from nest to ground, no mother near, 
Come to me now; I shall protect and comfort you, my dear, my dear. 

Oh, hungry wrens within the nest are calling loudly; so they dare. 
Please bring them to me, everyone. 
For them, I shall take care, take care. 
And bobcat fierce thrown on the road from speeding car and careless one; 
Bring him to me; for I am strong.  He will be whole when I am done. 

Chirping baby otter found upon cold river bank, I fear; 
Come to my knowing heart for love. 
I shall be here; I shall be here; 
And all the orphaned, injured ones, come from the wild, to me, to me. 
With every breath that I may have I’ll set you free;  you will be free.
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copyright '01 by Carol Hardee

Little Dogs three have come into our home 
Bringing laughter and joy every where they appear. 
While they play tug-of-war at the end of the day, 
How our lives are enriched with these friends we hold dear. 

Though they were not wanted by owners long ago, 
To us they are loved as our family. 
With kisses and tail wags, they tell how they feel: 
Max, Rascal, and Shiloh, the Little Dogs Three.
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copyright '01 by Carol Hardee

When you have gone and I still linger here, 
It will comfort me to hold this memory dear, 

To see within my mind your lovely face 
To watch you move with elegance and grace, 
To know that I did everything I could 
Within my means to make you strong and good. 

And you will leap without a backward glance, 
Prepared to challenge obstacle or chance. 
Into a world of wonder you will fly 
While I step back in silent, brave good bye. 
Please know this, and remember it, my dear, 
If you should need my help, I will be here.
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copyright '01 by Carol Hardee

With these two hands I’ll comfort you 
And make you well again. 
With these two eyes, I’ll see you 
As though you were my friend. 
With these two ears I’ll listen 
To your every need and care. 
With these two arms I’ll hold you tight 
So you know I am there.
With this one heart I’ll give love 
Devoted, strong, and true, 
And not a care or worry 
Will filter through to you. 
And when you have recovered 
Tomorrow or today 
With these two hands, I’ll set you free’ 
To watch you fly away. 

copyright '01 by Carol Hardee